Dr. Michelle Tucker, Purdue Veterinary Medicine assistant professor of large animal surgery, received special recognition by her alma mater, the Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS). Dr. Tucker is one of seven Texas A&M VMBS alumni recognized in May at the college’s 2024 Outstanding Alumni & Rising Star Awards Ceremony.
Dr. Tucker received the Rising Star Award, which honors Texas A&M VMBS graduates who completed their education within the last 10 years and have made significant professional accomplishments early in their careers including public service and volunteer activities that serve to positively reflect upon their alma mater. Dr. Tucker was recognized as a rising star in large animal surgery, driven by her exceptional surgical skills, passion for research, interdisciplinary knowledge, and mentoring abilities.
After earning her Texas A&M DVM degree in 2014, Dr. Tucker completed two equine internships, one in private practice and one at Kansas State University. She then pursued advanced training at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine, completing a residency program in 2020 and becoming board certified in large animal surgery by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
“Dr. Tucker enthusiastically embraced all types of surgical patients, having a penchant for difficult and complex cases,” a nominator said. “Our caseload at Western College is about 70% horses, and the remainder was cattle, sheep, goats, and camelids. She nevertheless took on the non-equine caseload and developed considerable expertise in managing those cases.”
In 2021, Dr. Tucker earned her PhD in large animal clinical sciences at the University of Saskatchewan and joined the Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty as assistant professor of large animal surgery in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Dr. Tucker’s PhD thesis was on using new technology to improve surgical correction of upper airway obstruction in horses, and she is now continuing her research into 3D airway modeling that may be used to predict patient outcomes of different equine surgical procedures.
One of her award nominators emphasized that Dr. Tucker has published her PhD work in top-tier veterinary journals and presented her research at major national and international conferences. With the benefit of her bachelor’s degree in biosystems engineering and biology from the University of Kentucky, Dr. Tucker also received praise for navigating various disciplines to not only expand her own knowledge but also to set a new standard for comprehensive and holistic animal care.
“Dr. Tucker collaborated with many throughout her Ph.D. program and into her post-doctoral position, seeking out relationships with somewhat unexpected groups, such as engineers, physicists, and 3D printing designers,” one nominator said. “I am confident this is the type of interdisciplinary vision that will open countless One Health possibilities for her in the future and keep pushing the boundaries of what veterinary medicine can achieve.”
Dr. Tucker also was praised for her role in mentoring students, interns, and residents and her enthusiasm for teaching and training future professionals.
Congratulations Dr. Tucker!
