Dr. Karen Plass completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at Oberlin College. She then completed an associate’s degree in veterinary technology while working in California. She volunteered at a local zoo while there, particularly working with bobcats and a red-tailed hawk. During veterinary school at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, she worked with the MN Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Health Program and volunteered at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. She was also an active member of numerous clubs including the Zoological, Exotic, Avian, and Wildlife Medicine Club. After graduating from veterinary school, she completed a one-year rotating small animal internship (with a focus in emergency medicine) at VCA Southpaws Fairfax, VA before joining Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services for a year-long internship in avian and exotic medicine. She has a strong interest in zoological medicine and conservation breeding programs, and she is currently finishing a Master's of Public Health. Outside of the clinic, Dr. Plass enjoys crafting with various media (painting polymer clay, fabric crafts, glass etching, and beading), hiking, reading a good sci-fi or mystery novel, sci-fi television, and spending time with her Guinea pigs.