2026-2027 FVC Executive Team

The Future Vets Club is led by a group of dedicated undergraduate students with a love for animals and a goal of attending veterinary school, like you! Our executive team works together to put on the many events we run annually to support fellow pre-vet students in the same position as us. Elections are run annually as positions become available, learn more about applying to the executive team on our "Join Our Team" tab on this website. ​

Image Description: A photo of the 2026-2027 FVC Executive Team with our leaving execs as well.

SOPHIA DI ADAMO
​​President 

Year & Program: 4th Year Zoology
Pronouns: She/Her
​Hey everyone! I’m Sophia, and I am so excited to be a part of the FVC team! Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by animals of every kind, and knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping them. Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by animals, and currently have 3 cats and a crested gecko! I have had the opportunity to volunteer at my local animal shelter, work at a dog daycare and a small animal veterinary clinic over the past few years. These experiences helped me to realize how much I love working with animals and their owners, as well as doing all that I can to keep them healthy and happy. I am open to trying all fields of veterinary medicine, but am most interested in exotics and zoo med, as well as small animal surgery. I look forward to helping other pre-vets along their journey to vet school and achieving our common goal: to make this world a better place for our furry friends!

ANNIA LIU
​Vice-President 

 Year & Program: 3rd Year Animal Biology
​Pronouns: She/Her
Hi there, my name’s Emily! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a deep love for all things animal-related, inspiring me to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian, specifically pursuing a career in emergency/critical care or radiology. Being in the company of animals has always brought me immense curiosity and joy, and this passion has only grown stronger as I’ve immersed myself in veterinary medicine. Whether observing surgeries, conducting lab work, or exploring the intricate anatomy of animals I didn’t even know existed, I’m dedicated to providing our beloved friends with the best care possible. Beyond the animal world, I have a strong passion for social impact and youth empowerment, and am always on the lookout for ways to give back to my community, starting right here with FVC. I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing team and can’t wait to embark on this paw-some journey with you all!

SARAH D'SOUZA
Senior Events Coordinator

Year & Program: 3rd Year Bio-Medical Science
Pronouns: She/Her
Hi everyone! My name is Sarah and I’m so excited to be a part of the FVC executive team! Animals have always been a huge part of my life. Frequent trips to the zoo and local farms along with having pets of my own, strengthened my passion for working with animals and I became interested in the veterinary field. Since then, I have had the opportunity to volunteer at vet clinics, farms, dog daycares, and the Toronto Zoo, and these experiences have solidified my interest in becoming a veterinarian. I have a passion for wildlife conservation and I am currently interested in pursuing a career in zoological or wildlife medicine, but I am looking forward to exploring many more fields of veterinary medicine throughout my time here at the University of Guelph. I can’t wait to meet other pre-veterinary students and work together towards our common goal

LUCAS DEGURA
​Senior Events Coordinator

Year & Program: 2nd Year Animal Biology
Pronouns: He/him
Hello, my name is Lucas Deguara and my passion for animals stems from the many family pets that I’ve grown up with throughout my childhood. I’ve had so many unforgettable memories with so many different pets, but unfortunately what comes with having so many pets is a lot of loss. And I never want to feel helpless or out of control of my animals’ life again. Which is why I want to become a veterinarian, so I can change the responsibility I have in their life. Moreover, I want to help others for the same reasons and so they too can achieve dreams of their own. And becoming an executive member of this club will help me do just that. So, I am more than thrilled to be one of the 2026-2027 Senior Events Coordinators of The Future Vets Club. I’m very excited to share my passion for animal welfare with every member of this club.

SIMRIT PAMA
​​Junior Events Coordinator

Coming soon...
​Junior Events Coordinator

MARINA BATISTA
​Communications Officer

Year & Program: 2nd Year Biological Sciences
Pronouns: She/Her
Hi everyone! My name is Marina Batista and I am super excited to be a part of the FVC team! Over the years, I have had the opportunity to be involved in animal welfare-oriented settings, such as volunteering in animal hospitals, horse therapeutic centers, animal shelters, and even being a part of the humane society advocacy committee. These experiences have deepened my admiration for animals and strengthened my appreciation for veterinary medicine. As the Future Vets Clubs communications officer, I know that the journey of getting into vet school can be ‘ruff’, but I hope to allow more opportunities to be shared through our club! This way, everyone is able to gain experiences with animals and deepen their admiration for animal welfare!

LEILA DE FRANCESCA
Equity & Inclusion Officer

Year & Program: 2nd Year Zoology 
​Pronouns:  She/Her
​Hi everyone! My name is Leila and I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the FVC team this year! My passion for pursuing a career involving animals started at a young age with frequent trips to the zoo along with caring for my own pets. Eventually, I realized I was interested in veterinary medicine and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to take a veterinary course at Tufts University which further solidified my passion. I’ve also been able to volunteer with a therapeutic horse-riding program which very much opened my eyes to the importance of animals in the lives of those with diverse needs. As the FVC’s Equity and Inclusion Officer, I’m really looking forward to encouraging diversity and sharing the importance of it in the veterinary field!

RIA KANSAL
Website & Social Media Officer

Year & Program: 2nd Year Animal Biology
Pronouns: She/Her
Hi everyone! My name is Ria and I’m a second-year Animal Biology student at the University of Guelph. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the Future Vets Club executive team and to help create meaningful opportunities for students who share a love for animals and veterinary medicine. FVC played a huge role in inspiring me to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian, and I’m eager to now give back by supporting and connecting other aspiring vets on their journeys. I have a strong passion for animal care and welfare, and I love exploring every new opportunity to learn and grow within the field. Outside of school, I serve as the Event and Logistics Manager for 100 Women Who Care Brampton, where I help organize events that make a positive impact in my community. I’m always ready to take on new experiences, meet new people, and continue learning everything I can about the veterinary world!

​Coming soon...
Website & Social Media Officer

CARMEN GAYLORD
​Senior Treasurer 

Year & Program:  2nd Year Animal Biology
Pronouns: She/they
Hello! I'm Carmen, an aspiring veterinarian, current animal lover, and the Senior Treasurer for FVC! My passion for animals comes from my 3 cats at home in California, who helped me become who I am today by showing me what unconditional love is and being there by my side. Though I may have left them at home, I still hold them in my heart as I pursue my dream of helping pets and humans alike here at Guelph! My goal while in FVC is to help foster a community of openness and understanding so everybody in the club feels welcome.

Coming soon...
​​Junior Treasurer 

MAEGEN EISLER
​​Senior Editor - Omnis Animalis ​

Year & Program: 2nd year Animal Biology 
Pronouns: She/Her
Hi everyone! I’m Maegen, and I’m so excited to join the FVC team as the Junior Editor! From the second I knew what an animal was, thanks to my first fish named Bob, I've been passionate about them and their care, which has inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I’m lucky to share my life with two amazing cats, Rusty and Caleigh, who are the sweetest furr-babies. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at wildlife shelters and work in veterinary clinics, experiences that have further strengthened my love for helping animals and getting to know other animal lovers. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow pre-vet students, and contributing to a community dedicated to learning and growing together. I can't wait to help make the journey to vet school a little easier, and a lot more fun for everyone!

Coming soon...
​​Junior Editor - Omnis Animalis ​

SIMONA DI MARCO
External Relations -Outreach

Year & Program: 2nd Year Animal Biology
Pronouns: She/Her
Hi everyone! My name is Simona, and I am so excited to be joining the Future Vets Club here at Guelph! My passion for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine comes from a genuine love for animals and the meaningful impact that compassionate care can have on both animals and their owners! Over time, I’ve gained experience through volunteering at Animal Rescue and Sanctuaries, in veterinary clinics, and caring for my own two dogs! These experiences have strengthened my love for working with animals and validated my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I am especially interested in farm animal medicine and am excited to continue exploring different areas within the field! I’m grateful to be a part of this community and look forward to connecting with others who share the same passion while supporting one another on our journeys toward vet medicine!

THINAAYA MAHANAMA
​Marketing Officer - Outreach

Year & Program: 3rd Year Animal Biology
Pronouns: She/Her
Hey everyone! My name is Thinaaya, and I’m so excited to be part of the FVC executive team this year! Even though I didn’t grow up with pets, I’ve always had a huge soft spot for animals. My love for them started early, my house always had Nat Geo on, and I was obsessed with the show ‘Zoo Diaries’, which gave me my first look into what animal care was really like. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work at vet clinics and meet veterinarians from different specialties, which made me even more certain that this is the career for me. I can’t wait to help create a fun, welcoming, and inspiring space for everyone interested in this field. I’m really looking forward to supporting other aspiring vets and connecting with others who share the same passion for animals and veterinary medicine!

HILARY LAI
​Executive Assistant 

Year & Program: 3rd year Biomedical Science
Pronouns: She/Her
​Hi, my name is Hilary! Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved both animals and science, which is why veterinary medicine feels like the perfect combination for me. I find it so fascinating how unique and different animals are and the incredible features and adaptations they have. It honestly amazes me how diverse animals can be, with many of them being so loving, expressive, and intelligent. There is simply so much to learn from them, and I’m excited by all the different opportunities within veterinary medicine. I can’t wait to keep learning more. Joining the Future Vets Club has been such a great experience because I’ve met so many amazing and like-minded people, and I’m excited to be part of such an amazing team. Together, we can work toward our goals and support each other on our journeys to becoming future vets!

Coming soon...
​​Executive Assistant 

Coming soon...
​​Executive Assistant ​

Coming soon...
Secretary​​​

ELIZABETH LOWENGER
Faculty Advisor​​

DR. AMY LACK
Faculty Advisor​​​
Assistant Professor, ​Ontario Veterinary College, Department of Clinical Studies

​Manager of Student Affairs, Ontario Veterinary College.

---