An experienced leader with more than a decade of experience in Laboratory Animal Medicine at four major universities, Dr. Alyssa Calder has been named the new University Veterinarian and Animal Care Services Director at the University of Lethbridge.
Calder comes to ULethbridge with extensive experience as an institutional veterinarian and having served on various animal care/ethics committees. Her post-secondary work has seen her work throughout Canada and overseas at New Zealand’s University of Otago. Her most recent appointment was as a veterinary clinician with Health Canada in Ottawa.
“I’m excited to explore a new part of the country. Lethbridge is a smaller city; it’s really different geography and I’m looking forward to that sort of feel for my family,” says Calder about choosing to move to Alberta and take on the role at ULethbridge.
“When looking at the University, it appealed to me for a number of reasons, one being a really strong neuroscience department. I’ve been involved in a fair bit of neuroscience research at some other universities and it’s something that really appeals to me. I also found the people I’ve talked to so far have been really genuine and welcoming.”
Calder earned a BSc in Zoology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Guelph and is currently a member of the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Medicine and the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.
“We’re really happy to add a veterinarian of Dr. Calder’s calibre to our animal services team,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge’s vice-president research. “Having worked in labs throughout the country and overseas, she brings a wealth of experience and perspective with her, and we’re excited to welcome her to the ULethbridge community.”
Calder always had a love for animals and eyed becoming a veterinarian when a high school guidance counsellor encouraged her to pursue something science-related because of her strong marks in the scientific disciplines. She initially began a traditional vet practice but soon transitioned to lab work.
Calder, who will be moving to Lethbridge with her five- and seven-year-old daughters, adds she is always challenged by her profession.
“It’s a very interesting career, it’s never boring and always filled with challenges,” she says. “It’s the kind of job where you have to problem solve, but you get the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with the researchers and the animal care staff to find solutions — so it’s always engaging.”