Meet Our Planning Team
General Managers
Kaitlyn Bopp
Kaitlyn Bopp is a third-year veterinary student with a strong interest in cardiology, while also enjoying general practice and working with a variety of species. She is passionate about exploring the many facets of veterinary medicine and is considering practice ownership in the future. Originally from South Florida, Kaitlyn moved to North Carolina to complete her BS in Animal Science at NCSU. She is excited to continue her journey at the institution as she works toward earning her DVM degree. She loves living in a region where both beaches and mountains are within reach, offering endless scenic places to explore. Outside of veterinary school, Kaitlyn enjoys reading diverse fiction, hiking, running, and watching Formula 1 with her fiancee and their dog, Kaia. She also loves traveling and hopes to visit all of the U.S. National Parks in her lifetime. Kaitlyn is thrilled to serve as a General Manager for the SAVMA Symposium, where she looks forward to helping create an event that fosters connection, learning, and networking among veterinary students and industry professionals.
Alexa Stine-Walker
Alexa Stine-Walker is a third-year veterinary student with a strong interest in small animal emergency medicine. She is passionate about increasing access to veterinary care in underserved communities across the Triangle, contributing to initiatives such as free rabies vaccine and microchip clinics, as well as TNVR programs.
Originally from Indiana, Alexa moved to North Carolina to pursue her DVM and has since fallen in love with the city of Raleigh. Outside of veterinary medicine, she enjoys hiking North Carolina's many scenic parks with her husband and their dog, exploring new destinations around the world, and checking out local breweries with friends.
Alexa is especially excited to help bring this year's SAVMA Symposium to life and looks forward to seeing months of planning come together in a weekend that showcases the amazing, supportive community at NC State.
Fundraising Chair
Grace Gochnauer
Grace Gochnauer is a second-year DVM student with a primary interest in equine theriogenology alongside equine internal and emergency medicine. She's an active part of the CVM community, as a CVM ambassador, club executive board member, and previous student government member, among other involvements. Originally from Lancaster, PA, she grew up on a small family farm surrounded by animals, spending much of her time in Pygmy Goat and Horse 4-H clubs, her days were spent competing through the Hunter Jumper circuit and at farm shows. When she's not in class or studying, you'll probably find her at the gym, working on her next writing project (she's a two time published author!), or creating content for her pre-vet/veterinary social media community. Grace is most excited to see all the students in Raleigh interacting with each other and the incredible exhibitors!
Treasurer
Sydney Lierz
Sydney Lierz is a third-year veterinary student with strong interests in emergency medicine, exotic animal care, and rural mixed practice. She is passionate about expanding access to care in underserved communities and hopes to integrate acupuncture and other integrative therapies into her future practice. Sydney grew up in Asheville, North Carolina and has a deep appreciation for the mountain communities that shaped her path into veterinary medicine. Outside of veterinary school, she enjoys hiking, trail running, reading, playing board games, and spending time with her family. One of the things she is looking forward to the most about the SAVMA Symposium 2026 is the opportunity to showcase the incredible students, faculty, and clinicians who make NC State CVM such a vibrant and supportive community!
