A variety of fish species—foxfish, flatfish, sea robins, and more—are scattered across lab benches as students mill around and hunch over them, performing necropsies and comparing the incredible range of anatomical diversity. Off the coast of Rhode Island, a massive group of humpback whales surrounds a whale-watching boat, appearing in every direction and swimming so close that passengers can smell their breath. This is merely a glimpse into AQUAVET I.

Over four weeks in the summer, AQUAVET I introduces veterinary students and veterinarians to the world of aquatic medicine. Through a plethora of lectures, student seminars, labs, and field trips, the course covers various aquatic animals, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic birds, and marine mammals. Last semester, WAVMA hosted a panel where former AQUAVET I participants reflected on their favorite aspects of the course: networking, necropsy labs, and field trips.   

Networking

Describing the sense of community at AQUAVET I, Keertti Sinnan (‘28) said, “Even though there are so many people involved in it, it’s really very intimate. It’s just very easy to talk to people there and network. It didn’t even feel like networking.” Mads Walters (‘28) echoed this sentiment, noting that faculty are diverse in specialty and personality, so there are many opportunities to find someone you connect with. If you are interested in aquatics and karaoke, rumor has it there’s a professor at AQUAVET I who might share your enthusiasm!

Despite their busy schedules, students found time to bond with not only faculty but also fellow students from across the country. Between classes and in the evenings, they played sports (frisbee, volleyball, pickleball), enjoyed board and party games, gathered around bonfires, and explored the beautiful campus. Off-campus adventures included trips to Bristol, Newport, and Providence. Though brief, the course fostered strong connections and memorable experiences.

Necropsy Labs

Many AQUAVET I graduates agreed that the labs were a major highlight of the course. Mads described them as opportunities where “for the most part, you just get to explore whatever curiosities you have.” In fact, Mads made it their personal mission to dissect out the brain of every animal they necropsied! Other participants also excitedly shared the unique and fascinating specimens they had collected from the labs. The necropsy labs offered students a valuable hands-on learning experience. 

Aquarium Field Trips

Throughout the course, the class visited several aquariums, gaining insight into the role and impact of veterinarians. Clare Wang (‘28) said that she had no prior exposure to aquariums, but after completing AQUAVET I, she is now seriously considering it as a career path. At the Long Island Aquarium, Keertti mentioned her previous visits as a Long Island native and her enthusiasm for the Banggai cardinalfish naturally breeding on exhibit—comments that led Joe Yaiullo, a curator and co-founder of the aquarium, to offer her his business card and a behind-the-scenes tour. The field trips broadened participants’ perspectives about their own futures in aquatic medicine.

Application Information

If any of this excites you, consider applying for AQUAVET I this year (May 25-June 20, 2026). Former participants emphasize that it is possible to balance AQUAVET I with a summer job at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals or enrollment in the Veterinary Investigation & Leadership Program. 

The application requires:

• A completed application form
• A current CV
• Official undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary school transcripts
• A Summary of Goals and Motivations

The “Summary of Goals and Motivations” is a straightforward 400-word essay. Dr. Getchell, an AQUAVET Director, recommends focusing on why you want to participate in the course, what value it holds for you, and how it aligns with your career goals. You can find more information here. Applications are due January 15, 2026—best of luck to all applicants! 

If you would like to dive deeper into the world of AQUAVET I, keep an eye out for an upcoming post from Cornell K. Lisa Yang Center for Wildlife Health. 

Sneha Suresh

Sneha Suresh, Class of 2028, is the WildLIFE Blog Editor. She has lived in several places throughout her life, including Minnesota, South India, and Virginia. She earned a B.A. in Human Ecology at the College of the Atlantic, located on a small island off the coast of Maine. At Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Sneha works as a student technician at Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospital (ENFAH) where she explores different facets of veterinary medicine and builds a foundation that she hopes to translate into wildlife medicine in the future. Her interests include conservation medicine and shelter medicine, particularly in an international context. Outside veterinary medicine, Sneha enjoys hiking, reading, and pole dancing.