Emma Sicheri’s lifelong passion for animals led her to the University of Rhode Island’s Animal and Veterinary Science (AVS) program, where she’s found the perfect blend of hands-on learning, scientific exploration, and early career experience. “For me, the program offered more than a path,” she says. “It connected directly to my goals of becoming a veterinarian and allowed me to take classes that aligned with another interest of mine: zoonotic diseases.”
One of the most impactful aspects of her experience as an AVS major has been the program’s immersive, hands-on education. Through her work at Peckham Farm—an 18-acre farm with hayfields, pastures, and livestock—Sicheri has gained experience caring for dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. “It has built confidence and solidified my interest in animal health,” she says.
Sicheri has also found a home in the AVS Club, noting that guest speakers, field trips, and peer connections have broadened her understanding of careers in veterinary and animal science. As club secretary, she has embraced leadership and service, including organizing a project that produced 400 homemade dog treats for a local animal shelter recently.
Now a junior, Sicheri serves as a Peer Mentor in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS), supporting first-year students as they transition into college life. She helps them navigate coursework, find resources, manage their schedules, and get involved in clubs, jobs, and experiential opportunities. “The most rewarding part is watching students build confidence and find their place within CELS,” she says. “I remember how overwhelming the transition to college felt, so helping others feel supported and capable has been incredibly meaningful.”
The experience has also given her the opportunity to strengthen invaluable skills. “Peer mentoring has strengthened my leadership and communication skills, especially when breaking down complex information or helping students problem-solve through academic or personal challenges. It has also deepened my empathy and patience,” she adds. “Seeing my mentees grow more comfortable and confident throughout the semester and knowing I played a small part in that has definitely been one of the highlights of my time at URI.”
Grateful for the support she has received from faculty, staff, and peers, Sicheri encourages students to take advantage of the many opportunities CELS offers—from research and internships to hands-on learning and student organizations. She believes that stepping outside one’s comfort zone and asking questions are key to personal and academic growth. “You only benefit if you put yourself out there,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore different interests, or reach out to faculty, advisors, or mentors. CELS is a community that truly supports its students, and the more you engage with it, the more you’ll grow both academically and personally.”
As for her own path, from her hands-on work experience at Peckham Farm to her leadership development in the AVS Club and clinical experience at Wood River Animal Hospital, Sicheri credits CELS with shaping her college journey and preparing her for a future in veterinary medicine and research. “I wouldn’t be the student or person I am today without the foundation CELS provided,” she says.