Niki Porter has 9 years of preclinical experience. She has been part of NAMSA since 2021 via its acquisition of American Preclinical Services (APS). She started at APS in May of 2016 as a Large Animal Surgical Technician Intern and then was hired as a Small Animal Research Technician. She progressed from a Small Animal Research Technician to her current role as Surgeon. She gained experience dosing biocompatibility studies, prepping preclinical models for surgery, monitoring vitals intra-procedure, recovering patients after procedure, and terming animals for necropsy. She advanced her skill through on-site experience and continuing her education.
Niki received her Bachelor Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology in 2014 and received an associate of applied sciences (AAS) for Veterinary Technician in 2016. She holds her Surgical Research Specialist (SRS) certification through the Academy of Surgical Research and holds a certification for Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS).
CORE COMPETENCIES
- 8+ years of experience performing surgical biocompatibility procedures in small animals
- Extensive experience with nerve manipulation and transection models in rabbits and rats
- Extensive experience performing craniotomies, laparotomies, and orthopedic procedures in Rabbits.
- Provides ongoing training to surgical technicians and other operators on small animal procedures, surgical prep, monitor, recovery, and post-operative care.
- Veterinary technician skills: venous and arterial catheter placement, intubation, anesthesia management, pain management
RECENT PROJECTS
- Nerve transection model involving rabbit sciatic nerve
- Surgical experience including laparotomies and craniotomies in rabbits
- Cecal abrasion models in rats via laparotomy
- Wound creation and sedated bandage changes in rats
