Kate Menard Position/Title: MSc by Coursework email: menardk@uoguelph.ca Phone: Office: LinkedIn

I graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2021 where I completed my BSc in biology with minors in environmental studies and sociology. I've now relocated to Guelph to complete my MSc by coursework specializing in animal behaviour and welfare. I am working under Dr. Wendy Pearson in her equine lab. Currently I have been volunteering with Anna Garland for her Ph.D. project studying exercise and obesity and their effects on joint inflammation. However, the main project for my master’s will be working on a clinical trial with local equine veterinarian, Dr. Laura Frost. Unfortunately, the trial hasn’t quite started yet, so more information on the project will be coming soon as we arrange the details, but I am very excited for everything to get underway! 

From a young age I have had a strong love for animals, so I have always tried to incorporate that passion into my studies as much as possible. When I moved to Prince Edward Island for my undergraduate degree it was really the first time I became exposed to an area with plenty of agriculture. I grew up in Northwestern Ontario where there are tons of rock, trees, and lakes, so an agriculture field is a rare sight there. Driving by PEI’s rolling hills and fields of cows or horses grazing quickly became one of my favourite things. When I got accepted into this program I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to spend a year studying something completely new and gain some more large animal experience with the hope of working towards making a positive difference in the lives of animals. On my spare time you can find me cooking and baking or spending time in the outdoors.