Medicine of Aquatics, Amphibians, and Reptiles Symposium

Julia currently wears many hats as the owner of Tippecanoe Animal Hospital, member of the Board of Directors for the Almost Home Humane Society, and Adjunct Assistant Professor here at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her BA in Russian Language and Literature from Indiana University, her MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Indiana State University, and her DVM degree from Purdue University. Dr. Becker has a strong interest in exotic animal medicine, having earned awards for her work with the Greater Lafayette Community and publishing literature on this subject. In her spare time, Dr. Becker has continued to volunteer her time to work closely with the Purdue Veterinary Exotic Animal Club and help establish a strong foundation for exotic animal medicine for Purdue Students.

Sam is currently the Indianapolis Zoo’s Harlan Family Veterinary Intern. She received her bachelors degree in Zoo Science from Delaware Valley University in 2018. She then attended the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating veterinary school in 2022 she completed a rotating internship at VCA Valley Animal Hospital in conjunction with Reid Park Zoo. Her primary area of research is in chelonian health assessments and conservation, specifically of the Blanding's Turtle.

Lori is a wellness clinician in the Small Animal Primary Care. Originally from Hershey, Penn., she is a 1999 graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. She returned to Purdue after a couple of years in private practice in Flora and Alexandria, Indiana. She enjoys seeing exotic (non-traditional) pets, as well as dogs and cats. Dr. Corriveau works with our students performing elective surgery on exotic pets. She specializes in surgical CO2 laser use for pet lumpectomies and also the use of therapy lasers to alleviate pain and improve healing in pets. Dr. Corriveau also practices and teaches feline friendly handling and restraint. Dr. Corriveau's hobbies and interests include CO2 laser surgery, aquaculture, cooking, and collecting armadillo figurines.

Kathryn graduated from Texas A&M University 1989 (BS), 1992 (DVM), and 1995 (MS in Veterinary Pharmacology). Initially serving as the Associate Veterinarian at the Dallas Zoo and Aquarium at Fair Park for 10 years, she became the Dr. Lester E Fisher Director of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL in 2002. Her American College of Zoological Medicine Diplomate status was achieved in 1999, and European College of Zoological Medicine Diplomate status in 2012, and she has mentored a residency since 2003 in Chicago and has taught over 100 gap-year interns, preceptors, and veterinarians between her two institutions.

Positions in American Association of Zoo Veterinarians have included: Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Associate Editor (since 1996), Infectious Disease Committee Co-Chair and Chair, and Research Committee Co-Chair and Chair. She has been Examination Committee Chair for both ACZM and ECZM. Presidential Service Awards have been received in 1998, 2004, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2020.

She is adjunct faculty with University Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and Northwestern Medical University, and invited lecturer in the curriculum of the Royal Veterinary College/Zoological Society of London. Since 1996, she has been the Veterinary Advisor for the Coraciiformes TAG and Buceros SSP, and since 2003, Veterinary Advisor for the Chimpanzee SSP. She has authored chapters for Fowlers 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10, and was a contributing editor for Fowler 9 and 10.

Bartolomeo is among the few Aquatic Veterinarians in the world with a wider biologist-like approach to fish health, with applied interest in pathobiology and immunology during diseases in farmed and wild fish. Dr. Gorgoglione became a Veterinarian in Italy (University of Bari), subsequently specializing in Scotland, with a Master in Aquatic Veterinary Studies (University of Stirling) followed by a Ph.D. in Biology/Fish Immunology at University of Aberdeen in partnership with CEFAS-Weymouth, England. Immediately thereafter, he was employed as University Assistant at the Clinical Division of Fish Medicine of VetMedUni in Vienna, Austria. Moving to the US, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher in fish virology in Ohio, at Toledo University and Wright State University in Dayton. Dr. Gorgoglione is currently the PI of the Fish Pathobiology and Immunology laboratory at Michigan State University. His lab research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, to comparatively study pathobiological and immunological mechanisms during heterogenous infections in fish. With expertise in a variety of techniques, including in vivo and in vitro experimental approaches, his research applies to fish virology and parasitology, with emphasis on polymicrobial infections and on emerging fish health issues for North America. Dr. Bart reinvented, and currently teaches, the PDI 636 Clerkship in Aquatic Animal Medicine, uniquely providing updated knowledge about aquatic animals to DVM students. He is a trusted collaborator of the European Association of Fish Pathologists, having covered the duties of Webmaster and EAFP-Facebook Administrator over the last decade. Since 2019 Dr. Gorgoglione’s started and chaired the Education and Student Committee with the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. He is the WAVMA President in 2023.

Nicholas is an Avian & Exotics Veterinarian at MedVet Hilliard where he has been a part of the team since 2021.

Dr. Jew attended the University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering: Cell & Bimolecular. He then earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Columbus, OH. Prior to joining MedVet, Dr. Jew practiced at Norton Road Veterinary Hospital in Galloway, OH and Animal Care Unlimited in Columbus, OH in addition to providing exotics veterinary consultation.

Dr. Jew has a special interest in reptile medicine and surgery, husbandry of reptiles and amphibians, and the use of full spectrum ultraviolet (UV) radiation for exotic animals. His favorite part of veterinary medicine is educating people about the importance of appropriate husbandry of exotic animals as well as providing current, state-of-the-art medical care for exotic animals.

In his spare time, Dr. Jew enjoys fencing, reading, and being outdoors.

Dan began his lifetime commitment to animals studying zoology and rescuing wildlife as a Junior Zoologist at the Cincinnati Zoo.  His parents home was the neighborhood zoo and wildlife rehab center.  Young Dan was the Dr Doolittle and critter catcher, fortunately no venomous species ever escaped. After his high school curator of reptiles position at Reptile World, and 2 years of veterinary grunt work, Dr. Dan and his 8 foot boa, “Bojo”  attended college and graduated from Notre Dame with a Biology degree in 1984.  Dr. Dan attended The Ohio State Veterinary School, where he shared a house with Dr. Steve Thompson.  After Vet school, Dr. Dan completed a 1 year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the West LA Veterinary Medical Group. The internship rotated new grads with various specialists in surgery, exotics, ophthalmology, and internal medicine.  Following his internship, Dr. Dan entered private practice in his hometown Cincinnati.  Over 20 years, Dr. Dan and Dr. Linda  built the All Creatures Animal Hospitals.  The practices grew because vets were available to hire and by 2012, he had 3 locations and 8 veterinarians on staff. Dr. Dan sold the All Creatures group in 2019 when he decided his children didn’t need practice ownership to have a great career. Today,  Dr. Dan still works as an associate for the new All Creatures owner.  For unknown reasons, in 2021, Dr. Dan opened another practice in a neighboring county that he runs solo 3 days a week. He is however looking for an associate to, “Pass it on” to.

Some of Dr. Dan's career highlights include:

• Vet Camp -  summers 2002 -2019,  a program for aspiring young veterinarians. Offering 2 sessions with rigorous duties, real life experiences, and graduation requirements.
• Pet Health Day - 2009- 2020, Dan with a group of student volunteers provided heavily discounted or free vet care to the undeserved people of poor county 6-10 Sundays per year.
• Exotic pet care videos. Dan produced and published 10 videos on caring for reptiles, lizards, snakes, birds and other small mammals.  He did these to help save time and minimize continually repeating himself in the exam room discussing exotic pet husbandry.
• "Creature Feature" 1997- 2017, Edited a monthly or bi monthly column in the Clermont Sun local newspaper the Clermont Sun. Goal of the column was to provide accurate pet information and preventive strategies for the Clermont county community.
• Veterinary Medicine outreach - 2012 and 2015. Dr. Dan traveled to Ecuador and Chile to serve veterinary missions to help pets in other countries.
• CD release , 2016. Dan's moto "Pass it on" is the title of his musical C/D.  The CD contains fun songs written to memorialize friends, mentors, and pets. Dr. Dan performs with his band the Stray Dogs.

Dr. Dan has lectured at veterinary and non veterinary conferences, clubs, schools, and  on a wide variety of topics including reptilian medicine and surgery.  He’s written stories, articles and songs on all subjects.  He enjoys being a consulting veterinarian for a local zoo, seeing a wide variety of cases.  Besides exotic pet care, Dr. Dan's practice interests  include orthopedics, ophthalmology, and oncology.  Dr. Dan is an active member of 2 boards, one at a vet assistant career center, Grant Vocational, and one with a local rescue group called All Dogs Come From Heaven.

Dr. Dan has educated and mentored pre-vet and associate vets for most of his life, including all 5 of his children. All children worked at the family practice at some point through high school and college.  From oldest to youngest,  Michaela is a practicing hospital  pharmacist in West Virginia. Katelyn at Tufts University, doing a rotating internship in preparation for applying for residencies in veterinary cardiology. Keely, recently graduated from Ross/ University of Fla. and is starting her veterinary career.  Kiernan, is a first year student at the Ohio State Veterinary School. Cavan, his youngest and only son, is studying forestry at West Virginia University.

Dr. Meakins hobbies include herpetology, playing and writing music, and the usual outdoor stuff (hiking, biking, kayaking).  He spends his free time at his Shawnee State Forest cabin, discussing cases with his daughters, or touring in his VW Eurovan.

Olivia completed her undergraduate and veterinary degree at Purdue University in Indiana. Following graduation, she completed both a small animal internship and an exotics/zoo internship in specialty private practices.  Dr. Petritz completed an ACZM residency at the University of California, Davis in companion exotics and zoo medicine, and achieved board certification in November of 2013. She then founded an exotics service at a specialty hospital in Los Angeles and worked there for three years prior to starting as an assistant professor at NC State in 2017.  Her research interests include avian therapeutics and imaging of exotic pet species.

Zachary is the current chief resident in the Zoological and Aquatic Animal Residency program through the University of Illinois, Shedd Aquarium and Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. Dr. Ready has 9 years of experience working with marine mammals in a rehabilitation, training, or medical capacity at various zoos, aquariums and marine mammal rescue centers. He graduated from Purdue University with his DVM in 2020.  After graduation, he completed a hybrid zoological specialty and small animal rotating internship at the University of Tennessee. He has also completed the Aquavet training programs and is a Certified Aquatic Veterinarian through the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. Dr.  Ready has done fieldwork working on wild dolphin health assessments in Sarasota Bay, Florida, and is actively involved in marine mammal research projects. He anticipates continuing a career in clinical zoo and aquarium medicine after completion of the residency and work towards continued advancement of medical care of the welfare of aquatic animals under human care.

Renée is currently the Medical Director at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRCMN), the busiest wildlife rehabilitation hospital in the world.  She has been involved in wildlife rehabilitation since 2002 and has worked at WRCMN since 2010.  In addition to teaching at wildlife and veterinary conferences all over the country, Renée is involved in teaching courses at the University of Minnesota-College of Veterinary Medicine, is a Course Instructor for the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, and is a former board member of National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association’s Board of Directors. Renée has recently started a Transformational Coaching business on the side to help those who care for animals battle burnout and compassion fatigue.

Maria main area of research is ecotoxicology. Over the last two decades, she has conducted extensive research evaluating the sublethal effects of a wide-range of environmental contaminants on the physiology of numerous terrestrial and aquatic species. She earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine degree from Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; her MS from University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (Wildlife Ecology); and her PhD from the same University (Veterinary Sciences/Toxicology). Dr. Sepúlveda’s research focuses on understanding the sublethal effects of legacy and emerging pollutants to fish and wildlife. Her laboratory uses a diverse number of animal models and techniques to advance the field of aquatic toxicology.

Levi is an Indiana native and a third-year resident in Comparative Ophthalmology at Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Smith graduated from Ball State University in 2016 with Bachelor’s degrees in zoology and Spanish linguistics. He then attended veterinary school at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was the President-elect and President of the Veterinary Exotic Animal Club (VEAC) and was part of the founding committees for the MOAAR and MMAS Symposia, fostering many relationships with invited speakers that continue within the VEAC. In addition, he spent his summers and rotations during his clinical year at wildlife and exotic pet clinics around the country. Dr. Smith graduated from Purdue CVM in 2020 and then went on to complete a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Rotating Internship at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, where he continued to do elective rotations with exotic animal species. Dr. Smith is very excited to be back at PVM and continue his passion for exotic animals by helping treat and study their ocular anatomy, physiology, and diseases. Dr. Smith hopes to continue work with exotic pets, zoological collections, and wildlife after completion of his residency.

Steve is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He leads the Small Animal Primary Care and exotic pet rotations for 3rd and 4th year DVM and VN student rotations and is affiliated with Purdue’s Center for the Human – Animal Bond and Center for Animal Welfare Science. He has authored chapters on implanting radiotransmitters in snakes, and pharmacotherapy for phobias. He has been board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in the canine and feline practice specialty. He is involved with several conservation organizations and has provided veterinary care in wildlife cooperatives with the US Fish & Wildlife service as well as the Ohio, Michigan and Indiana DNR related to Peregrine Falcons, Whooping Cranes, River Otters, Hellbender salamanders and Timber Rattlesnakes.