The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine recently welcomed new faculty members who are serving in a variety of roles.

Published 8/22/2023
Story contact: Nicholas Childress, CVMMarCom@missouri.edu
Photos by Karen Clifford

Carie Boychuk, PhD

Carie Boychuk, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Boychuk, who was recruited through the Mizzou Forward program, earned her PhD from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in its Department of Physiological Science. After completing postdoctoral fellowships at George Washington University and the University of Kentucky, Boychuk started an independent laboratory at the University of Texas Health San Antonio in its Cellular and Integrative Physiology Department. At Mizzou, Boychuk plans to continue her investigation of central circuits responsible for the generation of parasympathetic motor output, especially in the context of cardiac regulation, while also teaching and building collaborations within the CVM and larger MU community. Outside of work, Boychuk says she enjoys working out in the early mornings and yoga in the afternoons, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their dogs. Boychuk says her experiences with her own pets’ veterinarians have made her excited to work alongside those at the CVM. “Their knowledge was immensely impressive, and by the end, they felt like family to us,” said Boychuk. “These experiences contribute to my excitement to give back to the veterinary community through teaching and mentorship.”

Kelly Gravitt, DVM

Kelly Gravitt, DVM, is a clinical instructor of equine ambulatory and emergency. A 2019 graduate of the MU CVM, Gravitt completed an internship at Mizzou followed by an American Board of Veterinary Practitioners equine practice residency. Gravitt will primarily work as an equine ambulatory clinician, as well as provide after-hours emergency care for both the ambulatory and in-house services. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, as well as cooking, reading and playing softball. Gravitt says she’s honored to be joining the faculty at the CVM. “I am excited to be able to continue to service our community as well as impart the knowledge I have learned over the past years to our future veterinarians,” she said.

Clint Greene, DVM

Clint Greene, DVM, DAVBP, is an adjunct assistant professor of veterinary medicine and surgery. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Greene worked at a private practice in Florida for more than 20 years and was a courtesy clinical assistant professor at the UF CVM. Following that position, Greene joined the staff at the University of Louisville, operating a research lab studying the coordination and dysfunction of swallow and breathing. His primary role at the CVM will continue to be in research, while also participating in intermittent clinical work at the Veterinary Health Center and providing clinical relief assistance to the area’s private practitioners. When he isn’t at work, Greene enjoys flower gardening, basketball, playing the bass guitar and hiking with his family. “I’m looking forward to continuing my research into the function and coordination of swallow and breathing while at Mizzou, but definitely have plans to do clinical work in some way,” Greene said. “I’m a clinician at heart and love interacting with patients, clients, veterinary staff and professional colleagues.”

Taya Marquart, DVM

Taya Marquardt, DVM, MS, DAVCIM-oncology, is an associate teaching professor of clinical sciences. Marquardt obtained her DVM at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and completed a residency at Auburn University. Over the past six years, Marquardt has served on the faculty at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine before making her way to Columbia. Marquardt says she enjoys spending time with her daughter, cooking, quilting and other crafts. As an associate teaching professor, she will be participating in both clinical and classroom teaching. Marquardt mentioned that she is excited to work with the oncology team at Mizzou. “After spending the past six years as the solo oncologist at my institution, I’m looking forward to having a team of people to collaborate and share perspectives with,” said Marquardt. “I’m also really excited about the opportunities that come with being part of a larger service.”

Juri Ota-Kuroki, DVM

Juri Ota-Kuroki, DVM, MS, DACVO, is an adjunct professor of ophthalmology. A graduate of Azabu University in Japan, Ota-Kuroki completed an internship and ophthalmology residency training at the University of Missouri. She also earned a Master of Veterinary Clinical Science degree at the University of Missouri. After becoming board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2008, she practiced at a specialty clinic in Saint Louis, Missouri, before joining the MU faculty in 2023.

Fabio Pinaffi, DVM

Fabio Pinaffi, DVM, MS, PhD, is an assistant professor of theriogenology and teaching professor in Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Pinaffi is a graduate of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, where he earned DVM, MS, and PhD degrees. He completed theriogenology specialty training at Auburn University before joining the MU CVM faculty. Among his clinical interests are comparative theriogenology and reproductive biotechnologies to improve fertility.

Ashton Story, DVM

Ashton Story, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, is a clinical instructor of small animal surgery. Story received her DVM from the University of Florida in 2017. After graduating, she completed a small animal rotating internship at the Ohio State University and a small animal surgical oncology internship Texas A&M University. She began her small animal surgical residency and master’s studies at the University of Missouri in 2019. Outside clinics, she enjoys running, cooking and spending time with her animals.

Lee Talbott, DVM

Lee Talbott, DVM, DACVIM-oncology, is an assistant teaching professor of oncology. Talbott is a graduate of Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Following her graduation, she completed a rotating internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital in Denver and completed an oncology residency at the University of Florida. Talbott has spent the past eight years in private practice in Boston. While at the CVM, Talbott will focus on clinics, teaching, and student and house officer engagement. Talbott is avid about CrossFit and loves doing anything physical or outdoors. She also enjoys live music, especially music festivals, and prioritizes spending time with her partner, friends and dogs. Talbott says she is glad to be a part of the Mizzou community. “I’m so grateful to be part of such an encouraging, supportive and cohesive community of people at the CVM,” said Talbott. “My goal is to help guide the development of smart, balanced and solid clinicians. I hope to contribute years of private practice experience and real-world perspective to the veterinary students, faculty and staff. Additionally, I’m excited to grow and learn every day. The opportunities are endless.”

Jeffery Boychuk, PhD

Jeffery Boychuk, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Boychuk joins the CVM faculty alongside his wife, Carie Boychuk.

Roman Ganta, PhD

Roman Ganta, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology and was recruited through the Mizzou Forward program.

Laurie Frasher, DVM

Laurie Frasher, DVM, is a clinical instructor of emergency and critical care and a 2012 graduate of the CVM.

Josephine Dornbusch, DVM

Josephine Dornbusch, DVM, is a clinical instructor of soft tissue surgery and was a Small Animal Medicine and Surgery rotating intern at Mizzou from 2018-19.