Steven Kubiski, D.V.M., Ph.D., Diplomate A.C.V.P.

Senior Scientist

Dr. Steven Kubiski serves San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as a Senior Scientist in Disease Investigations. In this role, he works as an anatomic pathologist, providing diagnostic support for wildlife disease investigations in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s animal collection and field conservation programs. He also works in the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory to facilitate investigations of infectious diseases that affect SDZWA’s conservation programs.

Steven is working on implementing new diagnostic and research tools in the Molecular Diagnostic laboratory to incorporate clinical samples and pathology accessions into research projects at SDZWA. In particular, this involves identification and characterization of viral diseases. Along with the others pathologists, he is active in training of anatomic pathology residents and fellows for board certification and sub-specialization in zoo/wildlife pathology.

Steven earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology and his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia, followed by a year as a wildlife disease diagnostician at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the University of Georgia. He then entered a residency in anatomic pathology through a joint program between the University of California, Davis and San Diego Zoo, where he was the Steel Endowed Pathology Resident. Following board certification, Steve entered a PhD program in integrative pathobiology at UC Davis, where he recently concluded his dissertation research on a newly-discovered canine virus. Steven is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, an alumnus of the ARCS (Achievement Awards for College Scientists) Foundation, and an active member of the Wildlife Disease Association. He has always been passionate about wildlife and feels veterinary pathologists have a unique and important role to play in local and global conservation efforts.

SCIENCE AT WORK