The Lafeber Company Veterinary Student Program supports the growth of zoological medicine in veterinary medical schools. View the calendar of events below for a list of speakers and continuing education events sponsored at participating schools. Then visit our Student Program page for additional information or to browse our Student Program photo album.
As part of the Student Program, Lafeber Company sponsored the Zoo, Exotics & Wildlife Club Annual Animal Wetlabs during the spring of 2017 (photo below). Lab topics included Avian Exam and Hematology led by Sharman Hoppes, DVM, DABVP and Avian Reproductive Surgery by Stephen Fronefield, DVM, DABVP.

Avian Handling and Hematology Laboratory at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, sponsored by the Lafeber Company Student Program
Calendar of Events
Date | School | Event Sponsored |
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April 18, 2023 | Western University of Health Sciences | Dr. Sydney Pokard will present “Common Emergencies in Exotic Medicine" as a distance-learning event |
March 31-April 2, 2023 | Cornell University | Special Species Symposium, Gold Level Sponsor |
March 29, 2023 | Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine | Kemba Marshall, MPH, DVM, DABVP (Avian), SHRM-CP will discuss diversity in zoological medicine as a distance-learning event for the Tufts Veterinary Council on Diversity and the Tufts Wildlife, Aquatics, Zoo and Exotic Medicine Club. |
March 23, 2023 | Auburn University | Dr. Adam Cooner speaks on reptile medicine to the Zoo, Exotics & Wildlife Club |
March 11-12, 2023 | Atlantic Veterinary College | Co-sponsorship of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Introductory Course for the Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife Medicine Club |
March 9, 2023 | University of Minnesota | La’Toya Latney, DVM, DECZM (ZHM), DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice), CertAqV presents Reptile Nutrition 101 as a distance-learning event for the Zoo, Exotics, Aquatics & Wildlife Medicine Club |
February 18, 2023 | Texas A&M University | Co-sponsor of the Zoo, Exotics & Wildlife Club 8th Annual Wet Lab |
February 9, 2023 | Ontario Veterinary College | Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife (ZEW) Club Exotic Animals Clinical Skills Lab |
February 8, 2023 | University of Florida | Dr. April Romagnano discusses Avian Clinical Cases with the Wildlife, Zoological, and Aquatic Animal Medicine Club |
February 2, 2023 | University of Georgia | Dr. Cheryl Greenacre presents "Top 10 Neoplasms of Exotic Companion Mammals" to the Zoological Medicine Club |
September 26, 2022 | Michigan State University | Dr. Rae Porter-Blackwell presents "Rabbit GI Physiology" as a distance-learning event |
September 14, 2022 | Michigan State University | Dr. Olivia Petritz presents Avian Anatomy & Radiology as a distance learning event also open to Utrecht University veterinary medical students |
March 7, 2022 | Iowa State University | Jennifer Graham, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice, Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), DACZM presents on ferret medicine to the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine Zoo, Exotics and Wildlife Club as a distance-learning event |
February 23, 2022 | University of Minnesota | Kara Burns, MS, Med, LVT, VTS (Nutrition) presents “Rabbit Nutrition & Critical Care Feeding” as a distance-learning event for the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. |
February 18, 2022 | University of Florida | Dr. April Romagnano discusses Avian Clinical Cases with the College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife, Zoological, and Avian Animal Medicine Club. |
December 7, 2021 | University of Georgia | Dr. Petra Schnitzer presents "Ultrasound in Birds: Finch to Goose" as a distance-learning event for the students at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Zoo Med Club. |
November 9, 2021 | North Carolina State University | Wildlife, Avian, Aquatic, and Zoological Medicine Club Avian Blood Smear Wetlab |
November 1, 2021 | Mississippi State University | Dr. Jaime Samour presents "Medical, Nursing & Cosmetic Procedures in Birds of Prey: Part 2” , a distance-learning event for the students at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine |
October 20, 2021 | University of Tennessee | Dr. Jaime Samour presents "Medical, Nursing & Cosmetic Procedures in Birds of Prey: Part 1”, a distance-learning event to the UT CVM Avian, Wildlife & Exotics club |
October 19, 2021 | Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine | Dr. Jessica Magnotti presents on Gastrointestinal Stasis in Rabbits as a distance-learning event |
March 29, 2021 | University of Florida | Dr. LoraKim Joyner presents "Liberating Wings: The Possibility of Transformative Parrot Conservation ", a distance-learning event to the UF CVM WZAAM club |
March 24, 2021 | Iowa State University | Dr. Gregory Rich presents an "An Introduction to Exotic Animal Medicine" as a distance-learning event |
March 20-21, 2021 | Cornell University | Special Species Symposium Gold Sponsor |
March 11, 2021 | University of Georgia | Kathryn Gamble, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ECZM (ZHM) of Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo presents zoo medicine cases to the Zoological Medicine Club as a distance-learning event |
March 3, 2021 | North Carolina State University | "Exotic Animal Dermatology Cases" by Dr. Olivia Petritz for the NCSU WAAZM Club as a distance-learning event |
Jan 28, 2021 | University of Minnesota | Jason Crean, MS Bio, EdD speaks on "Avian Raw Whole Food Nutrition" to the University of Minnesota ZEAW club as a distance-learning event |
Jan 27, 2021 | Texas A&M University | Dr. Gregory Rich presents "An Introduction to Exotic Animal Medicine" as a distance-learning event |
Nov 11, 2020 | University of Missouri | Ann Brooks of Phoenix Landing presents a "Parrot's Point of View" course as a distance-learning event |
Oct 29, 2020 | Kansas State University | Dr. Deborah Monks presents "Avian Medicine: Emergencies and Resuscitation" to the Exotics Club and SVECCS as a distance-learning event |
Oct 29, 2020 | University of Illinois | Dr. Jörg Mayer presents "Using Comics to Interpret Rabbit Hematology" as a distance-learning event |
Oct 28, 2020 | Purdue University | Nicole Harmon, Director of Humane Indiana Wildlife on lead toxicity in local bird species |
Oct 26, 2020 | Cornell University | Dr. David Scott of the Carolina Raptor Center presents "Introduction to Avian Orthopedics" as a distance-learning event |
June 5, 2020 | University of Florida | Dr. Teresa Morishita presents on avian infectious bronchitis & backyard poultry to the WZAAM Club as a distance-learning event |
March 31, 2020 | University of Missouri | Postponed: Herptile Nutrition by Dr. Ellen Dierenfeld to the Mizzou Nutrition Club |
March 7-8, 2020 | University of California at Davis | Gold Sponsor of the 2020 Wildlife & Exotic Animal Symposium |
March 7, 2020 | University of Pennsylvania | Exotic Companion Mammal Handling Lab at the Special Species Symposium |
Feb 22-23, 2020 | Texas A&M University | Annual ZEW Club Wetlab - Avian Track |
February 20-21, 2020 | Tufts University | April Romagnano, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) of the Avian & Exotic Clinic of Palm City |
February 1, 2020 | North Carolina State University | Parrot Behavior Wetlab, led by Phoenix Landing |
November 19, 2019 | Louisiana State University | James Johnson, DVM, MS, CertAqV, DACZM of the St. Louis Zoo |
November 14, 2019 | University of Georgia | Kathryn Gamble, DVM, MS, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM) |
October 23, 2019 | University of Missouri | Rabbit Handling Lab led by J. Gioia of the House Rabbit Society |
September 17, 2019 | University of Florida | April Romagnano, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) of the Avian & Exotic Clinic of Palm City |
April 26-27, 2019 | Cornell University | Behavior Symposium: Lafeber sponsored Dr. Dennis Christen of Georgia Aquarium |
April 26, 2019 | Louisiana State University | Dr. Sonia Hernandez spoke to the Exotics and Pathology Clubs |
April 24, 2019 | University of Missouri | ZEW Club Avian Handling & Techniques lab led by Dr. Julie Burge |
April 19, 2019 | Colorado State University | Kara Burns, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) Colorado State University Nutrition Club |
April 3, 2019 | Ohio State University | Kara Burns, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) |
Mar 23-24, 2019 | University of Wisconsin | Wisconsin Exotic Animal Veterinary Conference |
Mar 9-10, 2019 | University of California at Davis | 2019 Wildlife & Exotic Animal Symposium |
February 23, 2019 | Texas A&M University | 6th Annual Zoo, Exotics, Wildlife Club wetlabs: Avian Reproductive Surgery by Dr. Stephen Fronefield & Bird of Prey Medicine by Last Chance Forever & Dr. Melissa Hill |
Jan 12-13, 2019 | University of Missouri | Show-Me Exotics Symposium |
Jan 12, 2019 | North Carolina State University | Phoenix Landing Bird Behavior, Husbandry & Handling lecture and wetlab co-hosted by NCSU WAAZM and Behavior Clubs |
Nov 29, 2018 | Colorado State University | Gabriel Foundation wetlab co-hosted by Behavior Club & Zoological Medicine Society |
Nov 16, 2018 | University of Pennsylvania | Wildlife medicine panel hosted by Wildlife Disease Assoc Chapter. Participants include Drs. Christine Higbie & Erica Miller |
Oct 23-24, 2018 | Purdue University | Medicine of Mammalian & Avian Species Symposium |
Sep 13, 2018 | University of Florida | April Romagnano, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Hyperbaric therapy in avian medicine |
May 5-6, 2018 | Phoenix Landing 4th Wellness Retreat Donated funds specifically geared to facilitate student attendance |
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April 16, 2018 | Oklahoma State University | Kara Burns, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) Co-Meeting with Emergency Medicine Club on Critical Care Nutrition & Emeraid |
April 16, 2018 | Oklahoma State University | Kara Burns, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) VOICE/BSAVA meeting on LGBTQ+ and Diversity in the Veterinary Profession |
April 14, 2018 | Virginia-Maryland | Heather Barron, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Hospital Director, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife |
April 8, 2018 | Mississippi State University | David Hannon, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) |
Apr 6-8, 2018 | Washington State University | Zoo, Exotics & Wildlife Symposium |
Mar 24, 2018 | University of Wisconsin | Wisconsin Exotic Animal Veterinary Conference |
Feb 24-25, 2018 | University of California at Davis | Wildlife and Exotic Animal Club Symposium, Silver Sponsor |
Feb 24, 2018 | University of Minnesota | Zoo, Exotics, Avian, and Wildlife Club wetlab with the Gabbert Raptor Center |
Feb 24, 2018 | Kansas State University | Avian Techniques Wetlab |
Feb 17, 2018 | Colorado State University | 4th Annual Zoological Medicine Society Exotics Symposium |
Feb 9, 2018 | Purdue University | Dr. Scott McDonald |
Jan 25, 2018 | Texas A&M University | ZEW/Behavior Meeting with Barbara Heidenreich |
Jan 20-21, 2018 | University of Tennessee | 16th Annual Exotic Animal Medicine Symposium |
Nov 17, 2017 | Western University | Veterinary toxicologist, John Tegzes, speaks on aflatoxicosis in birds |
Nov 4-5, 2017 | Purdue University | 1st Annual Medicine of Aquatics, Amphibians & Reptiles (MOAAR) Symposium |
Oct 21, 2017 | n/a | Exotic Animal Seminars, featuring Drs. M. Scott Echols and Rose Ann Fiskett |
Sep 7, 2017 | University of Georgia at Athens | Elizabeth Mackey, DVM of Sycamore Veterinary Services |
April 19, 2017 | University of Florida | Dennis Schmitt, DVM, Ph.D Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation |
April 8, 2017 | Texas A&M University | Zoo, Exotics & Wildlife Club Annual Animal Wetlab: Avian Exam & Hematology by Sharman Hoppes, DVM, DABVP Avian Reproductive Surgery by Stephen Fronefield, DVM, DABVP |
April 4, 2017 | Oklahoma State University | Jill Murray, RVT, VTS The Perfect Image: Diagnostic Imaging in Exotics |
Feb 17, 2017 | Mississippi State University | Alison Sharpe, Director Wildlife Care and Rescue Center |
Feb 16, 2017 | University of Illinois | Susan Orosz, Ph.D, DVM, DABVP, DECZM Distance-learning event Avian Neurologic Exam |
Nov 13-14, 2016 | Purdue University | Pet Bird Symposium |
Aug 22-23, 2016 | North Carolina State University | Phoenix Landing Parrot Handling Wetlab |
May 6, 2016 | University of Illinois | Angela Lennox, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal Practice) Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis |
April 23-24, 2016 | Texas A&M University | Sponsorship of Zoo Exotics & Wildlife Wetlabs Avian Emergencies Techniques (Sharman Hoppes,DVM, DABVP) Fish Anesthesia (Chad Harris, DVM) |
April 12, 2016 | Purdue University | Pet Bird Symposium |
April 9-10, 2016 | University of California at Davis | M. Scott Echols, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Wildlife and Exotic Animal Symposium |
March 30, 2016 | Purdue University | Jessica Ray , MA, Population Biologist Population Management Center, Lincoln Park Zoo The Science of Zoo Population Management |
March 12, 2016 | University of Pennsylvania | La’Toya Latney, VMD Special Species Symposium Reptile Handling Lab |
Feb 15, 2016 | Mississippi State University | April Romagnano, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Animal Health Clinic |
January 9, 2016 | University of Tennessee | UTCVM Exotics Symposium |
Nov 13, 2015 | University of Florida | Terri Parrott, DVM St. Charles Veterinary Hospital |
Oct 20, 2015 | Kansas State University | Julie Burge, DVM Burge Bird Services and Rescue Psittacine Bird Handling Lecture and Handling Lab |
Oct 13, 2015 | North Carolina State University | William Murray, DVM Antibiotic Resistant Pneumonia in a Western Lowland Gorilla” |
April 11, 2015 | University of California at Davis | Lauren Powers, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Avian & Exotics Medicine Club Symposium |
April 1, 2015 | University of Florida | Hayley Adams, DVM, Ph.D, DACVPM, DACVM Silent Heroes |
March 28, 2015 | Tufts University | Raising Standards of Exotic Bird Care Symposium Anthony Pilny, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) The Center for Avian & Exotic Medicine |
March 10, 2015 | Oklahoma State University | Paul Welch, DVM Forest Trails Animal Hospital |
Feb 27, 2015 | Texas A & M University | Don Harris, DVM Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center |
Nov 18, 2014 | University of Georgia at Athens | Surgical Patients at Zoo Atlanta Ken Greenwood, DVM, DACVS |
Oct 23, 2014 | Tuskegee University | Kara Burns, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry) Critical Care Nutrition (lecture recorded) |
May 5, 2014 | Kansas State University | Julia Ponder, DVM The Raptor Center Lecture and Bandaging Wetlab |
May 4, 2014 | Tufts University | LoraKim Joyner, Director of Lafeber Conservation The Human Dimension of Parrot Conservation |
April 26-27, 2014 | University of California at Davis | Natalie Antinoff, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Avian & Exotics Medicine Club Symposium |
April 11, 2014 | Purdue University | Amber Lee, DVM Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis |
April 4-6, 2014 | University of Pennsylvania | Special Species Symposium Silver Level Sponsor Dr. Erica Miller, Keynote speaker Emergency & Critical Care Wetlab |
March 7, 2014 | Texas A&M University | Dr. Gregory Rich West Esplanade Veterinary Clinic |
March 27, 2014 | Iowa State University | S.O.A.R. or Saving Our Avian Resources |
Feb 28, 2014 | University of Illinois | Feather Destructive Behavior in Birds Kenneth Welle, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) |
Feb 11, 2014 | Oklahoma State University | Dr. Paul Welch Forest Trails Animal Hospital |
Feb 8, 2014 | Western University of Health Sciences | 6th Annual ZWEACC Conference Rebecca Duerr of International Bird Rescue |
Feb 5, 2014 | North Carolina State University | Lysa Pam Posner, DVM, DACVAA Can Fish Feel Pain? |
Jan 11-12, 2014 | University of Tennessee | 12th Annual Exotic Animal Symposium: Lecture by Dr. Scott Citino of White Oak Conservation Center Herpetology Necropsy wetlab by Dr. Debra Miller |
Dec 2, 2013 | University of Georgia at Athens | Dr. Cheryl Greenacre, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) University of Tennessee Microsurgery in Exotic Animals |
Oct 12, 2013 | Texas A&M University | Zoo, Exotics & Wildlife student organization Rabbit Dental Lecture & Wetlab, led by Anneliese Strunk, DVM , DABVP (Avian Practice) |
April 26-28, 2013 | Cornell University | Special Species Symposium, Bronze Level Sponsor |
April 24, 2013 | Tuskegee University | Hayley Murphy, DVM Zoo Atlanta and the Great Ape Heart Project |
April 22, 2013 | University of Florida | Calvin LeClear, DVM Shores Animal Hospital |
March 27, 2013 | University of Illinois | Stephanie Moy, DVM Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital |
March 4, 2013 | Kansas State University | Gregory Rich, DVM Esplanade Veterinary Clinic |
Feb 8, 2013 | Texas A & M University | Barbara Heidenreich, Ph.D Good Bird Inc. |
Jan 19-20, 2013 | Western University | Zoo, Wildlife, Exotics, Aquatics and Avian Conservation Club (ZWEACC) conference |
Dec 6, 2012 | University of Georgia at Athens | Hayley Murphy, DVM Zoo Atlanta |
April 28, 2012 | Tufts University | Erica Miller, DVM Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research |
April 13-15, 2012 | University of Pennsylvania | Special Species Symposium, Silver Level Sponsor |
March 13, 2012 | Tuskegee University | Samuel Rivera DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Zoo Atlanta |
March 13, 2012 | Kansas State University | M. Scott Echols, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) |
Jan 30, 2012 | University of Illinois | LoraKim Joyner, DVM, MPVM, M.Div Lafeber Conservation |
Jan 28, 2012 | Western University | Zoo, Wildlife, Exotics, Aquatics and Avian Conservation Club (ZWEACC) conference |
Jan 10, 2012 | Oklahoma State University | Sía, the Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornithological Initiative |
Jan 7-8, 2012 | University of Tennessee | Tonya Clauss, DVM Georgia Aquarium |
Nov 11, 2011 | Texas A&M University | Tim Tristan, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Animal Medical Corpus Christi |
April 30, 2011 | University of California at Davis | Katrina Ramsell, Ph.D, DVM Northwest Exotic Pet Vet |
April 17, 2011 | Cornell University | Special Species Symposium |
April 4, 2011 | Kansas State University | Bob Dahlhausen, DVM Avian and Exotic Animal Medical Center |
March 25, 2011 | Texas A&M University | Natalie Antinoff, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists |
March 9, 2011 | Cornell University | Leigh Ann Clayton, DVM, DABVP National Aquarium in Baltimore |
Feb 25, 2011 | Western University of Health Sciences | Mark Edwards, Ph.D. Cal Poly Comparative Animal Nutritionist |
Feb 22, 2011 | Oklahoma State University | Kay Backues, DVM, DACZM Tulsa Zoo |
Feb 19, 2011 | Tufts University | Susan Friedman, Ph.D |
Feb 15, 2011 | University of Tennessee | Barbara Heidenreich, Ph.D |
Feb 9, 2011 | University of Georgia | LoraKim Joyner, DVM, MPVM, M.Div Lafeber Conservation |
Sep 29, 2010 | Tuskegee University | Tarah Hadley, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) |
March 16, 2010 | University of Georgia | Michael P. Jones, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) University of Tennessee |
March 30, 2010 | University of Illinois | Ellen Dierenfeld, Ph.D., nutritionist |
April 8, 2010 | Cornell University | Florina Tseng, DVM Tufts Wildlife Clinic |
April 9, 2010 | Western University | Brian Speer, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) The Medical Center for Birds |
April 25, 2010 | University of California at Davis | Geoff Pye, BVSc, MSc, DACZM San Diego Zoo |
Jan 8, 2010 | University of Tennessee | Susan Mikota, DVM The Elephant Sanctuary |
Oct 13, 2009 | Oklahoma State University | M. Scott Echols, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) |
April 21-22, 2009 | Tufts University | Dawn Kelly, Master Falconer |
April 20, 2009 | University of Tennessee | Dr. Lynne Seibert |
April 20, 2009 | University of Illinois | Dr. Kathryn Gamble, Lincoln Park Zoo |
March 30, 2009 | Texas A&M | Dr. Shannon Ferrell, Dallas Zoo |
Dec 2, 2008 | Cornell University | Ellen Dierenfeld Ph.D., nutritionist |
Sep 25, 2008 | University of Georgia | Teresa Lightfoot, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice); Florida Veterinary Specialists |
Sep 17, 2008 | University of Florida | April Romagnano, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) |
Sep 2, 2008 | Kansas State | R. Avery Bennett, DVM, MS, DACVS; University of Illinois |
April 17, 2008 | Texas A&M University | Marla Lichtenberger, DVM, DACVECC |
Nov 26, 2007 | University of Tennessee | American Eagle Foundation |