DrNicolle Kirkwood

Dr Nicolle Kirkwood’s research focuses on strengthening the welfare, safety and effectiveness of small-animal primary care through applied clinical research and veterinary education scholarship. She leads the Companion Animal Veterinary Wellness Hub, a collaborative initiative dedicated to improving animal experiences during veterinary visits and supporting the wellbeing and capability of the veterinary workforce.

Her clinical research interests include:
• Fear-free and low-stress handling, including validation of alternative temperature-measurement techniques in dogs and cats.
• Primary-care infectious disease, especially parvovirus immunity, vaccination protocols, and parasite prevalence (e.g., Strongyloides stercoralis).
• Preventative healthcare and spectrum-of-care service delivery, with a focus on real-world general practice.

Her veterinary education research examines:
• Workplace-based assessment, including the utility of the mini-CEX and longitudinal competency tracking in DVM clinical training.
• Curriculum and assessment design, particularly vertical alignment of clinical reasoning and physical examination skills.
• Student wellbeing and professional identity formation within clinical learning environments.

Her research aligns with the Faculty of Science Research Strength Healthy Animals, and contributes to improved clinical practice, enhanced student learning, and more sustainable veterinary workplaces.