Dr. J. Randalyn Shepherd has been named director of Laboratory Animal Resources and attending veterinarian at Indiana University Bloomington.

“The role of an attending veterinarian is critical to ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare,” said Shelley Bizila, associate vice president for research compliance. “Dr. Shepherd’s deep experience, commitment to ethical research and collaborative approach will be invaluable in advancing IU’s animal care and welfare program.”

Dr. J. Randalyn Shepherd.Shepherd has more than 15 years of experience working in laboratory animal medicine at IU. She has been an integral part of the Laboratory Animal Resources program since 2007, serving in various roles, including clinical veterinarian, and interim director and attending veterinarian.

Throughout her tenure, Shepherd has played a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, supporting research compliance and accreditation, and advancing education and training for faculty and staff. Her extensive experience has made her a trusted leader in the field.

“As director, I look forward to strengthening the program through continued collaboration with researchers to advance the university’s mission of transformative research while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare,” Shepherd said.

In her new role, Shepherd will oversee the comprehensive veterinary care and operational management of IU Bloomington’s six core vivariums, ensuring adherence to Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International standards, United States Department of Agriculture regulations and Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare guidelines.

She will also serve as a key advisor to university leadership on matters related to laboratory animal care and use, helping to shape policies that align with IU’s commitment to ethical research practices and scientific innovation.

“After conducting a national search leading to a strong pool of candidates, we are very excited that Dr. Shepherd will be joining IU permanently in this role,” Vice President for Research Russell Mumper said. “Dr. Shepherd has demonstrated tremendous care, knowledge and experience that are critical to advance IU’s animal care and welfare program.”

Shepherd holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences with a minor in animal behavior from Indiana University. She is a USDA-accredited veterinarian and an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science and the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners.

Dan Melnick is assistant director of research communications.