Name: Dr. N. Matthew Ellinwood, D.V.M., Ph.D. 
Employer: Iowa State University, Department of Animal Science
Job Title: Associate Professor of Companion Animal Genomics
Years with Current Employer: 7 years
Educational Background:Dr. Ellinwood received his Bachelor’s in Classics and Art History. He then completed a D.V.M. (doctor of veterinary medicine) and a Ph.D. in Physiology at Colorado State University.
Job Description: Dr. Ellinwood is an associate professor at Iowa State University. His job entails teaching undergraduate students in animal science, supervising graduate students, and conducting research on genetic diseases of dogs and cats. The goal of his research is to find the causes and help to eliminate some diseases in dogs and cats.
Favorite Component of His Job:Dr. Ellinwood delights in training young scientists that he works with and in identifying genetic mutations that will lead to the elimination of certain genetic diseases affecting dogs and cats.
A Special Experience or Story about His Job: Dr. Ellinwood was a part of the discovery that led to the complete elimination of a disease in a given population of dogs. He refers to the experience as a “terrifically gratifying accomplishment.”
Dr. Ellinwood’s Recommendations to Those Interested in a Career Similar to His Own: Dr. Ellinwood states, “Study hard, and gain as many and as varied experiences as possible. While being sure you are polite and respectful, don’t worry about what people think of you. Always ask questions. Always be engaged. Always look how something could be improved and think about how you can be the person to help improve things.”
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