Melanie M. Eldred is a fourth year veterinary student at VMCVM, expected to graduate in May 2016 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She has extensive veterinary experience including externships with the Virginia State Veterinarian and various private practices. She has worked as a veterinary assistant, ultrasound assistant, and research assistant. Eldred has also been involved in numerous animal husbandry experiences such as training service dogs and fostering animals. She maintains high grades and received several honors and scholarships. Eldred is well qualified for an externship through her education and diverse veterinary experiences.

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)