Dr. Liara Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology and Equine Surgery at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Gonzalez completed her veterinary degree at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She then completed a large animal surgery residency at NC State Veterinary Hospital and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgery in 2011. She remained at NC State and defended her doctoral thesis in 2014. As a faculty member, Dr. Gonzalez serves on the Equine Emergency Service. Dr. Gonzalez’ clinical and research focus is on intestinal disease. She is particularly interested in identifying improved means to determine tissue viability following severe intestinal injury as well as studying the role of intestinal stem cells in modulating mucosal barrier repair following ischemic damage. Dr. Gonzalez hopes to apply her knowledge and expertise in advanced laboratory techniques to help solve clinically significant problems and further elucidate therapeutic targets that will ultimately improve patient survival.