Featured student of the month - Jemma Dunkerley

Posted 3 December 2012

A monthly special featuring a current student from Harper Adams.

Second year Harper Adams student, Jemma Dunkerley, is hoping that experience she gained at a summer school in Grenada will help her to progress towards a career in veterinary science.

The 20-year-old won a place on the St George’s University Medical/Veterinary Summer Academy after coming top in a quiz at the 2010 Vetsim conference in Nottingham.

The Academy, now in its tenth year, is for individual students and school groups that are interested in the field of medicine or veterinary science, and is based on a campus that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Jemma’s prize included flights, accommodation, meals and attendance at the ten day camp.

Whilst in Grenada, she was commended for her suturing techniques and won the Golden Nutmeg Award in recognition of this.

Jemma, from Lutterworth, Leicestershire, said: “To win the award I had to demonstrate the different types of suturing, and when best to use them.

“We were given a demonstration at the front of the class and veterinary staff and current St. George’s students assessed us.

“Really, the academy was about experiencing a different environment for learning.

“It was great mixing with international students, we learnt from each other and our surroundings – from the food and lifestyle to culture and education methods.

“In terms of the seminars, we learnt about topics such as the nervous system, reproductive, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. We were also able to take part in practical laboratory sessions and farm visits to put that theory into practice.”

As time at the academy is split evenly between learning and leisure, Jemma was able to explore the island, taking part in water sports, a rainforest hike and scuba diving.

Aside from studying at Harper Adams, she is also a student ambassador, course representative, is a member of the Harper Outdoor Pursuits Society (HOPS) and enjoys playing the guitar.

She is hoping more opportunities will arise for her to gain hands-on veterinary experience.

Jemma, who studies BSc (Hons) Animal Health and Welfare, added: “I’m seriously considering a career in veterinary science, possibly with a focus on larger animals.

“That’s one of the reasons why I chose to study at Harper Adams – the on-campus farm and companion animal house are great facilities.

“I also enjoyed the atmosphere on site when I came to visit and knew that Harper has a reputation for being applied and practical when it comes to teaching.”