Ysaline Villeneuve, President

Ysaline is a fifth-year veterinary student at Leipzig University in Germany. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Organism and Population Biology in France, she began working and interning alongside biologists and veterinarians in various wildlife rescue centers across Europe. These experiences convinced her to further her education by pursuing studies in veterinary medicine and to specialize in wildlife health. However, over time, she is turning into a bird nerd and looks forward to contributing to the advancement of avian medicine.
Abdullah Sherief, Secretary
Abdullah Mohamed Sherief is a 5th-year Veterinary Medicine student at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies with a strong and growing passion for avian and exotic medicine. His love for birds began at a very young age, having grown up with many pet birds at home, which inspired his long-term interest in their health and care. Throughout his studies, Abdullah has actively pursued opportunities to deepen his knowledge of avian medicine. He founded and leads the Bird Club Latvia, an avian-focused student initiative aimed at expanding learning and practical experience for fellow veterinary students. Driven by curiosity, dedication, and a genuine love for birds, Abdullah aims to further develop his expertise in conseravtive avian medicine in the coming years and contribute to the advancement of avian healthcare.

Beatriz Mendes, Education Officer

Beatriz Mendes is a 4th year veterinary medicine student at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro in Vila Real, Portugal. She joined the European Association of Avian Veterinarians in 2024 as a member of the Education Committee and in 2025 she applied for and was appointed to the position of Education Officer.
Beatriz also joined IVSA Portugal (FAMV) in her 2nd year and continues to be an active member, helping to organize educational events. In the current academic year, she joined the IVSA Wild and Exotic Network as an ambassador.
Beatriz discovered her passion for birds in her first year of university, when she had the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating animals and to understand how different they are, as well as the unique characteristics that set them apart from other species. Her favorite birds include swans, puffins and shoebills.
Beatriz aims to build a career as an exotic animal veterinarian and further expand her knowledge in this field.
Dion van Wijnen, Communications Officer
Dion is a 5th year veterinary medicine student from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. He has a deep passion for avian and exotics medicine and has the ambition to work as an exotic pet vet, maybe even als a specialist. He has been Student Chair of the Faculty Council and Educational Board of his faculty as well as an active member in the local avian and exotics student association: Archaeopteryx. Moreover he is currently also involved in the organisation of Amsterdam Pride.
His love for birds started with rescueing orphaned ducklings at a young age, as he grew older he started owning and breeding several breeds of poultry such as silkie chickens. At Utrecht University his love for avian medicine grew when taking part in extracurricular education. To gain experience he started volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Sophie Klopper, Officer for Partnerships

Sophie, a fifth year student at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, holds the role of Partnerships Officer. In the role of partnerships she connects with various student organizations to cultivate innovative events and collaborations. Previously she held the position as the secretary of Archaeopteryx, an exotic study organization in the Netherlands.
She remains an active member in various committees of that organization.
Outside of academia, Sophie dedicates her time to gaining valuable experience in a emergency clinic, where she learns more about birds and other animal care. She also works in a wildlife sanctuary, were she works with hedgehogs, hares and squirrels.