Texas Tech University Animal Care Services team group photo, Fall 2021 - Lubbock TX staff
Welcome to the Animal Care Services (ACS) department at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX. We are dedicated to assisting with university-related animal needs for research and teaching. Please note, however, that our services are focused on animals involved in university protocols and we do not provide care for animals owned by the general public. Learn more about our specialized department and committed team below.
Texas Tech University Animal Care Services team group photo, Fall 2021 – Lubbock TX staff
Mission Statement
Our core mission is to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of animals utilized in research and teaching activities at Texas Tech University. We strive to aid investigators in the proper acquisition and ethical use of these animals.
Specifically, Animal Care Services facilitates the responsible use of animals in research and education at Texas Tech University while ensuring strict compliance with all relevant regulations. ACS holds key responsibilities in animal procurement, providing appropriate housing and daily care, delivering veterinary services, conducting health surveillance and implementing preventative care programs. Furthermore, we assist investigators and their staff with animal procedures and manage the maintenance, care, and replacement of essential equipment and facilities dedicated to animal care in Lubbock, TX.
Raider Red mascot posing with Texas Tech Animal Care Services signage – University spirit
Texas Tech Animal Care Services team members attending the AALAS 2022 conference – Professional development
Key Personnel in ACS
DR. TIFFANIE BROOKS (DIRECTOR / ATTENDING VETERINARIAN)
Dr. Tiffanie Brooks, originally from Houston, Texas, earned her BS in Animal Science from Texas Tech University in 1993, followed by a Master’s Degree in 1996. She received her DVM from Texas A&M University in 2000. Dr. Brooks practiced in private mixed and small animal clinics in Oklahoma and Texas for eight years before joining Texas Tech in 2007 as the consulting veterinarian for Animal Care Services and teaching in the Animal and Food Sciences Department. In 2013, she achieved Diplomate status with the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. After serving as the Attending Veterinarian for seven years, she was appointed Director of the Animal Care Services Department in 2015. Tiffanie is married to Dr. Chance Brooks (Associate Department Chair of the TTU Animal and Food Sciences Department). They have two children, dogs named “Skye” and “Rey,” and a horse named “Von.”
DR. PAUL STONUM (ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR / CLINICAL VETERINARIAN)
Dr. Paul Stonum, Associate Director/Clinical Veterinarian at TTU Animal Care Services Lubbock TX (806) 834-7373 paul.b.stonum@ttu.edu
Dr. Paul Stonum grew up in rural West Central Missouri and graduated from Texas Tech University with a BS in Animal Science in 1989. He earned his DVM from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1994. Following graduation, Dr. Stonum worked as a mixed animal associate veterinarian in central Texas for ten years before establishing his own mixed animal practice in Northwest Missouri in 2003. He joined the Animal Care Services Department at Texas Tech as the clinical veterinarian in 2013. Paul is married to Kathy, and they have two children.
Dr. Brittany Backus was born in Hawaii and raised in Ft. Hood, Texas. She completed her BA in Biochemistry at Texas Tech University in 2007. Subsequently, she worked as a Research Aide in an animal welfare research laboratory, discovering a passion for research, particularly involving pigs. Brittany earned her M.S. in 2010 and her Ph.D. in 2013, specializing in animal welfare, behavior, and comparative medicine. She began her role as the PAM Administrator in the fall of 2013. Brittany is married to Justin, and they have two children and a dog named “Cash.”
SYDNEE WOODMAN (ON-CAMPUS FACILITIES MANAGER)
Sydnee Woodman, On-Campus Facilities Manager for TTU Animal Care Services – Lubbock campus staff (806) 834-2872 sydnee.woodman@ttu.edu
Sydnee Woodman, originally from Phoenix, Arizona, received her BS in Zoology from Texas Tech University in 2013. She obtained her LATG certification in 2017 and an MS in Lab Animal Sciences in 2019. After graduating, Sydnee worked for a year studying lygus and thrips with the cotton entomology department at the TAMU AgriLife Extension center in New Deal, Texas. She later transitioned into a veterinary technician role before joining the Animal Care Services Department in May 2015. Sydnee is married to Ian. They share their home with their cat “Harvey,” a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog named “Gamble,” and two doodles, “Barett” and “Lucy.”
Justine was born in Lubbock and raised in Slaton, Texas. With six years of experience in banking and accounting, she joined the ACS team in the summer of 2021. Justine is the mother of a seven-year-old son who enjoys baseball and Star Wars. Her pets include a turtle named “Ramon” and a rescue Catahoula named “Remy.” Justine intends to return to school soon to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
MARK GOZA (LEAD TECHNICIAN)
Mark Goza, Lead Technician at Texas Tech University Animal Care Services in Lubbock (806) 834-8151 mark.goza@ttu.edu
Mark Goza, a native of Amarillo, Texas, obtained his EMT certification in 1987 and worked in the human medical field until 1997, when he moved to Plainview, Texas. There, he started and operated his own landscaping/mowing business. Fulfilling a lifelong interest in working with animals, Mark joined Texas Tech’s Animal Care Services Department in 2005. Committed to enhancing his knowledge and animal care skills, he earned his ALAT certification in 2014 and is currently pursuing the next level, LAT certification. Mark is married with two adult daughters, a son, and four grandchildren. He has an energetic dog named “Daisy” and takes immense pride in caring for all animals under his supervision.
Veronica was born in Lubbock and grew up in Shallowater, Texas. Driven by her passion for animals, she pursued a degree as a veterinary technician, graduating from Vista College in the spring of 2013. She subsequently joined the Animal Care Services team at Texas Tech University. Veronica is married and has a daughter. Her pets include two dogs, “Honey” and “Kolby,” a cat named “Kittie,” and a turtle named “Mikah.” Veronica is dedicated to her work, treating every animal with the highest level of respect and care.
MICHAEL CHANDLER (ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN)
Michael Chandler, Animal Health Technician at TTU Animal Care Services – Research support staff Lubbock TX (806) 834-8829 michael.chandler@ttu.edu
Mike hails from Vicosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, but was raised in Lubbock, Texas. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management at Texas Tech University. His father, Dr. Leland Chandler, was an entomologist at Texas Tech, teaching agronomy, horticulture, and entomology. Michael joined the department in the spring of 2017, bringing a caring and compassionate approach to his work. In their free time, Michael and his wife Sybil enjoy traveling and outdoor activities with their English mastiff, “Chai.”
Ashley, originally from Rocky Point, Long Island, New York, has been passionate about animals since childhood and grew up riding horses for over ten years. She moved to Lubbock in the summer of 2018. Ashley and her husband Jeremy are proud owners of three dogs: two Dachshunds named “Skooter” and “Wena,” and an English Pointer named “Melody.”
ALEX FREYBURGER (TECHNICIAN)
Alex Freyburger, Technician at Texas Tech Animal Care Services – Animal Science graduate Lubbock TX (806) 834-0666 alexandria.Freyburger@ttu.edu
Alexandria was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, with a lifelong passion for working with animals. She earned her BS in Animal Science from Texas Tech University in December 2022. Having worked as a student assistant in the Animal Care Services Department from 2020-2022, she joined the ACS team as a Lab Animal Attendant upon graduation. Alexandria is currently enrolled in the Texas Tech STEM MBA Program, expecting to graduate in December 2023. She has a cat named “Stellanova,” a Mini Australian Shepherd named “Whiskey,” and two chickens, “Elvis” and “Hermione.” Alexandria finds great joy in her job, treating the animals under her care with compassion and respect.
Conclusion
Texas Tech University’s Animal Care Services department in Lubbock, TX, plays a vital role in supporting the institution’s research and teaching missions by providing specialized, high-quality care for university animals. Led by experienced veterinarians and supported by a dedicated team of technicians and staff, ACS ensures compliance with regulations and promotes animal well-being. While not a public service provider or an animal care clinic for Lubbock, TX residents’ pets, the department’s commitment to excellence in laboratory animal care and research support is integral to the university’s scientific and educational endeavors.
Raider Red mascot posing with Texas Tech Animal Care Services signage – University spirit
Texas Tech Animal Care Services team members attending the AALAS 2022 conference – Professional development
Dr. Paul Stonum, Associate Director/Clinical Veterinarian at TTU Animal Care Services Lubbock TX (806) 834-7373 paul.b.stonum@ttu.edu
Sydnee Woodman, On-Campus Facilities Manager for TTU Animal Care Services – Lubbock campus staff (806) 834-2872 sydnee.woodman@ttu.edu
Mark Goza, Lead Technician at Texas Tech University Animal Care Services in Lubbock (806) 834-8151 mark.goza@ttu.edu
Michael Chandler, Animal Health Technician at TTU Animal Care Services – Research support staff Lubbock TX (806) 834-8829 michael.chandler@ttu.edu
Alex Freyburger, Technician at Texas Tech Animal Care Services – Animal Science graduate Lubbock TX (806) 834-0666 alexandria.Freyburger@ttu.edu
