Samantha Medbury

Research focused on physiological and neural mechanisms of hibernation using Arctic ground squirrels and rat models.

Surgical and Animal Monitoring

• Trained in intraoperative monitoring of Arctic ground squirrels and rats under anesthesia, including heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO₂, EtCO₂, blood pressure, and temperature.
• Assisted in AAV intracerebroventricular (ICV) and stereotaxic injection surgeries, including anesthesia management, surgical preparation, and post-operative care.
• Participated in euthanasia, perfusion, and tissue harvesting procedures for histological analysis.

Histology and Tissue Processing

• Experience using a cryostat for brain tissue sectioning, including embedding tissue in OCT and cutting sections at 7–20 μm thickness.
• Mounted brain sections for downstream histological analysis.
• Performed histological techniques including Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining.
• Collected tissue samples from both fresh and perfused rodent brains.

Immunohistochemistry and Imaging

• Assisted in immunohistochemistry (IHC) experiments for protein localization in brain tissue.
• Assisted with microscopy and imaging for analysis of stained tissue sections.

Provide support for emergency veterinary care including patient monitoring, treatment assistance, laboratory diagnostics, and client communication.

Hospital and Patient Care

• Monitor hospitalized patients and record vital signs hourly.
• Implement pre-established treatment plans and assist with patient recovery and care.
• Assist with patient mobility, walking, and general monitoring during hospitalization.

Anesthesia Monitoring

• Monitor animals under anesthesia and record vital parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO₂, and temperature.
• Manage and control isoflurane anesthesia delivery.
• Set up and manage IV fluids and Doppler monitoring systems.

Laboratory and Diagnostic Support

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment used for bloodwork, urinalysis, and in-clinic diagnostics.

Medical Records and Data Management

• Enter and maintain accurate patient records within electronic health record systems.
• Document patient visits, diagnostic results, treatment plans, medications, and follow-up care.

Reception and Emergency Triage Support

• Manage multi-line phone systems and prioritize incoming emergency calls.
• Assess urgency of cases and coordinate responses with medical staff.
• Communicate with clients regarding patient status, test results, and care instructions.

The Stable Isotope Lab specializes in measuring isotopic ratios in various biological, geological, and environmental samples to aid research..

• Assist in sample preparation, including grinding, weighing, and encapsulating samples
• Perform basic laboratory tasks such as cleaning glassware and maintaining lab equipment.
• Help manage data entry and organization
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness

Support staff for exam rooms and treatment. Kennel help through out the hospital. Used and maintained lab equipment. Monitored anesthesia and set up and take down surgery suite. Client communication for reception, education, and negative or positive results. Run blood work and fill prescriptions. Level 1 Fear Free Certification

Patient medical record keeping:

• Data Entry and Management: Accurately entering patient information into electronic health record system
• Record Updating: Regularly updating patient records with relevant medical history, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, medications prescribed, and any changes in condition or care.
• Documentation of Patient and Client Encounters: Recording detailed notes on patient visits, including symptoms reported, physical examinations conducted, diagnoses made, treatments administered, and follow-up instructions given.

Monitoring anesthesia:

• Control and handling Isoflurane
• Periodically taking vitals ( Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide, temperature ) and recording appropriately
• Set up and use of a doppler
• Set up and handling of IV fluids