Hometown: Seattle, WA
Undergraduate Degree: Animal Science (California Polytechnic State University)
Area of Interest: Equine Medicine and Surgery
Fueled by an unwavering love for horses and a dedication to the owners who love them, Georgia Jellen has long envisioned a career in equine veterinary medicine. This summer that dream will come true when she begins her one-year equine internship at Pioneer Equine in Oakdale, California, after graduating from WSU’s DVM program.
“Since I was a young girl, I have been in awe of the pure kindness, try, and insane athleticism of horses,” Georgia said. “I have seen horses change the trajectory of peoples’ lives in countless ways. Horses have been an absolute gift in my life, and I hope to contribute to maximizing the health and wellness of the horses in the lives of others so they can enjoy the kindness and athleticism that horses bring to the fullest.”
Georgia’s commitment to a career as an equine veterinarian guided her veterinary school experience at WSU, where she built both clinical skills and a strong professional foundation.
“WSU taught me how to learn, how to ask for help, and the importance of being constantly inquisitive, creative, and open to feedback and new ideas,” Georgia said. She credits the program’s emphasis on communication and collaboration, along with hands-on clinical training, with preparing her for the realities of equine practice.
Outside the classroom, Georgia spends nearly every day riding her horses—a routine she remains grateful for, even after long days working with patients at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. One of those horses, a 4-year-old buckskin mare named Tulsa that Georgia assisted in delivering during her undergraduate tenure, has accompanied her on every adventure since. In this photo Georgia is pictured with her two horses, Tulsa and Chessie.
Georgia points to the WSU community as a defining part of her experience, having found close friendships among classmates and mentorship from faculty, residents, interns, and technicians throughout her time in Pullman.
“WSU cultures an incredible environment amongst the students and somehow has put so many wonderful, fun, kind, smart people all in one great small town,” she said.