Stacey A. Sullivan

Dr. Stacey Sullivan serves as Professor of Practice in Neurology & Neurosurgery within Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, having joined the faculty in December 2023 after 30 years of clinical and academic veterinary neurology experience including leadership roles at NC State University and a major Los Angeles referral hospital.

Her educational credentials include:

• BA in English Literature from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• DVM from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Small Animal Rotating Internship Certificate from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Residency Certificate in Neurology and Neurosurgery from University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine
• Diplomate of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)

Dr. Sullivan's research integrates veterinary neurology with canine genetics, specializing in dachshund spinal health through breeding strategies targeting disc disease reduction, and pioneering investigations into odor-directed navigation using drone-based thermal imaging. Her work uniquely bridges clinical practice with hunting dachshund breeding expertise, focusing on the neurophysiology of scent tracking, epilepsy monitoring, and the genetic basis of hunting behaviors.

Her two imminent publications establish critical gene-dose relationships between FGF4L2/FGF4L1 genotypes and spinal health/limb morphology in dachshunds, providing breeders with actionable genetic tools while challenging assumptions about 'dwarfism genes' in canine breeds. This research demonstrates significant translational impact for canine welfare and breeding standards.

Dr. Sullivan directs the Sullivan Research Lab, mentoring undergraduate researchers like Mikailie Caulder while maintaining extensive collaborations with Oregon State University, Norwegian Federation of Dachshund Clubs, Swedish Dachshund Club, and International Working Teckel. She has developed veterinary training programs throughout her career and actively competes in national dachshund field trials.