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Amanda Ayers, RVT, VTS received her RVT certificate in 2005 after attending Kirkwood’s Veterinary Technology program. After graduation, she moved to Ames and worked at (then) Iowa State Veterinary Teaching Hospital in their surgery and anesthesia departments, sitting for boards and attaining her VTS in anesthesia and analgesia in 2010. After her partner graduated from veterinary school in 2011, they moved to Cedar Rapids and both began working at Frey Pet Hospital, a busy and progressive small animal practice.
Lisa Foster, RVT, VTS graduated from Iowa State University in 2005 with a B.S. in Animal Science with an interest in Pre-Vet/Wildlife care. She completed her associate degree in veterinary technology from Kirkwood Community College in 2007. She has worked at Iowa State University for 16 years, 11 years in ER/ICU and currently in oncology where she helps anesthetized patients for radiation therapy and administer chemotherapy. She completed and passed her Veterinary Technology Specialty Boards in Emergency and Critical Care in September 2016.
Dr. Rachel Friedrich grew up on a family farm in northeast Nebraska, where her interest in production animal veterinary medicine began. Dr. Friedrich received a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences, majoring in animal science, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, followed by a DVM from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She then practiced mixed animal medicine and surgery in west central Iowa and worked in the veterinary biologics industry, developing vaccines for livestock, prior to returning to Iowa State University. Currently, Dr. Friedrich is a senior clinician and section head of the Food Animal and Camelid Field Services unit with a focus on providing veterinary curriculum instruction and professional services in small ruminant and bovine medicine and surgery. Dr. Friedrich and her husband, Ryan, keep busy with twin daughters’ activities, including several sports and several pets.
Eric D. Garcia When it comes to helping veterinary practices streamline their technology and attract and retain clients, Eric Garcia has a proven track record of educating the industry and producing results. Eric is an internationally recognized IT and Digital Strategist working exclusively within the field of veterinary medicine. Garcia’s work has been recognized throughout the industry. Eric was voted VMX 2020 Speaker of the Year by conference attendees. He speaks regularly at conferences all throughout the world.
Dr. Bailey Goos is a 2014 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Goos spent 2 years in a private mixed animal practice in Eastern Iowa before joining the USDA. She spent 3 years with the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) before joining APHIS Veterinary Services as a Veterinary Medical Officer in April of 2019. She currently lives in Vinton, Iowa with her partner, daughter, two bonus kids, two dogs (Ziggy & Hannah), one cats (Lizzo), 15 ducks, and 50 chickens. She enjoys traveling, gardening, baking and DIY projects.
Jessica Griffith, RVT, VTS graduated with her AAS from Baker College in 2015. She worked as an LVT in an emergency hospital in Michigan before moving back to Ames. Jessica joined the ISU ECC service in 2016. She has worked as an ICU veterinary technician, technical supervisor, and is now the critical care veterinary technician. She obtained her VTS in Emergency & Critical Care in 2019.
Dr. Andrea Holmes is a 2014 graduate of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Holmes worked at a mixed animal practice for three years before joining USDA. She then worked for FSIS for three and a half years before joining APHIS Veterinary Services as a Veterinary Medical Officer in October 2020. She lives in Marcus, Iowa with her husband Tim, sons TJ and Andrew, and their two dogs. She and her husband enjoy going to as many Cyclone football and basketball games as possible.
Dr. Anne Jablinski is a Texas native. Her family raises Brangus cattle and goats. She received her bachelor’s degree from Murray State in Kentucky, and her veterinary degree at Texas A&M university in 2019. She performed her food animal internship at Texas A&M and recently completed a food animal internal medicine residency at Kansas State University where she also received her Master’s in Veterinary Biomedical sciences. Her professional passions include teaching, hemolytic diseases, and veterinary wellbeing.
Dr. Albert Jergens is currently a Professor of Internal Medicine and Associate Chair for Research and Graduate Studies, Iowa State University CVM. Clinical interests are gastroenterology, GI endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, and performance of clinical trials. Research interests are GI endoscopy, GI immunology, host-microbe interactions mediating GI health and disease. Probiotics/synbiotics.
Dr. Marta Mainenti is a diagnostic pathologist and clinical assistant professor at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Since obtaining her DVM degree in 2011, she has always worked in pathology and deepened her knowledge in multiple veterinary diagnostic laboratories across Italy and the US.
Dr. Krishona Martinson holds a BS, MS, and PhD in Agronomy from UW-River Falls (BS) and the University of Minnesota (MS and PhD). Since 2008, Dr. Martinson has been the Equine Extension Specialist in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota where she was promoted to Professor in 2018. Dr. Martinson leads the University of Minnesota Extension Horse Program, which reached over 5 million horse owners and professionals in 2022. This was a result of her successful efforts to incorporate technology and social media into research and Extension programming, including the development of online short courses, two mobile apps, a Facebook page, a YouTube channel, infographics, and a monthly e-newsletter. She has secured almost $2 million for her applied research program which focuses on improving equine forage utilization and has published 4 book chapters, 68 journal articles, 153 abstracts and proceedings, and has advised 13 graduate students and 2 post-doctoral research associates. In 2023 she was elected Vice President of the Equine Science Society. Along with her family, Dr. Martinson also owns and operates Leaning Pine Farm and Martinson Herefords. These entities include horses shown in timed events, registered and commercial Hereford beef cattle, and direct marketing beef to the local community.
Dr. Nathan Meyer is a fifth-generation cattleman who was born and raised on a livestock and crop operation in Iowa. He received a MS degree in animal nutrition from Iowa State University and a PhD in ruminant nutrition from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He received MBA and DVM degrees from Colorado State University. Following graduation, Dr. Meyer worked as a consulting feedyard veterinarian and nutritionist for operations stretching from Western Canada to Southern Arizona. This experience allowed him to pursue his love for the cattle feeding business and develop his skills as a feedyard consultant. In 2018, Dr. Meyer joined Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health as a Senior Veterinarian serving the Key Accounts team. In his current role, he is involved in working with producers and consultants to improve cattle health and production through sound research and best practices. Dr. Meyer has authored or co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and numerous internal publications. He serves as an affiliate faculty member at Colorado State University, is a past member of the National BQA Advisory Board, and is active in AABP and serves on the Board of Directors for AVC. Dr. Meyer and his wife, Molly who is also a veterinarian, have two young sons and they reside in Canyon, Texas. Dr. Meyer and his wife continue to be involved in the family cattle and crop operations in Wyoming and Iowa raising cattle (stocker, feedlot), crops (corn, soybeans, hay) and kids.
Dr. Alyona Michael received her DVM in 2014 and PhD in 2018, both from ISU. She was at the National Veterinary Services Lab’s Pathobiology sections in Ames from 2017-2019 and has been at the ISU VDL since 2019.
Dr. Kristina Miles, DACVR - I am an ACVR Board Certified veterinary radiologist practicing at Iowa State University. In my early career, primary care practice in Texas preceded a Veterinary Radiology residency and completion of an MS degree at University of Missouri-Columbia. I moved to a Specialty Referral practice in Boston before returning to an academic setting at Iowa State. My clinical and collaborative research interests include resident and veterinary student instruction, small animal and exotics digital radiography, feline hyperthyroidism and imaging of pancreatic disease. These, and other, diagnostic imaging interests have afforded opportunities to previously serve as president of the Veterinary Ultrasound Society and Veterinary Nuclear Medicine Society. Most recently, I served on the ACVR Examining Committee as the exam transitioned from an oral format to a digital experience.
Lori E Moran, RVT, VTS is an Iowa native who graduated with a BS in Animal Science from Iowa State University and an AS in veterinary technology from St. Petersburg College. She started working at ISU VMC in 1993 in the Large Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery services. In 2004, Lori transitioned to the Cardiology Service and has helped it grow from a part-time service with one Cardiologist to the service that it is today - a full-time service including two Cardiologists, two Cardiology residents, and visiting house officers. Lori successfully obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialist designation in Cardiology in 2017. She has received recognition for her teamwork and collegiality, including the LVMC Employee of the Quarter in 2017 and the IVMA Healthcare Team Award in 2018.
Beckie Mossor, RVT is a Registered Veterinary Technician living in Southport, NC. She has enjoyed a diverse career in small animals, large animals, mixed practices, management, private consulting, and academia. She is currently the Practice Management Coordinator for Appalachian State University Veterinary Technology program. When possible, Beckie deploys with the ASPCA Disaster Recover Team, Animal Balance Spay Neuter services for underserved communities, and other veterinary service organizations dedicated to reducing the stray pet population. Beckie is currently the President-Elect for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and serves on the Board of Directors for the Collaborative Care Coalition. Beckie is proud to be a founder of the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree, a 501(c)3 created to provide holiday assistance for veterinary professionals and their families and is co-host of Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast.
Dr. Keiko Murakami is a 2005 graduate of Rakuno Gakuen University School of Veterinary Medicine where she obtained her BVM (Japanese Equivalent to professional DVM). She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (Radiation Oncology) and is also a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology). Dr. Murakami is interested in multimodal cancer treatments and has a miniature poodle named Moja Moja as her personal pet. Currently Dr. Murakami is an assistant Professor of Medical and Radiation Oncology at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Kevin Petersburg- B.S., Animal Science, and D.V.M. from Iowa State University, 1984 Environmental Health Officer, U.S. Air Force, based at RAF Greenham Common, UK 1984-1988. USDA,APHIS,VS Veterinary Medical Officer in Virginia 1988-1990. USDA,APHIS,VS Assistant Area Veterinarian in Charge in Illinois 1990-1994. USDA, APHIS,VS Area Veterinarian in Charge, Iowa 1995-2013 USDA,APHIS,VS, SPRS Assistant Director, Iowa 2014-present
Dr. Paul Plummer is a Professor and holds the Anderson Chair of Veterinary Science with a joint appointment in both Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine as well as Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine. He also serves as the Executive Director of the National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education. His primary faculty duties fall into two basic categories, research and teaching/clinical. The focus of the research is best summarized a molecular bacteriology of pathogens associated with ruminant or zoonotic human disease and antimicrobial resistance. The teaching/clinical component of his appointment focuses on ruminant internal medicine and infectious disease. He is board certified in Large Animal Internal Medicine and is the only person in the US board certified in Small Ruminant Health Management. He grew up on a dairy goat operation and continues to milk goats with his family today.
Dr. Carol Reinero received her DVM from the University of California-Davis. She completed a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Rotating Internship at Texas A&M University and returned to UC Davis to complete a Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency. She received her PhD in Immunology from UC Davis. She is currently a Professor and the Director of the Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory and the Co-Director of the BREATHE Clinic at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Reinero has spoken nationally and internationally on respiratory diseases in small animals and has published close to 150 peer reviewed scientific manuscripts.
Dr. Lee Schulz is an associate professor in the Department of Economics at Iowa State University and serves as the statewide extension specialist on livestock economics and markets. His areas of focus are in marketing, price analysis, and risk management for the beef cattle and pork industries.
Dr. Chris Siepker, DACVP is a Diagnostic pathologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. He received his DVM from Kansas State University in 2016. He did his Anatomic Pathology Residency at the University of Georgia in 2019. Dr. Siepker’s diagnostics interests are food animal pathology, respiratory disease in pigs and cattle, infectious diseases, diagnostic pathology.
Matt Spangler PhD grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm in Kansas. He received degrees from Kansas State University (BS; 2001), Iowa State University (MS; 2003), and the University of Georgia (PhD; 2006) and is currently a Professor of Animal Genetics and Extension Beef Genetics Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research work focuses on quantitative genetics and genomics in livestock. As part of this effort, he works closely with livestock industries, in particular beef and swine, to implement improved genetic selection tools and methods.
Dr. Elizabeth B. Strand founded the Center for Veterinary Social Work (CVSW) at the University of Tennessee Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Social Work. The Center is dedicated to attending to the welfare of all species through excellence in global interprofessional practice. Her professional mission is to: 1) support the humane treatment of people and animals, 2) attend to mindfulness in all settings and situations, and 3) make every step as one that is directed toward building peace.
Dr. Dan U. Thomson is a third-generation bovine veterinarian from Clearfield, IA. He received his BS in Animal Science and DVM from Iowa State University and completed an MS in Ruminant Nutrition from South Dakota State University and a PhD in Ruminant Nutrition from Texas Tech University. Dr. Thomson is the managing owner/partner in PAC veterinary and research services which oversees the veterinary care, health and well-being for 25% of the cattle on feed in the United States. Dr. Thomson also holds a 50% appointment as a Professor of Beef Cattle health at Iowa State University in the College of Agriculture. Thomson is the founder and host of Doc Talk, a nationally aired beef cattle health veterinary television show entering it 13th season (nearly 600 episodes) reaching 45 million homes world-wide. Dr. Thomson is recognized internationally as a leader in beef cattle health, welfare, and operation management. Dr. Thomson’s research program has been granted over $36.3 million with $17.0 million of those funds coming with him as the primary investigator. Thomson has published over 120 peer-reviewed publications and has delivered over 950 invited talks on bovine medicine globally.
Dr. Laura Van Vertloo got her DVM at Iowa State. She then completed an internship and internal medicine residency at Purdue University before returning to Iowa State where she is currently an Assistant Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
Dr. Randy Wheeler is a native Iowan from the family’s Century Farm in Madison County. He graduated from Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. For 30 years, Dr. Wheeler was a mixed animal practitioner in Des Moines and Madison County. He was the Assistant State Veterinarian for 6 years and has been the IVMA Executive Director since 2013. A Life Member of the IVMA and an AVMA Honor Member, Dr. Wheeler has been involved in organized veterinary medicine for over 45 yrs. and served as past president for the IVMA, IVMA Foundation, Southwest VMA, ISU Alumni Association of Veterinary Medicine, and Veterinary Medical Association Executives.
Ms. Jan Woods has been involved in human & veterinary medicine for over thirty years. Jan’s areas of expertise encompass compliance with DEA regulations, as well as other state and federal regulations, clinic and hospital practice management & operations, human resources, finance, and marketing. In 2021 she co-authored the Controlled Substance section of the AVMA-PLIT Veterinary Safety Manual. Jan presented to the American Veterinary Medical Law Association (AVMLA) at the AVMA conference in 2006 and repeated the topic at the AVMA/AVMLA conference in 2019. Jan’s RACE approved presentation entitled “Controlled Substance 101: How & Why You Must Comply!” satisfies most state’s mandated opioid training requirement.