Opportunities for the Future
Dr. Nicole C. Close and Christopher Albrecht move through the pain of losing their English laboradors to create hope for animals in the future.
Dr. Nicole C. Close and her husband Christopher Albrecht have supported the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine in many different ways, all with the same goal—creating tangible impact to help advance veterinary health.
When their beloved laboradors Loki and Thor were diagnosed with nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma, clinicians at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and the Center for Companion Animal Health (CCAH) cared for both of them during a difficult time of their health journey.
During their care and since their passing, Nicole and Christopher created a canine research fund in their name. They have also made gifts of equipment and other essentials to the CCAH, the hospital and the school to more quickly advance treatments and care for animals seen by UC Davis.
Nicole recently joined the school’s Dean’s Leadership Council and is excited to expand her knowledge about veterinary medicine, along with the opportunities it provides to translate to human and planetary health.
“I’m always looking to discover something new,” she said. “I am here to be inspired by others and learn from people I might not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.”
I am here to be inspired by others and learn from people I might not otherwise have the opportunity to meet.”
– Dr. Nicole C. Close
Nicole is also eager to share what she knows about human health. As the owner of a clinical research company, she sees firsthand the importance of clinical research in order to improve human health. As part of the DLC, her hope is to foster stronger ties with veterinary medicine, having seen the difference it can make.
“I so appreciated every interaction that I had with clinicians and students at the hospital and at CCAH,” Nicole recalls. “When I brought Thor in, he had a chronic cough and some masses. I still remember the student who helped us, and the professionalism she showed while communicating with us. She answered every question we had, so we could determine the best path forward for Thor.”
That kind of compassionate care is what UC Davis is known for—along with the advanced treatments made possible by donors.
Our ability to continually advance veterinary medicine, in terms of research, equipment and new treatments, relies on the partnership and support of people like Nicole and Christopher”
Dr. Michael Kent, CCAH director
“Our ability to continually advance veterinary medicine, in terms of research, equipment and new treatments, relies on the partnership and support of people like Nicole and Christopher,” said Dr. Michael Kent, CCAH director. “Not only have they financially supported the school, but it’s a real asset to have Nicole giving us her time by joining the DLC to share her expertise and advice. Dr. Close has also helped some of the faculty, including me, with statistical support on ongoing research projects. Her help has been invaluable in analyzing data and publishing our research findings. These partnerships help us move veterinary medicine into the future.”
Read more about Loki and Thor