VMCVM Alumni/Student Spotlight: Carley Elliott
Carley Elliott '21, MPH '23
Degree: Ph.D. Candidate
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
My undergraduate was in...
Animal and Poultry Science at Virginia Tech.
Best part of being a VMCVM student…
The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a diverse team of experts who support and inspire me every day.
The moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian/public health professional was…
There was no singular “light bulb” moment for me. Throughout my One Health journey, I have become increasingly passionate about the health and well-being of both humans and animals and the ways diseases like cancer impact us all. Each experience has reinforced my commitment to advancing research and improving outcomes across species.
My hidden talent...
Art! In my free time, I enjoy drawing, making jewelry, and scrapbooking. It's a creative outlet that allows me to express myself outside of science and research.
A person who has inspired me...
The veterinary technician who initially trained me, AnnMarie McCormick. She took me on when I was 15 and taught me principles I still use today over 10 years later as a Ph.D. candidate.
Biggest misconception about being a veterinarian/public health student…
Since I'm a Ph.D. candidate within VMCVM, my track is a little different; however, the biggest misconception about Ph.D. students is that we are solitary and spend all of our time working alone in the lab. While research requires independence and focus, Ph.D. training is incredibly collaborative. My lab is a great example of this, we are an all-women team that is incredibly supportive and social, both inside and outside of the lab. We not only work together on experiments, but also learn from each other, celebrate each other’s wins, and genuinely enjoy spending time together beyond research.
If I had a superpower, it would be...
To be able to talk to my animals! I would love to hear their feedback on how they are feeling, what they experience during our studies, and how we can continue improving research practices to better support the animals that make scientific discoveries possible.
My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...
“Get Up Offa That Thang” by James Brown! It’s impossible not to feel better after listening to that one. It always puts me in a better mood and gives me the motivation to keep going
The course project/study you're most excited about…
I'm most excited about the potential of histotripsy to transform cancer treatment. As someone studying its immunological effects in cancer, it's incredibly rewarding to contribute to research that could improve outcomes for both animal and human patients. Each new study brings us closer to understanding how this technology can be used to harness the immune system and create more effective cancer therapies.
What excites me the most about the future of my industry...
What excites me most about the future of my industry is the growing integration of technology, immunology, and a One Health approach to solving complex health challenges, especially in the field of cancer research. Advances in innovative treatment strategies and our understanding of the immune system are creating new opportunities to improve outcomes for both animal and human patients. I'm excited to be part of a field that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible and develop discoveries that can benefit health across species.
Favorite way to end the day...
My favorite way to end the day is curled up on the couch with all the windows open, a cool breeze coming through, and snuggling with my cat Cheech. It’s the perfect way to unwind, enjoy a quiet moment, and recharge after a busy day.
Top of my bucket list...
See a kiwi bird in New Zealand!
How many pets/animals live at home? Can you tell us about them?
I have two pets living with me, but I consider the feral cat colony I care for part of my animal family too. I monitor a local colony of cats and have TNR’d as many as I can, making sure they have the care and support they need. My personal cat, Cheech, has been with me since the day he was a kitten and has been my shadow through every stage of my journey, from undergrad to my master’s and now my Ph.D. My ball python, Noodle, is a big softy who loves exploring outside of her tank. I’ve had her since she was the size of a shoelace, and now she’s grown to over four feet long!
