For over thirty years, Michael Stoskopf and Suzanne Kennedy-Stoskopf—professors of wildlife health at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine—have worked together to make an impact on the health of wild animals.  As veterinarians who have clinically specialized in zoological medicine, they have dedicated their lives to studying health issues of wildlife around the world and to teaching the next generation of wildlife veterinarians. Although her friends sometimes call her the Carnivore Queen because of her intense interest in large carnivores, her work on infectious diseases has benefitted a wide range of species from invertebrates to elephants. He is known for his groundbreaking text on fish medicine but, like Suzanne, is interested in solving problems for all wildlife species.

Hear their story at the next NCSU Libraries’ Fabulous Faculty talk.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
4:00 p.m.
Assembly Room (2nd Floor, East Wing) of NCSU’s D. H. Hill Library

by Jackie Gadison

Hannah holding Remy, a Welsh terrier.

When Hannah Hope joined the Veterinary Medicine Library (VML) in August of 2009, she found the perfect place for an animal lover—and we found the perfect student employee. First, there was the incredible enthusiasm to gain knowledge about how the NCSU Libraries works and how she could assist learners with library resources on medicine and animal care. Then there was the long history of devoting as much time as possible to animals. Hannah works at an animal shelter in her hometown of Greensboro, NC, where she helps dogs, especially those who have been abused, to achieve positive behaviors through training. That’s on top of making ample time for her own two pets: Pumpkin, a mini Holland Lop rabbit, and an aquatic frog named Bert.

In her first semester at VML, Hannah learned the basics of “how to do things in the library and be creative in finding library resources and information for patrons.”  She takes her diverse work duties seriously as she gains experience.  A junior double majoring in psychology and anthropology, Hannah is also working on a minor in French,  a skill that is often useful with the international health resources at VML. She plans to enter NC State’s Public History graduate program and to become an archivist. We are fortunate to work with Hannah and share in opportunities that present experiences for her professional plans. She sums it up by saying “I love working here.”

Hannah has chosen the right fit and surrounded herself with clinicians, researchers and fellow animal-loving students, as well as the latest scholarly materials. Coming to work each day she passes through the halls of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Veterinary Teaching Hospital.  And when the Randall B. Terry, Jr. Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center opens in January of 2011, she will be able to look out from the VML onto the national model for excellence in companion animal medicine.  As Hannah says “I will be near the cutting edge for animal care.”

When not at the VML or her classes, Hannah supports the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team as a dedicated season ticket-holding fan. She is also a world traveler, having been to Italy, Monaco, Belgium, France and now Germany as part of her family vacation in December. Hannah plans to continue working at the Veterinary Medicine Library for several more years—that’s our hope too!