Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Related Experiences
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Aaliyah Pith

Jacksonville,FL

Summary

I’m a pre-veterinary student who has found growth in chaos, calm in crisis, and purpose in species as different as gorillas, sea turtles, and emergency-room chihuahuas. With over four years of hands-on experience—from leading tech teams in a 24/7 ER hospital to collecting data on alligator hatchlings and preparing daily enrichment for great apes—I’ve learned that veterinary medicine is about more than technical skill. It’s about adaptability, ethical responsibility, and showing up with compassion, no matter the species or setting. Whether monitoring anesthesia in surgery, mentoring new technicians, or patrolling beaches in Costa Rica for nesting turtles, I’ve built a foundation that blends clinical readiness with a One Health mindset. I’m pursuing veterinary school to expand that work—connecting science and service to care for animals, protect ecosystems, and lead with empathy in a world that increasingly needs it.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Veterinary Technician

Forever Vets Animal Hospital Tinseltown
08.2019 - Current
  • Serve as lead technician in a busy emergency hospital treating a wide range of species, including cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, and avian patients
  • Triage critical cases and assist in advanced emergency procedures, including GDVs, C-sections, splenectomies, pyometras, and foreign body removals
  • Perform catheter placements (peripheral and central), monitor anesthesia for high-risk cases, and manage post-op recovery and intensive care
  • Trained in wound management and basic suturing under DVM supervision
  • Assist in stabilization of exotic pets, including thermal support, fluid therapy, and respiratory assistance for birds and reptiles
  • Mentor junior staff and externs; ensure proper training in emergency readiness, aseptic technique, and exotic handling
  • Communicate with clients during stressful situations to explain procedures, discuss prognosis, and support informed decision-making
  • Maintain medical records, assist with radiographs and in-house lab diagnostics, and uphold hospital flow during peak emergency hours

Wildlife Conservation Intern/Volunteer

Sea Turtle & Wildlife Conservation Program – Costa
11.2024 - 11.2024
  • Participated in a field-based conservation initiative focused on the protection and rehabilitation of native Costa Rican wildlife, including endangered sea turtles
  • Assisted biologists and local conservationists in nightly patrols, nesting site monitoring, tagging, and hatchling release of sea turtles along protected coastal zones
  • Helped with the daily care, feeding, and treatment of wildlife in rehabilitation, including mammals, birds, and reptiles recovering from injury or habitat disruption
  • Contributed to habitat restoration efforts such as beach cleanups and environmental data collection for long-term ecological monitoring
  • Engaged in educational outreach efforts aimed at promoting conservation awareness within local communities
  • Gained a deeper understanding of international wildlife medicine, marine biology, and the global impact of ecosystem preservation
  • Developed cultural awareness and adaptability through collaboration with Costa Rican conservation teams in a remote field setting

Veterinary Technician

Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic Beach
03.2022 - 08.2022
  • Provided compassionate care for cats and dogs in a community-focused veterinary clinic serving local pet owners in my hometown
  • Assisted with wellness exams, vaccinations, diagnostics, and sick visits in a fast-paced, affordable care setting
  • Performed venipuncture (cephalic and jugular), IV catheter placements, vaccine administration, and sample collection for in-house and external labs
  • Monitored anesthesia and assisted with routine surgical procedures including spays, neuters, and dentals
  • Communicated treatment plans and discharge instructions clearly to clients, often helping build trust with first-time or nervous pet owners
  • Supported veterinarians and fellow technicians in delivering efficient, high-quality patient care while maintaining a calm, welcoming environment
  • Strengthened foundational skills in restraint, clinical nursing, and client education in a setting rooted in accessibility and community service

Pet care attendant/Dog walker and feeder/Foster Care

Jacksonville Humane Society
12.2020 - 06.2021
  • Dog restraining, dog walking, feeding and cleaning after animals.
  • Overall maintenance of pet operations and care, including adult cats and kittens.
  • Fostered animals yearly and donated to local causes.

Gorilla/Primates Sanctuary

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
  • Assisted zookeepers in the daily husbandry, feeding, and enrichment of western lowland gorillas and other primates in a managed care setting
  • Prepared and portioned species-specific diets based on individualized nutritional plans, ensuring adherence to strict feeding schedules and safety protocols
  • Supported habitat maintenance and sanitation to promote animal health and reduce stress in social groups
  • Facilitated cognitive and behavioral enrichment activities designed to stimulate natural instincts and encourage critical thinking, including puzzle feeders and foraging tasks
  • Observed and recorded behavioral data to support ongoing animal wellness assessments
  • Participated in behind-the-scenes care discussions with zoo staff, learning about primate medical care, behavioral management, and conservation messaging
  • Gained firsthand insight into ethical wildlife management, species-specific behaviors, and the vital role of zoos in conservation and public education

Pre-Vet Club Leadership

UNF
  • Created content and managed social media outreach to promote meetings, guest lectures, and volunteering events
  • Collaborated with executive board to organize educational opportunities and student networking
  • Helped increase member engagement and awareness of veterinary career pathways through digital communication

Undergraduate Research – Alligator Hatchling Dvlp

UNF
  • Participated in a field and lab-based research project studying American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) embryonic development and hatchling viability
  • Assisted with the collection and examination of eggshell fragments and hatchling samples, contributing to data on growth rates, clutch size, and potential environmental influences on development
  • Conducted egg measurements, shell thickness analysis, and other data recording tasks under supervision of faculty researchers
  • Helped prepare lab materials, maintain sample integrity, and record findings with accuracy for later statistical analysis
  • Gained experience in handling reptile hatchlings, applying proper techniques to minimize stress and ensure safety
  • Developed greater appreciation for wildlife biology, herpetology, and the ecological significance of apex species in wetland ecosystems

Training & Mentorship – Veterinary Technician Dvlp

FVAHT
  • Provide hands-on training and mentorship to newly hired veterinary assistants, technicians, and interns in a busy emergency and specialty hospital
  • Introduce new staff to hospital protocols, equipment usage, patient safety, and surgical/ER flow
  • Teach core clinical skills including restraint, venipuncture, catheter placement, anesthesia monitoring, and sterile technique
  • Emphasize professional growth, communication, and confidence-building through one-on-one coaching and feedback
  • Foster a positive learning environment by promoting collaboration, patience, and accountability within the clinical team
  • Recognized by supervisors for setting a high standard of care and helping shape future leaders in veterinary medicine
  • Actively contribute to a workplace culture focused on continuous learning, ethical practice, and patient-centered teamwork

Shadowing – Large Animal & Equine Practice

Nashville Horse Ranch
  • Shadowed a large animal veterinarian during farm calls to treat cattle, goats, and horses in both wellness and emergency settings
  • Observed equine lameness exams, deworming protocols, vaccinations, and dental floats
  • Assisted with restraint techniques, patient monitoring, and biosecurity procedures during routine herd visits
  • Gained hands-on understanding of livestock health management, client communication in agricultural communities, and the role of vets in food animal production
  • Learned about challenges in rural veterinary practice and how veterinarians support animal welfare, food safety, and public health in farm settings
  • Assisted with daily care for horses including grooming, feeding, stall cleaning, and routine health checks
  • Helped observe common medical issues such as hoof abscesses, colic signs, and parasite prevention
  • Shadowed the barn’s veterinarian and farrier during scheduled visits and routine procedures
  • Gained appreciation for equine behavior, safety, and the physical demands of large animal handling

Education

Master of Science - Veterinary Forensics

University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
04-2026

Bachelor's Degree - Biology major and Biomedical Sciences concentration

University of North Florida
12-2023

A.A. Degree - Associates of Arts degree

Florida State College of Jacksonville
06.2019

Skills

Veterinary & Clinical Skills
  • Small animal and exotic patient restraint
  • Venipuncture (cephalic, jugular, saphenous)
  • IV catheter placement (peripheral & central)
  • Surgical preparation and sterile technique
  • Anesthesia monitoring and recovery care
  • Wound care and basic suturing (under supervision)
  • Radiology positioning and safety
  • Fecal, urinalysis, and in-house diagnostic testing
  • Exotic animal handling (rabbits, reptiles, avian species)
  • Emergency triage and patient stabilization
  • Post-operative monitoring and pain management
  • Nutritional support and medication administration
  • Client communication and discharge education
Animal Husbandry & Wildlife Experience
  • Behavioral enrichment (primates, exotics, domestic species)
  • Species-specific diet preparation (zoo/wildlife)
  • Neonatal care and bottle feeding (shelter/foster)
  • Habitat cleaning and welfare monitoring (zoo & rehab settings)
  • Wildlife handling (sea turtles, hatchlings, birds of prey)
  • Field data collection (nesting sites, egg development, habitat assessments)
  • Exposure to conservation fieldwork and zoo medicine
Leadership & Mentorship Skills
  • Training and onboarding new veterinary technicians and assistants
  • Clinical team leadership in fast-paced ER settings
  • Mentorship of student externs and pre-vet peers
  • Coordinating pre-vet club outreach and event planning
  • Professionalism in emotionally challenging cases and client interactions
  • Conflict resolution and adaptability under pressure
Research & Academic Skills
  • Scientific data collection and documentation
  • Literature review and research synthesis
  • Animal research ethics and fieldwork compliance
  • Statistical observation (behavioral and clinical outcomes)
  • Laboratory organization and sample integrity maintenance
Professional Strengths
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Empathy and client-centered care
  • Time management and multi-tasking in high-stress settings
  • Critical thinking and clinical problem-solving
  • Collaboration with veterinary teams and specialists
  • Adaptability to diverse species and clinical settings
  • Respect for feedback, growth, and lifelong learning

Related Experiences

  • Animal Assisted Intervention (canine/human therapy)
  • Research in heartworm disease in felines vs canines
  • Zoo & Wildlife internship
  • Surgical/O.R.
  • Continued research on various projects
  • UNF Pre-Vet club officer: Social media director/coordinator, Marketing & Platform specialist
  • Local community volunteer programs/School fundraisers
  • Equine/animal feeds projects

Affiliations

UNF Pre-Vet Club Officer

  • Social Media Director / Marketing Coordinator
  • Organized events, promoted educational outreach, and connected students with guest speakers and vet opportunities

Accomplishments

  • National Honor Society
  • Dean's List
  • Honor's at UF

Certification

  • BHS
  • Proheart certified
  • Fear Free certified

Timeline

Wildlife Conservation Intern/Volunteer

Sea Turtle & Wildlife Conservation Program – Costa
11.2024 - 11.2024

Veterinary Technician

Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic Beach
03.2022 - 08.2022

Pet care attendant/Dog walker and feeder/Foster Care

Jacksonville Humane Society
12.2020 - 06.2021

Lead Veterinary Technician

Forever Vets Animal Hospital Tinseltown
08.2019 - Current

Gorilla/Primates Sanctuary

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Pre-Vet Club Leadership

UNF

Undergraduate Research – Alligator Hatchling Dvlp

UNF

Training & Mentorship – Veterinary Technician Dvlp

FVAHT

Shadowing – Large Animal & Equine Practice

Nashville Horse Ranch

Master of Science - Veterinary Forensics

University of Florida

Bachelor's Degree - Biology major and Biomedical Sciences concentration

University of North Florida

A.A. Degree - Associates of Arts degree

Florida State College of Jacksonville

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Aaliyah Pith