Program Overview

UConn Pre-College Summer Program

The UConn Pre-College Summer program offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in various fields of study, including marine animal health and veterinary science.

Program Overview

The Pre-Vet: Marine Animal Health and Veterinary Science course is hosted at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT, where students interact with aquarium research scientists, veterinarians, animal trainers, and animal rescue professionals. This course provides students with knowledge and experience through labs and activities focused on animals at Mystic Aquarium, including penguins, seals, reptiles, whales, and fishes.

Course Details

• Session Offered: Session 3: July 13 – July 19
• Course Fees: Cost, Fees, & Discounts
• Format: Residential, Non-Credit
• Related Courses: Marine Biology

Immersive Experience

This class is designed to be immersive, and students will experience:

• Learning about a wide variety of careers in animal health and veterinary science from professionals at all stages of their careers.
• Participating in lab programs focused on hematology, microbiology, molecular biology, anatomy, and physiology, and learning how each is utilized to analyze an animal’s health.
• Observing feeding and training sessions with beluga whales, penguins, and sea lions, and having the opportunity to learn from and ask questions of their animal care teams.
• Visiting behind-the-scenes areas to view animal care, research, and veterinary staff at work, including a visit to the animal rescue clinic to understand the veterinary care of both animals at the aquarium temporarily for rehabilitation and animals permanently in care.
• Exploring current topics in marine mammal research during journal article discussions.

Schedule at a Glance

• Monday and Friday: Regular schedule
• Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: Off-campus for most of the day, with classes at UConn Avery Point Campus or Mystic Aquarium, followed by dinner and social programming.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Laura Thompson, Ph.D., is a research scientist at Mystic Aquarium and an Assistant Professor-in-Residence at the University of Connecticut. Her research interests include dive physiology in marine mammals and the development of non-invasive sampling techniques. Dr. Thompson holds a BSc with Honours in Marine and Freshwater Biology from Queen Mary College, University of London, and a PhD in Oceanography from the University of Connecticut.