CAHFS Spotlight: Amy Kinsley
CAHFS News

Dr. Amy Kinsley (far right) visited salmon farms in Chile in March 2018.

Our monthly series of CAHFS Spotlights highlights our residents, graduate students, faculty, and staff. This month, we're spotlighting CAHFS research associate and member of the Data Analysis Research Team (DART), Dr. Amy Kinsley.

How did you end up in your current position? In 2014, I graduated from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at the University of Minnesota. I embarked on my veterinary education with a civil engineering degree that prepared me with proficiency in the fundamentals of science and engineering theory, and the knowledge of applying that theory in a biological setting. I utilized this knowledge as an engineering project manager, where I developed the skills to evaluate risk and ensure reliability in my designs. Upon completion of my DVM, I enrolled in the PhD program where I developed epidemiological models which unite science, engineering and medicine. These models enable me to use a transdisciplinary approach to understand disease processes, make efficient use of data, evaluate, in quantitative terms, the extent to which factors and forces influence the risk for disease, and, ultimately, prevent or mitigate disease impact on animal health and public economy.

What work do you do with CAHFS? Recently we have been working with global partners from Chile, Canada, and Norway to answer key questions regarding the control and management of an important bacterial pathogen in the Chilean salmon industry. Through this interdisciplinary collaboration, our research will provide critical scientific insight on the detection, control, and management of Salmonid riskettsial septicemia (SRS). Our work will focus on the development of easily applicable tools and predictive models to transfer scientific knowledge directly from scientist to the private and public sectors responsible for salmon, ecosystem, and human health management and will provide policy recommendations for controlling SRS in the Chilean salmon industry.

What are you known for professionally? I am known for infusing creativity and enthusiasm into the problem solving process.

What are you most passionate about professionally? My main passions include developing solutions to problems, communicating those results to those that may benefit, and innovative education.

Where can we find you when you are not working? If I am not working you can find me at a lake, running, swimming or sailing.

Where did you grow up, and why are you not there now? I grew up in Florida. I came to Minnesota for veterinary school and stayed because I love the people.

Learn more about our Data Analysis Research Team

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