We are proudly announcing Neal Burke, Research Technologist Supervisor from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, a Crimson Spirit Award recipient.

According to Neal’s nominator, he has optimized assays that detect genetic mutations in dogs and cats. These mutations predispose the dog or cat to severe adverse drug reactions. The department’s assays were developed for preserved blood or cheek swab samples but they had been asked to test a variety of tissue samples to help determine the cause of death of a dog or cat. Neal has anticipated needs, exceeded expectations and creatively figured out how to make these tissue samples work to provide genotype results to veterinarians and pet owners. Neal has also provided noteworthy extra effort for many years, the genetic testing is offered on a weekly basis and he has been the sole provider, even working on his vacation days and sometime around surgery schedules.

His nominator finishes by saying, “Adverse reactions in tens of thousands of dogs and cats have been prevented because of Neal’s contribution in the Program in Individualized Medicine. [He also] wears his Cougar gear every Friday!”