Meet Savitha Saikumar, an international student from India whose journey from practicing veterinary medicine to pursuing graduate research at the University of Florida is nothing short of inspiring. Bringing her clinical training and passion for animal science to UF, Savitha has navigated a major academic and cultural transition with resilience, curiosity, and purpose. Her story offers a powerful look at how she has adapted to life on campus, discovered new research interests, and built a meaningful path forward in her graduate studies. See her interview story below.
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Can you share your journey from practicing veterinary medicine in India to becoming a graduate student at UF?
I completed my veterinary degree (DVM equivalent) in India in October 2023 and initially planned to follow a traditional clinical path. In January 2024, I joined the University of Florida as a research intern, and over the next six months, that experience fundamentally shifted my career direction. I realized I was more drawn to research, especially animal nutrition, than clinical practice alone. I wanted to answer the questions behind animal health challenges, not just treat the outcomes. That realization led me to begin my master’s program in Fall 2024. UF’s strength in animal sciences made it the right place for this transition, and I’m proud to be a Gator.
What inspired you to pursue an internship in the U.S., and how did you discover the opportunity at the University of Florida?
While I was still in India, I was actively searching for a master’s position in animal science. During that process, I was offered a research internship opportunity in the Dr. Diwakar Vyas Nutrition Lab at the University of Florida. This internship turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. It allowed me to gain hands-on research experience, understand the expectations of graduate training, and become familiar with the lab environment before formally starting my master’s program. It also gave me the opportunity to demonstrate my potential as a graduate student. Overall, the internship played a key role in making my transition into the program smooth and well-prepared, benefiting both me and my advisor by allowing us to assess fit and expectations early on.
In what ways has your veterinary background prepared you for the work you’re doing in your internship here?
As a veterinarian transitioning into a research-intensive program, I bring a strong foundation in animal physiology and health. This background allows me to interpret data beyond numbers and understand what results truly mean for the animal. My veterinary training has also strengthened my ability to think critically and make evidence-based decisions, which translates well into both research and industry settings. In addition, my hands-on experience with animal handling and behavior allows me to work confidently with animals, perform research techniques to a high professional standard, and recognize and promptly report any clinical conditions that could impact research trials to the veterinary services team and my advisor.
What has been the biggest adjustment for you as an international student navigating internships in the U.S.?
The biggest adjustment was learning professional communication and workplace expectations in the U.S., including how feedback is delivered, how fast-paced the work can be, and how much initiative is expected. While this was challenging at first, it helped me become more confident, independent, and proactive. I did experience some initial cultural adjustment, but the supportive guidance from my advisor and colleagues helped me adapt quickly and succeed in the environment.
Which strategies or resources—such as LinkedIn, faculty connections, or UF support—were most helpful in securing your internship?
Before coming to the U.S., I used LinkedIn to learn about faculty members and understand their research areas before reaching out to them directly by email. Through this process, I learned that opportunities don’t always come from formal postings, you often need to take initiative, do your research, and communicate your interest clearly.
After securing my master’s position at the University of Florida, I became aware of the extensive career resources available to students, including career fairs, professional development workshops, and internship support. These resources make it significantly easier for students to explore opportunities and connect with industry professionals, and I strongly encourage students to take full advantage of them.
How do you see this internship influencing your future goals in veterinary medicine, research, or beyond?
This experience reinforced my interest in animal nutrition and applied research. It helped me see a clear path beyond textbooks and confirmed that I want to work in roles where science directly informs real-world decisions. The internship also strengthened my academic and professional profile, contributing to my ability to secure a fully funded graduate assistantship for my master’s program. Additionally, I was selected as one of six students in my department to receive a competitive scholarship that partially supports my graduate studies. Overall, the internship didn’t just add to my resume; it shaped how I approach my career and future goals.
Hands-on learning in action — supporting daily feeding operations and gaining real-world experience in dairy nutrition management. 
Building confidence in animal handling and nutrition by working directly with dairy cattle during research and feeding trials. 
Connecting classroom knowledge to real-life care — learning the importance of animal behavior, welfare, and gentle handling.
