What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am a diagnostic pathologist at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center on East Campus. I provide diagnostic pathology services for cases submitted to the diagnostic lab by veterinarians throughout the state, region and country. I also have an extension appointment, where my goal is to develop and maintain outreach activities focused on translating diagnostic research to provide veterinarians and producers with the knowledge they need to increase the efficiency of animal disease diagnosis in Nebraska.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I was fortunate enough to participate in the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine as a student and became familiar with the department and faculty during that time. Given the large food animal-based caseload at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center, I knew it would be a great fit for me when I decided to leave practice to pursue a career as a diagnostician.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I have a unique opportunity in the SVMBS to interact with veterinary students who will join the profession soon. Many of these students will return to practice medicine in the state and/or region and many will utilize the diagnostic lab after they graduate. This allows for the potential of a long-term relationship with some of these students that I am looking forward to developing. I have not been at UNL that long, but I have already had UNL veterinary students submit diagnostic cases who recently graduated, and it is always nice to put a face with a name when working up a case.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In my personal life, my two daughters and son that my wife and I are raising is what I would consider my greatest achievement. Professionally, I am most proud of my DVM and PhD degrees. I am pursuing board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and when that is complete, I will also consider that one of my greatest achievements.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
When I was in practice, I once performed a c-section that resulted in a heifer calf that weighed 232 lbs.
What is your life like outside of work?
I am a fan of Husker athletics and try to make it to most of the football and basketball games. I am also a Denver Broncos fan living in the heart of Chiefs country. My hobbies mostly include outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.