Michelle Tucker
DVM, PhD, DACVS (LA)
In the world of equine surgery, few names capture the intersection of analytical precision and clinical expertise quite like Michelle Tucker. A surgeon, researcher, and educator, she is part of a new generation of veterinary professionals redefining how engineering principles can transform animal health and surgical outcomes.
Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Large Animal Surgery at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Michelle Tucker blends a rare mix of technical innovation, academic discipline, and genuine enthusiasm for mentorship. Her work is grounded in science but driven by creativity, a balance that has made her a respected figure in both veterinary and engineering circles.
From Biosystems Engineering to Equine Surgery
Before donning a surgeon’s gown, Michelle Tucker was an engineer. Her academic roots in biosystems engineering gave her a unique lens through which to approach veterinary problems, not just as biological challenges, but as systems that could be measured, modeled, and improved.
That mindset has guided her throughout her veterinary career, especially in tackling one of the most complex areas of equine health: the upper airway. Her PhD research at the University of Saskatchewan focused on recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN), a condition that affects a horse’s ability to breathe and perform.
By applying computational tools rarely seen in veterinary medicine, such as CT-based 3D reconstructions, airflow simulations, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Michelle Tucker explored new diagnostic and surgical approaches that are now informing modern practice, an approach further supported through the equine clinical problem-solving CPD.
Her innovative work earned her not only her doctorate but also the $10,000 International Research Prize at the UCVM International Equine Symposium in 2022, recognizing her contribution to advancing equine airway surgery.
An Engineer’s Curiosity in a Surgeon’s Hands
What distinguishes Michelle Tucker is her relentless curiosity and her ability to turn complex ideas into practical, impactful solutions. Colleagues and students alike describe her as someone who doesn’t just ask, “Why?” but “How can we make this better?”
Her approach extends beyond the lab. Whether it’s experimenting with 3D-printed equine larynx models (sometimes built alongside her computer scientist brother during family holidays) or adapting human airway surgical planning software for use in equine medicine, Dr. Tucker exemplifies how interdisciplinary thinking can drive veterinary innovation.
Her research isn’t an abstract academic pursuit, it’s directly relevant to the veterinarians performing surgeries and the horses whose performance and quality of life depend on them.
A Career Built on Clinical Excellence
Behind her groundbreaking research lies a strong foundation in clinical practice. Michelle Tucker completed two internships: first at Equine Medical Associates in Oklahoma, followed by a year at Kansas State University, before entering a surgical residency at the University of Saskatchewan.
She achieved board certification as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal) in 2020.
Since joining Purdue University in 2021, she has divided her time between performing surgeries, mentoring veterinary students, and advancing her research in airway dynamics and surgical techniques. Her students describe her as approachable and precise, with a gift for making even the most technical topics understandable and relevant.
Speaking and Teaching: Clarity Through Complexity
As a speaker, Michelle Tucker brings both technical mastery and an engaging, relatable style. She excels at turning dense data into clear, practical takeaways that veterinarians can apply in the clinic. Her presentations often focus on bridging the gap between research and real-world application, showing how science and technology can directly improve patient outcomes.
Popular presentation topics include:
- Advances in Equine Upper Airway Surgery: Evidence-based strategies for managing RLN
- Engineering Meets Equine Surgery: Insights from computational modeling and imaging
- 3D Printing and Imaging in Case Planning and Education
- Mentorship in Academia and Practice: Guiding the next generation of veterinarians
Beyond the Clinic
Away from the operating room and lecture hall, Michelle Tucker keeps an active lifestyle, hiking trails around West Lafayette, Indiana, spending time at the gym, and cheering for Purdue basketball. A proud Kentucky native, she remains deeply connected to the values that first inspired her career: curiosity, compassion, and a sense of wonder.
That inspiration traces back to a vivid childhood memory, an eight-year-old perched on the neck of a pony during a field anesthetic, watching veterinarians at work and realizing, “This is what I want to do with my life.”
Today, Michelle Tucker continues to bring that same sense of purpose to every class she teaches, every surgery she performs, and every innovation she pursues, reminding the veterinary world that progress happens when curiosity meets compassion, and when science serves the horse.
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