Dr. Sara Ziska began Gannon University as a pre-physical therapy student, only to graduate with degrees in both general science and biology. During her four years, her love for animals began to direct her classroom and co-curricular activities, allowing her to work as the laboratory animal keeper, volunteer at the Erie Zoo, and even study marine biology in the Bahamas.
Following her four years at Gannon, Sara attended Auburn University in Alabama and earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, as well as her Ph.D. in 2009. She continues to work at Auburn University as a veterinarian on a 100+ acre farm that is home to a federally funded equine grant project. “I am responsible for providing routine and emergency medical care to the resident herd,” she explains. “I’ve had the opportunity to perform surgeries, deliver joint injections, use endoscopy and ultrasound, capture digital radiographs, collect biopsies and devise medical treatment plans.”
Sara advises that students take advantage of every opportunity available and to not be deterred by making mistakes.
(Published July 2014)