Blending veterinary medicine and research: How Sydney Leon found her path with the Ohio State’s online MS in Translational Pharmacology

For Sydney Leon, MS – Senior Research Technician and DVM Candidate, c/o 2029 at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, science has always been a calling. From childhood veterinary visits with her pets to hands-on research in oncology labs, her academic journey reflects a deep passion for both animal health and biomedical discovery. Along the way, she discovered how the Ohio State Online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program could strengthen her research skills, broaden her perspective, and set her apart as a future veterinarian.

A foundation in veterinary medicine and research 

Sydney earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences at Ohio State before taking two gap years to explore her interests. During that time, she worked as a Senior Research Technician in a lymphoma research group composed of the Lapo Alinari, Robert Baiocchi, and Polina Shindiapina labs at Ohio State. 

Her role—nicknamed the “mouse technician”—immersed her in translational research. She was responsible for in vivo experiments, including colony maintenance, drug administration, monitoring, necropsies, and mentoring undergraduate and high school students interested in veterinary careers. 

“Sometimes the lymphoma manifests in really bizarre ways, so the necropsies were certainly the most interesting aspect of this role,” Sydney recalls. “It was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with graduate and postdoctoral researchers across so many projects.” 

Before that, Sydney had her first exposure to research while at the Cleveland Clinic, working on the veterinary services team that supported biomedical research. The experience blended animal care with laboratory science and sparked her curiosity about the broader role veterinarians can play in advancing medicine.

Why the online MS in Translational Pharmacology?

While working in the lymphoma labs, Sydney wanted to continue her education in a way that complemented her career goals. The Ohio State’s online MS in Translational Pharmacology program checked all the boxes. 

• It offered the flexibility of online learning while she worked full time. 

• The curriculum aligned with her research interests—focusing on drug mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, and trial design. 

• Tuition assistance made it a practical choice. 

“I knew I needed a flexible program, and the MSTP program seemed like an excellent fit,” Sydney explains. “The program objectives covered topics I was interested in related to research but not necessarily things I would have had the chance to explicitly study in veterinary school.” 

Learning that translates 

Balancing work, veterinary school preparation, and graduate classes wasn’t easy, but Sydney developed a rhythm. She dedicated specific days of the week to coursework so she could avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

Her favorite course? Pathophysiology. 

“While this class wasn’t directly related to veterinary medicine, I really enjoyed learning about basic mechanisms of disease and organ system dysfunction,” she says. 

The program gave her both breadth and depth in pharmacology and translational science. She notes that she gained a “wide variety of fundamental pharmacology principles” and a stronger understanding of why experiments are designed the way they are, how data are analyzed, and how trial safety is evaluated. These insights directly enhanced her contributions in the lab and now inform her path as a veterinary student.

Looking ahead: From veterinary student to pathology specialist 

Sydney is now pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) at Ohio State and has her eyes set on a pathology residency after graduation. 

“There are many subspecialties of pathology, but given my training in this program, I am leaning toward toxicologic pathology,” she says. “This field studies the effects of toxins and chemicals on tissues—often in the context of drug safety or environmental exposure. It’s certainly a career path I can see myself in.” 

Her background in translational pharmacology not only sets her apart from other veterinary students but also strengthens her ability to integrate clinical practice and biomedical research in the future. 

Advice for future students 

Sydney encourages other veterinary and pre-veterinary students to carefully consider why they might pursue an additional graduate degree. 

“I would recommend pre-veterinary students not to pursue a master’s just to make themselves seem more competitive,” she advises. “Instead, pursue a program you’re genuinely interested in and one that will enhance your abilities as a veterinarian or researcher. For me, the Ohio State MSTP program was that stepping stone.” 

She also emphasizes that while the program is fully online and non-thesis based, it provides a strong foundation for anyone interested in veterinary medicine, biomedical research, or drug development. 

Beyond the lab and classroom  

Outside of her studies and research, Sydney finds balance in weightlifting and swimming—activities that help her stay grounded when academic demands are high. 

She is also proud of her ability to remain financially independent while completing her degree and working full time: 

“I am proud that I was able to work full time and complete this degree while remaining financially dependent completely on myself.” 

Final reflections

For Sydney Leon, the Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology has been more than just another academic credential. It has provided her with a solid foundation in pharmacology, research design, and translational science—all while supporting her broader career goals in veterinary medicine. 

“Yes, I would recommend this program to students interested in either veterinary medicine or biomedical research,” she says. “There are so many foundational concepts in this degree that can prepare you for research careers or serve as a checkpoint for veterinary students.” 

As she moves toward a future in toxicologic pathology, Sydney’s journey demonstrates how flexible, career-focused graduate programs like Ohio State’s MSTP can empower students to bridge disciplines and shape the future of medicine. 

Ready to take the next step?

Interested in exploring how the Ohio State Online MS in Translational Pharmacology can support your career in veterinary medicine, biomedical research, or drug development? Connect with an advisor today or start your MS in Translational Pharmacology application.