SU's Camillo Earns AZVT Lifetime Achievement Award
SALISBURY, MD---After dedicating nearly two decades of service to human and animal laboratory science and the support of related research, Salisbury University’s Christina Camillo was honored with the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians’ (AZVT’s) Lifetime Achievement Award.
“As a faculty member, Dr. Camillo is like a Swiss Army knife: She can do anything,” said Dr. Diane Davis, chair of SU’s Medical Laboratory Science Program. “The similarities between medical laboratory testing in animals and humans is striking, and I’ve always thought that Dr. Camillo’s having a foot in both worlds was enriching for the students as well as her scholarly activity. This award simply validates everything I’ve known about her for years, and I couldn’t be prouder and happier for her.”
Camillo, clinical coordinator and assistant professor of medical laboratory science, has been a member of AZVT since 2002 and is editor-in-chief and co-chair of the organization’s annual conference program.
“This award was a complete surprise,” she said. “I’m humbled and honored to be recognized for doing what I love for so long.”
Award materials stated Camillo’s “continued support and dedication makes AZVT stronger, and her “active involvement in the organization exemplifies AZVT’s mission.”
Her work with the association includes improving the research program editing process, establishing new protocols and handout guidelines, streamlining the writing process, planning and presenting at several conferences, and achieving and maintaining the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program status.
“When I started in human medicine, I wanted to stay connected to my previous work with animals because the ever-evolving science in that field is really important,” said Camillo. “The association is comprised of an amazing group of people. I enjoy supporting and helping them with the papers and presentations. It’s fascinating work, and I’m always learning something new.”
Camillo, a two-time SU graduate, worked for the National Aquarium and TidalHealth before returning to SU to teach. Her diverse research background ranges from nurse shark immunology, transfusion medicine and blood banking, to disciplinary literacy practices of medical laboratory science.
“The work with AZVT crosses over into my teaching,” she said. “I can not only lend advice to students who are interested in marine and animal studies, but I can teach students important research tools like putting together proposals and writing, editing, citing and presenting.”
Learn more about how SU students and faculty are exploring opportunities for greatness and making tomorrow theirs at www.salisbury.edu.