I manage an extensive mouse colony of C57, CD1, and genetically engineered mice. I set up breeding pairs, wean, toe clip, ear tag, and euthanize mice. I genotype mice via PCR and assist with Sanger sequencing as well as topocloning. I also inject hormones to induce superovulation to generate eggs for use in microinjection, electroporation, or IVF, as well as gathering pseudopregnant females for use as surrogates. I also help collect mouse tissues for use as lysates in western blots or to use in histology. Finally, when necessary, I assist in the sperm cryopreservation of essential lines.

In this role I assisted vets by taking patient histories, restraining animals, filling prescriptions, giving injections/medications, retrieving samples, trimming nails/expressing anal glands,etc. I also aided in diagnostics by running CCC/Chem/T4, urinalysis, radiographs, fecal flotations, ear cytology, etc. I informed pet owners of the importance of preventative care and helped answer questions they may have about their pet’s treatment. I also served as a receptionist taking calls/emails, running reports, updating the vets’ schedules, checking clients in, and placating dissatisfied clients.

In this role I cared for the laboratory and demonstration animals used at the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This included a variety of species including dogs, mini-pigs, horses, cows, sheep, goats, rats, mice, hamsters, etc. Duties included cleaning stalls/pens, feeding, watering, exercising, taking inventory, cleaning the facility, disposing of carcasses, washing dirty items, autoclaving, etc.

In this role I monitored and cared for the dogs staying on either a daily or weekly basis at a boarding facility. Duties included cleaning pens, exercising dogs, monitoring play rooms, feeding, watering, giving medication, etc.