NDSU alum builds career in animal care

Pheafrisia Strachan’s path from NDSU to her current role in the Bahamas spans climates, cultures and species. But she credits NDSU with helping prepare her for both the work and the independence her career requires.

Strachan, a Nassau native, attended NDSU from 2014 to 2018, earning a degree in veterinary technology. Today, she works as a certified veterinary technician and assistant at Dolphin Cay at Atlantis Bahamas, where her responsibilities extend far beyond a traditional clinical setting.

“I work mainly with bottlenose dolphins, and California and South American sea lions,” Strachan said. “We also care for the company’s full aquarium collection, security’s K9 unit and even the stray cats that live on property. It’s quite an active job.”

Her daily work includes supporting veterinary care, monitoring animal health and assisting with procedures across a wide range of species. Outside of work, Strachan prefers quieter pursuits.

“In my downtime, my hobbies are much more mellow,” she said. “Sewing, reading and traveling. Old lady hobbies, basically.”

Strachan said her time at NDSU was formative both academically and personally. Moving from the Bahamas to Fargo marked her first experience living away from home.

“When I moved to North Dakota, that was my first time living away from my parents,” she said. “NDSU was the perfect middle ground between dependency and independence.”

She said the support she received from faculty and staff helped her grow in confidence and maturity.

“The staff and overall community were patient and thorough in their teachings, and that environment really set me up for success,” Strachan said.

One of her most memorable moments on campus had little to do with the classroom and everything to do with North Dakota weather.

“As an island girl, I had never seen snow until I came to NDSU,” she said. “I remember proudly telling a classmate that I had never slipped on ice after three years in Fargo. As soon as we walked outside, I slipped and slid all the way down an icy ramp. I wasn’t hurt, but the timing still makes me smile.”

Now back home in the Bahamas, Strachan applies the technical skills and independence she developed at NDSU to a fast paced, unconventional veterinary environment. She said her experience in Fargo continues to shape how she approaches her work and life.

“Being at NDSU taught me how to grow up,” she said. “That experience still carries with me every day.”