Vet Odyssey: A Global Conservation Mission

Jeremiah Pouncy is organising this fundraiser.

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Why & Who Am I?

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is yet a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." ~ Langston Hughes

Hey, I hope that you and your loved ones are staying happy and healthy! I'm Jeremiah Pouncy, a Cornell University veterinary student and proud alum of North Carolina A&T State University. Langston Hughes' words have been a true north for me as I've navigated through this world of polarizing perspectives and conflicting values. My journey? It's been a tapestry of academic excellence, a deep-rooted passion for environmental health, and an unrelenting drive to innovate veterinary medicine. In the future, I envision building an international veterinary business that resonates with gold-standard care, establishing wellness programs connecting students & animals, and spearheading groundbreaking research! As a 2x author, former NFL intern, and an African American pioneer in my field, my mission extends beyond my own personal success. This odyssey is a bold statement in a field where my presence as a black male is a rarity, with only 1% of veterinarians in the U.S. being African American. The path I trailblaze is designed to shatter ceilings and pave ways for those who follow, embodying a journey that intertwines the threads of veterinary medicine, entrepreneurship, and a deep-seated desire to redefine the norms of our world.

Mission Statement: Join me on a journey that transcends the ordinary. This is not just about veterinary care; it's a mission to make lasting, global impacts on animal welfare and environmental conservation. Your support is the key to unlocking this transformative venture. Let's embark on our odyssey together!

New Campaign Goal: $18,910 raised by May 15th, 2024

Thank You!! Achieved Campaign Goal: $12,415 raised by April 1st, 2024

Welcome aboard this journey, and I'm glad to have you here with me! Thank you to everyone who has supported so far, and I'm proud to share that we hit our 1st goal and raised approximately 70% of the total estimated need of $18,910! This amount was the launchpad to gain early momentum and make a significant impact right from the start. Alongside this campaign, I worked tirelessly to secure additional funding through scholarships and grants to make sure we've got all bases covered, ensuring that we have the necessary resources to cover the full range of expenses. Thankfully, I was awarded two funding opportunities, and that's helped a lot too, and I've reflected that on the page too as donations!

Sidenote: I left more detailed project descriptions and an itemized budget at the end of this page for you!

Project Overviews:

Vet Tails (Sea of Cortez, Mexico): Pro-Bono Veterinary Care For Remote Villages - Vet Tails Website

Budget: $3,042
Expenses: Boating fees, fuel, travel, and living.
Impact: Delivering essential veterinary care and business expertise in remote communities.
Takeaways & Personal Development: This is my endeavor not just to acquire new clinical knowledge but also to weave these learnings into the fabric of my future international veterinary business, enriching them all with a deeper understanding of community impacts and cultural nuances. As I apply the insights from my veterinary curriculum & externships, I view this project as a crucial milestone, a convergence of my past experiences and future aspirations. With this, I take another step towards realizing my dream of using veterinary medicine as a tool for positive global impact, every learning is a step closer to a world that harmoniously blends animal care, environmental conservation, and cultural respect.

Johns Hopkins University (Galápagos Islands, Ecuador): Threatening Fungal Pathogen Surveillance & Research - Dr Jimenez Research Website

Budget: $5,865
Expenses: Accommodation, travel, research, living.
Impact: Conducting vital research on emerging fungal pathogens, and safeguarding unique ecosystems.
Takeaways & Personal Development: The Galápagos, a unique crucible of biodiversity, stands as a global emblem of ecological significance, showcasing a remarkable array of species evolved in isolation, thus offering invaluable insights into the interworkings of natural ecosystems and the importance of conservation. With a zeal to delve into PCR, whole genome sequencing, and fungal culture, this project is more than academic curiosity; it’s a personal journey of discovery and connection as I traverse the world growing from my Americanized mindset. It echoes my grandmother’s roots in Honduras and my aspiration to weave her heritage into my professional narrative. This is my endeavor not just to acquire new knowledge but also to weave these learnings into the fabric of my future international veterinary business, enriching them all with a deeper understanding of environmental impacts and cultural nuances.

Jungle Doctor (Kruger National Park, South Africa): Rhino Dehorning & Elephant Collaring - Jungle Doctor Instagram

Budget: $10,003
Expenses: Program fees, training, flights.
Impact: Active participation in critical wildlife conservation efforts to protect endangered wildlife, gaining invaluable field experience.
Takeaways & Personal Development: As a result of a combination of conservation efforts, on September 21st, 2023, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Species Survival Commission’s African Rhino Specialist Group reported the first increase in the population of the species in over 10 years. To take part in this impactful project will be life-changing and an experience to help a number of critically endangered species. This transformative experience will allow me to work alongside a veterinarian & National Park that have been executing various conservation efforts, such as this very one, to better protect these species that are on the brink of extinction, as well as engage in hands-on fieldwork, which will allow me to apply my veterinary school learnings & experience, and realize both of these facets which are both essential parts of my journey and dreams.

Your Role and Impact:

You're a key player and my teammate in this odyssey! By joining our team, you're not just funding some projects; you're truly investing in a journey of significant veterinary and ecological impact that spans continents. This is all about breaking barriers, setting new standards in veterinary care, and inspiring future generations to dream big and aim high. Your support is vital in bridging the financial gap to bring these ambitious dreams to life!

Updates & Documentation:

I'm all about keeping you in the loop, so be ready to experience firsthand the difference your support makes in the countless lives of animals and humans around the world, & the actualization of this vision we are creating together! I promise to share photos, videos, stories, and even interviews all on this platform & my various social media channels for you to see! I put my social media pages at the end of this, so make sure that you follow me for the updates!

I also want to say thank you so very much for considering helping me in my journey, and for your time & support thus far too. I mean that with everything in me, genuinely. Every donation, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in not only my future, but for the future of those who we are able to inspire and touch through our journey.

Please donate to help me reach our goal, and it would be absolutely amazing if you could share this campaign within your network too! I truly believe that together, we can make the vision of embarking on this impactful and transformative journey in veterinary medicine and conservation a reality! We are the vision of the next generation; it's our duty to continue progress for our successors. So, just as Langston Hughes spoke, we will, "Hold fast to dreams, for when dreams go, life is a barren field, frozen with snow." Your generosity is very much so sincerely & deeply appreciated.

Catch you on the flip side!

~ Jeremiah A. Pouncy

Detailed Project Insights:

1. Vet Tails (Sea of Cortez, Mexico): Pro-Bono Veterinary Care For Remote Villages

By chance, I stumbled upon Vet Tails: The Story of an ambitious veterinarian from Australia traveling around the world on her boat as she provides pro-bono veterinary work in developing countries. I reached out to Dr. Sheridan, better known as “Dr. Sheddy,” and she invited me to join her on her adventures. Embarking on this transformative project with Vet Tails, I will be diving deep into the heart of veterinary medicine in remote villages & communities. My role is multifaceted, involving direct animal care and vital community education. Each day will be filled with new challenges, from treating local wildlife and domestic animals to conducting spay/neuter clinics. I will engage with the community as I share knowledge on animal health & welfare, and foster a culture of sustainable animal care.

However, the journey doesn't stop there. Dr. Sheddy’s initiative, funded primarily through social media donations and grants, is a testament to the power of community-driven veterinary care. I will be contributing my skills in business consulting to help this noble cause find new ways to grow and thrive. By doing this, I aim to help the platform and business of Vet Tails have an actionable plan to grow and expand their impact around the world. I am seeking to develop expertise in growth and scaling, as well as strategic planning and development, so an opportunity to get real-world experience with a true entrepreneurial start-up with an innovative and unique business model & plan will be absolutely transformational in my development as an expert in veterinary business. This experience is not just about the medical treatment of animals; it's about empowering communities to create a lasting positive impact on their local ecosystems.

Budget Breakdown:

Estimated Budget: $3,042
Travel and Local Transportation: $1,215
Accommodation, Meals, and Living Expenses: $927
Operational Costs (Medical Supplies, Equipment): $900

Johns Hopkins University (Galápagos Islands, Ecuador): Threatening Fungal Pathogen Surveillance & Research

In the Galápagos, I will be part of a groundbreaking research project under Dr. Isabel Jimenez’s guidance. Dr. Jimenez is currently completing a Comparative Medicine Residency and PhD program at Johns Hopkins, where she is investigating Cryptococcus as an emerging fungal pathogen in the lab of Dr. Arturo Casadevall at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. This project aims to understand the ecological roles and impacts of Cryptococcus fungi in the Galápagos. My involvement will include fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation, contributing to a broader understanding of fungal biodiversity.

Cryptococcus, particularly Cryptococcus gattii, has emerged as a pathogen of concern. It’s known for its impact on terrestrial environments and has shown potential to adapt and thrive in marine settings, which poses new challenges for the wildlife’s health. Previous studies have indicated that there is an increasing incidence of Cryptococcus affecting marine mammals, a situation that directly translates to potential risks in the Galápagos. The Islands’ unique position at the confluence of various ocean currents makes them each particularly vulnerable to the introduction and subsequent spread of varying marine pathogens. This research is crucial, especially given the delicate balance of the Galápagos ecosystem and its global significance.

The project will have me traversing various terrains, from beaches to forests, collecting samples, and studying their environments. Beyond the scientific exploration, this experience is a profound opportunity to witness firsthand the beauty and fragility of one of the world's most unique ecosystems. It’s a chance to contribute to the conservation efforts of these majestic islands and to bring back invaluable knowledge and experience.

Budget Breakdown:

Estimated Budget: $5,865
Travel and Inter-Island Transportation & Food: $2,485
Accommodation, Meals, and Living Expenses: $1,880
Research Materials and Equipment: $1,500

Jungle Doctor (Kruger National Park, South Africa): Rhino Dehorning & Elephant Collaring

One of my biggest inspirations and long-time mentor of mine, Dr. Chloe Buiting, also known as the Jungle Doctor, is a wildlife & conservation veterinarian from Australia. She is currently on the Board of Zoos Victoria, a Conservation Consultant for Fauna & Flora International (Serving under Vice President Sir David Attenborough), and is heavily involved in the pre-veterinary field with organizations. Over the past 6+ years, Dr. Buiting has collaborated with conservationists and veterinarians at Kruger National Park. My journey will culminate in South Africa, where I will be joining her in critical wildlife conservation efforts at Kruger. Here, I will be involved in hands-on fieldwork, including rhino dehorning and elephant collaring. These conservation activities are not just about the procedures themselves; they are about understanding and combating the larger issues of poaching and habitat loss.

This experience is a rare opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field of wildlife conservation. She blessed me with the opportunity to help personally direct an effort to conserve various endangered species (lions, antelope, wild dogs, zebras, giraffes, etc.) and train with experts in the field of veterinary and wildlife conservation. Aiding in the darting, capture, medical & anesthetic monitoring of the animals that are the primary focus of this project, the white rhinos and elephants, will require training beforehand and on-site. I will gain skills in tracking, anesthetic monitoring, and post-procedure care, all while contributing to the survival of these magnificent creatures. Additionally, working with the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit, will provide me with a unique perspective on community-driven conservation efforts.

Budget Breakdown:

Estimated Budget: $10,003
Flights and Local Travel: $4,018
Accommodation, Meals, and Living Expenses: $2,485
Training, Supplies, & Conservation Activities: $3,500

Each project is designed to provide a comprehensive learning and contributing experience in veterinary medicine and conservation. The budget breakdowns are estimates based on current travel costs, accommodations, and fees. These figures are meant to provide a general idea of how funds will be allocated and may be subject to slight variations. Goal increases will occur when the goal is reached. Excess funds will be saved for future academic opportunities & costs associated with veterinary school.

Thanks again for considering a contribution to this transformative journey. Your support means the world to me and to the animals and ecosystems we aim to protect. Every donation, share, and word of support brings this vision closer to reality.

"Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow."

~ Langston Hughes

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