Congratulations to Dr. Marguerite Knipe (DVM, DACVIM) who was honored by the UC Davis Academic Federation with the 2017 Award for Excellence in Teaching. Knipe is recognized as a gifted teacher who not only helps students to understand complex subject material, but also makes learning fun. Her course organization and love of teaching comes through, making students feel supported and engaged.  

Knipe is a Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor of Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery who took on the leadership role in the Neuro/Senses/Behavior block in the first year of the veterinary curriculum early in her career. As the school implemented a new, integrated curriculum model, Knipe stepped up to guide the delivery of the content for this complex educational block during the first three years of implementation. From the beginning, she received strong student evaluations for an outstanding educational experience. This is particularly noteworthy given that the subjects of neuroscience and neurology are usually difficult subjects for students to learn and apply.

Student comments heralded the block as: “One of the best organized blocks! I loved the systematic approach to normal neuroanatomy and neurology. The brain labs were fantastic and really helped me learn and retain a lot of information.” Knipe received an overall instructor evaluative score of 4.97 out of 5, still one of the highest scores given by the entire class to any instructor. Knipe is recognized by her colleagues as a talented didactic and clinical instructor who stepped outside her expected role of clinical teaching to embrace a different style of teaching. She serves as an excellent mentor and role model for veterinary professional students and residents.

Knipe received her DVM from UC Davis, followed by a one-year rotating internship at Purdue University. She completed her residency in Neurology/Neurosurgery at UC Davis, and after working in private specialty practice, returned to UC Davis, training resident veterinarians and students. She is a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Knipe co-edited the 2008 Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice – Neuroanatomy and Neurodiagnostics. Her research interests include neuromuscular pathology and electrophysiology. Knipe will receive her award at a ceremony scheduled for May.