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Roster

President - Michelle Cook

Michelle grew up in Massachusetts and received her bachelor's degree in Biology from Colby College in Waterville, Maine in 2001. Since that time she has called California, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C. home and has had a wide variety of jobs. She has held positions as a Marine Science teacher at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI), a veterinary assistant, and an emergency management analyst for a firm serving the federal government (think hazardous material clean-up and Hurricane Katrina). Michelle enjoys running, skiing, hiking, practicing yoga, and teaching yoga in her spare time. Michelle moved to Ohio in 2005 and is proud to be at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Michelle lives in Columbus with her dog, Lobo, and cat, Tigger.

Vice President - Mark Laughlin

A member of the Class of 2012, Mark is originally from Westlake, Ohio. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 2002 and then attended Denison University where he earned a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry. After his undergraduate work, Mark attended The Ohio State University where he earned his Master of Public Health Degree with a specialization in Veterinary Public Health. Mark has a strong interest in pursuing a career in a public health area of veterinary medicine. Additionally, Mark has developed a love for wildlife and exotic animal medicine after working for six summers at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. He enjoys spending time out of class in the outdoors and is a certified Master scuba diver.

Director of Marketing - Matthew Heitman

Matthew N. Heitman is originally from Houston, Ohio where he graduated from Houston High School in the year of 2003. He pursued his education at the University of Findlay with a double major in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Biology with an Animal Science Emphasis and a double minor in Chemistry and Finance. After he graduated in 2007 with Cum Laude, he relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where he now resides as he continues learning at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Not a true Buckeye fan, he still enjoys tail-gating and many outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, running, swimming, bicycling, and playing with his feline companion, the Fred Man. He aspires to join the Veterinary Corps of the United States Army to enrich his career, and then return to his homelands of Houston, where he will serve the community that has contributed to where he is today.

Co-Director of Compliance - Ashley Bedarf

Ashley is currently a first year student originally from Massachusetts. After graduating from Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in 2004, she pursued her passion for science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 2008 Ashley graduated with a B.S. in Biology and Animal Science before moving to the great state of Ohio to begin earning her DVM. Happy to be a Buckeye, she is extremely excited to be part of the VBMA and is ready to help the club provide valuable opportunities to her fellow students. Always striving for balance in her life, Ashley enjoys walking/hiking, canoeing, whitewater, cooking/baking, knitting and playing with her mischievous cat Bruiser.

Co-Director of Compliance - Natalie Renner

Natalie Renner is a first year student originally from Cincinnati, OH. After graduating from high school at Ursuline Academy Natalie moved to Tucson, Arizona where she graduated from the University of Arizona with a BS in veterinary science in 2007, minoring in chemistry. Natalie found her way back to Ohio through acceptance to The Ohio State University, but does plan to move back to the west to practice after graduation. When she has spare time Natalie enjoys reading, hiking, horseback riding and many other outdoor activities. She shares her life with her two dogs, Cooper and Penny.

Director of Finance - Amy Bruney

Amy is a second year student originally from the small town of Martins Ferry, Ohio. She did her undergraduate studies in Zoology at The Ohio State University from 2004-2007. Staying true to her Ohio roots, she started veterinary school here at Ohio State in 2008. Amy is also a member of student council and works at Banfield, The Pet Hospital of Easton. In her free time she enjoys basketball, running, reading and playing with her pug named Oscar. Amy is very enthusiastic about being the director of finance and contributing to the VBMA's mission of educating future veterinarians in business and leadership.