Caitlin Acree, Veterinary Research Specialist at the College of Veterinary Medicine, began working at the college in 2023.
When did you begin working at the College of Veterinary Medicine?
September 2023.
Describe your role at the college.
I work in Clinical Pathology which is part of the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. My roles include hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, blood banking, coagulation, and point of care testing for animals in-house and samples we get from our outreach program. We get samples on all kinds of animals and help diagnose any ailment they may have. I am also responsible for helping to keep the lab organized and running smoothly, like the rest of my team. We have to keep up to date on maintenance and quality control for our instruments as well.
Have you held any previous titles or responsibilities at the college?
I have not held any previous title at the college. I am still in the first couple years of my career here, but I am excited to see where this path may take me.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I would say it’s hard to pinpoint a favorite part of my job because each aspect is exciting. Every day is a little bit different from the last, and there’s always something new to learn. If I had to pick one thing, I would say that reading blood slides is my most favorite part because it’s like being an investigator. You have to meticulously look all over each slide to be sure you aren’t missing something that could be important for diagnosis. Also, each animal has a slightly variated version of cell presentation, so a normal looking neutrophil looks different for dogs, or cats, or horses, and so on.
Complete this sentence: My most memorable day at work was…
…when Jenny Byrd brought around a patient from oncology to get pictures with each care team that helped her through her chemo treatment. The patient’s mom couldn’t be there that day, and it was her last day of chemo, so Jenny was making a collage for her. That meant a lot because we very rarely get to see or interact with patients, and it is even rarer that we get to see a patient who has recovered that we had a hand in helping. That five-minute visit from that patient meant a lot and was a good reminder of why we do what we do.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have many hobbies and interests that I like to fill my time with when I am not working. I like crafting and scrapbooking, I love being outdoors and enjoy most outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, biking, and exercising. I love listening to audio books and music and I am often not without at least one blaring in my ear. I have a really big family, and I love spending time with everyone, especially my nieces, nephews, and godchildren. I also spend most of my time with my one-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever, Luna. She’s my baby!
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I would love to take a cross-country road trip with Luna and see all the amazing landscapes this country has to offer!
Do you have a favorite restaurant or place in the Champaign/Urbana area?
I actually live about an hour away from Champaign so I don’t ever go out here in town, however one of my favorite places around my hometown would be Rock Springs Nature Conservation. It is absolutely beautiful all year round and such a good place to get some fresh air and recharge.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
I would not be able to live without my ear buds. I love listening to music, audio books, and podcasts. It’s a great way to learn, relax, and fill your time while doing mundane activities. I carry my earbuds with me everywhere I go, and I have to have them to get through the day!
Do you have any pets?
I have one pet, Luna. She is just over a year and a half old, purebred golden retriever. She is absolutely the most spoiled girl! She goes to daycare regularly, I brush her teeth every night before bed, and she usually gets home cooked meals more than dog kibble. I would say she is more of my child than my pet though. She is my baby, and I could not imagine life without her!
