Kiarra Gyorffy

Hello, my name is Kiarra Gyorffy. I am a member and team manager of the University of Guelph Varsity Figure Skating team. I am interested in animals, especially the small fluffy variety.

I am currently in my third year studying Biological Sciences at the University of Guelph. I am interested in the field of biology especially topics such as animal genetics, animal physiology, and pathobiology. I find it fascinating how genetics explains the ideas of why things are the way they are and how certain traits come to be.

I find the work of Konrad Lorenz in the field of animal behavior to be inspiring. I first discovered my interest in animals and their behavior and genetics after reading Lorenz's book ‘Man Meets Dog’, focusing on the behavior of dogs and the origins of canine fidelity. Lorenz’s work explored the instinctive behavior of animals. I find his work interesting because it explores the side of animal attributes that genetics cannot. Also, I find it inspiring that Lorenz was able to make progress in a field of study that was not extremely researched or popular at his time.

Ever since I was young, I have wanted to pursue a career in companion animal veterinary medicine. My father is a veterinarian and I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps, but it was not until I started university courses related to this field that I realized how much I wanted to pursue this career. I want to make a difference in the lives of pet owners and save as many animals as possible. I recently took a course focusing on the rehabilitation of sick and injured wildlife. I found the contents of this course riveting and it added to my desire to be a veterinarian. Once I graduate from veterinary school, I am unsure whether I want to specialize in surgery or work at a general practice. I enjoy variety which is why I think a general practice might be of more interest. Also, I believe this will give me more chances to form stronger connections with clients and patients.

I love to travel and have been to at least one country from each continent around the world (except for Antarctica). My goal is to travel to each of my grandparent’s birth countries, that is Egypt, Hungary, Holland, and England. I have already been to Holland but hope to travel to the other three after the worldwide pandemic is under control.