Current Graduate Students in Veterinary Medicine
Graduate Students in Veterinary Medicine
MS and PhD students in Veterinary Medicine (VMED) are engaged in research related to animal and human health and welfare. Our students study infectious and zoonotic diseases, the development of novel treatments for cancer and other diseases, genetic research and therapies, virology and bacteriology, and ecosystem and wildlife health, among other areas of research.
Alvarez Norambuena, Joaquín
Alvarez Norambuena, Joaquín
Joaquín Alvarez Norambuena
Degree
DVM from University of Concepcion
Advisor
Dr. Montserrat Torremorell
Angulo, Jose
Angulo, Jose
Jose Angulo
Degree
D.V.M., The Sonora Institute of Technology, Sonora, Mexico
Advisor
Dr. Montserrat Torremorell
Awards
Dr. Alex Hogg Scholarship, American Association of Swine Veterinarians 2018
Blanchard, Kendall
Blanchard, Kendall
Kendall Blanchard
Degree
MS, Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University
BS, Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Advisor
DVM / PhD Student, Currently in DVM curriculum
Canturri, Albert
Canturri, Albert
Albert Canturri
Advisor
Dr. Maria Pieters
Carlos Pijoan Graduate Student Fellowship in Swine Medicine, 2021
Cullen, Jonah
Cullen, Jonah
Jonah Cullen
Degrees
M.S., Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University
M.S., Biology, University of Iowa
B.S., Biology, University of Wisconsin Madison
Advisors
Dr. Steven Friedenberg and Dr. Molly McCue
Research
My research is focused on the development and application of bioinformatic tools and analysis workflows in companion animals. Specifically, we are currently working towards generating a tissue- specific expression atlas and improving the physical and functional annotation of the equine genome. Additionally, we are developing a robust and scalable method of genotyping full-length class I and class II MHC genes in dogs using long-read sequencing.
Awards and Honors
USDA NIFA Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, Recipient, 2020
Publications
Herrmann, I., Linder, K.E., Meurs, K.M., Friedenberg, S.G., Cullen, J.N., Olby, N., Bizikova, P. (2021) (accepted). Canine junctional epidermolysis bullosa due to a novel mutation in LAMA3 with severe upper respiratory involvement. Veterinary Dermatology.
Mickelson J.R., Minor K.M., Guo L.T., Friedenberg S.G., Cullen J.N., Ciavarella A., Hambrook, L.E., Breener, K.M., Helmond, S.E., Marks, S.L., Shelton, D.G. (2021). Sarcoglycan A mutation in miniature dachshund dogs causes limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2D. Skeletal Muscle.
Schaefer, R.J., Cullen, J.N., Manfredi, J., McCue, M. (2020). Functional contexts of adipose of gluteal muscle tissue gene co-expression networks in the domestic horse. Integrative and Comparative Biology, icaa134.
Shelton, G.D., Minor, K.M., Guo, L.T., Friedenberg, S.G., Cullen, J.N., Hord, J.M., Venzke, D., Anderson, M.E., Devereaux, M., Handelman, C., Campbell, K.P., Michelson, J.R. (2021) (under review). Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Type 1D Dystroglycanopathy in a Family of Labrador Retrievers with a LARGE 1 Mutation. Neuromuscular Disorders 11(2).
Das, Moumita
Das, Moumita
Moumita Das
Degrees
Masters in Epidemiology and Public Health from Sylhet Agricultural University
DVM from Sylhet Agricultural University
Advisor
Dr. Andres Perez
De Abreu, Cipriano
De Abreu, Cipriano
Degrees
D.V.M. equivalent, Universidad Central de Venezuela, 2019.
Advisor
Dr. Maria Pieters
Research
My research is focused on swine Mycoplasmas of clinical importance, particularly Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis, aiming to better understand their pathogenesis and transmission, in order to develop prevention measures to improve the swine health worldwide.
Presentations
De Abreu, Cipriano; McMahon, M; Garcia-Morante, B; Betlach, A; Pieters, M. Assessment of lesions and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae concentration in different lung sections of naturally infected pigs. Central University of Venezuela, Veterinary Medicine research week. 2019.
De Abreu, C; Schwartz M; Pieters M. Detection of Mycoplasma hyorhinis in dams and piglets from birth to weaning age. American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) 53rd annual meeting, Feb. 26th. 2022. Upcoming
Garcia-Morante, B; De Abreu, Cipriano; Underwood, G; Lara, H; Pieters, M. Characterization of an experimental Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae aerosol infection model in pigs. American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) 53rd annual meeting, Feb. 26th. 2022. Upcoming
Abstracts in Conference Proceedings
McMahon, M; Garcia-Morante, B; Betlach, A; De Abreu, Robbins, R; Yeske, P; Pieters, M. Lung homogenate optimization for successful Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae exposure in gilts during acclimation. American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) 51st annual meeting, Conference proceedings, 2020.
Diaz Ortiz, Gerardo
Diaz Ortiz, Gerardo
Gerardo Diaz Ortiz
Degrees
MS from Peruvian University of Cayetano Heredia
DVM from National University of San Marcos, Bachelors from National University of San Marcos
Advisor
Dr. Noelle Noyes
Dimmler, Kirsten
Dimmler, Kirsten
Kristen Dimmler
[email protected]
Degrees
B.S., Biology, University of New Mexico
Advisor
Dr. Molly McCue
Research
My project's goal is to define the genetic basis of equine recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER), a painful musculoskeletal disorder characterized by rapid necrosis of muscle cells in response to strenuous exercise. RER has been conclusively shown to be a complex genetic disorder with dozens to hundreds of contributing alleles and complex environmental interactions. The first aim of this research is to develop a genetic risk model focusing on alleles of moderate to large effect that can be used to predict individual risk for developing RER and assist in breeding choices. The second aim is to identify underlying pathways and genes containing causative alleles as possible targets for therapeutic intervention
Garcia, Jessica
Garcia, Jessica
Jessica Garcia
Degree
BS, Biological Sciences, University of Missouri
Advisor
DVM / PhD Student, Currently in DVM curriculum
Hengtrakul, Nuttha
Hengtrakul, Nuttha
Nuttha Hengtrakul
Degree
DVM from Kasetsart University
Advisor
Dr. Jody Lulich
Hsu, Chia-Hui (Jesper)
Hsu, Chia-Hui (Jesper)
Chia-Hui (Jesper) Hsu
Degree
DVM, National Taiwan University
Advisor
Dr. Andres Perez
Huang, Jing
Huang, Jing
Jing Huang
Degrees
Masters of Agriculture from Huazhong Agricultural University
Bachelor of Agriculture from Huazhong Agricultural University
Advisors
Dr. Maxim Cheeran
Dr. Declan Schroeder
Research
The overall purpose of my research is to help understand how porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses evolve to escape immune pressure in vaccinated pigs.
Hughes, Lauren
Hughes, Lauren
Lauren Hughes
Degrees
D.V.M., Iowa State University
B.S., Animal Science - Equine, University of Wisconsin River Falls
Advisor
Dr. Molly McCue
Research
My thesis is assesses the potential genetic component of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in horses. This relatively common disease affects the aged horse population and has many current limitations in proper diagnosis and treatment. The goal of this research would be to identify a way to screen horses for potential PPID developmentand intervene at an earlier stage with diagnosis and treatment for better disease control.
Awards
- ACVIM Advanced Research Training Fellowship, 2020
- UMN Graduate Student Travel Award, 2019
- Comparative Medicine and Pathology T-32 Training Program, Recipient, 2021
Jimenez Lopez, Omar
Jimenez Lopez, Omar
Omar Jimenez Lopez
Degrees
DVM, Universidad Austral de Chile
Advisor
Dr. Alex Primus
Research
My research focuses on establishing a baseline of the fish microbiome for the rainbow trout and the Atlantic salmon in two aquaculture systems: flow-through and recirculation aquaculture systems.
Honors and Awards
26th Summer Institute in Statistical Genetics Scholarship, Recipient, 2021
Data University of Washington Scholarship, Recipient, 2021
University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine's Research Day, Honorable Mention, 2020
Publications
Bueno, I., Verdugo, C., Jimenez-Lopez, O., Alvarez, P.P, Gonzalez-Rocha, G., Lima C. A., … & Singer, R. S. (2020). Role of wastewater treatment plants on environmental abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes in Chilean rivers. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 223(1), 56-64. doi.org/10/1016/j.ijheh.2019.12006.
Jimenez-Lopez, O., Ponder, J., Nault, A., & Bueno, I. (2021). Non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and their effect on Old World Vultures: A scoping review. Journal of Raptor Research. https://doi.org/10.3356/JRR-20-30.
Kathambi, Emily
Kathambi, Emily
Emily Kathambi
Degrees
MS, Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, University of Nairobi
MS, Animal Health Management, University of Prince Edward Island
BS, Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi
Advisor
Dr. Peter Larsen
Kipp, Evan
Kipp, Evan
Evan Kipp
Advisor
Dr. Peter Larsen
Research
My research focuses on leveraging emerging genomic and molecular tools to improve detection and characterization of tick-borne pathogens to ultimately help better understand the role ticks play in disease transmission. I have been actively working on developing novel strategies, employing realtime metagenomic and field-deployable biosurveillance approaches, to rapidly detect pathogenic agents from field-collected ticks while simultaneously generating genome-spanning sequence data for strain typing and phylogeny generation. The ultimate goal of these research efforts is to better inform public health surveillance efforts across a variety of vector-pathogen systems, and to develop a rapid and streamlined approach for metagenomic pathogen detection from field-collected samples with applications across a variety of field settings.
Awards and Honors
K.V. Nagaraja Tuition Fellowship, Recipient, 2020
Presentations
Fall 2020 Graduate Student Seminar and the 2020 CVM Research Day: Kipp EJ, Shriner K, Lindsey LL, Stone S, Oliver JD, Larsen PA. Rapid field-based detection of tick-borne pathogens. Infographic presented virtually at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Points of Pride Research Day. October 21, 2020. St. Paul, Minnesota.
Kipp EJ, Larsen PA. Developing a field-friendly approach for molecular tick-borne pathogen surveillance. Presentation delivered virtually at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Graduate Student Seminar. October 29, 2020. St. Paul, Minnesota.
Publications
Kipp EJ, Lindsey LL, Khoo B, Faulk C, Oliver JD, Larsen PA. Metagenomic detection of tick-borne pathogens using nanopore adaptive sequencing. Manuscript in preparation.
Milstein MS, Shaffer CA, Lindsey LL , Wolf TM, Suse P, Marawanaru E, Kipp EJ, Garwood T, Travis DA, Terio KA, Larsen PA. Integrating indigenous knowledge, ontology, and molecular barcoding to characterize spider monkey (Ateles paniscus) filariasis. bioRxiv. 2020 Oct. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.26.354985.
Kipp EJ, de Almeida M, Marcet PL, Bradbury RS, Benedict T, Lin W, Dotson EM, Hergert M. An atypical case of autochthonous cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with naturally infected phlebotomine sand flies in Texas, United States. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2020 Oct: 103(4): 1496-1501. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0107.
Leonard, Emily
Leonard, Emily
Emily Leonard
Degree
BS, Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Advisor
Dr. Luciano Caixeta
Medrano, Miranda
Medrano, Miranda
Miranda Medrano
Dr. Cesar Corzo
Melini, Claudio
Melini, Claudio
Claudio Melini
Degree
MA, Applied Statistics, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
BS, Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Advisor
Dr. Cesar Corzo
Meneguzzi, Mariana
Meneguzzi, Mariana
Mariana Meneguzzi
Degree
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense
Advisors
Montserrat Torremorell, DVM, PhD and Fabio Vannucci, DVM, PhD, MS
Research
I am interested in swine health with emphasis on bacterial diseases. My research is focus on vitro and in vivo investigation of non-antimicrobial compounds effectiveness to mitigate intestinal lesions caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae.
Awards and Honors
VMED graduate student travel award, 2019, 2020
1st prize for oral presentation, Three Rs & Animal Research Symposium, 2019
Top score for NSERC/industry-funded research award at the Three Rs & Animal Research Symposium, 2019
Presentations
Meneguzzi, M.; Costa, M.O. “Investigation of Actinobacillus suis genomes obtained from clinical cases reveals the emergence of a novel strain”. Annual Meeting – American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). February 27 - March 2, 2021. Virtual Conference.
Meneguzzi, M.; Groot, N..; Costa, M.O. “Non-antimicrobial prophylactics increase intestinal mucosa survival following enteric bacteria challenge in vitro”. International Pig Veterinary Society. June, 2020. Conference postpone to June 2022. Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brazil.
Publications
Kich, J. D., Meneguzzi, M. Characterization of salmonellosis outbreaks in swine in Brazil. Swine health and production: updating, innovation and technology. Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Funep, 2020. Format: ePDF. ISBN: 978-65-5671-022-8 PEER-REVIEW JOURNALS
Kich, J. D., Souza, A. I. A., Montes, J., Meneguzzi, M., Costa, E. F., Cordebella, A., Corbellini, L. G., Cardoso, M. (2020). Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Yersinia enterocolitica in pig carcasses in Southern Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research. doi: 10.1590/1678-5150-PVB-6628.
Meneguzzi, M.; Costa, M.O. “Investigation of Actinobacillus suis genomes obtained from clinical cases reveals the emergence of a novel strain”. Annual Meeting – American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV). February 27 - March 2, 2021. Virtual Conference.
Meneguzzi, M.; Groot, N..; Costa, M.O. “Non-antimicrobial prophylactics increase intestinal mucosa survival following enteric bacteria challenge in vitro”. International Pig Veterinary Society. June, 2020. Conference postpone to June 2022. Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Brazil.
Milanez Preis, Guilherme
Milanez Preis, Guilherme
Guilherme Milanez Preis
Degree
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina
Advisor
Dr. Fabio Vannucci
Research
My research is focused on the transmission and pathogenesis of Senecavirus A in swine, as well as the determination of herd-level risk factors associated with the disease.
Awards and Honors
Morrison Fellowship, Recipient, 2020-2021
MnDRIVE Global Food Ventures Fellowship, Recipient, 2021-2022
Presentations
Detection of Senecavirus A and IgG antibodies over time after an outbreak in a breeding herd - Leman Swine Conference Persistent infection and protection against Senecavirus A in pigs previously infected with a homologous and a heterologous isolate - AASV meeting.
Munoz-Quinonez, Angie
Munoz-Quinonez, Angie
Angie Quinonez-Munoz
Degree
DVM, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Advisor
Dr. Cesar Corzo
Odland, Carissa
Odland, Carissa
Carissa Odland
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota
B.S., Animal Science, University of Minnesota
B.S., Biology, College of St. Benedict
Advisor
Dr. Peter Davies
Ordaz, Sair
Ordaz, Sair
Sair Ordaz
Degree
BS, Agronomy Engineering, Universidad Juarez del Estado de Durango
Advisors
Dr. Gerard Cramer
Dr. Luciano Caixeta
Pachniak, Kendra
Pachniak, Kendra
Kendra Pachniak
Degrees
MS, Bioengineering, Stevens Institute of Technology
BS, Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin River Falls
Advisor
Dr. Whitney Knauer
Paladino, Eliana
Paladino, Eliana
Eliana Paladino
Degrees
M.S., Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
D.V.M., Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brazil
Advisor
Dr. Randy Singer
Award
2017 Dr. Carlos Pijoan Fellowship in Swine Medicine
Palmer, Sierra
Palmer, Sierra
Sierra Palmer
Degrees
Master of Public Health from University of Minnesota Twin Cities
BS from University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Advisor
Dr. Melanie Graham
Pamounchainavakul, Nakarin
Pamounchainavakul, Nakarin
Nakarin Pamounchainavakul
Adviser
Dr. Kimverly VanderWaal
Research
The ultimate goal of my research is to understand transmission dynamics of PRRSV in pigs utilizing viral genetic sequences and epidemiological metadata. To accomplish this, I am integrating both bioformatic and epidemiologic approaches to understand pathogen-host dynamics.
Publications
Aiewsakun, P., Pamornchainavakul, N. & Inchaisri, C. Early origin and global colonisation of foot-and -mouth disease virus. Sci. Rep. (2020). doi:10.1038/s41598-020-72246-6.
Pena Mosca, Felipe
Pena Mosca, Felipe
Felipe Pena Mosca
Degrees
MSc. Universidad de la República, Uruguay, 2018
DVM. Universidad de la República, Uruguay 2015
Advisors
Dr. Luciano Caixeta and Dr. Sandra Godden
Research
My research looks for a deeper understanding of mastitis epidemiology and new ways to improve udder health in dairy cows. I am currently involved in projects that study bedding management and its impact on udder health, new approaches for mastitis diagnosis and treatment in conventional and organic dairy farms.
Awards
MnDRIVE Global Food Ventures Fellowship, Recipient, 2021-2022
Fulbright Scholarship, 2019
Scholarship for Young Teachers and Researchers, Santander, Uruguay. 2017
Graduate Scholarship ANII (National research and Innovation Agency), Uruguay. 2016
Introduction to research Scholarship ANNII (National Research and Innovation Agency), Uruguay. 2014
Presentations
Peña Mosca F., Godden S,M., Royster E., Crooker B.A., Raynor P., Janni, K. (2021) Management of Recycled Manure Solids Bedding on Midwest Dairy Farms. Part 2 – Relationship Between Processing Method, Bedding Characteristics and Bedding Bacterial Count. NMC 60th Annual Meeting Proceedings.
Peña Mosca F., Dean C., Ray T., Doster E, , Fernandes L., Antunes A., Sharpe K., Feijoo V., Baumann C., Wehri T., Heins B. , Pinedo P. , Machado V., Caixeta L. , Noyes N. (2021). Associations between intramammary infections caused by non-aureus Staphylococci, Streptococcus spp. and Streptococcus-like organisms and Staphylococcus aureus in early lactation on organic dairy cows. NMC 60th Annual Meeting Proceedings
Publications
Dean C., Peña Mosca F., Ray T., Heins B., Pinedo P. , Machado V., Caixeta L. , Noyes N. (2021). What is the Microbiome and Why is it Important for Organic Livestock Production?. eOrganic. http://eorganic.org/node/34373 Published in conference proceedings.
Peña Mosca F., Godden S,M., Royster E., Crooker B.A., Raynor P., Janni, K. (2021) Management of Recycled Manure Solids Bedding on Midwest Dairy Farms. Part 2 – Relationship Between Processing Method, Bedding Characteristics and Bedding Bacterial Count. NMC 60th Annual Meeting Proceedings.
Godden S.M., Peña Mosca F., Royster E., Crooker B.A., Raynor P., Janni, K. (2021) Management of Recycled Manure Solids Bedding on Midwest Dairy Farms. Part 1 – Relationship between processing method, udder health and production, and bedding bacterial counts. NMC 60th Annual Meeting Proceedings.
Peña Mosca F., Dean C., Ray T., Doster E, , Fernandes L., Antunes A., Sharpe K., Feijoo V., Baumann C., Wehri T., Heins B. , Pinedo P. , Machado V., Caixeta L. , Noyes N. (2021). Associations between intramammary infections caused by non-aureus Staphylococci, Streptococcus spp. and Streptococcus-like organisms and Staphylococcus aureus in early lactation on organic dairy cows. NMC 60th Annual Meeting Proceedings.
Godden S.M., Peña Mosca F., Royster E., Crooker B.A., Raynor P., Janni, K. (2021) Investigation of the Relationship Between Method of Processing Recycled Manure Solids Bedding and Udder Health and Production on Midwest Dairy Farms. AABP 53rd Annual conference.
Persoon, Emma
Persoon, Emma
Emma Persoon
Degree
BS from Iowa State University
Advisor
Dr. Molly McCue
Research
My research focuses on developing a genetic predictive assay for autism assistance dogs in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The demand for autism assistance dogs is high and the wait to obtain a well-trained autism assistance dog can be 2-3 years or more. The success rate of assistance dogs trained at accredited organizations ranges between 30-50% and the cost of dogs who are released from programs is significant ($30,000+). The goal of this research is to determine specific assistance dog behavioral traits that correlate with positive outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and develop a prototype multi-marker genetic assay to predict overall success of a potential assistance dog before resources are invested.
Ravelo, Anay
Ravelo, Anay
Anay Ravelo
Degrees
MS from University of Florida
BS from University of Florida
Advisor
Dr. Luciano Caixeta
Schambow, Rachel
Schambow, Rachel
Rachel Schambow
“Using SWOT analysis to evaluate potential controls strategies for African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic.” Schambow, R.A., Reyes, R., Schettino, D., Morales, J., Diaz, A., and Perez, A. Poster presentation, 16th International Symposium of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, 2022, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
“Rethinking the risk of African swine fever virus in feed.” Schambow, R.A. and Shurson, G. Feedstuffs 365, podcast interview, 2021.
“Rethinking the uncertainty of African swine fever virus contamination in feed ingredients and risk of introduction into the United States.” Schambow, R.A., Sampedro, F., Urriola, P.E., van de Ligt, J.L.G., Perez, A., and Shurson, G.C. Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, Research highlights, 2021. St. Paul, MN.
Schambow RA, Bennett TB, Dopfer D, and JPN Martins. 2021. A retrospective study investigating the association of parity, breed, calving month and year, and previous parity milk yield, and calving interval with twin births in US dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (104).
Schwartz, Mark
Schwartz, Mark
Mark Schwartz
Advisor
Dr. Maria Pieters
Research
I am studying production models and the association with changes in performance parameters (growth rate from birth to wean, survivability from birth to wean, growth rate from weaning to end of nursery phase) as well as differences in disease transmission frequency and microbiome diversity between the two populations. The production models aer the conventional model of a litter of pigs being allowed to nurse from the birth sow, with cross fostering as required for litter size equalization compared to a novel model developed which allows pigs from eight to twelve litters to nurse from multiple sows.
Schwecke, Haley
Schwecke, Haley
Haley Schwecke
Degree
BS, Agriculture, Kansas State University
Advisor
Dr. Maria Pieters
Slizovskiy, Ilya
Slizovskiy, Ilya
Ilya Slizovskiy
Degrees
D.V.M., Colorado State University
M.P.H., Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University
B.S., Environmental Science & Chemistry, Muhlenberg College
Advisor
Dr. Noelle Noyes
Areas of research interest
I am a veterinarian with a background in public health and epidemiology. My ultimate goal is to advance understanding of the ways in which ecosystems, farm environments, and general agricultural management practices influence occurrence of disease in human and animal populations. To that end, my research interests involve the development of laboratory, computational, and statistical methods necessary to characterize potential risks of mobilization of antimicrobial resistance genes between pathogens at the human-animal interface. Currently, my research projects are being conducted in the U.S., Europe, and Africa.
Awards and Honors
University of Minnesota Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, Recipient, 2020
USDA FSIS Food Safety and Public Health Fellowship, Recipient, 2020
Presentations
2020 Marini S., Slizovskiy, I., Noyes, N., Boucher C., Prosperi M. Learning antimicrobial resistance through secondary structure of protein variants. International Society for Computational Biology: Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology. July 13-16. Virtual conference (https://www.iscb.org/ismb2020). Abstract No. 147. 2020.
Makau D.N., Slizovskiy, I.B, VanderWaal, K., Obanda, V., Noyes, N.R., Johnson, J.R., Oakes, M., Travis, D., Omondi, G. Drivers of antimicrobial use in pastoral communities in Kenya. Conference of Researcher Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD): Section in antimicrobial stewardship in cattle. December 3-7. Virtual Conference. Abstract No.:186 2020.
Slizovskiy, I.B, Settle, J.K., Boucher C., Noyes, N.R. Targeted-enrichment and long read sequencing (TELS) uncovers mobility potential of antibiotic resistance in microbiomes. American Society for Microbiology: Conference on Rapid Applied Microbial Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatic Pipelines. December 7-11. Virtual Conference. Abstract No.: 2020-A-70-ASM
Publications
Kaufman, J.H., Terrizzano, I., Nayar, G., Seabolt, E., Agarwal, A., Slizovskiy, I.B., Noyes, N.R. Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICE) and associated cargo genes within and across hundreds of bacterial genera. Genome Biology. 2021. (In review)
Marini S., Slizovskiy, I.B., Noyes, N., Boucher C., Prosperi M. Learning antimicrobial resistance through secondary structure of protein variants. Front. Genet. 2021. (12) https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.564186.
Noyes, N.R., Slizovskiy, I.B., Singer, R.S. Beyond antimicrobial use: A framework for prioritizing antimicrobial resistance interventions. Annu. Rev. Anim. Biosci. 2021.9:313-332.
Slizovskiy, I.B., Settle, J.K., Boucher, C., Noyes, N.R. Targeted-enrichment and longread sequencing (TELS) uncovers mobility potential of antibiotic resistance in microbiomes. Nature biotechnol. 2021 (In review).
Marini S., Das R.A., Oliva, M., Kahveci, T., Slizovskiy, I.B., Noyes, N.R., Boucher, C., Prosperi, M. MetaMetAMR: A metafeature, metamodel approach to classify antimicrobial resistance from high-throughput short-read metagenomics data. Bioinformatics. (In review).
Sponheim, Amanda
Sponheim, Amanda
Amanda Sponheim
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
B.S., Animal Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Advisor
Dr. Maria Pieters
Research
My research focuses on diagnostic approaches for detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in low and high prevalence scenarios.
Publications
Payne B.; Ness A.; Clark, S. Achromobacter xylosoxidans: Causative Agent of Reproductive Failure in Artificially-Inseminated Sows and Gilts. Journal of Swine Health and Production, 2008. Volume 16, Number 6; 316.
Clark, S.; Ness, A.; Borst, L.; Maddox, C.; Payne, B. Description of growth dynamics of biofilm bacteria found in extended porcine semen. Biology of Reproduction Special Issue. 2007; 44.
Clark, S.; Ness, A.; Baldrighi, J.; Borst, L.; Maddox, C.; Payne, B. Inoculation of culture negative porcine semen with novel biofilm forming bacteria. Reproduction Fertility and Development 20:85.
Presentations (selected)
Sponheim, A.; Fano, E.; Rovira, A.; Pieters, M. 2017. A diagnostic approach to confirm day zero. Allen D. Leman Swine Conference. St. Paul, MN.
Sponheim, A.; Dalquist, L. Sievers, C.; Wetzell, T.; Polson, D.; Fano, E. 2017. Comparison of various sample types for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae during the mid-stages of infection. United States Organization for Mycoplasmology. Birmingham, AL.
Sponheim, A.; Morrison, B.; Spronk, G; Wetzell, T. 2016. Mycoplasma Elimination Sampling Protocols. 4.2 At the Meeting with the Morrison Group. St. Paul, MN.
Sponheim, A.; Fano, E.; Polson, D.; Pieters, M. 2016. Is your herd Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae negative? Allen D. Leman Swine Conference. St. Paul, MN.
Fitzgerald, C; Sponheim, A.; Fano, E; Polson, D.; Pieters, M. 2016. Guidelines for detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in low prevalence scenarios. American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA.
Sponheim, A.; Fano, E.; Polson, D.; Doolittle, K.; Pieters, M. 2015. Influence of pooling on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae polymerase-chain reaction diagnostic assay results in expected low prevalence scenarios. Allen D. Leman Swine Conference. St. Paul, MN.
Awards
Dr. Alex Hogg Scholarship, American Association of Swine Veterinarians 2018
Leman Fellowship, 2016
Publications
Garcia-Morante B., Maes D., Sibila M., Betlach A.M., Sponheim A., Canturri A., Pieters M. “Improving Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae diagnostic capabilities by harnessing the infection dynamics.” Veterinary Journal. Submitted.
Sponheim A., Munoz-Zanzi C., Fano E., Polson D., Pieters M. “Pooled sample testing for detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae during late infection for application to a herd eradication program.” Preventative Veterinary Medicine. 2021. 189: 105313.
Valeris-Chacin R., Sponheim A., Fano E., Isaacson R.S., Singer R., Nerem J., Leite F.L., Pieters M. “Relationships among fecal, air, oral, and tracheal microbial communities in pigs in a respiratory infection disease model.” Microoranisms. 2021. 9(2): 252.
Betlach A., Fano E., Sponheim A., Valeris-Chacin R., Dalquist L., Singer R., Pieters M. ”Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae genetic variability within swine production flows.” Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research. 2020. Volume 84, Number 4: 310-313(4).
Hogan K., Sponheim A., Fano E., Polson D., Cairns J., Pipestone Applied Research. Field applicable technology in the swine industry: SoundTalks® cough monitoring and Remote Insights© movement analysis in a PRRS and IAV-S co-challenge study. American Association of Swine Veterinarians. 2021.
Graham K., Dion K., Glisson K., Nunes-De-Almeida M., Sponheim A., Zhang JQ. Investigating intermittent PRRSV detection in a breeding herd following PRRSV elimination. American Association of Swine Veterinarians. 2021.
Sponheim A., Munoz-Zanzi C., Fano E., Pieters M. Estimation of pool sensitivity for detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by PCR using deep tracheal catheter field samples. American Association of Swine Veterinarians. 2021.
Weidmayer R., Murray D., Johnson L., Sponheim A., Michels T. Determining incidence and developing a case definition for muscle necrosis and lameness found in high health flow. American Association of Swine Veterinarians. 2021.
Sponheim A., Munoz-Zanzi C., Fano E., Pieters M. Estimation of pool sensitivity for detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by PCR using deep tracheal catheter field samples. Allen D. Leman Swine Conference Proceedings; 2020; 9.
Stock, Joy
Stock, Joy
Joy Stock
Degree
BS, Animal Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Advisors
Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst
Dr. Molly McCue
Sturos, Matthew
Sturos, Matthew
Matthew Sturos
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota
B.S., Animal Science, University of Minnesota
Advisors
Dr. Fabio Vannucci and Dr. Stephanie Rossow
Research
My research interests are the transmission, pathogenesis, and prevention of important infectious food animal diseases, currently focusing on Senecavirus A in swine.
Presentations
Saying Hello to our little friend – Streptococcus suis diagnostics (2020). Virtual presentation at: Allan D. Leman Swine Conference. Saint Paul, MN, USA.
Bacterial genotyping – Streptococcus suis examples-UMN VDL Workshop (2020). Virtual presentation at: Allan D. Leman Swine Conference. Saint Paul, MN, USA. 3. FASTA file manipulation and interpretation-UMN VDL Workshop (2020).
Virtual presentation at: Allan D. Leman Swine Conference. Saint Paul, MN, USA.
Campus Presentations: Senecavirus A in piglet processing fluids and intestines (2021).
Virtual presentation at: CVM Graduate Student Seminar Series. University of Minnesota. Saint Paul, MN, USA. Interactive Food Animal Diagnostic Cases (2021).
Virtual presentation at: CVM Production Animal Club Meetings. University of Minnesota. Saint Paul, MN, USA. Interactive Swine Diagnostic Cases (2021).
Virtual Presentation at: CVM Swine Infectious Disease Seminar. University of Minnesota. Saint Paul, MN, USA. Streptococcus suis – a pathologist’s perspective (2020).
Virtual presentation at: Morrison Forum for Advancing Swine Production Medicine. University of Minnesota. Saint Paul, MN, USA. Senecavirus A in swine (2020).
Virtual Three Minute Thesis presentation at: CVM Research Day. University of Minnesota. Saint Paul, MN, USA.
Publications
Sturos MJ, Robbins RC, Moreno R, McLamb BL, Rossow SA. (2016) Narasin toxicosis in finishing pigs. J Swine Health Prod. 24(4):205-211
Heinrich D, Sturos M, Smith K, Vernau W, Overmann J. (2016). What’s your diagnosis? Liver aspirate from a cat. Vet Clin Path. 45(3):513-514
Kumar, R., Sturos, M., Porter, R. E., Singh, A., Armién, A. G., Goyal, S. M., & Mor, S. K. (2020). An Outbreak of Fowl Aviadenovirus A–Associated Gizzard Erosion and Ulceration in Captive Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus). Avian Diseases, 65(1), 52-58.
Awards
CL Davis Foundation, Student Scholarship Award in Veterinary Pathology 2016
North Central Avian Disease Conference, B.S. Pomeroy Award 2016
Swartz, Drew
Swartz, Drew
Drew Swartz
Degree
MS, Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
BS, Animal Sciences, University of Missouri
Advisor
Dr. Gerard Cramer
Suwongsaksri, Napatsorn
Suwongsaksri, Napatsorn
Napatsorn Suwongsaksri
Degree
D.V.M., Kasetsart University, Thailand
Adviser
Dr. Randall Singer
Areas on research interest
I am interested in antimicrobial resistance genes from animal productions especially poultry production. My research focuses on determining an association between antimicrobial resistance patterns and antimicrobial usage within poultry farms in California to develop appropriate antimicrobial stewardship guidelines and best management practices.
Tate, Nicole
Tate, Nicole
Nicole Tate
Degree
B.S., Animal Science, University of Wisconsin, River Falls
Advisor
Dr. Eva Furrow
Research
My current research focuses on discovering the causal genetic variants of urolithiasis in companion animal species. Mainly, I have studied xanthine uroliths (formed due to a loss of function in key enzymes of the purine degradation pathway) in dogs, cats, goats, and river otters. My other current research includes identifying causal variants of cystathioninuria, vitamin D-dependent rickets, and idiopathic hypercalcemia in cats, and hyperoxaluria in dogs. I am also interested in using the newest genetic technologies, along with bioinformatics, to investigate complex traits in animals.
Presentations
Tate NM, Furrow, E, Minor KM, Martinson SA, Larrabee SN, Anttila M, Sleeper MM, and Henthorn P. A potassium channel mutation is associated with sudden cardiac death in juvenile Toy Manchester Terriers. 2017 International Canine and Feline Genetics and Genomics Conference, St. Paul, MN.
Tate NM, Minor KM, Mickelson JR, Petersen KH, Lyons LA, Lulich JP, and Furrow E. Mutations in MOCOS and XDH underlie urolithiasis in companion animal species. 2017 International Canine and Feline Genetics and Genomics Conference, St. Paul, MN.
Tate NM, Beeson SB, McCoy AM, Splan RK, Mickelson JR, McCue, ME. The Search for Genetic Determinants Influencing Standardbred Performance. 2017 Plant and Animal Genetics conference in San Diego, California.
Tate NM, McCoy AM, Beeson SB, Splan RK, Mickelson JR, McCue, ME. The Search for Genetic Determinants Influencing Standardbred Performance. 2016 Excellence in Equine Research Poster Presentation.
Tate NM, Minor KM, Mickelson JR, Peterson KH, Lulich JP, and Furrow E. Three mutations underlying canine xanthine urolithiasis. 2016 University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine Points of Pride Research Day. Winner of Best Poster in the Postdoc/Scientist category.
Tate NM, Minor KM, Lyons LA, Mickelson JR, Lulich JP, and Furrow E. Uncovering mutations underlying feline xanthine urolithiasis. 2016 University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine Points of Pride Research Day.
Tate NM, Minor KM, Mickelson JR, Peterson KH, Lulich JP, and Furrow E. Diverse mutations underlying canine xanthine urolithiasis. Minnesota Urolith Center Rounds.
Tate NM. Two genetic diseases in Manchester Terriers. Invited speaker at the 2016 American Manchester Terrier Club Nationals in Vallejo, California.
Tate NM, Minor KM, Mickelson JR, Peterson KH, Lulich JP, and Furrow E. Three mutations underlying canine xanthine urolithiasis. 2016 International Society for Animal Genetics Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tate NM, Minor KM, Mickelson JR, Peterson KH, Lulich JP, and Furrow E. Three mutations underlying canine xanthine urolithiasis. 2015 University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine Points of Pride Research Day.
Awards
Joanne Schmidt O’Brien/Bee Hanlon Research Fellow, 2017-2018.
USDA-NRSP8 Student Travel Award, 2016.
College of Veterinary Medicine Points of Pride Research Day – Best Postdoc/Scientist Poster, 2016.
International Society of Animal Genetics Travel Bursary, 2016.
Summer Institute of Statistical Genetics Travel Award, 2016
Wang, Lan
Wang, Lan
Lan Wang
Advisor
Dr. Montse Torremorell
Degree
M.S., Preventive Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, China
Research
My research is the development of novel surveillance methods to enhance our understanding of epidemiology of swine infectious diseases, especially porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and swine influenza virus (IAV-S), and advance the regional control of these diseases.
Zucko, Dora
Zucko, Dora
Dora Zucko
Degree
D.V.M., University of Zagreb
Advisor
Dr. Kathleen Boris-Lawrie
Area of research interest
My research is focused on characterising circular RNAs in the field of veterinary medicine, looking into their potential as a future diagnostic and therapeutic tool for companion animals – on one hand utilizing them as biomarkers for canine malignancies and, on the other hand, experimentally navigating their immunogenic properties as immune boosters towards plausible vaccine adjuvants and immunotherapy- an area that to this date remains completely unexplored.