Dr. Shakirat Adetunji is a clinical assistant professor of veterinary anatomic pathology at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
When did you begin working at the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I was hired as a clinical assistant professor of veterinary anatomic pathology in June 2024, and I started my role in August 2024 after the completion of my veterinary anatomic pathology board exam.
Describe your role at the college.
As a clinical assistant professor of veterinary anatomic pathology, my role includes:
- Autopsy and biopsy of a wide variety of animal species submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory by rDVM clients locally, nationally, and internationally
- Education, instruction, didactic and empirical training and mentorship of veterinary students, pathology externs, interns, and residents, as well as graduate students
- Collaborative research (primarily infectious disease, immunopathology, and oncology) with faculty within the University of Illinois system and principal investigators outside U of I
- Client communication
- Public engagement and outreach activities for veterinarians and animal lovers
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love puzzling things, challenges, and learning new things, so getting to see a wide range of disease manifestations or how a known entity can present itself weirdly or in a different animal species really excites me. Also, I enjoy the satisfaction that stems from helping students and residents reach the “aha moment” or maximize their potential.
Complete this sentence: My most memorable day at work was…
During my very first week of necropsy service and I had a chameleon, penguin, parrot, salamander, bat, pigeon, and an American toad! It felt really great working on a variety of animal species.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I spend quality time with my husband and daughter. We enjoy traveling a lot and having new experiences; we’ve been to several cities in 9 countries (still counting). I also enjoy reading crime and thriller novels. Novels by James Patterson and John Grisham are my favorite.
What is something your co-workers may be surprised to know about you?
I’m terrified of avian species in general, and especially chickens (live and dead)! Performing an autopsy of a chicken is NOT my favorite.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Personally drive/pilot a jet boat for a thrill ride.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or place in the Champaign/Urbana area?
Watson’s Shack & Rail. Their Watson’s Clucking Hot sandwich is amazing!
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Hearing from my dad – he calls me “Alake mi”, my pride. Alake is my praise name. A praise name is called “Oriki” in Yoruba tradition in Nigeria, and it basically describes the qualities of a person.
Do you have any pets?
Not at the moment but I’m working on getting a cat, a Ragdoll preferably.
