1. MelanieM.Eldred
C: (804) 868-5366 Local Address: 1708 Grayland St., Blacksburg, Virginia 24060
Melanie5@vt.edu Home Address:10605 Chipewyan Dr., Richmond, Virginia 23238
OBJECTIVE:To secure an ideal externship for the clinical year of the VMCVM program.
EDUCATION
Doctor ofVeterinary Medicine, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM),Blacksburg, VA
Expected graduation May 2016
Bachelor ofScience, Animal and Poultry Sciences; Minor: Food Science and Technology,
Graduated 2012
Virginia Tech,Blacksburg, VA, GPA 3.71 (Magna Cum Laude)
Related Courses: Small Animal (SA) Advanced Clinical Techniques, SA Theriogenology, SA Nutrition,
and SA Medicine I & II
VETERINARYEXPERIENCES
Externship with the Virginia State Veterinarian (Dr. Richard Wilkes),Richmond, VA, July 2015 – Aug.2015
Became familiarized with the current veterinary regulations specifically focusing on companion animals
Attended numerous conference discussions about certain regulations and Avian Influenza Outbreaks
Reviewed the specific forms companion animals currently need in Virginia
Veterinarian Assistant with Dr. Bart Miller, Richmond, VA, May 2011 – Present
Specialize as a small animal veterinarian assistant
Administer medication related to the proper amount, timing of each dose, and the duration
Care for and handle patients during appointments, boarding, and grooming
Assist in surgical procedures relevant to preparation and post-operation care of the animal
Ultrasound Assistant with Dr. Martin, Richmond, VA, May 2011 – Present
Operate a portable ultrasound machine and take snapshots
Restrain companion animals calmly in the proper position for the procedure
Prepare animals for the procedure by clipping and administering ultrasound gel
Identify and examine kidneys, spleens, lungs, and stomachs for cancer and abnormalities
NewMarket Veterinary Clinic Externship with Dr. Susan Ware,Henrico, VA, Nov. 2010- Jan. 2011
Retrieved fecal, urine, skin scrape and ear discharge samples
Detected normal vital signs of a patient such as heart rate,temperature,respiratory rate
Performed heart worm tests, fecalparasite tests, and urine crystallization detection
ANIMAL HUSBANDRYEXPERIENCES
VT Helping Paws, VMCVM, Aug. 2014 – Present
Training a dog to pass the Canine Good Citizen Certification and a therapy dog behavioral evaluation
Attend events,as a team with my dog, to provide animal assisted therapy at local facilities
Animal Welfare Foster Program, VMCVM, Aug. 2012 – Present
Review and approve foster applications
Foster care- provided care and improve the adoptability of an animal
Review and approve adoption applications concerning home visits, references,veterinarian references
Determine an acceptable animals for the program based on health and temperament
2. Melanie M. Eldred
Research Assistant under Dr. Jeffery Escobar,Virginia Tech, Aug. 2010 – May. 2012
Cared and handled research pigs and chickens: feed, enclosures, medications, restraint, and training
Retrieved experimental data: weights, rectaltemperatures, blood draws,digestive samples, ultrasound fat
thickness, food consumption, and determine liver, head, and omentum fat weights of carcasses
Assisted in surgical procedures with preparation of animal, documentation, instrument handling, aseptic
technique, anesthesia, pain medication, and arrange needed materials
Performed jugular catheter care in pigs: manipulated for uninterrupted flow, repaired, cleaned and
administered medication
Helping Animals Learn to Trust, Virginia Tech, Aug. 2010 – May 2012
Managed fundraising events: times, locations, volunteer shifts, collection of donations, and marketing ideas.
o Example: Pennies for Puppies and Paws for a Cause
Educated the public on spaying and neutering pets through group meetings, class announcements, and events
Little International Competition, Virginia Tech, Jan. - May 2010
Trained and managed a heifer: feed, bathe, clip and groom, halter train, and show train
Competed in a livestock show with a heifer: using a cattle show stick and a grooming comb effectively
Bandit’s Adoption and Rescue ofK-9’s, Richmond, VA, May 2004 –Aug. 2010
Handled and cared for a large number of dogs during weekly adoption events
Corrected adverse behaviors in canines; for example barking, jumping on people, and pulling on the leash
Promoted adoption events with flyers, website advertisement, and emails
PROFFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Veterinary Business Management Association, VMCVM, Aug. 2012- Present
Working towards the Gold Certificate- 32 hours of education split between four categories:
o Business finance
o Business operations, management, and ownership
o Business leadership skills
o Career and personal development
Student Chapter ofthe American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA), VMCVM, Aug. 2012 – Present
Participation in leadership workshops for the preparation of being a practicing small animal veterinarian
Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), VMCVM, Aug. 2012 – Present
Participation in the Mentor Program- Dr. Tim Withers of the Midlothian Animal Clinic
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), VMCVM, Aug. 2012- Present
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA),VMCVM, Aug. 2012 – Present
Scribe ofAlpha Zeta, Virginia Tech, Aug. 2010 – May 2012
Recorded and administered meeting notes to members and interested parties
Promoted agricultural events throughout Virginia Tech; including flyers, announcements, web advertisement,
e-mails, phone calls, and etc.
National Society ofLeadership and Success, Virginia Tech, Aug. 2010 – May 2012
Executed leadership training on organizing, public speaking, directing, and advising
Participated in a social networking team – to effectively criticize, explain thoughts, and accomplish goals.
3. Melanie M. Eldred
ACTIVITIES
Surgery Club, VMCVM, Fall 2014 – Present
Participation in wet labs to gain extra knowledge and solidify current surgical skills
Wet labs: suturing
Theriogenology Club, VMCVM, Aug. 2013 – Present
Gain a better understanding of the latest techniques, opportunities, and advancements in theriogenology
Wet labs: embryo evaluation and freezing
Course Representative, VMCVM, Aug. 2013 – Present
Liaison between peers and the course instructor
o SA Theriogenology, SA Advanced Clinical Techniques, SA Medicine
Alpha Psi Fraternity- Pi Chapter, VMCVM, Aug. 2012 – Present
Participate and aid in the organization of multiple philanthropy events
Intramural Sports, Virginia Tech, Aug. 2008- Present
Captain- organized a team and funding, and a liaison between the league and the team
Player on multiple teams a year in varying sports
Tutor in Animal and Poultry Science, Virginia Tech, Aug. 2011 – May 2012
Instructed peers in various Animal and Poultry Science classes
Mentored individuals on study habits, note taking, and noticing key information in lectures
Organized study groups; concerning to dates,study materials, various additional study aides
SKILLS
Computer:Microsoft Office,AVIMARK,MICROS system
OTHER EXPERIENCES
Tetra Sales Representative, Blacksburg,VA, May 2013- Present,16+ hours a week
Communicate with customers about the proper care of an aquarium or pond
Trouble shoot any issue a customer might have with one of the products
Waitress, T.G.I. Friday’s,Richmond, VA, May 2009 – Present
Train employees on customer service, Micros computer system, and knowledge of the business
Communicate effectively with managers, employees, and guests
Work 40+ hours weekly during academia breaks to help fund education
Laboratory Technician under Dr. Jeffery Escobar,Virginia Tech, Aug. 2010 – May. 2012
Determined xylanase activity in feeds using Nelson Somogyi reducing sugar assay
Analyzed blood samples: retrieval of plasma, determine hematocrit and glucose levels
Operated laboratory machinery: spectrophotometer, Bunsen burner, microscope, chemical fume hood,
centrifuge, pH meter with electrodes, pipettor, vibration mixer, YSI analyzer, magnetic stirrer, hot/cold water
bath, thermometer, and glucose monitor
Employed laboratory safety: documentation, proper clothing, knowledge of chemicals, monitor reactions
Organized experimental procedures; related to dates,times, volunteers, equipment, and chemicals
HONORS and CERTIFICATES
Dr. Claire Seifert Memorial Overcoming Award (2014) Mary Kemble Barnes Award (2014)
4. Melanie M. Eldred
SCAVMA Scholarship (2013) Magna Cum Laude (VT- 2012)
Better Process Control Certification (2012) Retail Food Manager’s Certification (2012)