Thanks to the generosity of Bob Wilder, the Raptor Center (TRC) at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has added a new full-time staff veterinarian position. The new staff veterinarian, Dana Franzen-Klein, DVM, MS, began in her role July 1. Franzen-Klein has already helped TRC grow alongside its swelling caseload. She provides necessary leadership and training to interns, who have had to interact with eagles earlier on in their training than in the past due to the increased caseload of these mighty birds.

Franzen-Klein will also spearhead research projects at TRC in order to add to the program’s wealth of raptor knowledge. Franzen-Klein finished her master’s at the CVM in April and brings with her extensive research experience, particularly on the ecological effects of neonicotinoids, a type of pesticide often used in Minnesota’s agriculture.

Prior to Franzen-Klein entering the new full-time staff veterinarian position, Michelle Willette, DVM, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the CVM and previous staff veterinarian, divided her time between education and the clinic. Now, Willette is able to focus on teaching and developing academic courses. Wilder will match all donations for the establishment of the position up to $50,000.