Secretary - Barbie M. Papajeski, MS, LVT, RLATG, VTS (Clinical Pathology)

I began my path in veterinary medicine by switching majors before starting my freshman year at Murray State University in Kentucky.  A Kentucky native who was more at home in the woods than anywhere else, animals have always been my passion.  I loved the field of biology and science and thought I’d get a biology degree.  My advisor had my career mapped out for me and told me I would go on to teach.  That’s not what this introverted teenager had in mind so I switched to veterinary technology.  The program provided me with lots of hands on experiences and opportunities to explore many career paths.  My senior year, I spent a semester at the state diagnostic lab affiliated with the university and absolutely fell in love with laboratory animals and clinical pathology.  Before graduation I was able to get a part time job in the clinical pathology department.  I worked in a variety of areas including the necropsy floor, histology, clinical pathology, assisting with research, caring for the laboratory animal colony and teaching veterinary technology students.  I began teaching full time when a position became available in 1999.  I received my BSA in Veterinary Technology in 1995 and my MS in Agriculture in 2001.  I am a licensed veterinary technician in Kentucky, a registered laboratory animal technologist through AALAS, and a VTS (Clinical Pathology).  I was part of the organizing committee for the Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians as secretary and continue in that role today.  My teaching duties include courses in clinical pathology, small animal and laboratory animal science.  I also offer CE courses in clinical pathology through VSPN.  I've been a member of KVTA since 1995 and have served as secretary for many of those years.  I enjoy spending what little spare time I have outdoors hiking, camping, or gardening.  I share my home with two rambunctious boys, my husband, three dogs, five cats, rabbits, poultry, a gerbil, a turtle, and lots of ornamental fish.  As a family we like to volunteer with our local boy scouts, volunteer in our community and take short mission trips because even though I love animals, I also love helping people in need.