Age: 27
Hometown: West Branch, Mich.
Undergrad: Hillsdale College — Hillsdale, Mich.
Spouse: Amy

How did you become interested in veterinary medicine?
My dad has always had German shorthaired pointers that we used for hunting. He used to field-trial these dogs, hunt with them, and they became members of the family as well. I got into vet. med. to take care of hunting or athletic breeds of dogs ... and found out I enjoy working on other species as well.

When did you know you wanted to be a vet?
When I was first able to go hunting with my dad and our dogs.

What did it take for you to get into vet school? How did you prepare?
It took a persistent attitude and hard work to get into vet school. My education at Hillsdale College prepared me well for the tough schedule here at Michigan State.

Tell us about yourself. What do you do when you're not studying or involved in cases? What do you love to do?
I used to like to run and bike ... now I have little time. I really enjoy fly-fishing and hunting. I would like to get back into competitive running/racing.

I love to fish and hunt. I could spend all my free time doing these two things.

Who are your heroes?
I don't really have heroes. I admire some people ... my parents, my wife, Cal Ripken, Colin Powell.

Describe your pets.
My pets are Tess, a chocolate Lab mix, and Maggie, a German shorthaired pointer. They are wonderful dogs that enjoy people, swimming, eating just about everything, and waking me up too early in the morning.

What's it like working with cameras all the time?
The cameras were tough to get used to at first, but then it was like they weren't even there ... except for the large crowd of people following you and screaming for you to slow down and wait for them.

What advice do you have to those who want to go to vet school?
Start now; get experience and a well-rounded education, achieve a balance between learning and having fun.

What are the sacrifices you make for vet school?
Time is the only real sacrifice that we all make for vet school — that and substantial student loan debts.

What sets you apart from the other vet students?
My sense of humor (however dry and backward it might be) and my intensity (at times).

What's your favorite TV show?
Watching a cross-country meet, track meet, or a hockey, basketball, football, baseball game.

What's your favorite vacation ever?
My honeymoon with my wife. We went to Oregon and the Pacific Coast. We drove down the coast in a convertible for a week stopping wherever we wanted.

If you weren't a veterinarian, what would you be?
I would like to be a professional guide (either hunting, fly-fishing or both).