Profiles - University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

ProfilesVeterinary MedicineVeterinarians impact lives every daySummer/Fall 2009In this issue of Profiles3Meeting the need for foodanimalveterinarians12Points of Pride Research Day10New Animal Cancer Careand Research program16Baby giraffe treated in theLarge Animal Hospital11Batman leads the way: Clinical trialsopen to dogs with brain tumors18The Raptor Center launchesKestrel Watch

ProfilesVeterinary MedicineSummer/Fall 2009In this issueMeeting the Need for Food AnimalVeterinarians 3VetFAST: Early Enrollment ProgramBenefits Graduates and Society 4Annual Awards Ceremony HonorsStudents, Faculty, and Staff 6Ph.D. Candidate JosephineGnanandarajah: Driven to Discover 8Meet Megan Bandrick, MVMABen Pomeroy D.V.M./Ph.D. AwardRecipient 9College Introduces Animal CancerCare and Research Program 10Clinical Trials Open to Dogs WithBrain Tumors 11College Celebrates Points of PrideResearch Day 12Clinical Investigation Center:New Findings, New TherapiesIn Support of Campanion Animals 13Around the College 14Community Connections 18Faculty and Staff News 20Student News 24Alumni News 26Mark Your Calendar/Contact us 27On the coverLaura Schulz, one of the College’sfirst VetFAST graduates, examines themorphology of a boar stud’s sperm viacomputer with a colleague at Swine VetCenter, P.A. See story on page 4.FROM THE DEANDear Friends of the College:As we look forward to the beginning of a new academicyear, I must say that the past few months have beenboth challenging and promising. Despite unprecedentedbudgetary issues, there have been a number of significanthigh points for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Let’sstart with one of the highlights: the Veterinary LoanForgiveness bill, which was passed into law this spring.The College strongly supported this legislation, which isset to provide $225,000 in veterinary loan forgiveness forgraduating food-animal veterinarians who agree to practice in rural Minnesotacommunities. This funding is critical because we are facing serious nationalshortages in food-animal veterinarians. This issue of Profiles explores thistopic, including VetFAST, the College’s early-enrollment program for studentsinterested in food-animal medicine.We also supported proposed legislation to increase funding for the College’sVeterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), the state’s only full-service, accrediteddiagnostic facility for animal health and disease. The University of Minnesotabacked the bill, and it received strong support in both the House and the Senate— but no new funding was identified to support the proposed legislation.Recognizing the importance of adequate VDL funding, the University committedboth recurring and one-time funds to ensure ongoing accreditation for the VDL,despite the significant cut in state funding to the University.In July we opened our state-of-the-art education center for dairy medicine inNew Sweden, Minnesota. This facility is embedded in a modern working dairy,with 6,000 calvings per year, and is part of a public-private partnership withDavis Family Dairies. The center is already being put to good use, having hostedcontinuing education modules for dairy practitioners and senior rotations forveterinary students.Budget-wise, this past year has been tough. College revenues fell short of budgetprojections, resulting in a number of very difficult decisions. The current fiscalyear, which started July 1, brought additional challenges, with state funding to theCollege cut by $2 million, and more cuts are possible in the future. In responseto these fiscal challenges, we are exploring all possible ways to increase revenuesand reduce costs while relying on our strengths: our exceptional faculty andstaff, and our tradition of quality and innovation. We are putting that innovativethinking to work to solve our financial challenges so we can provide even morebenefit for Minnesota and the nation. We are extremely grateful for your support,which is more important than ever.Finally, if you know anything about the College, you know we don’t let grassgrow under our feet. We’re gearing up to welcome our new and returning studentsand we’re busy planning two major College events: our All-Class Reunion andCVM Open House. This year, both are being held in conjunction with Universityof Minnesota Homecoming 2009: The Ultimate Homecoming in October. SeeMark Your Calendar, page 27, for more information. I hope to see you there!With warm regards,Trevor Ames. D.V.M., M.S.Diplomate ACVIMDean

EDUCATIONMeeting the need for food-animal veterinariansThe rising cost of tuition, coupledwith the lure of higher startingsalaries often offered by smallanimalveterinary practices in largemetropolitan areas, continues to pullstudents away from pursuing rewardingcareers in food-animal medicine. TheCollege of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)has launched several initiatives to helpstem the steep decline in the number ofstudents who embark on careers in foodanimalmedicine, and the results of thoseefforts are now starting to show.In early June, for example, the MinnesotaHigher Education Committee passed legislationto provide $225,000 in veterinaryloan forgiveness funding for graduateswho agree to practice in underserved areasof Minnesota. The legislation is criticalto meeting both the veterinary needs ofanimal agriculture and agribusiness andthe statewide need for veterinarians infood safety and public health positions.“Agriculture isan importanteconomic engineof the state, andveterinariansare an importantdriver of thatengine,” saysLaura Molgaard,associate deanfor academic andstudent affairs.“Yet in Minnesota,a number ofcounties are Laura Molgaardunderserved andsome don’t havea veterinarian at all.” On both the state andnational levels, the number of veterinarystudents who pursue food-animal medicinehas fallen by 50 percent over the past 20years.Amber Hazel, class of 2012, plans towork in a food-animal practice when shegraduates. She estimates she will graduatewith roughly $131,000 in student debt.“What keeps me in school is theknowledge that I can pay back that debt,”CVM graduate Laura Schulz, now a veterinarian atSwine Vet Center, P.A., explains how to score thebody condition of a boar.says Hazel, who has received somescholarship money and would be a primecandidate to receive money from a loanforgivenessprogram. “The program is away to ensure that food-animal studentsstay food-animal focused,” she adds.The College has also increased the numberof students it enrolls annually ― first from80 to 90, and, more recently, to 100. Theextra slots have allowed the College torecruit and enroll more students with aninterest in food animals and public health.And in 2001, the CVM developed aproactive solution to help stem thedrop in students pursuing food-animalcareers by launching the Veterinary FoodAnimal Scholars Track (VetFAST), anearly enrollment/early decision program.VetFAST began as a collaboration withthe Animal Science Department of theCollege of Food, Agricultural and NaturalResources Science, and this partnershipremains the primary source of qualifiedstudents for the VetFAST program. Theprogram has recently been expanded tothe University of Minnesota, Morris, andother partnerships are under considerationas well.“We now have close to 50 students inthe program and we will continue togrow,” says Dr. Scott Dee, director of theVetFAST program. “The program is nowattracting scholarship dollars, which willsignificantly enhance recruitment of highqualitystudents.” The recent partnershipwith the Universityof Minnesota, Morris,allows students to do theirundergraduate work inMorris or the Twin Cities.“We will continue to growthe VetFAST programthrough applicants fromMinnesota and possiblyfrom other states as well,”says Dee. “In time, weexpect other colleges ofveterinary medicine to seeScott Deethe benefit and success ofVetFAST and begin to setup their own programs. In the long run,that will allow the profession to meet theveterinary needs of animal agriculture,public health, and food safety sooner andwith greater efficiency.”The growing threats posed by widespreadfood safety outbreaks and animal-borneillnesses has also increased the need forfood-animal veterinarians specializingin food safety and public health. To helpmeet the need, the College’s Center forAnimal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS)has partnered with the University’s Schoolof Public Health to offer a veterinarypublic health dual-degree program thatfocuses on food safety and bio-security.CAHFS also offers a veterinary publichealth residency, the first program inthe United States to receive recognitionfrom the American College of VeterinaryPreventive Medicine.“We are doing a lot of what we need todo to recruit and mentor students whosepassion and interest is food-animalmedicine,” says Molgaard. “The piecethat has been missing has been financialsupport to help recruit and retain studentswith this interest. The loan forgivenessprogram is a crucial next step insupporting these graduates and keepingthem in Minnesota.”3

EDUCATIONVetFASTEarly enrollment program benefts graduates and societyIn today’s economy, jobs can be hardto come by for college graduates, butgraduates of the food-animal trackat the College of Veterinary Medicine(CVM) are finding that high-paying jobsare plentiful.percent of the class of 2009 specialized infood animals. VetFAST’s mission is to helpmeet the need for food-animal practitionersby encouraging undergrads who areinterested in food-animal medicine tocommit early to their career choice.For graduates like Dan Hagman, CarissaSchloesser, and Laura Schulz, whoknew early that they wanted to pursuea career in food-animal medicine, theCVM offers an early-decision program,the Veterinary Food Animal ScholarsTrack, or VetFAST. The program holdsslots open for eligible undergraduatestudents who commit early to foodanimalmedicine, assuming they meetthe rigorous academic standards. It alsogives them the option of completingtheir undergraduate work in three yearsinstead of four.“VetFAST is a really unique and effectivestrategy to recruit and admit studentscommitted to food-animal practice,”says Dr. Laura Molgaard, associate deanfor academic and student affairs. “Byidentifying high-ability students veryearly, we can mentor them and retain themin this important part of our profession.”Dr. Dan Hagman, a 2008 graduate and oneof the first students to complete veterinaryschool through the VetFAST program,grew up near Lake Mille Lacs and has apassion for working outside with dairyherds. “It is something I absolutely loveto do,” Hagman says. “The clients arerelaxed. They are my kind of people.”Hagman works for United VeterinaryServices in Bear Creek, Wisconsin. Thepractice consists of 10 veterinariansserving dairy farms in the 9-county FoxValley area. His uncle Dr. Brian Moss,a veterinarian specializing in dairyproduction, was instrumental in Hagman’scareer choice.VetFAST graduate Dan Hagman works for UnitedVeterinary Services in Bear Creek, Wisconsin. Thepractice serves dairy farms in the nine-county FoxValley area.“In sixth grade, I rode with my uncleand I decided that being a dairy vet waswhat I wanted to do,” recalls Hagman.After graduating from high school,Hagman enrolled in the College ofFood, Agricultural and Natural ResourceSciences (CFANS) for his pre-veterinarywork, with every intention of becominga dairy vet. What he didn’t know wasthat the CVM would be launching theVetFAST program, which would securehim a spot and allow him to enroll inveterinary school a full year earlier thanhis classmates.Two decades ago, about half of CVMgraduates went on to become large-animalpractitioners. Since then, the number ofgraduates who plan to practice in the areaof food animal production and/or foodsafety has fallen dramatically. Only 15But the path into the program isn’t easy.Program requirements are based onthe CFANS honors program. Typicalapplicants rank in the top 25 percent oftheir high school graduating class, have astrong interest in food animals, and score25 or higher on the ACT. Students acceptedinto the program must also complete theirpre-veterinary work while maintaining anoverall GPA of at least 3.40.“These students are honors-level students intheir undergraduate programs and are trulythe cream of the crop,” says Molgaard.Another graduate of the class of 2008,Dr. Laura Schulz, works at one of the state’slargest swine production practices, SwineVet Center, P.A., in St. Peter, Minnesota.“It’s a wonderful job. I really enjoyworking with the producers, the animals,other vets, and networking with others inthe industry,” says Schulz. “I appreciatethe variety. I spend my days traveling,visiting with clients, working with pigs,and, of course, completing necessarypaperwork. I like to be out and aboutinstead of confined to a cubicle — mytruck is my office.”Schulz, too, grew up in rural Minnesota inthe small farming community of Lafayette.At one time, Schulz was interested in acareer in physical therapy, but after her firstundergraduate course in animal scienceshe decided she couldn’t leave livestockbehind. “I love it too much,” she says.So when she heard about the VetFASTprogram, she was ready to commit early.4

EDUCATION“It’s a good program for students whoalready know that they want to work infood-animal medicine,” she says. “It helpsyou focus during vet school.”The first VetFAST graduates, Hagman,Schloesser, and Schulz, and are on thefront lines of keeping the food systemsafe and preventing zoonotic diseasessuch as novel H1N1 viruses and bovinetuberculosis from spreading to humans.“We are out there every day looking at ourfood supply,” says Schulz. “We keep thefood supply safe. It’s a big responsibility.”For more information aboutVetFAST, call 612-624-4747,e-mail dvminfo@umn.edu, or visitwww.cvm.umn.edu/education/prospective/VetFAST.Laura Schulz, a veterinarian at Swine Vet Center, P.A., shows an employee how to adjust feed boxes tofeed boars according to body condition. Schulz was one of the College’s first VetFAST graduates.“It sounded like a good option because Iknew what I wanted to do,” she says. “Itsaved me some time and opened doorsto scholarships.” Like Hagman, Schulzreceived at least one scholarship for eachof her four years of veterinary school. Inspring 2009, the CVM awarded a total of$40,500 to veterinary students specializingin food animals.Dr. Carissa Schloesser, a graduate of theclass of 2009, began working with thePipestone Veterinary Clinic in June. Theclinic specializes in swine and employs12 full-time veterinarians, includingSchloesser. Originally from the St. Peterarea, Schloesser heard about the VetFASTprogram from family friend Mike Mohr,a food animal veterinarian practicing inNorth Carolina.“I always thought I wanted to be aveterinarian,” says Schloesser. “I grew uparound food animals. I liked the sciences.My love for animals plus my interest insciences was a good combination.”Also a recipient of scholarships,Schloesser saved valuable time and moneyby applying to the VetFAST program.Carissa Schloesser, class of 2009, went to workat the Pipestone Veterinary Clinic shortly aftergraduation.5

EDUCATIONAnnual awards ceremony honors students, faculty, and staffThe annual College of VeterinaryMedicine Awards Ceremony washeld in the North Star Ballroomof the St. Paul Student Center on April23. The evening began with a receptionfor students, faculty, and scholarshipsponsors, followed by a welcome byDean Trevor Ames and the presentationof the College of Veterinary MedicineOutstanding Service Award to Minnesota'sCommissioner of Agriculture, GeneHugoson. After a few short remarks byHugoson, CVM alumnus and donor Dr.Alan Flory spoke, followed by D.V.M.student Conrad Spangler, who presenteda student's perspective. Then, more than60 scholarships totaling over $200,000― $50,000 more than last year ― werepresented to veterinary students. Thefollowing teaching awards were alsopresented:Pfizer Distinguished Teacher AwardJen Myers, Veterinary Clinical SciencesDepartmentThe Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Awardis the College’s most prestigious facultyteaching award. Sponsored by PfizerAnimal Health, this award is uniquein that the winner is selected by theveterinary students of the College.Recipients of the Joseph E. Salsbury VeterinaryMedical Scholarship gather for a photo after theawards ceremony.David Lee, director of the Veterinary MedicalCenter, presents Veterinary Technician Awards forExcellence in Clinical Teaching to Marie Bodin andAngie Homan. New this year, the awards are votedon by fourth-year students.Mark of ExcellenceG. Elizabeth Pluhar, Veterinary ClinicalSciences DepartmentThe Mark of Excellence Award is given toa faculty member who has generated newknowledge in the veterinary professionthat has been shared with others byway of publication, presentations atscientific meetings, and other methods ofdissemination.Departmental Teaching AwardsVeterinary Clinical SciencesDepartment• Excellence in Teaching Awards:Jane Quandt and Anthony Tobias• Excellence in Clinical TeachingAward: Charles McBrien• Excellence in Clinical TeachingResident Award: Jen MyersExcellence in Course Coordination Award winners Sheila Torres, Larissa Minicucci, Peggy Root-Kustritz,and Al Beitz were presented with plaques by Laura Molgaard, associate dean for academic and studentaffairs. Photos by Sue KirchoffVeterinary Population MedicineDepartment• Excellence in Teaching Award:Christie Ward• Excellence in Clinical or DiagnosticTeaching Award: Nicolas Ernst• Excellence in Resident or DiagnosticTeaching Award: Anne NicholsonVeterinary and Biomedical SciencesDepartment Teaching Award: Vic CoxVeterinary Technician Awards forExcellence in Clinical TeachingMarie Bodin and Angie HomanNew this year, the veterinary technicianawards are voted on by fourth-yearstudents.Excellence in Course CoordinationAwards• Al Beitz, veterinary neurobiology• Larissa Minicucci, public health• Peggy Root-Kustritz, professionaldevelopment• Sheila Torres, advanced animaldermatology6

EDUCATIONAVMA Council onEducation votes tocontinue full accreditationThe American Veterinary MedicalAssociation Council on Education votedto continue full accreditation for theCollege during its spring 2009 meeting.The council commended the College for:• Completing several improvements tothe physical facility• The purchase of an equine ambulatorypractice to increase the first-opinionequine cases and the number of referralcases• Adding an additional faculty andresident position within productionanimal medicine• The pursuit of a long-term strategicplan, which includes collaborativeefforts with additional colleges at theUniversity of MinnesotaThe council encouraged the College toadd an additional faculty member in thearea of production animal medicine wheneconomics permit.Educational DevelopmentGrant winners announcedThe College’s Educational DevelopmentGrant winners, announced in January,were --• Tina Clarkson for “FacultyDevelopment: Training in the BayerAnimal Health Communication Projectfor Application within the ProfessionalDevelopment (CVM 6012) Program”• Peggy Root Kustritz, SherylFonseth-Lais, and Susan Lowum for“Assessment of Competencies inCommunications by Review of ClientInteractions”• Leslie Sharkey, Helen Michael,Deb Wingert, and Bruce Center for“Outcomes Assessment of the Useof Case-Based Writing Exercises inVeterinary Clinical Pathology”• Deb Wingert for “College of VeterinaryMedicine Teaching Academy”The Educational Development Grantsprogram supports the College’s goal ofDegrees awarded at annual commencement ceremonyNinety-six studentsreceived theirD.V.M., M.P.H.,M.S., or Ph.D. degreeat the College's 58thannual commencementceremony at NorthropMemorial Auditoriumon the Minneapoliscampus on May 2. DeanTrevor Ames presidedover the event, andthe commencementaddress was presentedby Dr. W. Ron DeHaven,executive vice presidentof the American VeterinaryMedical Association.Joining Dean Ames in the presentationof the doctor of veterinary medicinediplomas was Laura Molgaard,associate dean of academic and studentaffairs, assisted by Erin Malone, JaneQuandt, Leslie Sharkey, and ChristieWard. Srirama Rao, associate dean forresearch, and Mark Rutherford, associatedean of graduate programs, assisted inthe presentation of the master of scienceand doctor of philosophy degrees.Master of public health degrees werepresented by John Finnegan, dean of theSchool of Public Health, and LarissaMinicucci, director of the College'sD.V.M./M.P.H. program. Also speakingat commencement were:providing an excellent, science-basedveterinary educational program to preparestudents for leadership and successfulcareers.Academic and StudentAffairs reorganizesThe Office of Academic and StudentAffairs has reorganized severalfunctions in that area. Collegiate budgetchallenges and the early retirement ofLarry Bjorklund, director of admissionsand student affairs, led to a shift inresponsibilities, says Laura Molgaard,The College’s annual commencement ceremonyis held at Northrop Memorial Auditorium.• Andrew Federer of the class of 2009,who gave the class response• Dallas Bohnsack of the University ofMinnesota Board of Regents• Mark S. Paller, professor of medicineand assistant vice president forresearch for the Academic HealthCenter• Tom Schuld, president of the College'sAlumni & Friends Society• Paul Rapnicki, president of theMinnesota Veterinary MedicalAssociation and professor at theCollegeassociate dean for academic and studentaffairs.Karen Nelson was promoted to directorof admissions; Peg Dimatteo, directorof academic affairs, is reassigning someof her responsibilities to others withinAcademic and Student Affairs to allow herto take over many of the student affairsfunctions that were formerly covered byBjorklund; and Dr. Peggy Root Kustritz,vice chair of the Veterinary ClinicalSciences Department, has been namedassistant dean of education.7

EDUCATIONGRADUATE PROGRAMSPh.D. candidate Josephine Gnanandarajah:Driven to DiscoverAveterinarianfrom Sri Lanka,Josephine Gnanandarajah obtainedher BVSc (equivalent to theD.V.M.) from the Faculty of VeterinaryMedicine of the University of Peradeniyain Sri Lanka in 2003. Driven to pursue acareer in science, she came to the UnitedStates to join Michael Murtaugh’s lab atthe University of Minnesota College ofVeterinary Medicine and to pursue hermaster’s degree in the veterinary medicinegraduate program. After completing hermaster’s degree in 2007, she joined theveterinary medicine Ph.D. program.What is your Ph.D. researchinvestigating?I am investigating the oxalate-degradingbacteria found in the gut of dogs and theirrole in calcium oxalate stone formation.The long-term goal of this study is togenerate efficient oxalate-degradingprobiotics as a novel therapy for theprevention of calcium oxalate urinarystones in animals and humans.How did you get interested in thisresearch?I am very much interested in scientificinvestigations that can be directlytranslated into clinical or therapeuticapplication to benefit our loving pets. MyPh.D. project is an excellent opportunityfor me to get involved and trained ininterdisciplinary research like this. Thisresearch project gave me an opportunity tobe trained under two excellent professors,Dr. Michael Murtaugh and Dr. JodyLulich. Who would want to miss thisopportunity?Josephine Gnanandarajahstudents. In essence, I wanted to be part ofthe “Driven to Discover” team.What has been the most valuable partof your graduate education so far?The most valuable aspect of my graduatecareer is the training I receive from Dr.Murtaugh’s lab. His excellent tutelageand training covers a vast range ofareas including formulating grantproposals, designing studies, scientificcommunication, and creative thinking.Once you complete your degree, whatare your plans?I would like to continue my career as ascientist in a research-oriented institution,especially related to animal diseases.Daniel Linhares namedPijoan FellowDr. Daniel Linhares is the latest recipientof the Carlos Pijoan Graduate StudentFellowship in Swine Medicine, whichaims to train the next generation ofspecialists in swine health and productionto conduct applied research on thetransmission, diagnosis, control, anderadication of economically significantdiseases of swine.Linhares begins his graduate study thisfall. He earned his veterinary degree atthe Federal University of Goias in Brazilin 2003. Since then, he has workedwith Agroceres PIC, the largest swinegenetics company in Brazil. In 2008, heobtained his master’s degree in businessadministration from Fundacao GetulioVargas, the leading Brazilian academicinstitution in the fields of economics andbusiness administration.As the Pijoan Fellow, Linhares plans towork with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae,Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, andporcine circovirus-associated diseases.When he completes his Ph.D., Linhareshopes to continue his research and trainother swine professionals.Incoming graduate studentsComparative and MolecularBiosciencesSeth BakerK. Preethi HaranAnne MayerMelissa MonsonJessica RotschaferNichol SchultzSara ShepardGreg SindbergWhy did you choose the U of M for yourgraduate degree?The University of Minnesota is wellknownfor research that contributes to thewell-being of humans and animals. Thediverse research at the the U of M wasthe major reason for my choice. The otherpositive aspects that made me choose theU of M were the diversity of expertise,excellence in veterinary research, and thewelcoming environment for internationalWhat advice you would give studentsjust beginning their Ph.D. education?Always remember the meaning ofresearch: re-search. There are plenty ofopportunities available at the U of M, sobe receptive. Develop skills of creativethinking. I like to share this quote fromAlbert Einstein: “Imagination is moreimportant than knowledge. For whileknowledge defines all we currently knowand understand, imagination points to allwe might yet discover and create.”Veterinary MedicineMatt AllersonDaniel LinharesJane ManfrediLindsey MathewsJose Mendez-AnguloLuis MendoncaChandrakumary PonnuthuraiCatherine RivaraRaffaella TeixeiraFabio Vannucci8

EDUCATIONMeet Meggan Bandrick, 2009 MVMA Ben Pomeroy D.V.M./Ph.D. scholarship recipientWhere are you in your D.V.M./Ph.D.program?I have about one year left in my Ph.D.program and then I will finish the lasttwo years of veterinary school. I plan onjoining the class of 2012 in September2010. I completed my oral exam at thebeginning of the year, so I am officially aPh.D. candidate in the veterinary medicinegraduate program. Dr. Tom Molitor is myadvisor. I am currently being supported bya National Institutes of Health/NationalInstitute on Drug Abuse training grant.What is your research interest, andwhIch lab are you working in?My research concerns the transfer ofmaternal immunity to neonates andthe influence of maternal immunity onneonatal immune development. I amcurrently studying this in a swine model.Unlike humans and mice, piglets do notreceive any maternal immunity across theplacenta/in utero, so we are better able tocontrol what the piglet receives from itsmother and determine how this affectsimmune development. I am interested inhow transferred maternal immunity, specificallycellular immunity, influences theMeggan Bandricknewborn's immune response to infectiousdisease. A breadth of information exists ontransferred maternal humoral or antibodymediatedimmunity in the newborn, butthe influence of the cellular portion ofmaternal immunity on neonatal immunedevelopment has largely been neglected.Part of my thesis work also involvesdetermining how altering the health statusof the dam via opiate administrationinfluences neonatal immune development.Opiates enhance susceptibility to infectionand contribute to disease progressionby modulating the immune response. Ithas been postulated that an associationexists between maternal narcotic abuseand increased incidence of infection inthe neonate. Our hypothesis is that theincreased infection in neonates is fostereddue to effects of altered maternal immunityon neonatal immune development.What do you hope to do after finishingyour degrees?I really enjoy teaching and hope to be aclinical professor someday. I would liketo work at a university hospital whereI can teach and perform translationalresearch. Before returning to academia, Iam thinking about working at a governmentlaboratory such as the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention or theUSDA Animal and Plant Health InspectionService to study infectious disease and thehost immune response.Recent M.S. and Ph.D. graduatesComparative and Molecular BiosciencesGeoff Hirsch, M.S.Advised by Mike MurtaughCharacterization of Novel Porcine ESTSequences in the Jejunal Peyer’s PatchJin Liu, Ph.D.Advised by Mitch Abrahamsen andMark RutherfordCryptosporidium Parvum-Modulation ofApoptotic Pathways in Human IntestinalEpithelial CellsTrasida Ployngam, Ph.D.Advised by John CollisterRole of the Median Preoptic Nucleus inChronic Blood Pressure Regulation byAngiotensin IIVeterinary MedicineMelissa Carr, M.S.Advised by Sheila TorresStudies on Pruritogenic Substances andthe H4 Receptor in Healthy Canine SkinCleverson DeSouza, Ph.D.Advised by Doug WeissHost-Pathogen Interaction inParatuberculosis: Role of the MitogenActivated Protein Kinases in ModulatingMonocyte Anti-Microbial ResponsesJennifer Granick, M.S.Advised by Jane Armstrong andDori BorjessonAnaplasma Phagocytophilum: An Investigationof the Pathogenesis of Infection-Induced Thrombocytopenia and a RetrospectiveCase Series of Canine Infectionin the Upper Midwestern United StatesJun Han, Ph.D.Advised by Kay Faaberg and Mark RutherfordCharacterization of the MultidomainNsp2 Protein of Porcine Reproductive andRespiratory Syndrome VirusHyeun Bum Kim, M.S.Advised by HanSoo JooPorcine Circovirus Type 2: SerologicResponse in Pigs and Susceptibility toDifferent DisinfectantsKyra Martins, M.S.Advised by Sheila Torres and MarkRutherfordExpression of Endogenous AntimicrobialPeptides in Canine SkinMaria Pieters, Ph.D.Advised by Tom MolitorMycoplasma Hyopneumoniae Infection inSow Herds: Epidemiology and ControlAndrea Pitkin, M.S.Advised by Scott DeeThe Production Region Model: ANew Approach to Evaluate Routes ofTransmission and Protocols of Biosecurityfor PRRS VirusMeetu Seth, M.S.Advised by Srinand SreevatsanBiomarkers for Subclinical Infectionsfor Mycobacterial Disease in Cattle:Discovery and Application9

RESEARCHCollege introduces Animal Cancer Care and Research programThe College established a newAnimal Cancer Care and Research(ACCR) program in conjunctionwith the University's Masonic CancerCenter in February. This collaborationis unique in the United States because itincorporates the ACCR program into theMasonic Cancer Center, a National CancerInstitute-designated ComprehensiveCancer Center.“We believe it will become the premiermodel for animal cancer care andresearch,” says Trevor Ames, dean. Withinfive years, Ames says, he expects theUniversity of Minnesota to be recognizedas the best institution in the countryfor conducting research in comparativeoncology and providing care forcompanion animals with cancer.“ACCR scientists have already madesignificant discoveries,” says Ames. “Oneparticularly noteworthy finding is thatmany cancers in the dog are caused bythe same genetic abnormalities found inhumans.”The mission of the ACCR program isambitious: To advance knowledge incancer biology that can be translatedand implemented into treatment thatwill reduce the incidence of cancer andimprove the outcome for animal andhuman cancer patients.“The ACCR program is a key part of ourcomparative medicine signature programat the University,” says Robert Washabau,chair of the Veterinary Clinical SciencesDepartment. “Cancer claims the lives ofanimals as well as humans, and researchinto the causes and treatments of cancer isoften applicable across species.”The ACCR program draws its expertiseprimarily from scientists in the Collegeof Veterinary Medicine and the MasonicCancer Center, but ACCR scientists alsowork closely with the Medical School,School of Pharmacy, and School of PublicHealth.Jaime Modiano at work in his lab. Modianobelieves that great synergies can be achievedwhen veterinarians, physicians, and scientists withcomplementary expertise join forces to tackle thetypes of cancer shared by dogs and humans.“Great synergies can be achieved whenveterinarians, physicians, and scientistswith complementary expertise join forcesto tackle the types of cancer shared bydogs and humans,” says Jaime Modiano,director of the ACCR program. “ACCRresearchers are currently working to definebreed- and disease-specific ‘Achilles’heels’ in dogs. These findings could thenbe translated into more effective and lesstoxic cancer treatments. The implicationscould reach far beyond dogs andveterinary medicine.”"We can learn more about cancerby working together," says DouglasYee, M.D., director, Masonic CancerCenter. "This program will advance ourunderstanding of cancer in both animalsand people."Modiano’s laboratory is one of threeresearch labs involved in the program.Modiano holds the Alvin S. and JunePerlman Endowed Chair in AnimalOncology and is a member of the MasonicCancer Center’s Genetic Mechanismsof Cancer and Immunology researchprograms.ACCR scientists work on research ingenetics, cancer prevention, stem cells,metastasis, and cell signaling. Many ofthese basic research findings are readilytranslated into cancer care includingdiagnostics, treatments, and quality of life.For moreinformationon the AnimalCancer Careand Researchprogram orto downloada PDF ofthe ACCRnewsletter,Synergy, go towww.cvm.umn.edu/accr.Companion Animal Grantaward winners announcedThe research committee and officeof the associate dean for researchannounced the following winnersof the College’s Companion AnimalGrants:• Elizabeth Orcutt and DavidPolzin. Research: Effect ofspironolactone and angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitortherapy on proteinuria in dogs withproteinuric chronic kidney disease.• Sarah Gray, Kelly Hall, LisaPowell, Julie Schildt, and GregBeilman. Research: Tissue oxygensaturation predicts severity ofshock and survival in caninespresenting for acute hemorrhage.• Helen Michael, Jaime Modiano,and Jeffrey Miller. Research:Isolation and characterization ofcanine peripheral blood naturalkiller cells.• Melissa Carr, Sheila Torres, andLucy Vulchanova. Research:Expression of the H4 receptor inthe skin of dogs.10

Clinical trials open to dogs with brain tumorsBatman, thefirst patientto undergo anexperimental treatmentfor brain cancer in dogs,has become a poster dogfor the revolutionaryprotocol.In summer 2008, Batmanwas diagnosed withglioma, a very aggressiveand relatively commonform of brain cancer.Without treatment, the10-year-old Germanshepherd mix was notexpected to survive morethan a few months.Batman’s owners agreedto let the dog be part of an experimentaltreatment plan for dogs with glioma.Developed by John Ohlfest, head of theneurosurgery gene therapy program at theMasonic Cancer Center, and G. ElizabethPluhar, a veterinary surgeon and associateprofessor at the College of VeterinaryMedicine, the combination treatmentplan dramatically extended Batman’s life.Now, more than a year after Pluhar andOhlfest gave Batman his initial treatment,the neurological deficits that led to hisdiagnosis have been almost eliminated,and there is no sign of a brain tumor.“We documented an anti-tumor immuneresponse that has correlated to control ofthe tumor,” says Ohlfest. In other words,the treatment appears to have worked.The three-pronged treatment approachconsists of first surgically removing thetumor, then treating the surgical sitewith a form of gene therapy to attractimmune cells that will recognize anddestroy remaining tumor cells, and finallyadministering an anti-cancer vaccine madefrom the dog’s own cancer cells to preventtumor recurrence.“There is the potential for this type oftherapy to be used on nearly any type ofDr. John Ohlfest and Dr. Liz Pluhar with Batman,the first patient to undergo a new experimentaltreatment for brain cancer. Photo by Sue Kirchoffsystemic cancer in dogs, not just braincancer, because the immune responsecovers the entire body,” says Pluhar. “I’mhopeful this therapy may in time be usedfor other types of systemic cancer indogs.”Through the help of grants fromgovernment agencies and privatefoundations, Ohlfest and Pluhar have sincetreated eight other dogs for similar tumors.The second dog to receive treatmentexhibited an impressive tumor regressionfollowing six vaccinations, and Ohlfestand Pluhar are optimistic that the otherdogs will show similar responses.Canine brain cancer therapy has beenorganized within a new canine brain tumorclinical trials program. The treatment teamcurrently has funding to treat about 65dogs, a number that could soon exceed135 if additional grants and charitabledonations come through.The area of medicine in which Ohlfestand Pluhar work is called comparativeoncology. They use what they learn inveterinary medicine to help humans, andRESEARCHthey extrapolate whatthey can from humanmedicine to help petanimals. Batman is anexcellent case in point.Ohlfest’s work in geneand immune therapyled to a first-generationanti-cancer vaccineto be used in a humanclinical trial. However,the early vaccinewas expensive anddifficult to produce.He subsequently usedthat vaccine to developa more potent and lessexpensive vaccinefor dogs ― which inturn may lead to a newcancer treatment for humans.“I would be very disappointed if wecouldn’t write a protocol for humanswithin a year from what we have learnedfrom our work with dogs,” says Ohlfest.“This is first and foremost a new therapyfor dogs, but at the same time, it will bemore predictive of what might happen inpeople than any other form of research.”The cost of therapy for one dog can rangebetween $10,000 and $20,000. However,dogs with tumors that originate in thebrain may be eligible for the canine braintumor clinical trials program. The programwill cover the vast majority of the cost oftreatment including surgery and supportivecare while the dog remains enrolled in thetrial.Learn more about the trials and applyfor the program online atwww.cvm.umn.edu/newsandevents/braintumortrials/. For an appointmentwith Dr. Pluhar or the Small AnimalSurgery or Neurology Service, call612-626-VETS (8387). To donate tothe research effort, contact SharonStaton, director of advancement, at612-624-1247 or stato001@umn.edu.11

RESEARCHCollege celebrates Points of Pride Research DayThe College hosted its annual Pointsof Pride Research Day on March25, 2009. The day began with aposter competition in the Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine building, wheregraduate students, summer scholars, postdoctoratescholars, and residents presentedtheir research. Posters also showcaseddepartments, centers, and programs suchas the Clinical Investigation Center, SwineDisease Eradication, Center, The RaptorCenter, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory,and others.Distinguished Research Alumnus Peixuan Guo presents an animated lecture.After a Distinguished Partners lunch and agraduate student lunch with DistinguishedResearch Alumnus Peixuan Guo, theafternoon featured seminars and awardpresentations at the Ben Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center, followed by areception in the Animal Science/VeterinaryMedicine lobby. The 2009 Pfizer ResearchExcellence Award recipient was MathurKannan, professor in the Veterinaryand Biomedical Sciences Department,who presented “Contribution of CD38to Airway Inflammation and Asthma.”Kannan’s research examines how calciumregulation in smooth muscle cells can goawry, causing health problems such ashypersensitivity of the airway.The 2009 Distinguished ResearchAlumnus, Peixuan Guo, received hisPh.D. in microbiology and geneticsfrom the University of Minnesota in1987. He currently holds the Dane &Mary Louise Miller Endowed Chair inBiomedical Engineering and is directorof the NIH Nanomedicine DevelopmentCenter and professor in the Department ofBiomedical Engineering at the Universityof Cincinnati. Guo presented an animatedlecture on the topic “Single MoleculeStudies on Phi29 DNA Packaging Motorfor Applications in Nanotechnology andDelivery of Therapeutics.”The 2009 Distinguished Research Partnerwas the Minnesota Turkey Research andPromotion Council, represented by StevenH. Olson, executive director, who thankedthe College for its longtime partnership.Associate Dean for Research Srirama Rao, right,presents the 2009 Distinguished ResearchPartner Award to Steven H. Olson, executivedirector of the Minnesota Turkey Research andPromotion Council.Poster competition awards were presentedto:Summer Scholar: Melissa Erickson.Research topic: Regulatory T Cells andNeurogenesis Following ExperimentalHerpes EncephalitisSummer Scholars are D.V.M. studentswho participate in a summer researchexperience, supported in part by Merck-Merial. Jim Lokensgard and MaximCheeran were Erickson’s summer scholaradvisors.Graduate student categories• Comparative and molecularbiosciences: Mona Al-Gizawiy.Research topic: Effect ofElectroacupuncture on Tumor-InducedNociception and Tumor Growth ina Mouse Model of ExperimentallyInduced Osteosarcoma. Al-Gizawiy is aPh.D. student in the veterinary medicinegraduate program. Her advisor is AlBeitz.Graduate student Jennifer Johnson discusses herresearch with Professor Sagar Goyal. Johnson wonthe award for best overall research poster.• Veterinary medicine: Katie Schiller.Research topic: CFTR is Involved inCell Migration of Airway EpithelialCells. Schiller is a Ph.D. student in thecomparative and molecular biosciencesgraduate program. She is advised byScott O’Grady.• Post-doctoral/research associates:Yue Wang. Research topic: Inductionof ADAM17-mediated L-selectinShedding Upon Leukocyte Apoptosis.Wang is a post-doctoral associate inBruce Walcheck’s lab.• Best overall research poster:Jennifer Johnson. Research topic: ExVivo Expanded Non-Human PrimateRegulatory T Cells Express CTLA4and Granzyme B and May SuppressThrough Contact Dependent Pathways.Advised by Pratima Bansal-Pakala andMike Murtaugh, Johnson is in the Ph.D.program in comparative and molecularbiosciences.12

RESEARCHClinical Investigation Center:New findings, new therapies in support of companion animalsCollege of Veterinary Medicineclinical researchers use theClinical Investigation Center (CIC)to support their clinical trials research. TheUniversity of Minnesota CIC is one ofonly four veterinary clinical investigationcenters in the country.Bert Stromberg, co-director of the CIC andprofessor of parasitology, and former deanJeff Klausner established the nation’s firstCIC in 2000 to support the research effortsof the clinical faculty. The mission of theCIC is to facilitate veterinary clinical trialsand translational research that may leadto new drugs, devices, procedures, andtreatments for the benefit of companionanimals and humans alike.“We established the CIC in 2000 andwe continue to grow in both the numberof clinical trials conducted and numberof faculty involved,” says Stromberg.“Our goal is to provide all faculty withthe opportunity to participate in clinicaltrials.”The CIC offers a broad range of services,including:• First point of contact for businessand industry seeking the expertise,capabilities, and caseload of the Collegeof Veterinary Medicine• A network of veterinarians whoregularly refer cases to CIC-managedstudies• Project administration, including grantsubmissions, budget management, andregulatory documents• Internal quality assurance for FDAtrials conducted under Good ClinicalPractices• Client informed consent• Study coordination• Veterinary technical supportThe importance of the CIC in veterinaryand human discovery is emphasized byRobert Washabau, co-director of the CIC,chair of the Veterinary Clinical SciencesDepartment, and professor of medicine.“The University of Minnesota VeterinaryMedical Center sees more than 40,000clinical cases per year, many of whichare entered into prospective clinicaltrials,” Washabau says. “The ClinicalInvestigation Center provides theinfrastructure and portal of entry formany of these patients. Our programsoften reveal some unique new insightabout the veterinary condition which canthen be applied to the human condition.Recent discoveries in canine brain cancerhave already provided new insights intothe therapy for human brain cancer.The College and the CIC are uniquelypositioned to transform human medicinewhile simultaneously contributing to thetransformation of veterinary medicine.”In addition to the co-directors, the CICconsists of Kelly Hall, clinical trialsveterinarian, Kathy Stuebner, researchcoordinator and program manager, andresearch study veterinary techniciansSara Pracht and Marianne Robeck. Fora list of current clinical trials and moreinformation about the CIC, visit www.cvm.umn.edu/cic/.College faculty awarded major research grantsCollege of Veterinary Medicine facultymembers have been awarded millions ofdollars in research grants from a varietyof sponsors in recent months. Grants of$300,000 or more have been awarded to:Al Beitz: Cancer Pain: Nerve/TumorInteractions. Sponsor: National CancerInstituteCathy Carlson: Comparative Medicineand Pathology Training. Sponsor:National Center for Research ResourcesJim Collins: Minnesota Poultry TestingLab. Sponsor: Minnesota Board ofAnimal HealthWill Hueston: Facilitating Public-Private-Academic Partnerships toSupport Avian Influenza Preparedness.Sponsor: U.S. Department of AgricultureMathur Kannan: Dynamic CalciumRegulation in Airway Smooth Muscle.Sponsor: National Institutes of HealthJody Lulich, Osborne/Hills Chair in Nephrology/Urology, uses CIC services in his research on urinarytract disorders in cats. Photo by Sue KirchoffTom Molitor: Training in Neurobehavior/Neuroimmune Addiction Research.Sponsor: National Institute on Drug AbuseSrirama Rao: Role of Heparan Sulfatesand NDST-1 in Allergic Inflammation andAirway Remodeling; Leukocyte Adhesionin Allergic Inflammation. Sponsor:National Institutes of HealthKent Reed: The Turkey MHC:Sequence, Haplotype Structure, and GeneExpression.Sponsor: USDA Cooperative StateResearch, Education, and ExtensionServiceMark Rutherford: Host Specificityof Cryptosporidium Gene Expression.Sponsor: National Institutes of HealthBruce Walcheck: Regulation ofInflammation: Sheddases and CD62L.Sponsor: National Institutes of Health13

AROUND THE COLLEGE14Dean Trevor Ames, left, and Frank Cerra, senior vice president for health sciences and dean of theMedical School, right, led a special tribute to Professor Emeritus R.K. Anderson, center, at the MinnesotaVeterinary Medical Association convention.Alumni reception includes tribute to R.K. AndersonAstanding-room-only crowdattended an alumni receptionand tribute to Professor EmeritusR.K Anderson at the annual MinnesotaVeterinary Medical Associationconvention on February 5. Hostedby Dean Trevor Ames and the CVMadvancement team, the receptionincluded talks by Frank Cerra, senior vicepresident for health sciences and dean ofthe Medical School, and Debra Olson,associate dean of education, School ofPublic Health.Ralph Farnsworth and patientRetired professor Ralph Farnsworthof the Veterinary Population MedicineDepartment received the MVMA’s 2009Outstanding Faculty of the CollegeDebra Olson, associate dean of education, Schoolof Public Health, embraces Anderson.of Veterinary Medicine Award. Theaward is given to a faculty member whoprovides outstanding service to Minnesotaveterinarians, gives his or her time andtalent to the veterinary profession, makesa difference to the profession, and isa dedicated contributor to organizedveterinary medicine. Farnsworthspecialized in zoo animal medicine andmastitis control in dairy cattle.The winners of the MVMA’s postercompetition were graduate students KariEkenstedt (first place) and Mary Donahue(second place). Teresa Hershey, presidentof the MVMA, presented the awards.Batman, the shepherd-mix dog whounderwent experimental treatment forCancer researchersseek partnership withMinnesota veterinariansWhat are the origins ofcancer? Which dogs getthe disease? Why are somebreeds more susceptible than others?Do heredity, birth weight, growthrate, diet, exercise, and environmentalexposures play a role?University of Minnesota faculty andMasonic Cancer Center membersJaime Modiano, who studies oncologyand comparative medicine at theCollege of Veterinary Medicine,and Logan Spector, who studiescancer epidemiology at the School ofMedicine, are teaming up to answerthese questions, and are lookingfor community veterinarians tocollaborate with them.“Pet dogs are an ideal species in whichto conduct lifelong epidemiologicstudies of cancer, since they share thehuman environment, develop cancerat roughly the same rate as humans,have available a high-quality genomesequence, and have a lifespan that isshort enough to allow birth-to-deathobservation,” says Spector. “Wewould like to work with Minnesotaveterinarians on a long-termexploration of canine cancer.”Interested in learning more? Modianoand Spector are planning to hostan informational breakfast or earlyevening meeting with interestedveterinarians sometime in earlyNovember. To learn more, contactLogan Spector at spector@umn.edu or612-624-3912.a brain tumor,received theMVMA’s HeroAnimal Hall ofFame award, whichis given to animalsthat have saved orpreserved humanlife.Batman

Gwen Beberg and Ratchet are guests at annual Memories Garden ceremonyThe College's annual Nestlé PurinaMemories Garden brick dedicationceremony was held on June 16.Special guests included Gwen Beberg, aspecialist in the U.S. Army Reserves, andher dog, Ratchet, who were in the newsearlier this year when Beberg rescuedRatchet as a stray puppy from a pile ofburning trash in Iraq. Determined to bringthe dog home to the United States, Bebergand her friends from Operation BaghdadPups secured Ratchet's homecoming afterseveral months.AROUND THE COLLEGEMemoriesGardendonors viewbricks inmemoryof theircompanionanimals.In addition to Dean Trevor Ames andJeannine Moga, director of the VeterinaryMedical Center's Social Work Servicesprogram, speakers included Duke Addington,a lay Episcopal minister who performeda blessing of the garden, and DaveRunkle of the Greater Twin Cities GoldenRetriever Club, which recently establishedthe Will-Power fund to support Dr. JaimeModiano's cancer research. BagpiperPatrick McCormick performed at theceremony, and guests had an opportunityto share pictures, poems, and memories oftheir pets.For moreinformation aboutdonating a brickto the NestléPurina MemoriesGarden, contactSharon Staton atstato001@umn.eduor 612-624-1247.Gwen Beberg and Ratchet were special guests atthe 2009 Memories Garden ceremony.Patrick McCormick plays the bagpipes.Assisted by veterinary technician Sarah Penn, left, donorslight candles in memory of their pets. At right are SharonStaton, director of advancement, and Trevor Ames, dean.15

AROUND THE COLLEGELarge Animal Hospital treats baby giraffe from Como ZooIn the weehours of May5, a male babygiraffe weighingin at 152 poundswas born at ComoZoo. Zookeepersand veterinarianshad expectedthe giraffe to beborn sometimein July, but witha 15-monthgestation periodfor giraffes, it'snot always easy topredict a precisebirth date.The younggiraffe had somemajor healthcomplicationsand was admittedto the VeterinaryMedical Center’sLarge AnimalHospital, where hereceived roundthe-clockcare for10 days.Due to the extentof his illness andthe length of stayin the hospital, hismother was unableto nurse him, buthe was raised bythe zoo keepersand readily drankup to four litersof milk at a timefrom a bucket.The young giraffemade his debut tothe public at ComoZoo on June 5.Photos bySue KirchoffVeterinary resident Sara Wefel enjoys a close encounter with the patient.The young giraffe stands still long enough to beexamined by Dr. Micky Trent.Feeding the giraffe proves to be a rewardingbut wet proposition. Veterinary student AvaRedig is sprinkled with milk whenever thegiraffe lifts his head from the bucket.Trent isnuzzled byher patient.The younggirafferecoveredand wasreturned toComo Zoo,where hemade hispublic debuton June 5.16

St. Paul police dog shot, treated in Small Animal HospitalJust after 6 p.m. on April 6, three St.Paul police officers and Boomer, aSt. Paul police dog, responded toa complaint that a man in possessionof a handgun was sitting in an alley.Shortly after police responded, gunfirebroke out, and Boomer was shot inthe muzzle. Bleeding heavily, he wasrushed to the University of MinnesotaVeterinary Medical Center (VMC),where he underwent surgery and a bloodtransfusion.After undergoing a second surgery toremove shattered bone, tooth, and lead,Boomer returned home and had a healthyrecovery. He is now back at work as a St.Paul police dog.AROUND THE COLLEGEBoomer’s handler, St. Paul police officerPat Murphy, says that Boomer receivedgreat care at the VMC. He was especiallygrateful that the VMC doctors and staffallowed him to be involved during thetreatment. Interaction between Murphyand Boomer was particularly importantduring the process since trained policedogs can have unexpected reactions instressful situations.About BoomerOfficer Patrick Murphy's partner,Boomer, was one of AnimalPlanet’s “K-9 Cops.” A black andtan German shepherd dog, Boomerwas born in Holland and boughtwith donations given to the St.Paul Police Canine Foundation.Boomer is a patrol dog trained touse his nose to find people andevidence. When he is not working,he comes home with OfficerMurphy and lives at his house,where he likes to run and play withhis favorite toy, a Kong.The team effort to save BoomerGary Goldstein, veterinary dentist and associate medical director, conducts surgery on Boomer assistedby Marsha Goldstein, dental specialist, and Jesse Baxter, class of 2009. Also part of the team caring forBoomer was veterinary surgeon Greg Anderson. Photo by Sue Kirchoff17

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSFirst citizen-science program―The Raptor Center launches Kestrel WatchAcross the world, citizens arehelping scientists monitor changesin the environment and wildlifepopulations by becoming astute observers.Networks of these citizen volunteershelp researchers gather large volumes ofinformation that they otherwise wouldnot be able to collect. Audubon’s annualChristmas Bird Count, which began in1900, is the longest-running citizenscienceproject known. Now, The RaptorCenter has launched its own citizenscienceproject, Kestrel Watch, to monitorAmerican kestrels.The smallest falcon in North America,the American kestrel is widely distributedthroughout the western hemisphere andconsidered relatively common. But TheRaptor Center has seen a decline in thenumber of kestrels admitted to the center,from 107 admissions in 2000 to only 22last year. At the same time, admissions ofCooper’s hawks have doubled, from 54admissions in 2000 to 114 last year.At this point, no one knows whether thesefindings are correlated, or even whetherthe reduction in kestrel admissionsrepresents a decline of the species in thewild.What is known is that kestrels need bothopen hunting grounds, such as fields ormeadows, and stands of trees to nest androost. While American kestrel numbersincreased substantially as pioneers clearedthe eastern forests, kestrels face manychallenges in the wild today. ThroughKestrel Watch, The Raptor Center hopesto decode the decline in American kestreladmissions.TRC presents raptor program in SpanishTRC presenta programa de rapaces en espanolPublic education has been animportant part of The RaptorCenter’s work since the center wasestablished in the mid-1970s. But thisFebruary, The Raptor Center’s educationstaff branched out, presenting their firsteducational program in Spanish.Mike and Zuleika Billington presented theprogram at Lakes International LanguageAcademy, a Spanish immersion school inForest Lake, Minnesota. Mike Billington,an interpretive naturalist at TRC, and hiswife, Zule, a native of Argentina whois also a clinic and education volunteer,translated TRC’s hour-long “Raptors ofMinnesota” program into Spanish and presentedit to two groups of second graders.“The students’ fluency was fantastic,” saysMike Billington. “We were able to communicatethe entire program in Spanish.”The children asked questions in Spanishand worked on their avian vocabulary.“We taught them how to say red-tailedhawk in Spanish, which is aquililla forThe Raptor Center’s Spanish language teamincludes volunteer Zuleika Billington, veterinariansOlga Nicolas, Irene Bueno, and Luis Cruz, andMike Billington, interpretive naturalist. Billingtonis holding a peregrine falcon trained for use ineducational programs.hawk, cola for tail, and roja, which meansred,” he says. The Billingtons also taughtthe students the Spanish words for feather,peregrine falcon, great horned owl, andsome of the birds’ prey species, and introducedthe children to conservation andenvironmental issues affecting raptors.To learn moreabout KestrelWatch, go towww.The RaptorCenter.organd click on theKestrel Watchlink.The smallestfalcon in NorthAmerica, theAmerican kestrelweighs about fourounces.“We explained in Spanish how one of themain injuries red-tailed hawks sustain, gettinghit by a car, is often caused by peoplethrowing garbage onto the road,”Billington says. “The garbage, evenbanana peels and apple cores, attractsrodents to the road, and the hawk swoopsdown for its prey.”Very few educational programs are availablein Spanish to Minnesota schools andcommunities.“The presentation was very informativeand engaging,” says Lauren Anderson, ateacher from Lakes InternationalLanguage Academy. “It made our ecosystemsunit come to life. It also reinforcedour language studies for the students tosee that other people value Spanish, and tobe able to test out their abilities in a newsetting.” The bilingual team visited theschool again in early March to present theprogram to two other classes.“It’s still in the program-developmentstage,” Billington notes. “But as the programdevelops, we’re hoping to be able toexpand to other grades and schools.”18

Annual Raptor Bowl raisesfunds for TRCThe Raptor Center hosted its fourth annualRaptor Bowl at Brit’s Pub in downtownMinneapolis on July 15. Sponsored byDeWaay Capital Management and LandCorCompanies and presented by KARE 11 and WCCORadio, Raptor Bowl featured an afternoon ofrooftop lawn bowling by individual and corporateteams. A team from General Mills won this year’slawn bowling competition.COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSVeterinary Diagnostic Laboratory newsIn recent months, the VeterinaryDiagnostic Laboratory (VDL)—• Began offering two new genetictests, one for exercise-inducedcollapse (EIC) in dogs and the otherfor polysaccharide storage myopathy(PSSM) in horses. The technologytransfer to the VDL was madepossible by research discoveries madevia collaboration with scientists in theCollege, specifically Jim Mickelson,Katie Minor, and Ned Patterson inthe area of EIC and Molly E. McCue,Mickelson, and Stephanie Valberg inthe area of PSSM.• Initiated a collaboration to help solveclostridial dermatitis in poultry,a major disease causing carcasscondemnation and economic lossto the Minnesota turkey industry.New diagnostic tests for Clostridiumsepticum and Clostridium perfringensare now being offered to help theindustry better understand theepidemiology of this condition and tohelp control and prevent the disease.• Came to the aid of the poultry andswine industries by supporting theMinnesota Board of Animal Health'semergency response to outbreaks ofavian influenza in poultry.• In collaboration with the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Animal Health LaboratoryNetwork and Minnesota Pork Producers,the VDL helped design diagnosticstrategies to prevent the spread ofhuman novel H1N1 transmission toswine herds throughout Minnesota.• Identified an elk herd infected bychronic wasting disease (CWD)through surveillance under a cooperativeagreement with the USDA. The VDLis now working with the USDA andMinnesota Board of Animal Health tocontain the infection by depopulatingand testing the herd to ensure that CWDdoes not spread into the wild deerpopulation.• Was notified of the successfulcertification of the Biosafety Level 3necropsy lab by the USDA. The BSL-3lab is now being used to mitigate risk ofzoonotic disease transmission to VDLemployees working with animal tissues.• Launched a new diagnosticultrastructural pathology service.Offered by only few laboratories inthe nation, this new diagnostic effortprovides services on ultrastructuralpathology and identification of diseasepathogens of domestic animals andwildlife. The new service is headed byAnibal G. Armien, assistant clinicalprofessor in the Veterinary PopulationMedicine Department.Began conducting• new research tobenefit llamas and alpacas. Throughcreative use of diagnostic case material,Anibal G. Armien discovered amalformation in llamas and alpacasthat can serve as an animal model ofa similar malformation in humans.As principal investigator, Armienreceived a two-year grant from theAlpaca Research Foundation andMorris Animal Foundation to study thiscongenital malformation. The study,entitled “Investigation of the Multiple-Malformation Syndrome in Llamasand Alpacas Associated with ChoanalAtresia,” is focusing on identifying themutant gene encoding the diseases anddeveloping a method to identify thediseased animals in the herd.The Raptor Center often finds a way to mix learning with fun and fundraising. At the annualRaptor Bowl event, held at Brit’s Pub in downtown Minneapolis on July 15, interpretivenaturalist Mike Billington introduces an eastern screech owl to a group of admirers, left, asteams compete in a lawn-bowling tournament, above. Photos by Sue Kirchoff19

FACULTY & STAFF NEWSMontserrat Torremorell appointed to Allen D.Leman Chair in Swine Health and ProductivityMontserrat Torremorell, aninternational expert in swinehealth, joined the College as theAllen D. Leman Chair in Swine Healthand Productivityin May.Torremorell hasan extensivebackground inswine health,research, andproductionsystems,including healthimprovementstrategies, diseaseeradication andbiosecurityMontserrat Torremorellprograms, andhealth genomics. She is also an expert instrategies to control and alleviate swineinfluenza in the animal population.“We are honored that Dr. Torremorell hasjoined the College as the Allen D. LemanChair in Swine Health and Productivity,”says Trevor Ames, dean. “She has a longand diverse history working with swine inthe field of veterinary medicine.”Before joining the College, Torremorellwas head of global health strategy atGenus/PIC. Prior to that, she was healthdirector at Sygen International and vicepresident of health assurance for PICUSA.Considered one of the most prestigiousfaculty positions in the international fieldof swine medicine, the Leman Chair wasestablished in 1995 in honor of Dr. AllenRob Porter receivesPresident's AwardRob Porter, a pathologist in theVeterinary Diagnostic Laboratory,received the Minnesota TurkeyGrowers Association President'sAward for his outstanding contributionto the Turkey Cellulitis (clostridialdermatitis) Gold Medal research panel.Leman, a former faculty member at theCollege and an inspirational leader whomade significant contributions to theglobal swine industry.The endowed chair was previously held byDr. Peter Davies, an international expertin swine epidemiology who was appointedto the chair in 2003. Davies remains at theCollege as a professor in the VeterinaryPopulation Medicine Department, wherehe is regarded as a gifted educator,researcher, and academician.Torremorell is the author of more than 32peer-reviewed journal articles on swinehealth and more than 100 abstracts andarticles in conference proceedings. Shehas presented invited lectures, keynoteaddresses, and presentations withproceedings at scientific meetings in NorthAmerica, South America, and Europe. Shereceived her doctor of veterinary medicinedegree from the Autonomous Universityof Barcelona in Spain and her Ph.D. fromthe University of Minnesota College ofVeterinary Medicine, working with thelate Dr. Carlos Pijoan.Dean Trevor Ames appointed TomMolitor chair of the VeterinaryPopulation Medicine departmentin January.Molitor earnedhis Ph.D. fromthe Universityof Minnesota in1983 and becamea researchassociate inthe College'sDepartment ofLarge AnimalClinical Sciences.In 1985, he was avisiting scientistin the DepartmentTom Molitorof Human Genetics at Yale University, andreturned to the University of Minnesotain 1986 as assistant professor in theCarl Osborne toreceive ESVNU awardCarl A. Osborne, alongtime professor in theVeterinary Clinical SciencesDepartment, has been selected toreceivethe 2009EuropeanSociety ofVeterinaryNephrologyand Urology(ESVNU)Awardduring theannualmeetingof theCarl OsborneEuropeanSociety ofVeterinary Internal Medicine inPorto, Portugal, in September. Thisaward, selected by the ESVNU andsponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition, isbased on a lifetime of contributionsto teaching, research, and service.Tom Molitor appointed chair of VeterinaryPopulation Medicine DepartmentDepartment of Microbiology. He waspromoted to associate professor in theCollege's Department of Large AnimalClinical Sciences in 1990 and fullprofessor in the Department of Clinicaland Population Sciences in 1994. Molitorwas director of graduate studies from2001-2005, and has been director ofthe Psychoneuroimmunology TrainingProgram since 1998. In 2007, he receivedthe University's Award for OutstandingContributions to Postbaccalaureate,Graduate, and Professional Education.Molitor’s research interests includemolecular mechanisms in the pathogenesisof viral diseases, host defense responses,and immunity and addictive drugs. Inaddition to his administrative role asdepartment chair, he continues to have anactive teaching and research appointment.20

FACULTY & STAFF NEWSPelican and Singer namedresident fellows withInstitute on the EnvironmentKatey Pelican, assistant professor,Veterinary Population Medicine, andRandall Singer,associateprofessor,Veterinary andBiomedicalSciences,have beennamed residentfellows withthe Universityof Minnesota’sInstitute on theEnvironment(IonE). As residentfellows, Pelican and Singer receiveflexible funding to engage in creativeresearch andproblem solving,develop newmodels ofteaching andtraining, andbuild newnetworks andpartnerships.In addition, thefellows take partin leadershipRandall SingerKatey Pelicandevelopmentactivities andongoing seminars,roundtables, and other public engagementefforts.Pelican and Singer are members of theinstitute's first cohort of 20 residentfellows. Their three-year fellowshipsbegan in June."This cohort of fellows is an amazing,eclectic group of thinkers and doers. Theywere drawn from the best and brightest ofthe University, selected for their creativityand willingness to try new ideas," saysinstitute director Jonathan Foley.Whole Village Project receives fundingMeanwhile, the IonE's Discovery Grantsprogram selected the Whole VillageRobert Washabau receives internationalaward for scientific achievementRobert Washabau, chairof the Veterinary ClinicalSciences department, wasthe 2009 recipient of the World SmallAnimal VeterinaryAssociation (WSAVA)WALTHAMInternational Awardfor ScientificAchievement. Thisaward recognizesoutstandingcontributions by aveterinarian whohas had a significantimpact on theadvancement ofknowledge concerningthe cause, detection,cure, and controlof disorders ofcompanion animals.Project, coordinated by Pelican and CraigPacker, professor, Ecology, Evolution, andBehavior, to receive major funding.The Whole Village Project works toprovide an in-depth understanding of thehealth, prosperity, education, and naturalresource consumption of rural Tanzaniansin East Africa. This information is madeavailable to the villagers, economic developmentand government agencies, andconservation NGOs, serving as a commonlanguage that allows communities to moreeasily collaborate and share best practices.The Whole Village Project team workswith the IonE to map land-use patterns ofthe region, focusing on the intersectionof rural livelihoods, land use practices,agriculture, and food security. A paralleltrack focused on food safety and securitypromotes sustainable agriculture, healthresearch, and extension in Tanzania.The announcement of the grant awardeesfollowed a competitive selection process.Approximately 25 teams of Universityfaculty members and external partnerssubmitted proposals for funding.The award was presented during theopening ceremonies of the WSAVA 2009World Congress in Sao Paulo, Brazil, onJuly 21.Robert Washabau, center, is presented with the WSAVA WalthamInternational Award for Scientific Achievement by Peter Markwell,scientific director for Waltham, left. At right is Dr. David Wadsworth,president of the WSAVA.Mathur Kannan appointedto three-year term with NIHstudy sectionMathur Kannan, professor, Veterinaryand BiomedicalSciences, and2009 PfizerResearchExcellence Awardrecipient, hasbeen appointedfor a three-yearterm to theDepartmentof Health andHuman Services,NationalInstitutes ofHealth, LungMathur KannanCellular, Molecular, and ImmunologyStudy Section. Members are selectedbased upon their demonstratedcompetence and achievement in scientificdiscipline as evidenced by the quality oftheir research, publications in scientificjournals, and other significant scientificcontributions.21

ADVANCEMENT22New veterinary continuing education directorcompletes advancement teamAlicia M. Johnson joined theCollege’s advancement team asdirector of continuing educationand alumnirelations inJune, replacingJan Swanson,who retired onJune 5.Johnson’sadditionmeans that theadvancementleadership team― composedAlicia Johnson of SharonStaton, directorof advancement, Brian Graves,communications and marketingmanager, and Johnson as directorof continuing education and alumnirelations ― is complete, says Staton.“All the pieces are now in place,”Staton says. “We now have a first-rateadvancment team, and I’m lookingforward to many challenges andopportunities in the year ahead.”Johnson most recently served asassociate to the dean of the UniversityBill Venne joins College asmajor gifts officerBill Venne joined the College'sadvancement team as corporate and majorgifts officer in May. Venne works withthe University of Minnesota Foundationto engage the resources of the private andcorporate sectors to build, develop, andsustain excellence at the College. He waspreviously director of development for theUniversity of Minnesota Graduate School.He has also worked in development forthe Hennepin Theatre Trust, OrdwayCenter for the Performing Arts, TheMinnesota Opera, and the Illusion Theater.He received his bachelor’s degree injournalism from the University of St.Thomas in 1985.of Minnesota College of LiberalArts. Prior to that, she was executiveadministrator for the University ofMinnesota Foundation InvestmentAdvisors. Johnson earned a master’sdegree in rhetoric/scientific and technicalcommunication from the University ofMinnesota.“Alicia’s experience in projectmanagement, administration, andbusiness systems, along with herdedication to team development andcontinuous improvement, are great assetsto the College,” says Trevor Ames, dean.“We’re very pleased to have her onboard.”The College of Veterinary Medicine’scontinuing education program reachesthousands of veterinarians and otherveterinary professionals from aroundthe world each year through a variety ofprofessional conferences, workshops,symposiums, and lectures. Majorprograms include the annual Allen D.Leman Swine Conference, MinnesotaDairy Health Conference, CompanionAnimal Spring Conference, MatherLecture Series, Equine Fall Conference,Minnesota Equine Dental Symposia, andMolecular Biotechnology Workshop.College well-represented atAVMA conventionThe College was well-represented at the2009 American Veterinary Medical Associationconvention in Seattle, Washington,in July, with faculty and staff speaking ontopies ranging from biting dogs to turkeycellulitis. An alumni reception was hostedby Dean Trevor Ames with SharonStaton, advancement director, and BillVenne, development officer. CVM alumnaRené Carlson, class of 1978, officiallybecame a candidate for president-elect ofthe AVMA. (See Alumni News, page 26.)Shaun Kennedy presentsFDA Distinguished Lecture,keynote speeches, briefingsShaun Kennedy, director of theNational Center for Food Protectionand Defense and assistant professorin the Veterinary Population MedicineDepartment, wasthe inauguralspeaker forthe 2009DistinguishedLecture Seriesat the Foodand DrugAdministration(FDA) onFebruary 25. TheDistinguishedShaun KennedyLecture Serieswas establishedto bring inleading scientistswho are conducting pioneering research inareas relevant to the FDA’s core missionof promoting and protecting public health,to support the science-based regulatorydecision-making process. Kennedydiscussed emerging threats in the foodsystem.Kennedy was also the keynote speakerat the first Canadian Food InspectionAgency Food Defense Workshop, theAssociation of Food and Drug Officialsannual meeting, and the first SingaporeFood Defense Workshop, and providedbriefings for the White House HomelandSecurity Council, the White House Officeof Science and Technology Policy, theCongressional Research Service, variouscongressional staffers, and others at thefederal level.Former dean honoredThe Conference of Research Workersin Animal Diseases, held in Chicago inDecember 2008, was dedicated to SidneyA. Ewing, who was dean of the Collegefrom 1973-1978. A professor emeritus ofthe Department of Veterinary Pathobiologyat the Oklahoma State University Collegeof Veterinary Medicine, Ewing retired in2003.

FACULTY & STAFF NEWSFarhiya M. Farah awardedBush FellowshipFarhiya M. Farah of the Global Initiativefor Food Systems Leadership has beenawarded a Bush Fellowship. Farah hasbeen admitted to the environmental health(policy track) doctorate program andis planning to do a dissertation on foodsystem leadership.Farah fled the civil war in her homelandof Somalia and has since been inspired towork to improve conditions for immigrantsand refugees, particularly Somalis. Shewill use her two-year leadership fellowshipto pursue a Ph.D. in environmentalpolicy at the University of Minnesota.Farah’s long-term goal is to bridge the gapbetween the Somali community and theinstitutions that serve them.David Brown participatesin Washington, D.C.,symposiumDavid Brown,professor inthe Veterinaryand BiomedicalSciencesDepartmentand chair of theInstitutionalBiosafetyCommittee (IBC),was a participantin a symposiumDavid Brownsponsored by theNational Institutesof Health'sOffice of Biotechnology Activities andthe Eagleson Institute entitled “IBCs:Promoting Optimal Practice Nowand in the Future,” which was held inWashington, D.C., in June.Kim Horne is veterinarytechnician of the yearThe Minnesota Association of VeterinaryTechnicians (MAVT) named KimHorne Veterinary Technician of the Yearin February. To receive this honor, aveterinary technician must be nominatedby a member of the MAVT and thenelected by active members of the MAVT,Faculty promotions announcedThe College congratulated six faculty members whose recent promotions wereapproved by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents:• Gary Goldstein was promoted to full clinical professor in the VeterinaryClinical Sciences Department.• Al McVey was promoted to associate clinical professor in the VeterinaryClinical Sciences Department.• Leslie Sharkey, associate professor in the Veterinary Clinical SciencesDepartment, was promoted to associate professor with tenure.• Scott Wells was promoted to full professor in the Veterinary PopulationMedicine Department.• Andre Ziegler was promoted to associate clinical professor in the VeterinaryPopulation Medicine Department.• Laura Ziegler was promoted to associate clinical professor in the VeterinaryClinical Sciences Department.the second-largeststate technicianassociation in thecountry.Horne issupervisor,small animalspecialties, andstaff developmentcoordinator inthe VeterinaryMedical CenterKim Horne(VMC), where shesupervises technicians in General Practice,Dermatology, Nutrition, Behavior,Complementary and Alternative Medicine,and Small Animal Theriogenologyservices. She has been with the VMCsince 1987.Les Westendorp receivesPresident's Award forOutstanding ServiceUniversity of Minnesota President RobertH. Bruininks presented Les Westendorp,manager, Research Animal Resources,with the University of MinnesotaPresident's Award for Outstanding Servicein June. The award recognizes exceptionalservice to the University, its schools,colleges, departments, and service unitsby any active or retired member of thefaculty or staff. Westendorp retired fromthe College in June.Staff recognized at annualstaff appreciation day eventTim Gordon, facilities manager, washonored with the Carl Edborg III Awardand Dr. Erin Malone received theOutstanding Faculty/Professional andAdministrative Award at the College'sannual staff appreciation day event onJune 26. Both were nominated and votedupon by fellow staff and faculty membersto receive the awards.Jeffrey Klausner joinsBanfieldJeffrey Klausner, who was dean of theCollege from 2000-2007, joined Banfield,The Pet Hospital as vice president ofprofessional relations and governmentaffairs in March. Klausner was previouslypresident and chief executive officer forThe Animal Medical Center in New YorkCity, which he joined in 2007. In his newposition, Klausner builds relationshipswith universities and national veterinaryorganizations and leads Banfield’sevidence-based medicine initiative.23

STUDENT NEWSStudents win at Intercollegiate Dairy ChallengeThirty-five veterinary studentsrepresenting the University ofMinnesota, Iowa State University,and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln competed in the IntercollegiateVeterinary Dairy Challenge at IowaState University in Ames, Iowa, onApril 4, 2009. The students, consistingof eight teams, traveled to a local dairy,where they had three hours to observeand record on-farm observations andmeet with the owner. When the teamsreturned to Ames, they had two hoursto develop a plan of action for the dairy.Each team presented their observationsto eight dairy industry leaders whoserved as judges.“The competition gets students outof the classroom and onto a workingdairy farm where they can apply theirtextbook knowledge and develop theirobservation skills,” says Dr. PaulRapnicki, professor in the CVM's VeterinaryPopulation Medicine Department.Jill Schappa awarded AKC scholarshipJill Schappa, class of 2011, wasnamed the recipient of the AmericanKennel Club (AKC) Canine HealthFoundation’s 2009 Robert L. KellyMemorial Scholarship.Schappa has worked in Dr. JaimeModiano's lab at the Masonic CancerCenter comparing canine genotypesto phenotypes to determine theirrelationships to the development ofhemangiosarcoma in golden retrievers.She has also spent time shadowingCVM theriogenologist Dr. MargaretRoot-Kustritz and Dr. Fran Smith, atheriogenologist in private practice in theTwin Cities."No matter what path I choose, I willcontinue to focus on breed idiosyncrasiesin order to maximize the diagnosis,prevention, treatment, and care of specificdog breeds," Jill says. "Client educationStudents were required to work within astrict timeline, similar to what they wouldexperience in veterinary medicine consulting.The team approach of the competitionmimicked the real world, where many successfuldairy operations have managementteams that are led by veterinarians.After judging was complete, theUniversity of Minnesota team wasannounced the first-place winner fromgroup two. Team members were AndrewBents, Aaron Nystrom, Nicole Tellier,and Steve Tousignant.The Veterinary Dairy Challenge wasestablished by the College in 2007.Designed to encourage hands-on practicefor future dairy veterinarians, the eventhas expanded to include other veterinarycolleges. This year’s event was organizedand hosted by veterinary students at IowaState University. Sponsors were ABSGlobal, BouMatic, Elanco, Fort Dodge,GEA Westfalia-Surge, Pfizer, Pioneer, andSwiss Valley.can contribute to advances in researchby instilling the importance of offeringsamples to DNA databanks or includingtheir dogs in ongoing studies." Schappareceived a $5,000 scholarship to help paytuition expenses.Named for longtime director and founderRobert L. Kelly, the scholarship isintended to encourage research and younginvestigators as they pursue dual degreesin veterinary medicine and research.The AKC Canine Health Foundation is thelargest nonprofit worldwide to fund healthresearch exclusively for canines, fundingnon-invasive genetic health research,stem cell research, and biotherapeuticsbenefiting both canines and humans. Ithas allocated more than $22 million incanine health research through morethan 75 schools and research institutionsworldwide.Andrea Parrish Johnston andSteve Tousignant honoredAndrea Parrish Johnston, 2007-08Student Council president, and SteveTousignant, president of the VeterinaryBusiness Management Association,were selected to receive University ofMinnesota President's Student LeadershipAwards. They were honored with otherUniversity of Minnesota students byPresident Robert Bruininks in May.Anil Thachil awardedB.S. Pomeroy AwardAnil Thachil, a Ph.D. student in theveterinary medicine graduate program,received the B.S. Pomeroy Award forStudent Achievement in Avian DiseasesResearch at the 60th North Central AvianDisease Conference held in St. Paul,Minnesota, in March. Thachil receivedthe award and a cash prize for his paper,"Control of Turkey Clostridial Dermatitisusing a Clostridium septicum toxoid."Thachil is advised by Dr. KakambiNagaraja.Four students receive swinescholarshipsThe American Association of SwineVeterinarians (AASV) Foundationawarded scholarships to four CVMstudents during the AASV annual meetingin Dallas, Texas, in March. The honoreeswere Meggan Bandrick, who receiveda $1,500 scholarship; Andrew Bents,who received a $1,500 scholarship;Aaron Nystrom, who received a $2,500scholarship; and Andrea Pitkin, whoreceived a $1,500 scholarship.Forty-six veterinary students representing17 universities submitted abstracts forconsideration. Judges representing privatepractice, higher education, and industryselected the recipients on the basis ofcommunications skills in the writing ofthe abstract, the presentation of the casereport, and the applicability of the researchto swine medicine. The scholarshipswere provided by Eli Lilly and CompanyFoundation on behalf of Elanco AnimalHealth.24

STUDENT NEWSGreenwald and Mesenhowskicomplete AVMA governmentRelations externshipsNancy Greenwald and ShannonMesenhowski of the class of 2010completed American Veterinary MedicalAssociation (AVMA) GovernmentalRelations Division externships this pastsummer.Greenwald, who completed herexternship in May, has served as thepresident of the Student Chapter of theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association(SCAVMA) and participated in theAVMA Veterinary Leadership Experience.She is interested in issues pertaining toimproving the veterinary workforce,managing educational debt, and increasingpublic health preparedness and biosecurity.Mesenhowski has demonstrated a keeninterest in advocacy and leadership, havingbeen actively involved in SCAVMA andthe Student American Veterinary MedicalAssociation (SAVMA). She has alsoattended the AVMA Veterinary LeadershipExperience and two AVMA LegislativeAdvisory Committee meetings and issimultaneously pursing a D.V.M. anda master of public health degree. Shecompleted her externship in June.During the four-week externships, studentslearn about the federal legislative andregulatory processes, becoming activelyinvolved in advancing the AVMA'slegislative priorities on Capitol Hill andmeeting with members of Congress,legislative aides, and veterinariansworking in federal agencies. Externs haveopportunities to work on a wide array ofissues, including animal welfare bills,pet insurance, food safety, veterinaryeducation and workforce issues, and smallbusiness and tax issues. Externs receive astipend of $1,000 to help defray expenses.To learn more about the externshipprogram, visit www.avma.org/advocacy/get_involved/externships.asp.Nina Kieves receives Simmons EducationalFund Business Aptitude AwardNina Kievesreceived theSimmonsEduational Fund(SEF) BusinessAptitude Award,which includes a$10,000 nationalscholarship.Kieves wasthe recipient ofthe SimmonsScholarship locallylast spring and wenton to the nationalcompetition, whichshe won based on her resume and wellcraftedresponse to the SEF businesscase study. In addition to the $10,000scholarship, the SEF awarded Kieves atrip to the North American VeterinaryConference in Orlando in January, whenthe award was presented at the nationalmeeting of the Veterinary BusinessManagment Association (VBMA).Kieves is a national officer of theVBMA.Nina Kieves examines a dog in theVeterinary Medical Center.Photo by Sue KirchoffKaren Gjevre receivesASLAP awardClass of 2009 graduate Karen Gjevrereceived the American Society ofLaboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP)Veterinary Student Award in March. Theaward is presented to veterinary studentsin recognition of their extraordinaryaccomplishment in the field of laboratoryanimal medicine during their veterinaryschool career.Katie Schiller receivesyoung investigator awardKatie Schiller, a Ph.D. student in thecomparative and molecular biosciencesgraduate program, received a younginvestigator award from the EpithelialTransport Group, Cell and MolecularPhysiology section of the AmericanPhysiological Society, for the abstract she"The National SEF awardis the most significanteducational award ofits kind," Kieves says."Business skills areincreasingly important inthe veterinary profession.Developing these skillsat an early stage ofveterinarians' careerswill propel the veterinaryprofession in the rightdirection. The SEF awardhelps to do just that."A member of the classof 2009, Kieves is nowa small animal internworking in the Veterinary MedicalCenter.The Simmons Educational Fund (SEF) isa nonprofit corporation founded in 2002by Simmons & Associates, a businessadvisor and broker. It was created toeducate practitioners and students aboutthe business of veterinary medicine. Formore information about the SEF, go towww.simmonsedfund.org.submitted to Experimental Biology. Katieis advised by Dr. Scott O'Grady.Students represent Collegein Washington, D.C.Veterinary students Amber Hazel,Tamara Jacobson, and ShannonMesenhowski represented the Collegeat a Veterinary Student LegislativeDay sponsored by the Association ofAmerican Veterinary Medical Colleges inWashington, D.C., in March. The first-timeevent brought 25 students together fromacross the nation to advocate for fundingto support veterinary education. Studentslearned about the legislative process andparticipated in visits with congressionalmembers, discussing veterinary issues andhighlighting the need for reinvestmentfunds for veterinary colleges and loanforgiveness funding.25

ALUMNI NEWS26René Carlson is candidate for AVMA president-electRené Carlson, class of 1978, becamea candidate for the position ofpresident-elect of the AmericanVeterinaryMedicalAssociation(AVMA) atthe AVMAconventionin Seattle,Washington, inJuly.René CarlsonOver the past 26years, Dr. Carlsonhas worked insmall and largeBruce R. Coston to publish bookBruce R. Coston, class of 1987, hasa book coming out in September.Ask The Animals: A Vet's-EyeView of Pets and thePeople They Love,will be publishedby Thomas DunneBooks, an imprint ofSt. Martin's Press.Coston is the founderof Seven BendsVeterinary Hospitalin Woodstock,Virginia. Visit himon the Web atwww.brucecoston.com.animal practices and in rural and urbanpractices. She became the owner of theAnimal Hospital of Chetek in Chetek,Wisconsin, in 1996, and in 2000, thehospital was listed as one of VeterinaryEconomics' 12 Practices of Excellence. In2001, Carlson was selected as Wisconsin’sVeterinarian of the Year.Carlson is a past president of bothher local and state veterinary medicalassociations, served as the delegatefrom Wisconsin to the AVMA’s Houseof Delegates for eight years, and wasa member of the American VeterinaryMedical Foundation Board of Directorsfor three years. In July 2004, she waselected vice president of the AVMA.Bruce CostonAll-class reunion is October 9This year, the College’s annual all-class reunion coincides with University ofMinnesota Homecoming 2009: The Ultimate Homecoming. The CVM All-ClassReunion, with special recognition for the class of 1959, will be October 9 from5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center. For otherUniversity and College events, see Mark Your Calendar, page 27.Take a survey about ProfilesAs part of its effort to reduce costs and be good stewards of donor funds, the Collegeis considering eliminating the print edition of Profiles and publishing an online editiononly. What do you think? Take a survey about Profiles at www.cvm.umn.edu.In memory: Dr. FranklinHarold KriewaldtDr. Franklin Harold Kriewaldt, 80,a husband and father who dedicatedhis life to animal care and research,died on May 1, 2009, in Frederick,Maryland. Kriewaldt graduated fromthe College in 1957. He served onactive duty in the U.S. Air Force foreight years and worked as a primateresearcher in Project Mercury, trainingchimpanzees for space travel. After hismilitary service, he worked in privateveterinary practice and research inNew Braunfels, Texas, for 20 years.He later joined the U.S. Departmentof Agriculture in Washington, D.C.,where he worked for the agency'sEmergency Programs specializing inanimal diseases. He retired in early2008 after 20 years with the USDA.Heather C.F. Case becomesdiplomate of ACVPMCVM alumna Heather C.F. Case, who isnow an assistant director of the ScientificActivities Division at the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association (AVMA),has become a diplomate of the AmericanCollege of Veterinary Preventive Medicine(ACVPM). Case earned her D.V.M. degreefrom the College in 1998. At the AVMA,she has been instrumental in coordinatingresponse efforts during hurricanes andother emergencies, and has created adisaster preparedness video to help petowners protect their pets in a disaster."I believe the challenges I faced in earningboard certification and the credibility ofbeing an ACVPM diplomate will help mebetter direct disaster preparedness effortsat the AVMA," Case says.Hoang certified in publichealthChristine N. Hoang, who earned herD.V.M. from the College in 2007 andher M.P.H. in 2008, has been certifiedin public health by the National Boardof Public Health Examiners. Hoang waspart of the charter class of professionalsto earn the new certification, which wasintroduced in 2008 to set new standardsfor public health medicine.

ProfilesCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Minnesota1365 Gortner AvenueSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostageP A I DMinneapolis, MNPermit No. 155Change service requestedOctober 4-11, 2009Join us for these College of Veterinary Medicine events!Friday, October 9Duke LecturePresented by Jim Gilbert, nature photographer, author, and environmental advocateSponsored by The Raptor Center4:00-5:30 p.m.Ben Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning CenterOne CE credit; no chargeAll-Class ReunionHonoring the class of 19595:30-7:30 p.m.Ben Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning CenterSaturday, October 10Game Day Party: Fans, Food + FunStarts at 8:00 a.m., continues during and after football gameMcNamara Alumni CenterFree! Shuttles from the St. Paul campus to McNamara will be provided.Sunday, October 11CVM Open House11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.Includes tours of the Equine Center, The Raptor Center, the Veterinary Medical Center, and more!Register for the College of Veterinary Medicine All-Class Reunion and related activities online athttp://ustar.ahc.umn.edu/all-class-reunion.htm.For a complete list of University of Minnesota Homecoming 2009: The Ultimate Homecoming events,visit www.homecoming.umn.edu.