Meet the academic: Larissa Campos Aquino
Larissa Campos Aquino is a lecturer in small animal medicine at Surrey and the new programme lead of our Veterinary General Practice PGCert. She tells us about moving to the UK from Brazil, why she chose Surrey, what UK veterinary practice has taught her, and why students make her work so enjoyable.
"I had heard of Surrey's forward-thinking approach to veterinary education, so I was excited by the opportunity to become part of the team."
Tell us a bit about what you do at Surrey.
I am a lecturer in small animal medicine at the School of Veterinary Medicine. I teach a variety of small animal topics through lectures, practical sessions, case discussions and student-led learning activities. I also contribute to assessments, Open Days and other student-facing activities across the School. In addition, I act as a personal tutor, supporting students as they transition into university life and helping them navigate the opportunities and challenges of their early years on the course.
What brought you to the University?
Education has always been an important part of my career, both in Brazil and in the UK. However, the opportunity to become a lecturer and be more involved in curriculum development, student support and wider educational activities was particularly appealing. It also gave me the opportunity to explore one of my favourite areas of veterinary medicine, internal medicine, in greater depth. I had always heard of Surrey's forward-thinking approach to veterinary education, so I was excited by the opportunity to become part of the team.
You are the programme leader for our Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary General Practice. Could you explain why this course is important?
The programme helps veterinary surgeons develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to work in veterinary practice in the UK. While many of our students are preparing for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) statutory examination, the course also supports vets who are returning to practice or looking to refresh and update their skills. One of its greatest strengths is the combination of flexible online learning with hands-on practical training and professional support.
What aspects of your own studies had the biggest influence on you?
Moving to the UK, adapting to a new veterinary system and preparing for the RCVS statutory examination were among the most influential experiences of my career. Passing the RCVS examination required a great deal of discipline, organisation and perseverance, while adapting to UK practice taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration with the wider veterinary team, particularly veterinary nurses. These experiences gave me a deeper appreciation of the challenges many of our students face and continue to influence the way I teach and support learners today.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
One of the things I enjoy most is being surrounded by the curiosity and enthusiasm of students. They often bring unique perspectives and ways of interpreting concepts that encourage me to look at things from different angles. I also enjoy that teaching constantly challenges me to keep learning, stay up to date and adapt my approach to meet the needs and experiences of different learners. It keeps me motivated and continually reminds me why I fell in love with veterinary medicine in the first place.
What do you get up to outside of academia?
Outside work, you'll usually find me planning my next trip, playing some sort of racket sport, spending time with my husband and our two cats, or convincing myself that this is finally the year I will improve my French and play guitar properly. I enjoy strength training, good food and being outdoors, and I rarely sit still for long before finding a new skill or hobby to explore.
