Biology

Two WKU seniors have been accepted to the Royal Veterinary College in London and will begin their postgraduate study in England this fall.

Natosha Mulholland of Hartford and Mary Williamson of Louisville have been selected for study at the prestigious institution. The Royal Veterinary College of London is the oldest veterinary school in the United Kingdom and was the first to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Mulholland, the daughter of Laurrie L. Thomas, was also extended a full tuition scholarship for the first year. She will graduate May 14 with an Honors designation, majoring in biology with a minor in agriculture.

“I volunteered one summer in Macedonia, spending time with several farming families, and it ignited a passion for traveling as well as the desire to find a way to work with animals and people on an international level,” Mulholland said.

She wants to work in translational medicine, examining infectious diseases in developing countries. Mulholland hopes to discover links between diseases in animals that could help cure the same diseases in humans.

“Natosha has worked tremendously hard while here at WKU, and her hard work is paying off,” said Dr. Steve Huskey of the Department of Biology. “We are proud to have had her around for the last few years, and we wish her the best at RVC and in her career as a vet.”

Last year the RVC had almost 400 international applicants with only around 100 offers made. Williamson, the daughter of Maria Combs and Anthony Williamson, said that her acceptance made her feel like she had achieved what she had been working towards since high school.

“My acceptance to RVC was the payoff after many tough classes. I was nervous but very excited after my interview,” Williamson said.

Williamson said she applied because of the potential for international travel while at RVC. Williamson has no definitive plans for her career but is looking forward to exploring all her options once she begins her graduate study this fall.

“Mary is an outstanding student who has been totally dedicated toward excellence in the pre-vet program. Her acceptance into the Royal Veterinary College in London is a testament to her hard work at WKU and her excellent educational background prior to college,” said Dr. Gordon Jones of the Department of Agriculture. “Mary has always enthusiastically enrolled in very heavy loads of rigorous classes, and I am pleased that all her hard work and dedication have paid big dividends for her.”

Williamson had the help of Dr. Jones in her application and said Dr. Jenks Britt also of the Department of Agriculture played an important role in her educational career at WKU. Both Williamson and Mulholland worked with the Office of Scholar Development during their time at WKU.

About the Office of Scholar Development: The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping students on all WKU campuses and in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested applying for veterinary school or other professional programs. For information, contact Dr. Audra Jennings (270) 745-5043.