Gators’ best friends
Meet some of the pets of the College of Medicine
August 20, 2025 — While students, trainees, faculty and staff work their hardest to make the University of Florida College of Medicine the greatest it can be, the world’s best cheerleaders lend their support from home. Whether it is snuggling on the couch during a study break or going on a walk to unwind after work, pets make moments brighter and bring joy, laughter and comfort. Their warmth helps fuel the community that is making a difference in medicine — one paw at a time.
Meet some members of the College of Medicine community and the furry companions who help support and inspire them below:
Koko
Maya Haghighi, first-year medical student
“My family’s dog, Koko, has helped me immensely with stress and is my best friend who has been by my side through undergrad, college soccer, studying for the MCAT and the entire medical school application process. She is extremely energetic and the absolute best dog a girl could have!”
Kata
Nicolas Cruz, M.S. ’25
“My cat, Kata, has brought me immense joy — especially after long days in the lab working on my cancer vaccine platform for my thesis. I graduated this summer with my master’s in medical sciences with a concentration in neuroscience, and I plan to apply for a Ph.D. in neuroscience this fall. During my first year in the program, I didn’t have Kata, and living alone in a studio apartment felt isolating. Since adopting her, everything changed. She’s become family. From zooming around the apartment to curling up for cuddles at bedtime, Kata fills my home with comfort, laughter and a much-needed break from the intensity of graduate school.”
Hank
Richanne Lamb, director of human resources
“Hank has been with me through lots of seasons — from the early days of building my career to this current chapter of grad school, family life and everything in between. He came first, but quickly claimed my husband, Brandon, and his two kids as his own. He’s a gentle soul with a huge personality and somehow still thinks he’s a puppy, especially when there’s cheese involved. He’s kept me grounded during some of the most stressful moments of working in academic medicine and life just by being nearby.”
Hippocrates
Rachel Moor, M.D. ’20, sixth-year neurosurgery resident
“This is Hippocrates — the father of modern meow-dicine. He’s been with me since my first year of medical school at UF.”
Luna
Styliana Resvanis, director of communications
“Luna is the most fun and affectionate fur baby. Her quirky personality is fitting for her namesake, Luna Lovegood from ‘Harry Potter.’ We call her our adventure pup, as she is always ready to hop in the car and join us on road trips to the mountains of Georgia or North Carolina. She never met a blanket she didn’t want to burrow under or a human she didn’t want to say hello to.”
Theo
Ethan Maurell, first-year medical student
“This is my cat Theoretical, or Theo for short! I found him here in Gainesville while in undergrad. He is a very smart cat and can do some tricks like high five and handshake. He also loves watching birds.”
Gimli
Meghan Carl, event manager
“I have a mini Australian shepherd named Gimli. He loves playing ball and swimming in the pool, river, ocean or puddle — any bit of water! He keeps me busy and on my toes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s nice to come home after a long day at work to unconditional love and snuggles!”
Luna, left, Macaroni Bob, right, Nana, bottom
Danielle Ivanov, communications specialist
“Luna, Nala and Macaroni Bob are all local rescues. They bring so much love, comfort and laughter to my life. Nala is the best study buddy, while Macaroni Bob loves to play and run around the house. Luna is blind, yet also the most fearless of the three. She always reminds me of the importance of courage, creativity and curiosity — three values that are central to our work here at the College of Medicine.”
Potato Chip
Carson Walters, first-year medical student
“A little about Potato Chip: He is terrified of wind and vacuums. He also swings his hips when he walks, so it looks like he is shaking his butt.”
Mr. Barkley, left, and Mr. Nittany, right
Marah Berry, Ph.D., director of research strategy and operations
“Please meet Mr. Barkley, my dog, and Mr. Nittany, my cat. Nittany is my spunky sidekick who recently embarked on a mission to lose half his body weight. But don’t worry, he’s still just as dramatic and demanding. Barkley is my oversized cuddle bug who thinks he’s smaller than the cat and insists on being a lap dog. Between the two of them, they’re my daily reminder to pause, laugh and appreciate unconditional love, even on the hard days!”
