Office Staff
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Florence (Kathie) Yee
Author: kawilli2
Dung Quach-Wisdom
Assistant Director of Academic Student Affairs
Dung began her career at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in January 2020 as an Advising Support Associate in the Department of ACE within the College of ACES. She later advanced to the role of Graduate Programs Coordinator before transitioning in February 2023 to serve as Graduate Adviser in the Department of Aerospace Engineering. In December 2025, she accepted her current position as Assistant Director of Academic Student Affairs in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s i-Learning Center.
Originally from Germany, Dung has made Champaign her home for the past 16 years, where she lives with her husband, three children, and their family dog. Outside of work, when she is not cheering for her kids at soccer games, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes.
Trying to decide if this program is the right fit for you?
We would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Tara Prezioso
DVM, MPH, PhD Candidate, AMS Candidate
Instructor
Professional Profile
tarap3@illinois.edu
Dr. Prezioso is a 2026 PhD Candidate in Veterinary Pathobiology focusing on infectious disease networks and modeling in livestock production. Dr. Prezioso graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and practiced in small animal emergency medicine for over 15 years. She obtained her Master of Public Health in 2020. Currently, Dr. Prezioso is completing her Applied Master in Statistics while finishing her PhD thesis. Dr. Prezioso teaches VCM 565 for the Master of Veterinary Science program and collaborates with VM 601 and other classes in the Clinical Skills Learning Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her multiple teaching assistantships include VCM 565, Veterinary Immunology Lab, and Parasitology Lab. She is also developing a new course for graduate students in the Pathobiology Department centered around applied statistical consulting.
Dr. Prezioso enjoys outdoor activities like skiing, horseback riding, water sports and hiking but also like to ‘veg’ out and sew. She shares her passion with her 4 horses, 3 dogs and a cat.
Return to MVS DirectoryTrying to decide if this program is the right fit for you?
We would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Kimberly Knap
Instructor
MVS, BS, CVT, CCRP, OACM, CCSC, Rehabilitation Specialist
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Trainer
Kim Knap is an experienced instructor in Veterinary Technology and Rehabilitation at the University of Illinois. After earning her BS in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1997 and a Veterinary Technology degree in 2001, she joined the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Orthopedics team and quickly became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) in 2002. That same year, she helped establish the university’s rehabilitation program. At the time, the program was one of 5 in Veterinary Colleges nationwide.
Since 2006, Kim has been deeply involved in education, developing and teaching elective courses and clinical rotations focused on rehabilitation. Her contributions extend to research and authorship, including veterinary textbooks that support both students and professionals in the field. In 2023, she graduated from the Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in order to broaden her practice to healthy working dogs. sharing insights from her work and experience. Kim finished Master’s in Veterinary Science degree from the University of Illinois in May 2024 and serves as an instructor in that program. Knap chose a career she is still passionate about and can’t wait to share it with you.
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VCM 694: Core Concepts in One Welfare, Veterinary Ethics, and Animal Behavior
VCM 694: Core Concepts in One Welfare, Veterinary Ethics, and Animal Behavior
3 Credit Hours
Course Description
Veterinary scientists today are called to solve complex, interconnected challenges that impact animals, humans, and the environment. This course integrates One Welfare, veterinary ethics, and animal and human behavior to prepare students to engage in projects that address these problems. In the course students will critically evaluate the One Welfare framework, applying systems thinking to global issues that link animal welfare, public health, and environmental sustainability. Through case-based learning and multidisciplinary collaboration, they will assess cultural, ethical, and policy dimensions of real-world welfare challenges and design practical, welfare-sensitive interventions. Students will also explore veterinary moral philosophy, from deontology, consequentialism, and virtue ethics to the AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, to navigate professional dilemmas, reduce moral stress, and promote well-being for both animals and care providers. A deep dive into animal and human behavior will illuminate the biological, psychological, and social drivers of behavior, equipping students to improve animal management, husbandry, training, and welfare outcomes.
In this course, students will develop a framework for developing skills in ethical reasoning, behavioral science, and One Welfare principles that will help them contribute to teams that are engaged in driving meaningful change across clinical practice, research, and public health.
Learning Format
This three-credit course is designed as an integrated sequence composed of three one-credit modules: One Welfare, Veterinary Ethics, and Animal and Human Behavior. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in the full three-credit sequence to gain a cohesive understanding of the interconnected themes.
Special permission is required for enrollment in an individual module outside the integrated course structure.
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VCM 594: Applied Veterinary Science Capstone
VCM 594: Applied Veterinary Science Capstone
4 Credit Hours
Course Description
Culminating the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the degree into an applied veterinary science capstone project. Students will draw upon their creativity for innovation, integrating theory, practical experience, research, data collection, analytic skills, and critical thinking into solving a real-world problem.
Course Goals
During this course, students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout the degree program to solve real-world problems. Students will be challenged to understand the problem, determine the project framework (scope, timeline, etc.), collect and analyze data, brainstorm, design and create an optimal solution, and present their findings.
Learning Format
- A combination of individual and team-based elements.
- Enhancing program objectives through practical applications like systems thinking, information literacy, problem analysis, applied innovation, career readiness, collaborative effectiveness, and network building leads to transferable workplace skills.
- Address a practical issue in the field of veterinary science.
- Create a professional development plan to guide your career path.
Required: This course is a requirement for the AVS degree program. Enrollment requires departmental approval
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Vanessa DePino
Full-Time and Online Student
Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).
In August of 2025, I completed my bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University, majoring in Animal Science with a pre-veterinary option. Before my bachelor’s degree, I obtained my associate’s degree in Business from the College of Lake County in December 2023. My previous coursework has given me a strong foundation to build on for this program. I have experience shadowing in veterinary clinics, but the majority of my experience comes from animal caregiving. I have pet sat for years, and in my childhood dog’s later years, she became special needs, and I provided 24/7 intensive care for her. I also have experience with exotics such as leopard geckos and axolotls.
How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?
I first learned about this program while searching for master’s programs that I could complete after my bachelor’s degree and before applying to veterinary school. I wanted a program that would help me feel better prepared for the application process and also give me the best chance of succeeding once I am in veterinary school.
What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?
The MVS program is unique from other programs in numerous ways. The professors are all DVMs who want to offer mentorship and help you in any way they can; they want to really get to know you. The program’s overall class size is small, and you will likely see your professors in other classes. This helps to personalize the experience so they can better mentor you while supporting your goals.
Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you. How was the content useful?
I’m almost halfway into my first semester, and so far, one of my favorite courses has been VCM 507 Veterinary Form and Function. Dr. Aldridge, who is my pod leader for this class, has been amazing at teaching us to approach cases in new ways and making sure we don’t miss important information by connecting problems back to body systems. I have also enjoyed learning more about anatomy and physiology, as well as learning about a new body system each week. This course is helping me to think differently and learn in new ways, which helps me better understand the material and apply it.
The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career. What’s next for you?
The next step for me is to apply to veterinary school, and I plan to apply next cycle. I intend to gain more hands-on experience along the way, while strengthening my application, and I will continue to learn from the professors here and use their guidance to support me. I am especially interested in veterinary neurology and hope to continue exploring it as I move forward.
What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?
I would tell them to go for it. In the MVS program, the professors want to mentor you and take the time to get to know you personally. You will learn to think in new ways, apply that knowledge, and grow. Whether your goal is to become a veterinarian or just continue your education, the MVS program is an extremely unique and special opportunity. It serves as the perfect stepping stone to help you continue on your path.
Return to Student SpotlightGenevieve Stickelmaier
Full-Time and On Campus Student
Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).
I graduated from UIUC with my Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Sciences. I loved the entire program there and wanted to work towards continuing my education within the animal agriculture world.
How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?
I first became interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program during my freshman year of undergrad. I heard about it from a small advertisement in one of our classes and was drawn to the opportunities that graduate school could offer me, especially in line with the goals I had set for myself.
What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?
I think that being able to participate in the MVS program on campus drew me to the program, as well as the options that this graduate program opens for me.
Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you. How was the content useful?
One course that has impacted me so far is VCM 504, Intro to Veterinary Science. I really enjoy this course because it has taught me how to better understand the meaning of graduate school and allowed me to grow in my knowledge of the veterinary science world, as well as working within groups.
The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career. What’s next for you?
I think that my next step in my career is to work towards a full time career within animal agriculture. I am very drawn to food animal agriculture and would like to help grow the food animal agriculture sector within our state.
What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?
Take the next step! You will be able to grow in your education and explore various aspects of the veterinary science world, you did not even think of before. The MVS program opens so many doors and allows you to make connections within the veterinary science and animal science world to help create a better future for everyone.
Return to Student SpotlightKailee DiRienzo
Part-Time and Online Student
Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).
I have always had a love for school and furthering my education. I received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science: Medical & Veterinary Sciences from the University of New Hampshire in 2023, completing the degree in 3.5 years instead of the normal 4 years. I have been involved in FFA (Future Farmers of America) in New Hampshire since 2018, and was our state’s National FFA Officer Candidate in 2022, previously serving as a NH FFA State Officer from 2020-2022. I’ve worked a variety of jobs since the age of 14. I went from working as a cashier, babysitting, pet sitting, a farm hand at a local rabbitry, and then started a job at a dog daycare, boarding, and training facility. I worked there for 3 years and finally moved into the veterinary field in January 2022. At my first clinic, I worked as a Veterinary Technician Assistant and helped all creatures great and small; running blood work, urine and fecal samples, assisting with radiographs, packing surgical packs, and so much more! I then accepted a position as a Client Service Representative at a small animal integrative hospital in June 2024 and have been there ever since! In veterinary medicine, you are constantly learning new things every day, which I am incredibly grateful for! I love listening to the stories from our clients and their stories about their pets!
How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?
I first applied to veterinary school in 2023, which was between my Junior and Senior years of college. I did not receive any acceptances at that time and knew that I needed to do something different to improve my GPA and the knowledge gaps that I knew I had. I needed a program that would help me grow and understand what it means to be in the veterinary field, but I also needed it to be financially feasible since I had just graduated from undergrad. After much research, I found the MVS degree program at UIUC, as I could still work while being in school, and it was an affordable online program. I also took the initiative to interview current students, after looking through and listening to real student experiences through Facebook groups. I also got in contact with faculty and staff about the program before applying. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and I knew this program was for me!
What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?
This program ensures that you grasp knowledge gaps and understand how to analyze good and bad data. Not all of the program is data-based, but the faculty and staff here truly want you to learn and grow. This program is relatively new, so they are constantly seeking feedback about courses and online materials. I had no trouble at all navigating Canvas — the system UIUC uses — which was the same system my undergraduate college used as well. I have loved being able to build off my knowledge gaps and truly learn, whether that be about course material or my classmates.
Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you. How was the content useful?
I really enjoyed VCM 507/509 and VCM 513/514. These courses are meant to challenge your knowledge gaps, but you work through them with your classmates through each case. And, on top of that, each case is different, and you or your classmates may have more understanding of the presentation of the cases. You all learn and grow from the experience and truly get to use critical thinking skills while solving problems and creating a plan as a group. No one enjoys group work — believe me, I’ve been through it — but these courses highlight the importance of working as a team through tough, long cases that you may or may not experience in this field or even in other fields. These courses were incredibly useful and challenged everything I knew and didn’t know.
The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career. What’s next for you?
I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian before high school, but the main reason was different than most. At first, I wanted to be an author because I loved telling and creating stories. I had written a book and was too scared to self-publish it as a 16-year-old, so I stopped there, but kept writing when I had free time. As I’ve grown older and reflected on stories by James Herriott, I realized that there are so many unique stories in the veterinary field. Whether that be our clients, patients, or co-workers, it’s truly a small but wonderful world of growth and learning. As a CSR, I listen to each one of them, not just because it’s part of my job, but since they are all different and unique. I love my job, and I know I will continue to love it once I become a mixed animal veterinarian in the near future. I can’t wait to not only serve animals, but the people who love them, too!
What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?
The MVS degree at UIUC is filled with an incredible level of community. The faculty, staff, advisors, and classmates want you to succeed. Everyone is welcoming, friendly, and willing to learn and grow the program with YOU, as the student. As a part-time, online student, I have been so grateful for this program as it fits my needs and my classmates’ needs, as well. Everyone is understanding of work schedules and is flexible with you as long as you communicate what you need. I HIGHLY recommend this program, whether you are looking to elevate your veterinary knowledge, trying to get into veterinary school, or simply trying to learn about various fields. This program is for you.
Return to Student SpotlightLillian Rogalski
Full-Time and In-Person Student
Tell us about your background (education and current work experience).
I got my associates in science at ICC in Peoria IL. I then got my bachelor’s in animal science last semester at UIUC. I am currently pursuing my masters in veterinary science. I have been in the air national guard for 5 years now. While doing my undergrad I was working on the Lincoln dairy farm where I milked cows and helped with research. Currently I am a vet assistant at Curtis Road Animal Hospital in Savoy.
How did you become interested in the Master of Veterinary Science degree program?
I realized I was not ready to apply to vet school yet. I feared my GPA was to low amd I also had 3 prerequisite I needed to complete. While pursuing my degree it should help raise my GPA and hopefully stand out when applying for vet school.
What sets the MVS degree/program apart from other programs you’ve either participated in or considered?
I love the small class size for the in-person students. The main goal is to really expand your understanding and knowledge not just memorize the material.
Tell us about a course in the program that impacted you. How was the content useful?
One of my favorite class this semester is VCM 507. In there we learn about form and function and you learn as much as you are willing to put in. It is not a class where you are told to know this about a system instead you ask questions about it and dive deeper in the areas you find interesting and important.
The MVS degree helps students “discover what’s next” in their career. What’s next for you?
I will be applying for the next cycle of vet school. My goal is to be accepted at UIUC and become a companion animal vet with my own practice one day.
What is one thing about the program you would say to someone considering this degree?
If you are unsure about applying to vet school, look into this program. You will gain knowledge and experience and will make some great connections.
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