Niki DeValk, AAS, CVT, SRS (candidate)

Contract Preclinical Surgical & Interventional Services | GLP/Non-GLP | Large & Small Animal Models

As a Certified Veterinary Technician with over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine and preclinical research, I specialize in advanced surgical support, anesthesia management, and operational leadership tailored to the needs of research teams committed to excellence and ethical animal care.

I founded NiKara Preclinical inspired by Nike, the Greek goddess of victory—symbolizing precision, skill, and success. This reflects my mission to deliver expert, consistent, and collaborative contract services that help research studies achieve their highest potential.

My career spans academic institutions, clinical specialty hospitals, and contract research organizations, where I’ve served as a preclinical surgeon, anesthetist, operations manager, and trainer. As a solo operator, I combine deep technical expertise with operational insight to provide seamless, dependable support—ensuring no loss in quality or communication.

When you partner with NiKara Preclinical, you work directly with me—delivering personalized service focused on reducing variability, enhancing animal welfare, and elevating data integrity.

Core Strengths & Services:

  • Surgical & Interventional Procedure Support, including complex catheterizations and open surgeries

  • Advanced Anesthesia & Pain Management, with expertise in CPB, CRI, TIVA, regional blocks, and intraoperative clinical pathology

  • Protocol Development & Study Design Optimization for robust, compliant study execution

  • Customized Training & Mentorship to build technical proficiency and regulatory readiness

  • Laboratory Efficiency & Workflow Consulting to maximize operational consistency

  • Flexible On-Site Contracting Services tailored to your project needs

Credentials:

  • AAS in Veterinary Technology

  • Certified Veterinary Technician, Minnesota (since 2006)

  • Surgical Research Specialist Certification (in progress)

  • Extensive training under board-certified DVMs in Anesthesia, Surgery, Pain Management, Laboratory Animal Medicine, and Neurology

  • Mentored by multiple Surgical Research Specialists (SRS) and (R)LATG/VTS Technicians

At NiKara Preclinical, every project is driven by the precision and dedication that the goddess of victory represents—because successful science deserves nothing less.