NiKara Preclinical
Expert Pre-Clinical Surgical Services, Available on Contract — Nationwide
Niki DeValk, AAS, CVT, SRS | Member, Academy of Surgical Research | GLP-Compliant
What I Do
Specialized Support for the Full Arc of Your Study
I'm Niki DeValk — an independent surgical specialist with 20 years of large and small animal experience. I come to your facility, integrate with your team, and deliver GLP-compliant surgical support on your timeline.
Procedure Execution Complex open surgeries and interventional therapies across both large and small animal models — executed with precision for both GLP and non-GLP studies.
Complex Anesthesia Species-appropriate anesthetic management for demanding pre-clinical procedures. I keep your animals stable so your team can stay focused on the science.
Study Support Protocol development, animal model design, SOP writing, and control documentation — built around your specific study needs from day one.
VITALS Academy Customizable, hands-on surgical training for your technical staff. I design and deliver modules around your procedures, your species, and your team's skill level.
Why Work With Me
Senior Surgical Expertise, Without the Overhead
Bringing on a full-time surgical specialist isn't always practical — especially for project-based research. As an independent contractor, I give your lab or facility direct access to 20 years of multi-species surgical experience, without the salary, benefits, or long-term commitment.
I travel to your facility, anywhere in the US
Single point of contact from protocol through post-op
GLP and non-GLP study experience
Species: rodents (rats & mice), rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, poultry, swine & minipigs, goats, sheep, bovine, equine and canine. Clinical anesthesia experience with small, large and exotics.
IACUC-compatible documentation and reporting
What Researchers Say About Working With Me
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I’ve worked with Niki for more than 10 years and she has proven herself in many disciplines of open surgery and intervention. Niki is also extremely proficient in anesthesia and post operative care. I highly recommend Niki for your preclinical needs!
— Dale Groth, BS, SRS
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I’ve had the pleasure of working with Niki, and she is truly fantastic to work with. She brings years of experience in a wide range of surgical procedures as well as in anesthesia, making her an invaluable asset to any team. Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication consistently stand out, and she approaches every task with precision and confidence. I highly recommend Niki for any preclinical needs — she will exceed expectations!
— Kimberly Sterger, BS, MS
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Thank you for stepping in when we needed you last minute! Your expertise helped our team collect the data they needed, we had a very successful day!
- New Client
VITALS ACADEMY
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Through VITALS Academy, I offer customizable hands-on training for pre-clinical technical staff — from foundational surgical technique to advanced procedures. Designed around your team, your species, and your study needs.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Study
Whether you need surgical support for an upcoming protocol or want to explore an ongoing engagement, I'd love to connect. I'm available for short- and long-term contracts at facilities nationwide.