Yolanda Gochenour

Biography

I have worked for the university for almost 34 years, most of them have been with animals (fish, rats, mice, rabbits, japanese quail and pigeons).  I have animals of my own (cows, horses, cats and dogs). When I am not working with the animals I enjoy farming (raising/baling hay), tractor pulls, tractor shows, any type of racing, gardening, cross stitching, enjoying being outside and spending time with my husband, kids and grandkids.

I have also worked in a lab on campus working with prothesis in rabbits, dogs and sheep.  I worked in the lab that tested which kind of metals, plastics, etc worked best in the animal and the duration of the prothesis.  My father has his knees replaced and I was working in the lab at the time.  My parents told the surgeon and doctor that I worked in a lab that did research on prothesis.

My father and mother both have worked at Purdue University, my father had over 40 years here and my mom had close to 20 years.  My mom worked here when she was pregnant for me then after we older she came back to Purdue.

I enjoy working with animals I started out working with hogs and cattle when I was in high school for a local farmer.  I worked for them for 6 years, thru high school and college.  I also worked retail after I got out of school and in college.

Education

• Purdue University- Associate Degree Animal Sciences
• Purdue University- AALAS Registered Lab Animal Technologist
• Purdue University- AALAS Certified Manager of Animal Research