In her element: TVMDL welcomes new scientist

From the moment she enrolled in her first chemistry class at her high school in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Kathrine Perri, PhD, has been devoted to the wonders of physical science.

Like any good chemist Perri, keeps a copy of the periodic table close at hand, particularly the one she received as a high school senior in 2006. The trusty 20-year-old periodic table now sits on her desk at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, where she serves as a scientist in the analytical chemistry section. 

“I’ve used this periodic table at every stage of my career,” Perri said. “I’m not sure I’ll use it here at TVMDL, but it serves as a reminder that I don’t have to memorize everything I learn. Good resources and tools help make me a better scientist and communicator, which in turn help the lab and the clients.” 

A unique path to helping animals  

Perri grew up loving animals, particularly horses. She spent much of her teenage years at an equine boarding facility, helping trainers with daily care and learning the routines of the barn. She also spent one summer working at a local veterinary clinic.  

“I realized that I liked biology and chemistry, but veterinary medicine, however, wasn’t quite the right fit,” Perri said.  

This awareness eventually led her to earn bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and environmental studies before pursuing a doctorate in environmental chemistry. Along the way, she studied harmful algal blooms, analyzed environmental toxins, and worked alongside researchers developing analytical methods using mass spectrometry. 

Now, as a scientist at TVMDL, Perri said she has come full circle. While Perri may not treat patients herself, her work helps veterinarians care for animals every day. 

“It’s nice to be able to do the chemistry side of veterinary medicine,” she said. “I’ve always loved animals and chemistry. TVMDL provides the opportunity to combine those in a way I hadn’t considered when I was in school.” 

The chemistry of solving puzzles  

At TVMDL, Perri’s role is in the analytical chemistry section, where she helps operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory instruments, interpret complex data, and report results that assist veterinarians in investigating diagnostic cases.  

Analytical chemistry offers something she has always enjoyed: solving puzzles. 

“My brain likes finding patterns and figuring out why something works, or why it doesn’t,” she said. “What I like most about analytical chemistry is that 99% of the time, you get an answer. Chemistry has sets of rules. If you follow them, you generally find the answers to the questions you’re asking.” 

She finds similar satisfaction in cooking and baking, where precise measurements and chemical reactions come together to create something new. Perri is also an avid sports fan and enjoys knitting, birdwatching, reading, and spending time with her husband and two sons. She still finds time to explore the outdoors, although the Texas summer has proven a much tougher opponent than any New England winter. 

Science in service of others 

Whether inside the laboratory or outside, Perri’s motivation is helping others.  

“I like to help people with answers,” Perri said. “I’m always trying to learn new things and help other people understand, so they can make informed decisions going forward.” 

With expertise and the occasional glance at her well-worn periodic table, Perri, the newest TVMDL scientist, helps deliver diagnostic results that guide decisions protecting both human and animal health in Texas and beyond. 

To learn more about the outstanding employees who support TVMDL’s mission, or for information about diagnostic testing services, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call the College Station laboratory at 888.646.5623 or the Canyon laboratory at 888.646.5624. 

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