Tell us about your background.
I am a lifelong Illinois resident! I grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago, about a mile west of the Brookfield Zoo. I did my undergraduate work at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. I’ve been with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for about 10 years now, as a DVM student (class of 2015), clinical pathology resident, and as an instructor and clinical pathologist. I’m very excited to continue my next chapter at Illinois as a clinical assistant professor. I live in Champaign with my wife, Amanda, who is a local high school teacher, as well as our two dogs: Macy the yellow Labrador, and Batman the chihuahua.
How did you become interested in clinical pathology?
During veterinary school, I took a job as an after-hours emergency technician in the clinical pathology laboratory, which initially introduced me to the specialty. I realized during my clinical year that the diagnostic puzzle of clinical pathology was the most rewarding aspect of veterinary medicine for me.
What are your special interests?
My main interests as a diagnostician are cytology and hematology. My research interests include hematology of nondomestic species and applying digital technology to diagnostic clinical pathology and veterinary education.
Tell us about your favorite case.
During my final year of veterinary school while working in the clinical pathology lab, I received samples from multiple reindeer in the same herd for blood smear analysis. Intraerythrocytic piroplasms consistent with Babesia spp. were present, and the corresponding CBC and clinical chemistry showed evidence of severe hemolytic anemia and renal failure due to pigmentary nephropathy. This case was an exciting diagnostic puzzle that really inspired me at this early stage in my career, and I still use it for teaching purposes.
