Nikki Clayman, a UNCP graduate from the class of 2022, has been accepted into the Royal Veterinary College, one of the world’s leading specialist institutions of veterinary medicine, biosciences, and veterinary nursing. 

The school is the largest and longest-established independent veterinary school in the UK.  

Clayman was a student in the Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement program at UNCP, which she credits for this accomplishment.  

"I owe getting my acceptance into Royal to UNCP and all the training I received in the RISE program and Dr. (Ben) Bahr's research lab," Clayman said. "I would've never been able to have this type of training if I wasn't involved in Dr. Bahr's lab and all the undergraduate research opportunities I was given as a student researcher." 

 "With the help of the RISE program, I was able to experience working in research, presenting research and learning the fundamentals of being a scientist," she said.  

 "I was awarded a North Carolina Space Grant fellowship with NASA and got a chance to work alongside Dr. Bahr on Alzheimer's research and Dr. Nicolas Negrin-Pereira on Sertoli cell research. These experiences at UNCP made me a valuable applicant when applying to Royal Veterinary College." 

 While attaining her degree in biology, Clayman was mentored by Bahr which created an opportunity to gain experience with basic research assays and data. Experiences with a veterinarian who specializes in cattle reproduction, Negrina Pereira, helped Clayman get firsthand research experience. Michael De Almeida, the Bahr lab manager, also played a key role in preparing Clayman for the opportunity she has received. 

After vet school, Clayman plans to pursue a Ph.D., do animal research, and, one day, open a veterinary practice.