Five UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences alumni were recognized this past weekend at the University of Florida Alumni Association’s celebration for 40 Gators Under 40.
Since 2006, UF annually honors 40 outstanding young alumni, whose achievements positively impact the greater college community. The awardees are selected for their service to their profession and UF, connection to their alma mater, and professional success in their industry.
“Since starting as dean earlier this year, I have been blown away by the amazing work of our alumni,” said CALS Dean Kati Migliaccio. “Our five alumni recognized this year embody the spirit of our college, making a positive difference in their communities and professions. We are incredibly proud of them.”
The CALS alumni honored at this year’s 40 Gators Under 40 celebration included the following individuals:
Jason Anton ’08 created Ovaflo Genetics, a primarily mobile veterinary practice that focuses on advanced reproductive services for cattle and small ruminants. Established in 2017, the business has grown rapidly and now serves clients across four states. Anton’s bachelor’s degree in animal sciences from UF, master’s degree in animal and veterinary sciences from Clemson University and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Oklahoma State University, coupled with experiences using and implementing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in the United States and Australia have shaped his expertise in this area. Today, Anton also serves as an adjunct instructor at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, providing hands-on experiences for students, and contributing to the world of ART research for small ruminants.
Bryan Clarke ’06, ’10 (DVM) is the on-site owner of All Creatures Animal Hospital, part of the Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals network. He used his bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation to position himself for success through veterinary school, and he has been practicing veterinary medicine since. Specializing in canine and feline practice, Clarke is among less than 400 American Board of Veterinary Practitioner-certified veterinarians in this field. His expertise extends beyond this credential, and he holds five additional certifications: human animal bond, fear free practice, feline friendly practice, flexible endoscopy and PennHIP imaging. He also works with internal medicine and oncology. Clarke’s commitment to his community and profession has earned him recognition, including the Hurricane Hero award in 2022 for his hurricane veterinary relief efforts.
Avery LeFils ’11 is the senior manager of industry relations and communications for Florida Dairy Farmers. After earning her degree in agricultural education and communication, her career has been focused on sustainability in the agriculture industry. LeFils began her career in membership communications at the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, helping to engage young professionals and growers through a structured leadership program. She then transitioned to Village Farms, one of the largest hydroponic tomato growers in North America. There, she helped develop sustainable packing solutions and branding strategies to market tomatoes. In her current role, she bridges the gap between dairy farmers and utility companies to bring more awareness about dairy farmers’ sustainability efforts to the public. In 2018, she and her husband, Bernie, were recognized with the CALS Horizon Award, and she continues to give back to the college on the CALS Alumni and Friends board of directors.
Elizabeth Maxwell ’08 is an assistant professor of surgical oncology at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine. After earning her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, Maxwell attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, returning to UF to complete her clinical training in 2011 and graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2012. Wanting to specialize in surgery, Maxwell completed a 3-year surgical residency and master’s degree at the University of Illinois. She is currently one of less than 60 veterinary surgical oncologists in the United States. She continues to make contributions to her profession through clinical research, teaching and service, specializing in treatment of specific types of tumors, cancer and other cancerous growths. Maxwell is also a certified veterinary pain practitioner and acupuncturist, and she owns and operates the Pain Innovations Research Laboratory. She also hosts a podcast called The Margin for the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology.
David Snipelisky ’08 is a transplant cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital. After earning a bachelor’s degree in food science and human nutrition, he completed medical school at Florida State University. Following, he pursued additional training at the Mayo Clinic, first in internal medicine in Jacksonville and then a cardiology fellowship in Rochester, Minnesota. While at the Mayo Clinic, Snipelisky received the Brothers Fellowship Award, the institution’s highest honor for trainees. Prior to his current role, Snipelisky also completed an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology fellowship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, and he established a cardiomyopathy program with Wellstar Health System in Altanta, Georgia. Today, Snipelisky serves on numerous hospital committees and the Medicine Review Board, holds positions with the American College of Cardiology and the Adult Heart Transplant Regional Board, and continues research on the onset and progression of heart failure.
These CALS graduates have made remarkable contributions in their professions and communities, and they have each earned recognition as one of the 2025 40 Gators Under 40.
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