Katherine Johnson

Support Staff

Katherine grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Animal Science and a minor in Science Communication. Throughout her undergraduate career, Katherine worked with a wide variety of species including dogs, cats, farm animals, reptiles, and sea turtles. She has helped train service dogs, volunteered with the Turtle Rescue Team at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, and participated in research focused on microplastics. Her passion for wildlife and exotic animals grew after traveling to Australia, where she had the opportunity to work closely with unique species native to the area. Katherine was also highly involved in supporting fellow pre-veterinary students. She served as an Animal Anatomy teaching assistant, helped develop a mentoring program for pre-vet students, and assisted in organizing networking events to connect students with professionals in the field. She also worked as a virtual camp counselor, mentoring high school students interested in veterinary careers. After graduating, Katherine chose to spend a gap year gaining new experiences and stepping outside of her comfort zone. She traveled internationally as a nanny in France, Switzerland, and Iceland, an experience that even included spontaneously paragliding in the Swiss Alps. She also completed an internship at a wildlife rehabilitation center and participated in the Disney College Program, where she works on one of the most popular attractions in Animal Kingdom. In her free time, Katherine enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Dolly. She encourages people to keep a travel journal as a way to capture memories and reflect on their adventures! She also reminds students not to be afraid to step outside of their comfort zones, some of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences come from being adventurous