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22 September 2017 Edd Knowles (OA 1998) I am an RCVS recognised specialist in equine internal medicine, currently working at Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, while completing my PhD at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). I studied at Cambridge University, and after graduating began work in small animal practice. Realising I wanted to work as an equine vet, I moved to Bell Equine in 2007. I have worked as a house vet within the hospital, an ambulatory vet working from my car, and completed my specialist training through a joint program between the practice and RVC. My PhD investigates how the risk of developing laminitis differs between individual horses and ponies, such that improved prevention strategies can be developed. Career highlights have been obtaining my European Diploma in Equine Internal Medicine which was a real milestone, and working in the veterinary teams at the London and Rio Olympics were great fun! Abingdon fostered a real interest in biology that continues to shape my career and research. I had some great teachers and contemporaries who made Abingdon such a fun and productive place. In particular Dr King’s knowledge and passion for biology were inspiring and memorable, and I’m indebted to Mr Davies who made me focus and work hard. Abingdon also taught me the value of sport and the Other Half. I’m hopeless at rugby but loved joining in and I continued rowing throughout university. Jonny Hughes (OA 2007) After graduating with honours from The Royal Veterinary College London, I made the decision to work in small animal practice, completing two years at a veterinary practice, followed by a 12 month small animal clinical training scholarship at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. Here I developed an interest in veterinary diagnostic imaging. The scope of technology available for animals in 2017 is vastly increasing and has improved our ability to diagnose problems with amazing accuracy, and in the most non-invasive way possible, which is integral to animal welfare. Having pursued training in this area, I am one of only a handful of people who are European recognised specialists, and as a result have taken up a position as Junior Clinical Vet at Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital at the University of Cambridge. I carry out and interpret diagnostic images for the multiple specialist services in the hospital including surgery, medicine, oncology, orthopaedics, cardiology and the equine referral centre, while also contributing to undergraduate teaching of vet students coming through Cambridge University. Abingdon gave me a solid academic grounding in scientific principles, anatomy, maths and logical problem solving skills that I still use today. I also feel it has made me a well-rounded down-to- earth individual equipped to deal with the emotions and stresses of the pet-owning community I provide for. Without the guidance of outstanding science teachers like Mr Middleton, I would not have achieved everything I needed to get me to where I am. He inspired me to bring the same level of diligence to my everyday work to this day. Laurie Barrow (OA 2009) I initially attended Durham University studying Zoology which was great fun and I learned a lot, but I was craving something more active, so in my final year I applied for Veterinary Medicine and got a place at Nottingham University where I have just completed my course. By far the best part of studying to be a vet is how practical and hands on it is. From day one you are learning how to use ultrasound machines, take blood samples, and perform various medical procedures. Surgery is introduced early in the course so you get a chance to put all that textbook learning into practical use. In addition, the variety of working with everything from small puppies to high-end racehorses is immensely rewarding. Abingdon’s academic strengths need not be mentioned, but something that is perhaps underrated is the competency in verbal communication achieved from an Abingdon education. I believe the high teacher to student ratio, along with approachable teachers, led me to develop effective communication skills that have certainly helped in my current course, and will continue to help throughout my employment. A grounding in a variety of sports through Abingdon’s other half activities has allowed me to join many university societies, the sporting and social aspects of which are equally important and enjoyable. Abingdon Old Abingdonians Creatures Great and Small