Our Mission

• To provide for the care, health and well-being, with the emphasis on the minimization of discomfort, distress and pain, of animals in research and education programs at Drexel University
• To administer to the animal related needs of University researchers and educators through dissemination of knowledge and resources
• To serve the public by ensuring observance of all legal and ethical standards pertaining to animals in research and education programs at Drexel University

Melanie C. McFadden, DVM, MLAS

Melanie McFadden, DVM, MLAS leads Drexel University’s Veterinary Services as Executive Director of Veterinary Services with a deep expertise in laboratory animal medicine, a strong foundation in clinical care, and a commitment to ethical research. As Executive Director, she oversees veterinary clinical operations and supports the ULAR team and regulatory compliance team to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and scientific quality across Drexel.

She joined Drexel from her most recent position as Technical Director, Comparative Medicine Services Core at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she provided in-depth consultation on IACUC protocols, performed complex surgical procedures for pre-clinical, developmental studies , and served on the IACUC. Prior to this role, she served in numerous extensive veterinarian positions across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California, where she actively served on several IACUCs. She has co-authored multiple publications and delivered many presentations that reflect her expertise in laboratory animal medicine. 

She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Penn State, followed by a master’s in Laboratory Animal Sciences right here at Drexel. She also earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Services and completed a Residency/Fellowship at the University of Southern California. 

Dr. McFadden brings extensive experience in veterinary clinical care, research support, and leadership. With a proven track record of advancing animal care and fostering collaborative, compliant research environments, she plays a critical role in leading Drexel’s veterinary services team and supporting the University’s mission of excellence in research and animal welfare.

PUBLICATIONS 

• Sailor M, Putta, S and Casebolt DB. The importance of direct and frequent communication. Lab Animal volume 47: pg253 (2018). 
• Nguyen GN, Seleme MC, Lindgren JR, Henriksen AC, Muehlmatt A, McFadden M, Smith GR, Sabatino DE. Second Generation Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Using a Novel Factor VIII Variant with Improved Secretion Achieves Higher Factor VIII Expression in Non-human Primates. Blood volume 130: pgs1902-1903 (2022).

PRESENTATIONS 

• Sailor M. “Cynomoglus Whole Blood (1:10) Stimulation with LPS” CLAMS veterinary conference February 2020 [presentation] 
• Sailor M, Mirrashed H, Khamas W, Kaur G. “Arginine Vasopressin Receptors V1a and V1b in the Canine Amygdala: Implications for Social Behavior.” Pacific Veterinary Conference, San Francisco, CA June 2016 [poster]  Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA September 2015 [presentation]  Merial-NIH Symposium, Davis, CA July 2015 [poster] 
• Sailor M, Mirrashed H, Khamas W, Kaur G. “Identification of Arginine Vasopressin Producing Neurons in the Amygdala of Male and Female Dogs.” Pacific Veterinary Conference, Long Beach, CA June 2015 [poster] Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA July 2015, March 2015 [presentation] Merial-NIH Symposium, Ithaca, NY July 2014 [poster] 
• Sailor M, Vudathala D, Murphy L, Rankin S, Hankenson FC, Marx J. 2012. “Assessment of Stability of Enrofloxacin and Doxycycline in the Drinking Water of Laboratory Mice.” National AALAS, Minneapolis, MN, November 2012 [presented by Dr. Marx] 
  Seelye S, Hankenson FC, Sailor M, Jensen J, Walton R, Marx J. 2012. “The Effects of Intraperitoneal Fluid Therapy on Mice with DSS-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease after an Episode of Acute Blood Loss.” National AALAS, Minneapolis, MN, November 2012 [poster].