Natalie Smith has always known exactly where she's headed. The world just keeps confirming she's right.

A third-year student at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Natalie came into vet school with her eyes already set on the most extraordinary corners of the animal kingdom, and that would be rhinos, pandas, tigers, orangutans. Conservation medicine isn't a career pivot for her. It's always been the plan.

That passion has roots. Her grandfather shared a deep love of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife conservation, and Natalie grew up watching that love in action. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BS in Biomedical Science and arrived at Cornell ready to carry that legacy somewhere much farther than home.

At 15, she was already on a plane to Melbourne, Australia, presenting at the International Student Science Fair and conducting research at a university level. She wasn't just seeing the world — she was learning why it needs saving.

"I think everyone should try to travel as much as possible," she says. "It exposes you to different cultures and allows you to realize that the world has a tremendous amount of amazing opportunities. I have loved seeing how beautiful the world really is."

But Natalie isn't just chasing wild places. She's also one of the most grounded voices in the room when the conversation turns to mental health and in vet med, that conversation can't start soon enough.

"The biggest problem facing the veterinary field today is the stigma involving mental health," she says plainly. "Mental health needs to be a primary focus starting at a young age and throughout our entire lives. There needs to be a greater level of understanding and compassion for all."

After a hard day, she resets the way most animal people do — surrounded by her dogs, visiting the school cats, scrolling vetstagram, and yes, Bachelor in Paradise. No shame.

Her advice to anyone grinding through the hard parts of this journey?

"No matter what struggles you face and no matter how hard times get, I promise you are more than capable of getting through it. Just keep pushing and be the best version of yourself you can be."

Vet Candy is proud to name Natalie Smith a Rising Star of 2026. The world's wild places don't know what's coming for them.

Follow Natalie's adventures on Instagram: @natalie.vet