Dr. Chris Koranda graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Professional Science Studies from Benedictine University in 2019, followed by a Master’s degree in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences from Kansas State University in 2021. She received my DVM from the University of Illinois in 2025.

Tell us about your family and pets! 
I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, and I feel so proud to be coming back to serve all of the pets in that same community that raised me. I adopted my mutt Laika from Midwest in late 2019, and she has basically grown up with me, as she accompanied me through both my Master’s and Doctorate degrees. She went from bouncing off the walls crazy to a total couch potato due to the amount of studying she had to sit through with me. Since adopting her, my extended pet family has grown to include a Border Collie mix Jaxon, a Great Pyrenees mix Stella, and two Chihuahuas Myla and Luna.

What are three things people would be surprised to know about you? 
I trained service dogs while I was in undergrad, I make my own cold brew and espresso, and I am a huge hockey fan.

What are your hobbies? 
I love baking and cooking (especially grilling), soaking up the sun, and spending quality time with my family.

What is your favorite quote about animals? 
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole” – Roger Caras