Dr. Laura A.

Profile

Education

• Degree: PhD
  School: University of Illinois
  Class of 2019

• Degree: DVM
  School: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine 
  Track: Public and Corporate
  Class of 2012

Location

• Urbana, IL

Bio in brief...

At present, I'm working as a senior research scientist at the University of Illinois College of Vet Med.

I'm a wildlife veterinarian with a PhD in epidemiology and a research program focused on reptile and amphibian wellness. I conduct field-based, conservation-focused research related to wildlife health and develop diagnostic tests for wildlife diseases. I also sit on masters/PhD committees and mentor students interested in exotics/wildlife/zoo clinical practice, research, or both.

Prior to my current position, I had 3 years of clinical experience, including small animal and exotic animal internships and private practice ER work. I now focus my clinical efforts on turtles, venomous and nonvenomous snakes, and salamanders.

I love helping students with career planning, especially those torn between clinical practice and research/academia pathways.