Neurology & Neurosurgery
Peter Dickinson, DVM, DACVIM
Professor, Neurology & Neurosurgery
Dr. Peter Dickinson is an internationally recognized veterinary neurologist and comparative neuro-oncologist whose research and clinical work have shaped the modern understanding of brain tumors in dogs. His pioneering studies on the genetic and molecular features of canine gliomas have established dogs as a critical translational model for human brain cancer.
At UC Davis, Dr. Dickinson leads clinical and research initiatives focused on improving diagnosis, developing targeted therapies, and advancing clinical trials for both spontaneous and experimental brain tumors. His expertise in neuro-oncology and dedication to translational discovery make him a cornerstone of the Translational Brain Tumor Center.
Ji-Hey Lim, DVM, PhD, DACVIM Assistant Professor, Neurology & Neurosurgery
Dr. Ji-Hey Lim is a board-certified veterinary surgeon specializing in neurosurgery and advanced minimally invasive procedures. Her clinical expertise spans complex brain and spinal surgeries, with a focus on improving patient safety, surgical precision, and recovery outcomes.
She brings a research background in neural tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, combining surgical innovation with translational research to enhance outcomes for patients with neurological disease. Dr. Lim’s dual commitment to surgical excellence and scientific progress strengthens the program’s mission to improve quality of life for both pets and people.
Adrien Dupanloup, DVM, MS, DACVS
Assistant Professor, Surgical and Radiological Services
Dr. Adrien Dupanloup specializes in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery with particular expertise in brain and spinal procedures. His clinical interests include advanced neuro-navigation, microsurgical techniques, and perioperative management for complex neurological conditions.
Dedicated to both clinical care and teaching, Dr. Dupanloup plays an integral role in the Translational Brain Tumor Center's surgical service, ensuring that patients receive compassionate, precise, and cutting-edge neurosurgical care while mentoring the next generation of veterinary specialists.
Vishal Murthy, DVM, DACVIM
Associate Professor, Surgical and Radiological Services
Dr. Vishal Murthy is a board-certified veterinary surgeon specializing in neurosurgery and interventional procedures for brain and spinal disorders. His clinical and research interests center on improving surgical approaches for intracranial tumors and understanding the relationship between surgical technique, tumor biology, and neurological recovery.
Through his work at UC Davis, Dr. Murthy contributes to both the clinical and translational arms of the Translational Brain Tumor Center, helping to integrate surgical innovation with molecular research to enhance outcomes for dogs with naturally occurring brain tumors.
Maggie Knipe, DVM, DACVIM
Professor, Surgical and Radiological Services
Karen Vernau, DVM, MAS, DACVIM
Professor, Surgical and Radiological Services
Amanda Xue, DVM, DACVIM
Neuropathologist
Andrew Miller, DVM, DACVP
Associate Professor, Pathology (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine)
Dr. Andrew Miller is a leading veterinary neuropathologist whose expertise in comparative brain pathology supports accurate diagnosis and research translation across species. Based at Cornell University, he collaborates closely with UC Davis investigators to evaluate tumor histology and molecular correlates in canine brain cancer.
His work bridges veterinary pathology and human neuropathology, advancing the understanding of glioma classification, tumor progression, and immune response. Dr. Miller’s partnership ensures diagnostic consistency and scientific rigor across the Translational Brain Tumor Center's clinical and research studies.
Radiation Oncologists
Jessica Lawrence, DVM, DACVR
Professor, Surgical and Radiological Services
Dr. Jessica Lawrence is a board-certified radiation oncologist specializing in precision radiotherapy for cancer patients. She utilizes state-of-the-art technologies—including image-guided and stereotactic radiation—to deliver highly targeted treatments that maximize tumor control while protecting healthy tissue.
Her clinical expertise and research in radiation response and tumor microenvironment are integral to the Comparative Brain Tumor Program’s mission of improving therapeutic outcomes for dogs with brain tumors and informing parallel advances in human medicine.
Michael S. Kent, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVR
Professor, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Director, Center for Companion Animal Health
Dr. Michael Kent is a dual-boarded veterinary oncologist and radiation oncologist internationally recognized for his leadership in comparative oncology. His work focuses on the development and clinical testing of innovative cancer therapies in companion animals that inform human cancer treatment.
At UC Davis, Dr. Kent directs the Center for Companion Animal Health and co-leads research within the Comparative Brain Tumor Program, integrating radiotherapy, clinical trial design, and translational science to advance care for both canine and human brain tumor patients.
Neuroradiologist
Eric Johnson, DVM, MS, DACVR
Professor, Diagnostic Imaging
Dr. Eric Johnson is a board-certified veterinary radiologist with advanced expertise in neuroimaging, including MRI and CT applications for the diagnosis and management of brain and spinal diseases.
His contributions to the Translational Brain Tumor Center include refining imaging protocols that enhance diagnostic accuracy, guide surgical and radiation planning, and improve patient monitoring. Dr. Johnson’s precise imaging analysis is foundational to both clinical care and research, enabling earlier detection and better treatment outcomes for dogs with brain tumors.