Would you like to get involved in volunteering for the American Museum of Veterinary Medicine? We have many interesting and educational programs and events throughout the year and would welcome your help.

No experience necessary. All are welcome.

Various jobs include: tour guides, gardeners, display organizers, helping to catalogue books and artifacts, general maintenance of buildings, receptionists, office assistants, taking part in fund-raising and special events planning, and many more!

To become a volunteer or to learn more about our programs, contact Carol Wisniewski, Director of Volunteers, at Carol's home email, finallyon2001@yahoo.com.

AMVM Congratulates Volunteer
Christine Kreuzberger…

Christine Kreuzberger of Douglassville, who began volunteering at the AMVM in March 2008 after learning about the veterinary museum through a Reading Eagle newspaper article, has been accepted at Drexel University to pursue a Master’s Degree in Laboratory Animal Science.

Chris said she has always been interested in animal research and how it relates to human health. She added that Drexel offers the only master’s level program in laboratory animal science in the country. She said it also is recognized as an excellent way to improve one’s credentials for admission into veterinary school, and is so highly respected at the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Veterinary Medicine that the university often admits several students who complete the program each year.

Chris added that animal research plays an integral part in advancing human and animal health, and that she feels this program would provided her with excellent preparation for a career as a laboratory animal veterinarian.

“In addition to improving my credentials for veterinary school, I hope that by completing this program I will gain the skills and experience necessary to work in and manage animal research facilities for major pharmaceutical companies or other biomedical research facilities that utilize animals as research models,” Chris said.

Since September 2007, Chris has been working as a lab technician at Rohm and Haas Powder Coating R & D Center in Reading as a lab technician, where she prepares powder coating samples and tests their physical properties. Her hobbies include horseback riding, badminton, working out at the gym, and spending time with her family and friends.

Chris graduated from Daniel Boone High School in 2003 and went on to the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 2007 with a B.S. degree in psychology and a minor in chemistry. Throughout college, Chris volunteered her time with many organizations including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, the Animal Rescue League of Western PA and the Animal Rescue League Wildlife Center in Pittsburgh. She also participated in community outreach activities through many student organizations she belonged to, such as the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Pitt Badminton Club, and the Panther Equestrian Club.

She recently completed the application process to veterinary school, and although she was not ultimately admitted, she did obtain interviews at the University of Missouri, Iowa State, and the University of Illinois. She currently is working on trying to improve her credentials and gain more veterinary medical experience.

Chris loves animals, and in the past had pet hamsters, a canary, an iguana, fish, hermit crabs, a horse, and a cat.
“I would love to have a cat or horse right now, but I will not have the time or resources to share my life with a pet while I am in college,” she reasoned.

“I am excited to be starting school again, but sad that I will have to give up my volunteering at the museum, at least for a little while, anyway.”

Her classes at Drexel begin August 11.

Good luck, Chris, from all your friends at the AMVM.