Our Team

Dr. Thomas Schaer serves as the Director at Penn Vet’s Institute for Medical Translation where he catalyzes and supports the translation of science and technology into valuable solutions for clients, patients, and consumers across medical device, consumer, and health tech sectors.

Dr. Schaer graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine in 1996, having first started his journey in human medicine at the University of Bern, Switzerland following three years of military service. After graduating from Penn Vet, he completed a rotating internship at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY followed by a three-year residency and three-year lectureship in Large Animal Surgery at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. He then struck out on his own building an ecosystem for translational research at New Bolton Center with the mission to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations to teach, train and apply discoveries in the laboratory to real-world problems.

Claire Brady acts as the laboratory manager and lead OR circulating nurse. She coordinates scheduling, preforms imaging and manages the day to day laboratory needs. Claire graduated from Purdue University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences, a minor in Food and Agribusiness Management and a certificate in Public Policy. While attending Purdue University, Claire spent her summer and winter breaks working as a research assistant at CORL. Following graduation, Claire worked as a research specialist at the Penn Cardiovascular Institute and CHOP in Philadelphia on multiple human heart tissue research projects. She recently came back to join the team, with hopes of attending graduate school in the near future.

Dr. Leslie Brewer serves as Study Director for the Animal Model Core & Comparative Orthopedic Research Lab and oversees IACUC compliance.

Dr. Brewer graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, completing her clinical rotations at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York.

After graduation, Dr. Brewer completed an internship focusing on equine sports medicine. She has worked in Large Animal clinical medicine, non-profit small animal shelter outreach programs, and has experience with anesthesia and radiology.

Dr. Leslie Brewer serves as Study Director for the Animal Model Core & Comparative Orthopedic Research Lab and oversees IACUC compliance. She has experience running GLP preclinical research studies adherant to 21 CFR, Part 58 GLP.

Nicole DeLizzio is a research technician at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations, manages archiving, and assists Dr. Leslie Brewer with regulatory writing and submissions.

Nicole graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Veterinary Studies and Animal Biosciences as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Nicole also undertook additional studies in Equine Sciences and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.

Nicole participated in the University of Delaware’s Animal Science Club for four years and served as a teaching assistant in the Animal and Food Science Laboratory. She has work experience in the University of Delaware’s Virology and Immunology Lab as a research assistant and has over 7 years of experience working with small and large animals. In 2018, she completed a 3 month animal care internship at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Kimberly Weingarten is the Quality Assurance Officer for AMC and CORL and oversees the lab’s quality management systems and compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations (21 CFR Part 58). Kim also offers quality management consultations to other research laboratories within the University of Pennsylvania.

Kim brings 20-plus years of GLP study management experience with small and large animals to her role as QA Officer. Kim graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. Following graduation, Kim held numerous positions within Contract Research Organizations specializing in GLP-compliant toxicology study management, eventually securing the position of Toxicology Support Services Manager.

After taking some time to be a stay-at-home mom, Kim returned to the work force providing report writing and QC management expertise to various bioanalytical research companies before joining AMC-CORL in 2020 as Quality Assurance Officer.

Carly Dillulio is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Carly attends the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, as well as a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources. She has volunteered at her local animal shelter for the past 5 years and currently works at a small animal hospital in her town. Carly is on the executive board of Animal Science Club at the University of Delaware, and participates in an organization that raises dogs for The Seeing Eye. Carly will be attending veterinary school in the fall and hopes to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Seline Stoop is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Seline attends the University of Delaware pursuing degrees in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture & Natural Resources with minors in Spanish and Equine Science. At the University, she is involved as President of Animal Science Club and rides competitively on the equestrian team. Seline has experience in general practice small veterinary medicine, however most of her experience comes from working with horses and shadowing equine professionals. Seline will be attending veterinary school in the fall and hopes to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Paige Pierson is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Paige attends the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a minor in equine science and a One-Health certificate. Paige has a background with beef cattle and a passion for the agriculture community. She has experience with small and exotic animal veterinary medicine. Paige has been a western captain of the University of Delaware Equestrian Team for the past two years, and is an active member of the Animal Science Club. She will be attending veterinary school in the fall and plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Lily Koster is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Lily attends the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary medicine with a minor in Animal Nutrition. Lily has a background in animal husbandry and livestock showing with dairy goats. She currently works at a small animal hospital and restaurant outside of the school semesters. Lily is the Historian for Animal Science Club and a Merchandise chairwoman for her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. After finishing her bachelor’s degree, Lily plans to attend veterinary school and specialize in large animals, with hopes of working alongside small family farms and help to expand practices in the large animal field.

Delaney Oeth is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Delaney attends the University of Delaware pursuing an honors degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a minor in Statistical Data Analytics. At AMC-CORL, Delaney is responsible for a collaborative in-vitro and in-vivo study with Drexel University for a potential suture anchor copolymer technology. Outside of school, Delaney spends her free time assisting in surgery at a stray cat clinic, running, hiking, or with her dog. Delaney is on the club track and cross-country team as well as other animal-related clubs at UD. She hopes to attend veterinary school in the future and pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Jessica Wilm is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. She has been a member of the team since the fall of 2022. Jessica attends the University of Delaware and is pursuing a Pre-Veterinary Medicine degree under the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Jessica has a background with agricultural animals, namely horses, and has always enjoyed spending time outdoors. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Jessica plans on pursuing veterinary school and a career with animals. She is especially interested in conservation efforts and field work under the wing of veterinary medicine.

Alexis Rabinovitch is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Alexis is a freshman at the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a minor in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology. She is a member of the university’s wildlife conservation club, the pre-vet club, and volunteers as a puppy sitter for the University of Delaware’s Seeing Eye Dog Raising Program. While she has a background in agriculture, she is passionate about exotic animals. Alexis plans to attend veterinary school to pursue a career as a wildlife veterinarian.

Amanda Girgis is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Amanda attends the University of Delaware and is pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine, as well as a minor in Biology. In her hometown, she works as a veterinary assistant at a small animal emergency hospital. Amanda is an active member of the Animal Science Club at the University of Delaware and partakes in other extracurricular activities. Her goal is to attend veterinary school and pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Catherine Johnson is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Catherine graduated from the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Food and Agribusiness Marketing and Management with a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies and a certificate in New Product Development. She has been working at AMC-CORL since the fall of 2018. Catherine has a background in dairy farming and a passion for agriculture. After finishing her bachelor’s degree, Catherine is pursuing a career in regulatory affairs.

Erin served as a research assistant at CORL from 2018 to 2020. Erin graduated from the University of Delaware in 2020 with a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences with minors in Biological Sciences and Wildlife Conservation and Ecology. Erin is now studying veterinary medicine at the University of Georgia as part of the Class of 2024.

Hariclia Samouhos, known most commonly as Leah, worked as the PSC-CORL Operating Room Nurse/Equipment Manager from 2017 to 2018. Leah first started at CORL while attending Delaware Valley University in 2016. Leah worked at PSC-CORL until admission to Drexel for a Master’s Program. Leah is currently pursuing her veterinary degree at Royal Veterinary College in London.

Julia Schayes served as a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assisted with day-to-day operations. Julia graduated from the University of Delaware with a honors degree in Pre-Veterinary Studies and Animal Bioscience, as well as a degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources, with an added minor in Business Administration. Julia has experience with shelter medicine and small animal emergency veterinary medicine. Since 2016, she has been a volunteer puppy raiser for the organization Guiding Eyes for the Blind. She has raised two guide dogs for the organization and currently is raising her third puppy. Additionally, Julia has completed an internship at her local zoo and worked in South Africa with a wildlife veterinarian. Julia hopes to attend veterinary school and pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Shannon Moran served as a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assisted with day-to-day operations. Shannon graduated from the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with minors in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. During her time as an undergraduate, she served as a workshop leader in General Chemistry where she instructed her peers on topics covered in the course. Shannon has been riding horses competitively for over 10 years and was on the University of Delaware Equestrian Team. Shannon is currently attending veterinary school and plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Lindsay Gelb is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Lindsay attends the University of Delaware pursuing a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a minor in Chemistry. Lindsay spends her school breaks working at a dairy farm and caring for her herd of goats. She hopes to attend veterinary school and become a large animal vet.

Mitchell is a research assistant at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations. Mitchell and his wife recently moved to Kennett Square from Toronto, Canada in the fall of 2020. Mitchell attended the University of Guelph where he graduated with a degree in Biological Science where he spent several semesters developing his laboratory skills. Mitchell comes to CORL with large animal experience through his wife’s involvement with horses. In the future, Mitchell would like to pursue a career in human or animal biomedical research.

Leah served as a research assistant at AMC-CORL. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Animal Science with minors in Public Health and Food Agribusiness Marketing and Management. Leah served as a research assistant at a University of Delaware laboratory where she grew her skills in laboratory practice and etiquette. Leah has experience with many large animals due to growing up with horses and her hands-on work at the University of Delaware. She hopes to pursue a graduate degree in public health focusing on zoonotic infectious diseases.

With her renowned attention to detail, Ms. Nancy Skinner acts as the Quality Control for AMC-CORL and assures compliance with GLP regulations within the CORL lab.

With her renowned attention to detail, Ms. Nancy Skinner acted as the Quality Control for AMC-CORL and assures compliance with GLP regulations within the CORL lab. Nancy graduated from the University of Marylandwith a B.S. in Animal Science and Texas State Technical Institute with A.S. in Animal Technology. She has extensive equine experience through years of working as a Breeding Manager. She gained additional experience in the health care and handling of bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine species during her years working as a registered veterinary technician and the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center.

Emily Davidow served as a research Technician at AMC-CORL and assists with day-to-day operations.Emily graduated from the University of Delaware in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Veterinary Studiesand Animal Biosciences with a minor in Biological Sciences. She served as a teaching assistant for the University’s Animal and Food Science Club where she instructed students on handling and caring for small and large ruminants. Emily has over 10 years of experience volunteering in animal shelters and in small animal veterinary practices. Emily is currently pursuing her VMD at PennVet.

Dr. Adriana Barba received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from University San Francisco de Quito in 2018. Following graduation, Dr. Barba completed a year-long rotating equine internship at University of Lyon in France a second equine rotating internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, California. Her internships have had focus on lameness, surgery, and diagnostic imaging.

Dr. Alessandra Fusco is a Research Fellow at the Animal Model Core & Comparative Orthopedic Research Lab. She oversees veterinary care of study animals, supports pre-clinical research efforts, and conducts academic research projects. Dr. Fusco received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from University of Perugia School of Veterinary Medicinein 2015. Following this she worked as a large animal ambulatory practitioner in Tuscany, Italy, and in 2017 completed an equine medicine, surgery and emergency and critical care rotating internship at Fethard Equine Hospital, Ireland. In 2019, Dr. Fusco completed an equine surgery internship at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky. Her academic research focuses on rabbit intubation and equine tendinitis. Dr. Fusco is currently in an equine surgery residency at UTRECHT

Ben Ahern started his time in the USA when he had the opportunity to be one of the first CORL fellows with Dr. Martina Bonaldi. When graduating from veterinary school no one, including Ben himself, would ever have predicted a research career in his future, however Tom and CORL had a lasting and profound impact on Ben’s career path. His research interests have evolved over his career. The different topics he has studied have relied heavily on the grounding and basis of training as a CORL fellow. Ben’s career path to date includes starting a private racetrack practice and has now led him to academia. He is currently Associate Professor and Academic Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Dr. Radtke grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2001, she obtained her Bachelors of Science Degree in Animal Sciences from the University of River Falls, and in 2005, she earned her degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After completing a one-year in-hospital rotating internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, she spent the next 2 years working for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission as a regulatory veterinarian. From there, she completed a one-year orthopedic surgery fellowship at the Comparative Orthopedic Research Lab at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. She then completed a three-year large animal surgical residency program and earned her PhD in regenerative medicine at the University of Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Veterinary College. Dr. Radtke stayed on with the veterinary school for two years to provide surgical sabbatical coverage for other surgeons. Dr. Radtke currently owns and operates the surgical service at Abington Equine Hospital near State College, PA.

Dr. Boorman graduated from Royal Veterinary College London in 2016. Upon graduating, she completed a 1 year Equine Surgery internship at Hagyard Equine Hospital. Sophie came to the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center first for a rotating hospital internship, and then served as a fellow in translational research at the Animal Model Core and Comparative Orthopedic Research Lab. During her time at CORL, Sophie was able to publish several academic papers which she presented at conferences. Dr. Boorman finally secured a Surgery residency at Auburn University, where she is now. Dr. Boorman has a strong orthopedic interest which originated at CORL, and it is serving her well during her residency. Dr. Boorman’s research at Auburn has primarily focused on joint health and in vitro models of osteoarthritis. In the future she aspires to take the skills and knowledge she has learned from her schooling and apply them in practice as ta full-time large animal orthopedic surgeon.

Amanda Santos served as a research technician at CORL from 2016 to 2020. While at CORL, Amanda played an important role in the data management of GLP studies and served as the designated microCT technician/analyst. Amanda graduated from University of Delaware in 2019 with a dual degree in Animal Biosciences and Agriculture/Natural Resources and a minor in equine science. While an undergraduate student, Amanda was a member of Alpha Zeta and the Animal Science Club. She also spent her weekends volunteering at CompAnimals Pet Rescue. Currently, Amanda is a student at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2023. She is an active member/officer of SAVMA, the Food Animal Club, and the Surgery Club at Penn Vet. Following veterinary school, Amanda aspires to complete an internship and residency to become a large animal surgeon.

Carolyn Schew acts as lead OR nurse, coordinates interdepartmental scheduling, performs selected imaging and image processing, and manages the laboratory’s diverse needs.

Carolyn graduated from Temple University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, undertaking a minor in Anthropology.

In 2014 she worked as a research assistant at the Cordes Marine Biology Research Lab at Temple University studying the effects of ocean acidification on deep sea coral.

Carolyn has been working as a veterinary technician since 2013 with experience in small animal, large animal, exotics, research, and shelter medicine. She served as a volunteer for the Penn Vet Ryan Hospital Emergency Service from 2015 to 2016, and in 2016 completed a three-month animal care internship at the Philadelphia Zoo. In 2018 she spent three months in Hoogstraten, Belgium undertaking an international working student position at a 4* eventing stable.

Tyler Lavender served as a research technician and then operations assistant from 2016 to 2019. Tyler graduated from the University of Delaware with Majors in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences, and Agriculture and Natural Resources, with a minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. He has also worked as a zookeeper at ZooAmerica in Hershey, PA and as a research technician at AviServe LLC in Newark, DE. Tyler is pursuing a VMD at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2023, and is conducting his own research as a Rosenthal Fellow.

Madison Weston served as a research technician at CORL from 2018 to 2019. Madison graduated from the University of the Sciences in 2019 with a degree in Biology with a focus in Animal Science. Madison’s experience at CORL led her to the Pharmaceutical Industry working with mice and rats. She is currently a scientific researcher in biologics discovery and development. Her current work focuses on molecular cloning and creating antibodies for protein production. She is also working on a Master's degree in Molecular Biology at Lehigh University.

Brianna Ames served as a research technician at CORL from 2018 to 2020. Bri graduated from the University of Delaware in December 2020 with a degree in Animal Science and Agriculture and Natural Resources and a minor in Medical Diagnostics. She plans to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Science.

Katie Brooks served as a research technician at CORL from 2018 to 2020. Katie graduated from the University of Delaware in 2020 with a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine & Animal Biosciences and Agriculture & Natural Resources with a minor in Spanish. Katie is currently pursuing her VMD at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine as part of the class of 2024. She is enrolled in the Veterinary Business Management Association with hopes of opening her own Mixed Animal Practice when she graduates.

Giovanna served as a research technician at CORL from 2018 to 2020. She performed MicroCT scanning and analysis for the lab to collect data for ongoing projects and had an important role in CORL’s microbiological contributions to the Penn Vet working dog center. Giovanna graduated from the University of Delaware in 2020 with a degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Animal Biosciences with an Equine Science minor. Giovanna is currently pursuing her VMD at Penn Vet as part of the class of 2025.