Class of 2026: Dori Mitchell turns biochemistry into a future in veterinary care
Dori Mitchell’s Virginia Tech experience blends science, service, and community into a future in veterinary care.
Name: Dori Mitchell
College: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Major/minor: Biochemistry, Animal and Poultry Sciences
Plans after graduation: Accepted into the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Favorite Hokie memory: Studying abroad in Australia and New Zealand with Drs. Wood and Heiderscheit, rumen evacuation at 5 a.m. with Dr. Ferreira, and Academic Quadrathlon with Erin Poteat leading!
How has the Department of Biochemistry impacted your college career?
Looking back at the time before I came to Virginia Tech, I really didn’t understand what biochemistry truly was, but now, I carry a deep respect for biochemists! Biochemistry has given me a sturdy foundation I can apply to the life sciences that I love. It has also challenged me numerous times to find my passions, trudge through the topics that are not my jam, and reach out to my peers and teachers for support throughout the learning process. I’ve learned a lot of biochemistry topics – some that I will remember and some that I probably won’t, but that’s college. I have certainly learned to network with my mentors, peers, advisors, how to be adaptable, how to collaborate, how to ask for help, and how to think critically and in an interdisciplinary manner. This is what I see as the true importance of biochemistry in my college career, and I will take these skills and lessons far beyond graduation.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time at Virginia Tech?
During my time here, I am so grateful to have been in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). CALS has some of the best resources, most supportive faculty, staff, and advisors, and they really value progress in the sciences and society in a tangible and visual way. My time at Virginia Tech has been shaped by my Methodist campus ministry community, time spent tutoring kids in the Blacksburg community, hours of barn shifts, mentoring sessions with advisors and teachers, and collaborations with my study buddies on all things science. Some of the random highlights include Hokie volleyball games, Wednesday worship, ice cream at Sugar Magnolia, line dancing in Roanoke, animal science electives, and connections with all the different VT mentors in my life.
What are your plans for after graduation?
In August, I will begin my time at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine! I am definitely nervous to enter four more years of intense school, but my time as a biochemistry mentor has surely given me some practice at “drinking from a firehose”. I look forward to diving deeper into some of my passions and engaging in new ways of service as a veterinarian in the future. I will always be grateful for the mentors during my undergraduate time across the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and my Blacksburg community.
