Kathleen Bliss

Excelsior College Albany, NY  
MALS  2003-2006

Thesis title: Where Did We Go Wrong?  Social Issues and their Ramifications for the Pitt Bull Terrier and its Breeders. This study looks at the ethical, political, biological and financial ramifications of the Pit Bull Terrier breed on society.  It takes a critical look at how the Pitt Bull Terrier breed evolved, and the motives behind various breeding practices.  In addition, it examines how the people who support the breed are perceived, and how they are affected by insurance companies, lawmakers and other individuals that are opposed to the breed and its ownership.  It studies the problem of perception, breeding practices, and laws regarding dog ownership.  Recommendations are made regarding future studies and collection of data regarding pit bull issues as well as for improving the image of this much maligned breed.

Medaille College Buffalo, NY 
AS Veterinary Technology 1996-1997                 

Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 
BS Animal Science-School of Agriculture 1992-1994                                       

Alfred State College Alfred, NY
AAS Agriculture Science: Animal Science emphasis-School of Agriculture 1990-1992

I have been teaching the Introduction to Veterinary Technology Course since my arrival on campus in the fall of 2001.  I believe that a strong foundation is the key to success of every student, so Intro in geared toward comprehension of terminology, restraint techniques, animal behavior and other general topics.  I also cover the Parasitology course in the spring semester.  Lately I have taught the Animal Disease Control Course and Senior Capstone course for the Agriculture curriculum.  

I feel that continuing education is key to being a successful instructor, so I actively seek out and attend courses in my areas of interest which include animal behavior, parasites and parasitic control, and shelter medicine.  

I was honored in 2015 to receive the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

I previously worked in mixed practice.  I was employed in two different multi facility practices before coming to Alfred State.  

I am an active member of the New York State Association of Veterinary Technicians and attend the Spring seminar every year, bringing students along to introduce them to CE  opportunities.  I am the club advisor for the NYSAVT Student Chapter here at Alfred State.  We are proud to also have a Leadership Suite in the Student Leadership Center called "Opt to Adopt" which focuses in increasing awareness of the need for adoptions from shelters, as well as for spaying and neutering of pets. 

I am also an active member of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators-a group that strives for excellence in education of Veterinary Technicians

Parasitology presentations

 Western NY Alpaca breeders-parasite identification in camelids

Allegany County 4H program-

     parasite prevention in your animal-small ruminants and other species

     parasites of the horse

NYS Goat Producers-parasites and parasite control in small ruminants

General Health Topics

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County-Poultry health and disease prevention

Represented Alfred State College Agriculture and Veterinary Technology programs at:

• NYS Farm Show Spring 2003, 2005, 2006
• Empire Farm Days Summer 2002, 2004, 2006 (included a prospective student seminar in 2006)
• Cornell Veterinary School Open House Spring 2002, 2004
• Genesee Valley Equine Center

                              Horse Health Seminar                      Spring 2002, 2003, 2004

      Veterinary Technician Continuing Education Program of Western New York                                                         1997-2001

• Allegany County Fair-re-established department relationship with fair by setting up displays and sponsoring several 4H competition trophies

                                                                                          Summer 2002-2006

• Advanced Placement Biology Class-Bolivar Richburg School-present lab on animal anatomy Spring 2001-2006
• Science Fair Judge Bolivar Richburg Central School Spring 2003, 2004
• Presentation on Animal Health Care Fillmore Central School FFA Fall 2004, 2005, Spring 2006
• Presented Integrated Parasite Control for Small Ruminants in conjunction with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Fall 2006

• Alfred State College Alumni Association Grant: Funds to                                                 2006          purchase a pulse-oximeter for the Surgical Nursing lab
• Alfred State College Alumni Association Grant: Canine                                                    2006                     Ear Models for Anatomy lab
• UUP Joint Labor Management Committee Retraining                                                       2006          Fellowship Program Grant to finish Masters course work and thesis 

• UUP Joint Labor Management Committee Professional 2005 Development Individual award-for attending Canine behavior course at Purdue University
• Alfred State College Alumni Grant: materials needed for 2001-2003

      Parasitology labs                                         

• SPCA Scholarship 1990-1992
• Alfred State College Choir Scholarship 1992