Dr. Mandy Larson graduated with her DVM from Iowa State University in 2013 and is currently pursuing a MS in Epidemiology from the University of Iowa College of Public Health. Experiences in her life such as growing up on a farm, travelling internationally through many study abroad programs, participating in the ISU CVM summer scholars program with Dr. Petersen, and participating in the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center externship has focused her research goals on emerging zoonotic infectious diseases and the concept of One Health. She hopes to complete a PhD in Epidemiology and one day use her skills as a veterinarian and epidemiologist to investigate and prevent disease outbreaks in animal populations. Currently in the Petersen Lab, Larson performs laboratory diagnostics, updates the Canine Leishmania database, and provides veterinary services.