Honor Society® member
Layla Alshameh
Relief Veterinary Technician - Assisted in surgical procedures—including dentals, spays/neuters, mass removals, and amputations—while supporting veterinarians with intubation, anesthesia monitoring, and post-operative care. at Roo Company - I work across multiple veterinary clinics and hospitals across New Jersey and New York, including Lincoln Avenue Cat & Dog Hospital (LACDH), North Rockland Animal Hospital, Veterinary Care Group, Pomona Animal Hospital, and Animal Hospital of Linden
- Veterinary Medicine
- Class of 2029
- Brooklyn, New York
Member since July 2025
About
My name is Layla Alshameh, and I am a first-generation, mixed-race Muslim woman. This August, I will begin my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine studies at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Education
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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, D.V.M.
2025 – Present
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Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College, B.A. & Certificate of Business Studies
Major: Human Biology, Minor: Chemistry, Certificate of Business Studies
2019 – 2023
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Mini-Med School Program at Rutgers University
Graduate Certificate
2016
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Bergen County Academies
High School Diploma, Academy for Medical Science Technology
2015 – 2019
Honors and awards
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Macaulay Honors College Graduate
Completed a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum with special seminars on NYC’s culture and history. Received full merit scholarship, individualized advising, and a degree jointly awarded by Hunter and Macaulay.
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Horace W. Goldsmith Scholars Program for Macaulay Honors College
The Horace W. Goldsmith Scholars Program awarded me a scholarship for my volunteer internship at the Urban Outreach Center, connecting it to my veterinary goals. I gained valuable mentorship supporting my pursuit of higher education and career growth.
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Human Biology Department Honors
To earn Departmental Honors in Human Biology, I maintained a 3.0+ overall GPA and 3.5+ major GPA, completed a 3-credit independent study or internship. In Fall 2023, I was awarded honors for academic excellence and internship achievement.
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CUNY Hunter College Dean’s List
The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who earn at least 12 credits per semester with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. I was honored on the Dean’s List for Fall 2019, Spring 2021, Fall 2022, and Spring 2023 semesters for consistent academic excellence.
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“The Community Caregiver” Award from Bergen Diyanet Camii Mosque
I was honored with this award for my significant contributions and dedication to supporting families within my Islamic community. Among my initiatives, I independently launched and oversaw babysitting and tutoring sessions for children of all ages.
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Certificate of Achievement, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
I was awarded for my outstanding achievement and excellence in the 2020 Summer Clinical Oncology Research Experience from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
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Certificate Graduate - Mini-Med School Program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
I was awarded a certificate of completion, with Honors, for graduating from the Mini Med-School Program at the Institute for the Public Understanding of Health and Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
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Bergen County Technical High School - Second Year Varsity Award
I was awarded for my hard work and leadership as a second-year varsity player on the girl’s volleyball team.
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Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician
The AALAS ALAT certification validates skills in lab animal care, health, and facility operations. After studying the manual, I passed the exam with over 80% and earned certification as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician in April 2024.
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Laboratory Animal Technician
I earned the AALAS LAT certification (February 2025), demonstrating advanced skills in lab animal care, including diagnosis, treatment, and surgical assistance. It reflects my commitment to excellence and high standards in veterinary research.
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Pet First Aid & CPR
I trained in-person with a certified vet tech via Waggytail Rescue, learning to recognize emergencies, check vital signs, and perform first aid and CPR on a mannequin. After demonstrating these skills, I earned a signed certification letter.
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Adult CPR/AED
The American Red Cross course taught me to recognize emergencies, perform CPR, use an AED, and assist choking adults. I learned safety, consent, and disease prevention. After a hands-on test, I earned CPR/AED recertification.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
Veterinarian, D.V.M.
- Graduate school interests
I am deeply committed to advancing health care through an integrative, One Health approach that recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. My interests lie at the intersection of veterinary medicine, biomedical research, and public health. I am particularly drawn to Laboratory Animal Medicine, where I can contribute to the ethical care and use of animal models in research while supporting discoveries that benefit both animal and human populations.
My experience as an EMT, combined with my clinical work and research in lab animal behavior, has shaped a passion for translational medicine and zoonotic disease prevention. I am also interested in veterinary contributions to spontaneous disease models, comparative pathology, and regulatory oversight of animal research. As a first-generation student with a multicultural background, I am driven to elevate diversity in academic medicine and serve as a bridge between communities and science.
Ultimately, I hope to pursue residency training in Laboratory Animal Medicine, contribute to biomedical research through institutional or federal roles, and promote humane science that advances global health equity.
- Outside the classroom
Biking, Hiking, Dancing
Experience
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Relief Veterinary Technician - Assisted in surgical procedures—including dentals, spays/neuters, mass removals, and amputations—while supporting veterinarians with intubation, anesthesia monitoring, and post-operative care.
Roo Company - I work across multiple veterinary clinics and hospitals across New Jersey and New York, including Lincoln Avenue Cat & Dog Hospital (LACDH), North Rockland Animal Hospital, Veterinary Care Group, Pomona Animal Hospital, and Animal Hospital of Linden
Sep 2024 – Jul 2025
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Veterinary Technician - Provided advanced veterinary technical support in a high-volume clinical setting, including surgical assistance, blood draws, medication administration, patient care, and client communication.
Lincoln Ave Cat & Dog Hospital
Sep 2024 – Jul 2025
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Veterinary Services Assistant: Examined, diagnosed, and treated diverse lab animals, independently managing animal rooms and ensuring welfare and regulatory compliance to support research success.
The Rockefeller University
Jul 2023 – Mar 2025
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Veterinary Assistant - Assisted veterinarians in primary care through patient intakes, exams, diagnostics, and client communication, contributing to holistic animal and family care.
Animal Clinic of Long Island City
Feb 2023 – Jul 2024
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Presenter - Scientific Talk on PARP1 for Brain Cancer Treatment - Presented research on a novel targeted radiotherapy for glioblastoma, demonstrating increased cancer cell apoptosis and improved survival in mice.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Jun 2020
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Summer Clinical Oncology Research Experience (SCORE) Program - Contributed to glioblastoma radiotherapy research using mouse models, connecting biochemical theory with real-world oncology applications.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Apr 2020 – Jun 2020
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Communications, Marketing, Social Media Intern - Managed outreach campaigns and created digital media to engage diverse communities, supporting civic participation and public services.
Bergen County Clerk
Sep 2018 – Feb 2020
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Freelance Private Tutor - Customized and delivered science and math lessons across grade levels, fostering critical thinking and independent problem-solving.
Virtual / In-person
Jan 2012 – Jul 2026
Volunteering
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During my presentation at a career webinar for undergraduate students, I highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the veterinary field and its profound connection to human health. I shared insights I have gained from networking with veterinary professionals and my experiences in research, clinical settings, and animal-assisted therapy. I engaged with the students by answering their questions and continued connecting with them through email. Many of these students were fascinated to learn about the diverse paths in the veterinary field, which fueled my enthusiasm for mentoring.
The Evolving World of Veterinary Medicine Presentation: Hunter College May 3, 2024
May 2024
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Witnessing the surgical implantation of a pacemaker donated by a human child into a cat with cardiac disease amplified my interest in the connection between human and animal medicine. I volunteered in diverse fields such as emergency critical care, radiology, oncology, and surgery, which exposed me to unique, innovative strategies in animal care and provided valuable insights into the science of animal anatomical systems. Whether I analyzed diagnostic imaging with the hospital staff or observed surgeries, the wide array of cases and advanced medical equipment fueled my eagerness to learn.
The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
Feb 2024 – Jul 2024
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On the scenic farmland, I find fulfillment in providing therapeutic horseback riding lessons to individuals with disabilities. During these sessions, I encourage stretching, muscle engagement, learning new riding commands, and horse petting. These exercises enhance students’ physical mobility, social skills, and emotional well-being, instilling confidence beyond horseback riding. Teaching students proper riding techniques and responsibility through animal care enriches my understanding of the impact of animal-assisted therapy on human health and fosters my empathy and patience.
Pony Power Therapies
Jan 2024 – Apr 2025
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As a volunteer aiding the highly diverse population of New York City, I prepared and distributed fresh produce and meals for food-insecure individuals. Initiating and directing projects at the Urban Outreach Center cultivated my cultural competence and leadership skills. I educated immigrant guests on proper and balanced nutrition, networked with vendors, and created an orientation video on work conduct to improve collaboration and respect. By strategically managing volunteers and assigning tasks, I optimized distribution efforts, empowered our team, and maximized our mission’s impact.
The Urban Outreach Center
Jan 2023 – Jul 2023
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I assisted Dr. Alnachawati with patient examinations and scribing. I observed him customizing questions to each patient’s background and symptoms to paint a detailed picture of their personal and medical history. The significance of this skill was especially evident when the doctor accurately pinpointed how the labor-intensive demands of a patient’s construction job caused his hernia. This showed me the vital role of communication in building rapport between the patient and physician, which I intend to apply in veterinary medicine to achieve an effective and accessible treatment plan.
Urgent Care Medical Center
Jan 2023 – Apr 2023
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Volunteering at this no-kill pet shelter propelled my emerging interest in veterinary medicine. When I was entrusted with bringing a recently spayed cat to a check-up appointment in the affiliated veterinary clinic, I saw animal care from a doctor’s perspective for the first time. As the veterinarian explained her thought process throughout the examination and detailed the prescribed medications, I was captivated by her clear communication, intricate work, and compassionate approach. This marked the beginning of my transition from being an animal lover to pursuing a career as an animal doctor.
Animal Haven
Aug 2022 – Oct 2022
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Creating and leading workshops for the diverse students at the High School of Arts & Design allowed me to offer vital health support, resources, and knowledge. I bridged gaps in education by teaching youth from various marginalized communities with limited healthcare access. My curriculum covered topics in sex education, mental health awareness, and substance abuse prevention, which empowered students to make informed, positive decisions. Through interactive sessions and customized presentations, I created a safe space for discussion and advocacy, reinforcing my commitment to health equity.
Peer Health Exchange
Oct 2019 – Feb 2020
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Growing up in a mixed Arab and Belarusian household meant navigating clashes between my two distinct cultures, but I was able to find solace and acceptance at the mosque. As a proud Muslim woman, I am heavily committed to supporting my local community. I organized charity events, delved into Islamic teachings, and invested time to serve those in need, whether it was cooking for the less fortunate or aiding struggling mothers with babysitting. Through assisting others with compassion and humility, I built meaningful connections that wove together the diverse pieces of my identity.
Bergen Diyanet Camii Mosque
May 2017 – Apr 2023
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As an EMT volunteer, I mastered remaining calm and composed under pressure. I enhanced my skills in critical decision-making by responding to emergency calls, administering medical care, and collaborating with various healthcare professionals. Whether I was alerting the team of changes in vital signs or taking over CPR compressions, I consistently practiced my adaptability and quick thinking. Animals often present unique challenges that require swift action and flexibility, and this experience has provided me with a solid foundation to deliver optimal and efficient care in any situation.
Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps
Apr 2017 – Oct 2017
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I gained a comprehensive understanding of the broad spectrum of animal care duties while safeguarding and nurturing rescued animals. To ensure their physical well-being, I cleaned, walked, and fed animals, assisted in providing medications, and upheld the cleanliness of animal enclosures. I also organized enrichment activities, such as playtime and training sessions, to foster their emotional health. I took the initiative to facilitate adoption events and support staff with administrative tasks and fundraising. Through these responsibilities, I prioritized the needs and welfare of the animals.
Bergen County Protect & Rescue Foundation
Jun 2016 – Sep 2018
Languages
- Russian Fluent
- Arabic Advanced
- English (US) Fluent
