Theriogenology.
Conservation.
Okapis.
Dr. Kristina Baltutis is a veterinarian focused on theriogenology (reproductive medicine) and specifically with an interest in conservation medicine. She is also in love with the okapi and is an advocate for the Okapi Conservation Project.
About
Dr. Kristina Baltutis grew up in Orlando, FL and moved to North Carolina in 2006 to attend college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduating in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Minors in Chemistry and Marine Science, she accepted a position in Greensboro, NC teaching high school science. While teaching, she completed a Master of Animal Science through distance education at North Carolina State University. It was during this program that she fully embraced her interest in reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technology and decided to return to school to complete her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
While in veterinary school, Dr. Baltutis documented her experience on her blog, The Other Side of the Desk. She feels that she was a much better student for having been a teacher, and feels she has an unusual perspective for having crossed from one side to the other and back again. She continues to enjoy teaching in her role as a veterinarian.
More details on Dr. Baltutis’ experience and background can be found on her LinkedIn page.
Homeward Bound
Homeward Bound is a leadership training program which was founded with the mission to build a global collaboration of 1000 women with backgrounds in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine. It is a year-long program which culminates in an immersive, 18-day voyage to Antarctica. Dr. Kristina was selected as a member of the group’s fifth cohort and will be traveling to Antarctica in November 2020. To learn more about this voyage, or to support her journey, visit gofundme.com/f/leadership-journey-to-antarctica
Theriogenology
Theriogenology is the study of reproductive medicine in animals. Dr. Kristina Baltutis has a particular interest in this area of medicine and intends to specialize in this field in the near future. She has reproductive medical experience with a wide range of species, including several zoo and wildlife species! After being recognized for her extensive work with her local student chapter of this organization, Dr. Kristina was elected onto the national Board of Directors to represent the interests of new graduates and student initiatives.
Okapis
The okapi, also sometimes called the forest giraffe or the African unicorn, is an incredible creature native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Unfortunately, the okapi is endangered due to poaching, mining, and deforestation. Dr Kristina loves okapis and 3D-printed one for the top of her vet school mortar board, as shown to the left. She is an advocate for the Okapi Conservation Project.