University Representative Profile – Natalie Ma, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Hi, I’m Natalie – Committee member of the Dick Vet Wildlife Zoological Society at Edinburgh University. I have been a part of The Expedition Project team since 2024.
Since working with The Expedition Project, I have been helping by connecting my university and fellow students with TEP opportunities.
WHEN DID I FIRST REALISE I WANTED TO BE A VET?
For as long as I remembered really! I did not even have any pets until I was 14, but vividly remember presenting “My Dream job— being a vet” with an IKEA dog stuffed toy to my classmates in one of my show and tells. It really was a full circle moment when we used the same practice patient in vet school sometimes.
WHAT IS MY MOTIVATION TO BECOME A VET?
I was always interested in the idea of studying veterinary medicine, but it was not until I started volunteering at wildlife rescues and zoos as well as their conservation research facilities where I really solidified my passion to become a vet. I saw such a unique working dynamic between the veterinarians, rangers/ keepers and researchers. I loved how they all come into play regarding ensuring that best treatment and welfare is offered for captive populations as well as wild populations, while working to further understand how to improve in the future.
MY BIGGEST TIP IF YOU WANT TO STUDY TO BECOME A VET IS…
To plan your time in advance and utilise your time for as many work experience as you can! Its less about how much sheer information you learn (although still good and useful!) and more about what you get out of the placements about the veterinary industry and gaining experiences to confirm that if you are suitable for this career. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and chat to the staffs at your experience— you’ll make the most of it if you get more involved (and you might get some really good tips)!
THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A VET IS…
Learning to be okay with not always having the 100% accurate answer to things! There are so many information that constantly evolves, and cases are often influenced by many different factors which sometimes has no one single solid “right answer”. The most important thing is to keep being curios and passionate, keep learning and do your best. Don’t forget to keep a balance in life!
WHAT IS MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL?
I don’t think I can pick a favourite, but I do have a soft spot for Pinnipeds!
MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL-RELATED STORY IS…
I worked in a dog shelter once; it was outdoor and was next to a water treatment plant– one day we found 3 stray kittens that comes in and out between us and the water plant area. Since we were going to TNR the mum anyways, we have decided to help look for potential adopters for the kittens. We managed to trap all the kittens with one single piece of ham (precious). Fast forward 3 years later, he is the most handsome ginger boy and is currently sleeping on my pillow, that he thinks is his.
(Oh and also the time a colleague and I had to prep materials needed for the air transportation for wild release of 200+ illegally imported pig-nosed turtles. We also had to check every turtle one by one for wounds and clean any found. It took us SO LONG)
MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL PHOTO I HAVE TAKEN IS…
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