F&M Stories

The tremendous success of F&M graduates demonstrates the tangible value of an F&M degree. At F&M, we have an exemplary landing rate. Within six months after graduation, 93% of F&M’s Class of 2023 were either employed or furthering their education.

In this series, we check in with members of the Class of 2023 to learn more about their post-graduate path and how their F&M experience launched them toward success.

Gabie Nealon-Shapiro ’23

Major: Animal Behavior Studies

Minor: Hebrew

Role: Animal care intern at The Wildcat Sanctuary

What did the first six months after graduating from F&M look like?

After graduating from F&M with a degree in animal behavior, I spent my summer returning to the summer camp where I’ve worked the past few years. Additionally, I interned at the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF), where my responsibilities included developing an observational component of the enrichment program, assisting owners in dog training classes, and socializing the frightened or shy animals.

In the fall, I began a six-month animal care internship at The Wildcat Sanctuary (TWS) in Minnesota, learning feline husbandry. I woke up before sunrise to prepare and distribute individualized diets and medication, complete and maintain habitat inspections, and create unique enrichment for over 140 feline residents. Following lectures on the captive wildlife crisis, with the sanctuary's mission in mind, I collaborated with my co-workers to provide compassion for cats that can no longer experience freedom.

I have since completed my internship at TWS and returned to assisting in dog training classes at ARF. I am waiting to hear back from Hunter College’s animal behavior and conservation master’s degree program, which I hope to start this fall. I plan to continue my work with canines by getting my certification in dog training and even pursue becoming a service dog trainer.

How did your F&M experience prepare you for where you are now?

The grueling days of diet preparation, feeding, and cleaning reinforced my commitment to hard work and collaboration with my peers. I was prepared for this work, having spent my college years at Franklin & Marshall’s Vivarium. As the Fummer Enrichment Team Leader, I supervised students in creating, implementing and evaluating noninvasive enrichment for a colony of capuchin monkeys.

“I am certain F&M was the perfect choice for me to begin to become an animal behaviorist.”

— Gabie Nealon-Shapiro ’23

How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at F&M?

While I wasn’t sure what job title I wanted when I was a first-year at F&M, I knew I wanted to work with animals in a therapeutic or rehabilitative setting.

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

The ability to engage in hands-on (noninvasive!) work at the Vivarium as an undergraduate (at F&M) was unparalleled. Now… I am certain F&M was the perfect choice for me to begin to become an animal behaviorist.