A New Boston High School graduate said studying abroad in the “Land Down Under” this summer will give her a better understanding of livestock management when she transitions into a career in veterinary medicine.
Elizabeth Hickerson, a 2023 NBHS graduate, was accepted into the animal science program traveling to Australia this summer. Hickerson is a sophomore studying veterinary medicine at Tarleton State University in Stephensville, Texas.
After graduation, she said she wants to become a veterinarian.
According to the program literature, Australia’s climate is very similar to Texas which makes the methods and practices of ranches there similar to what will be seen at home. However, their policies in animal agriculture differ from those in the states.
To Hickerson, studying how livestock and other animals are raised in another country will benefit her future career.
“There’s not quite as many diseases out there that are harmful as the ones that we have here, which is definitely interesting. But I believe that also translates into their livestock management practices and how we can make American livestock practices more holistic,” Hickerson said. “It will set me apart for when I apply to vet school because this is on my academic resume.” While in Australia, Hickerson will get the opportunity to work hands on in various areas across the Northern Territory of Australia.
The trip is more about animal behavior and ethology, animal and livestock husbandry and production, equestrian and equine studies and animal biology.
During the first half of the trip, Hickerson said she will get the “real Outback experience” by camping in Darwin and visiting more cattle ranches. During the second half, they will be visiting the University of Queensland School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability and the Centre for Animal Sciences as well as the Australia Zoo.
The 28-day trip costs about $8,000.
Getting the chance to study animal sciences and visit another country has always been a dream. The university does offer scholarships, but covering much of the expense falls back on to Hickerson.
To help her with expenses, Hickerson has started a Facebook campaign asking for assistance.
“I’m still needing some help in that and that’s why I’m doing the fundraising. Because scholarships don’t always cover everything and it’s unknown if financial aid is going to cover,” she said.
The money raised will go toward the trip costs and help with additional expenses incurred while in Australia.
The program directors have provided those attending an itinerary of educational and group excursion activities as well as lodging for each part of the trip.
To find out more about Hickerson’s fundraising and upcoming trip, visit her on Facebook.
