Veterinary Technology Program Announces New Academic Advisors

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Technology Program is excited to introduce two new advisors. Paige Allen, MS, RVT has been named assistant director of academic advising and recruiting and Shelly Opperman is joining the Veterinary Technology Program team as academic advisor. Veterinary Technology Program Director Bianca Zenor said, “Both Paige and Shelly bring diverse experience and a wealth of knowledge that will help our students with their academic careers in the Veterinary Technology Program.”

Paige Allen

Paige Allen, MS, RVT

An instrumental member of the PVM Veterinary Technology Program, Paige has served as distance learning instructional technologist for the College’s Veterinary Technology Distance Learning Program since 1999. Her career at PVM has spanned 30 years beginning in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s Large Animal Hospital where she started as a food animal technologist. A registered veterinary technician, Paige earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan and a master’s degree in instructional design from Purdue University in 2005.  She also serves on the board of directors for the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). Paige officially transitioned to her new position March 1, succeeding Beth Burnett. Meanwhile, Paige’s former position as distance learning instructional technologist will be back-filled until a replacement can be found.

Shelly Opperman

Shelly Opperman

Shelly will begin in her new position as veterinary technology academic advisor beginning March 12. She currently serves as the career relations coordinator for the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources in the Purdue University College of Agriculture, helping form career connections between employers and students.  Shelly earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and has been employed by the University since 2000. Her office will be located in Lynn G117 and she can be reached by email at sopperman@purdue.edu.

Congratulations to both Paige and Shelly! Please drop them an email or give them a call to welcome them to their new positions.

Writer(s): Bianca Zenor, Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Connection with Wildlife Rescue in Guatemala Highlighted during International Education Week

Hidden amid the dense forests near the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, the ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center is one of Central America’s most active sanctuaries for endangered and trafficked wildlife. In addition to their conservation efforts, ARCAS (Asociación de Rescate y Conservación de Vida Silvestre) offers unparalleled hands-on experience for veterinary and biology students from around the world. The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has proudly collaborated with ARCAS for many years, and International Education Week this week (November 16-22) provided the perfect opportunity to showcase this invaluable educational partnership.

Immersive Mixed Reality Experience Helps Purdue Veterinary Students Learn Cardiac Physiology

First year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine recently stepped into a new era of learning — an immersive Mixed Reality (MR) experience at Purdue’s Envision Center. This cutting-edge session allowed students to interact with a dynamic, 3D representation of the heart, deepening their understanding of cardiac physiology in ways traditional methods cannot match.

Feathered Fame: Purdue Veterinary Medicine Research Featured on Journal Cover

The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) at Purdue University is proud to announce that a recent study from its anesthesiology team has been selected as the cover feature for Veterinary Sciences (MDPI), Volume 12, Issue 11. Chosen from among 82 articles, the publication highlights the College of Veterinary Medicine’s growing impact in avian clinical research.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Time to shine a spotlight on some “paws-itively” amazing work by one of our newest Purdue Veterinary Medicine staff members, Jennifer Hartman, VCS Curriculum Technologist in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are highlighting Rebecca Hoffman, BS, RVT, who is a veterinary technologist with the Bovine Field Service.

Learning Specialist Joins PVM Student Success Center Team

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Student Success Center is pleased to welcome Kelsey Luse Spille, who joined the team Monday, November 4, as a learning specialist.  In her new role, she will be supporting students with their academic needs while also serving as a member of the Veterinary Education Support Team (VEST), which assists faculty in developing inclusive teaching practices.

Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Hosts Reception to Welcome New Dean Bret Marsh

Faculty, staff and students gathered at a reception in the Veterinary Medical Library Friday, November 8, to help extend a warm welcome the new dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bret Marsh.  The event marked the conclusion of the first week on the job for Dr. Marsh, who just started in the role Monday, November 4, after wrapping-up 30 years of service as Indiana State Veterinarian – the state’s top-ranking animal health leader.

Awareness Week to Shine Spotlight on Antimicrobial Resistance Next Week

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing, significant One Health issue across the world. The WHO estimates that AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths, with additional significant economic costs. AMR affects all countries and all income groups, and to tackle this urgent problem, researchers, producers, and practitioners from all areas must address the critical shortage of new antimicrobial drugs, and the use of antimicrobial drugs in medicine, farming, and industry. The week of November 18-24 is US Antibiotic Awareness Week and World AMR Awareness Week, and the College of Veterinary Medicine is taking advantage of these national and global campaigns to raise awareness about AMR and antimicrobial stewardship, and to highlight some of the research and practices being conducted at the college to address AMR.

PVM Faculty Honored for Research Success with Purdue Seed for Success Acorn Awards

When Purdue University’s Office of Research honored the accomplishments and innovative ideas of a host of researchers this week, several Purdue Veterinary Medicine scholars were among those recognized. At a ceremony Wednesday, November 14, in the Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballrooms, the annual Seed for Success Acorn Awards were presented to Purdue Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-PIs who secured research awards of $1 million or more for a single proposal in fiscal year 2024.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain

Despite more than six decades of research in the field of neuroscience, many functions of the brain — the most complex organ in the human body — remain a mystery. Recent research conducted in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Bindley Bioscience Center revealed that scientists are one step closer to understanding the process that activates and deactivates specific proteins within our cells. This breakthrough could one day lead to enhanced treatments that may slow down or perhaps reverse the advance of neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.