When her dog, Penelope, passed away, it was at that moment Cordelia Alexander-Leeder knew she wanted to be a veterinarian.
“I wanted to help people in the same way her veterinarians had helped me,” Cordelia said.
Cordelia is about six months away from accomplishing that goal and earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from WSU. She plans to specialize in small animal internal medicine, starting with a small animal rotating internship, and later, a residency.
From Reno, Nevada, Cordelia completed her undergraduate degree and earned her Master of Public Health from the University of Nevada.
She explored many different career options before veterinary school, including dance, which she minored in in college.
“I was a professional dancer for many years prior to starting veterinary school, and I come out of retirement occasionally on school breaks to dance again,” Cordelia said.
Cordelia enjoys hiking and walking with her beloved Boston terrier, Sofie. On the Palouse, her favorite spots are Kamiak Butte and the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail. She also is passionate about baking and improving her skills in the kitchen.
Cordelia said WSU has prepared her for her career and she feels ready for what’s next.
“WSU has provided me amazing mentorship that has really helped guide and prepare me for the next steps in my career. We’re taught by some really brilliant veterinarians and that exposure and mentorship will last throughout my career,” she said.