This year’s Research Week at Ross Vet (Nov. 3–7, 2025) features Dr. Rebecca Swan, a 2024 Ross Vet graduate and clinical veterinarian at the Caribbean Primate Research Center (CPRC) in Puerto Rico. There, she provides medical care for more than 2,500 rhesus macaques, supporting biomedical research that advances both animal and human health.
A Passion for Laboratory Animal Medicine
Dr. Swan's journey to becoming a veterinarian was not straightforward. After being denied admission to her home-state veterinary school, she completed a master’s in laboratory animal science and worked as an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) administrator. But despite the success, she found herself missing hands-on animal work.
“I already knew my passion was in the lab animal field,” she recalls. “But I wanted to work in a different capacity—somewhere I didn’t feel like I was in competition with my colleagues, and where legacy didn’t matter. Plus, I wanted to escape the cold and go to the beach!”
The accelerated curriculum and supportive environment at Ross Vet made it the perfect fit.
Finding Purpose at Ross Vet
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Swan maximized every opportunity—completing both lab animal electives, serving as club president of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP), and collaborating closely with Dr. Amy Beierschmitt at the Behavioral Science Foundation. She also completed a rotation at the foundation, caring for African Green Vervet monkeys and deepening her interest in non-human primates (NHPs).
Her biggest lesson from Ross Vet? Patience. “As a COVID-era graduate, we had no choice but to be patient,” she says. “That mindset carries into my daily work, whether I’m waiting for biopsy results, managing a critical case, or handling the unpredictability of working with animals and people.”
Ethical Care, Global Impact
At CPRC, Dr. Swan provides care for three rhesus macaque colonies, treating injuries, performing surgeries, and addressing complex medical and reproductive cases. These patients are purpose-bred and may be allocated to studies, remain for breeding, or receive treatment for injuries and illnesses unrelated to research. Her work supports ethical, humane research that drives breakthroughs in areas such as HIV and other translational studies, where rhesus macaques’ genetic similarity to humans (93–97%) makes them invaluable models for advancing medicine.
“Good science comes from happy and healthy animals,” she explains. “I feel accomplished knowing that the little baby monkey I’ve treated for a broken toe may grow up and be part of a pre-clinical trial for HIV prevention or cancer treatment.”
Challenges and Innovations
Working with non-human primates brings unique challenges, from zoonotic risks like Herpes B virus to limited veterinary literature. There’s no single textbook that covers every condition in a species-specific way, which can create challenges when working on a difficult or unique case.
She also finds excitement in everyday innovations—like introducing manuka honey for wound care, which wasn’t part of the standard protocol when she started at CPRC. “I’ve noticed a significant decrease in wound infections, dehiscence, and recovery times”, she says. “Anything we can do to decrease recovery time is a breakthrough in my book!”
Inspiring Future Researchers
For students interested in pursuing research or exotic/wildlife veterinary careers, Dr. Swan advises taking electives, gaining practical experience through externships or internships, and getting involved in research projects on campus. She also recommends joining professional organizations like American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP) and American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) for networking opportunities and resources.
Her advice? Take full advantage of every opportunity you’re offered during this time. “Doing research opens the door for so many opportunities, such as conferences and publications,” Dr. Swan says. “You may have opportunities to work with species and process data you may never work with again.”
Dr. Swan’s journey is a reminder that research isn’t just about data. It’s about discovery, compassion, and dedication to animal welfare. From St. Kitts to Puerto Rico, she’s proving that Ross Vet graduates are shaping the future of veterinary medicine and public health, one patient—and one breakthrough—at a time.
