I grew up in Danville, Pennsylvania and attended Bucknell University, majoring in animal behavior. There I had the opportunity to conduct primate behavioral research and was also a member of the cross country and track and field teams as a long distance runner. I went on to pursue my degree in veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Following that I completed a one year rotating internship at the University of Georgia. I then returned to Penn for my surgical residency.

I live with my husband, Ross and our two cats, Coco and Oliver. In my free time I enjoy running, trying out new workout classes, exploring new restaurants and traveling.

Education:

• Bucknell University, B.S. Animal Behavior, Spanish Minor
• University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, VMD
• University of Georgia, Small Animal Rotating Internship
• University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Surgical Residency

Board Certifications

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgery

Publications and Research:

• Billas, A. R., Grimes, J. A., Hollenbeck, D. L., Dickerson, V. M., Wallace, M. L., & Schmiedt, C. W. (2022). Incidence of and risk factors for surgical site infection following canine limb amputation. Veterinary Surgery, 51(3)
• Gazes RP, Billas AR, & Schmitt V. (2017). Impact of stimulus format and reward value on quantity discrimination in capuchin and squirrel monkeys. Learning & Behavior, 1-12