About Us

Dr. Jessica Elbert earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. She then pursued a combined anatomic pathology residency and PhD in veterinary pathology at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her residency and became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists in 2021. Dr. Elbert's graduate research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Howerth at the University of Georgia and Dr. Jonathan Towner at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, explored the pathobiology of the Egyptian rousette bat, a natural reservoir host for Marburg virus. She completed her PhD in 2025. Outside of pathology, Dr. Elbert enjoys rockhounding, mineral collecting, salsa dancing, and spending time with her husband, Gary, and their two cats, Phoebe and Max.

Marje Kuipers hails from Michigan, though after 17 years in the military she has lived in several different states and countries. She completed veterinary school in Florida and a veterinary anatomic pathology residency in Maryland. Passing the American College of Veterinary Pathology board exam remains one of the happiest days of her life. Her professional interests include diagnostic pathology, dermatopathology, and cytology, though she also enjoys reading research slides. When she’s not working, she can be found at the local thrift stores, or jogging along the Susquehanna River.

After Graduation with a Bachelors in Microbiology in 2009 Heather Stevens began her career at the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory as a histotechnician. In 2011 Heather decided to start her own laboratory with a focus on research. 

Heather is an ASCP certified histotechnologist and loves the field. Her years spent at the veterinary diagnostic lab provided vast experience in every aspect of histological techniques as well as experience with a multitude of different species.

Her experience includes but is not limited to: gross dissection, bone decalcification techniques, fixation, tissue embedding, microtomy, IHC, assay development, TMA construction and various special staining techniques.

Heather has customized both staining and processing protocols for several clients. She attends the annual National Society for Histotechnology symposium to always stay on top of cutting edge technologies.

Michaela is a skilled Histotechnologist (ASCP)CM with extensive experience in both clinical and research settings. With expertise in microtomy, embedding, special stains, IHC, and digital pathology.

Michaela holds a Master of Science in Health Science (Community Health) from Montana State University, where she focused on patient-centered care and healthcare models. She is also a graduate of the Mayo Clinic School of Health Science's Histotechnologist Program and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Clinical Laboratory Techniques from Northern Michigan University. Michaela's commitment to advancing her field is evident through her hands-on experience and ongoing professional development.