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.
Adamchick, Julie
Adamchick, Julie
Julie Adamchick
Degrees
D.V.M., Cornell University
B.S., Animal Science, Cornell University
Adviser
Dr. Andres Perez
Research
My work is concerned with the sustainability of dairy production systems: the ways that management decisions on dairies impact their ability to achieve long-run goals of both the producer and of society. I will be using systems-modeling tools to study the tradeoffs between economic, environmental, and social priorities associated with specific goals or choices, with an emphasis on cow health and food safety.
Ahlmann, Annette
Ahlmann, Annette
Betlach, Alyssa
Betlach, Alyssa
Alyssa Betlach
Degrees
B.S., Veterinary Sciences, University of Minnesota
D.V.M. Candidate, University of Minnesota
Adviser
Dr. Maria Pieters
Research
My research focuses on the characterization of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae within the swine field through the use of molecular diagnostics and epidemiology.
Presentations (selected)
Anderson, A., Robbins, R.C., Pieters, M. 2016. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae detection and antibody response among various gilt developing units. International Pig Veterinary Society Congress. Dublin, Ireland.
Anderson, A., Robbins, R.C., Pieters, M. 2016. Monitoring of respiratory pathogens in multi-sourced gilt developing units. International Pig Veterinary Society Congress. Dublin, Ireland.
Andeson, A., Gimenez-Lirola, LG., Zimmerman, J., Pieters, M. 2016. Effect of pre-treatments on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae detection in oral fluids. International Pig Veterinary Society Congress. Dublin, Ireland.
Anderson, A., Lyons, W., Geiger, JO., Clavijo, MJ. 2015. Effect of herd closure on the pattern of Mycoplasma hyosynoviae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis infection. American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting. New Orleans, LA. USA.
Anderson, A., Rovira,A., Pieters, M. 2014. Determining Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae viability through the use of ethidium monoazide. American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting. Miami, FL. USA.
Daniels, J., Anderson, A., Rovira, A., Pieters, M. 2013. Improved methods for detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection in live swine. Allen E. Leman Swine Conference. St. Paul, MN. USA.
Awards
Young Persons’ International Pig Veterinary Society Bursary (June 2016)
AASVF-Merck Veterinary Scholarship (March 2016)
Oral Presentation AASV Scholarship (March 2016)
Angulo, Jose
Angulo, Jose
Jose Angulo
Degree
D.V.M., The Sonora Institute of Technology, Sonora, Mexico
Adviser
Dr. Montserrat Torremorell
Awards
Dr. Alex Hogg Scholarship, American Association of Swine Veterinarians 2018
Beeson, Samantha
Beeson, Samantha
Samantha Beeson
Degree
B.S., Animal Science, University of Minnesota
Adviser
Dr. Molly McCue
Research
My thesis research is focused on genetic diseases of horses—specifically a heritable muscle disorder in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses called recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER). I also work to develop equine-specific computational methods to facilitate future discoveries in the equine genetics and genomics community worldwide.
Publications
McCoy AM, Beeson SK, Lykkjen S, Ralston SL, Mickelson JR, McCue ME (2016). Identification and validation of risk loci for osteochondrosis in Standardbreds. BMC Genomics 17:41. DOI 10.1186/s12864-016-2385-z.
Presentations (selected)
Beeson SK, Mickelson JR, Schaefer RJ, Equine Genetic Diversity Consortium, McCue ME. Fine-scale recombination map for the domestic horse. 11th Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Foundation International Equine Genome Mapping Workshop. Hannover, Germany. July 22-25, 2015.
Beeson SK, Mickelson JR, Binns MM, Blott S, Caputo P, Isgren CM, Moore A, Piercy RJ, Swinburne JE, Vaudin M, McCue ME. Gene loci for recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis in Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. Plant and Animal Genomes Conference XXIII. San Diego, CA. Jan 10-14, 2015.
McCoy AM, Beeson SK, Petersen JL, Mickelson JR, Piercy RJ, Isgren CM, Lykkjen S, McCue ME. Investigation of putative modifying variants associated with pacing in Standardbreds. Plant and Animal Genomes Conference XXII. San Diego, CA. Jan 12-15, 2014.
Beeson SK, Weber WJ, Wilson JH, Sigler DH, Glunk EC, Martinson KL. Investigating the unwanted horse problem in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas. 23rd Equine Science Society Symposium. Mescalero, NM. May 29, 2013.
Awards
William and Deanna Pritchard Fellowship, 2015-2016
NIH T32 Training Program in Muscle Research, 2015-2016
Morris Animal Foundation Travel Award, 2015
USDA-NRSP8 Equine Genome Workshop Travel Award, 2015 & 2016
UMN CVM Travel Scholarship , 2014
Canturri, Albert
Canturri, Albert
Albert CantrriCullen, 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
Advisers
Steve Freidman and 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.
Deere, Jessica
Deere, Jessica
Jessica Deere
Degrees
M.P.H., Environmental Health, Emory University
B.S., Environmental Studies, Emory University
Advisers
Dr. Dominic Travis & Dr. TIffany Wolf
Research
I am interested in using an ecosystem health approach to investigate health dynamics at the human-wildlife interface. My research focuses on the evaluation of fish health and contaminants of emerging concern at sites with different levels of anthropogenic impact across Northeastern Minnesota. I also work on the integration of parasitological, endocrinological, behavioral, and spatial long-term datasets from chimpanzees living in Gombe National Park, Tanzania to better understand the ecology of infectious diseases in this system.
Dobbs, Erica
Dobbs, Erica
Erica Dobbs
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
B.S., Genetics, Cell Biology, & Development, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Adviser
Dr. Troy Trumble
Escobar Dodero, Joaquin
Escobar Dodero, Joaquin
Joaquin Escobar Dodero
Degree
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Andres Bello University
Advisers
Dr. Andres Perez and Dr. Nicholas Phelps
Gilbertson, Marie
Gilbertson, Marie
Marie Gilbertson
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota
B.S., Zoology, Colorado State University
Adviser
Dr. Meggan Craft
Research
I am interested in infectious disease transmission dynamics, particularly at the interface of wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. My PhD research is focused on using mathematical models to better understand the dynamics of feline retroviruses in mountain lions.
Publications
Gilbertson, M. L. J., N. M. Fountain-Jones, M. E. Craft. 2018. Incorporating genomic methods into contact networks to reveal new insights into animal behavior and infectious disease dynamics. Behaviour. DOI: 10.1163/1568539X-00003471
VanderWaal K, Gilbertson M, Okanga S, Allan BF, Craft ME. 2017 Seasonality and pathogen transmission in pastoral cattle contact networks. R. Soc. open sci. 4: 170808. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.170808
Gilbertson, M. L. J., S. Carver, S. VandeWoude, K. R. Crooks, M. R. Lappin, and M. E. Craft. 2016. Is pathogen exposure spatially autocorrelated? Patterns of pathogens in puma (Puma concolor) and bobcat (Lynx rufus). Ecosphere 7(11):e01558. 10.1002/ecs2.1558
Awards
Institute on the Environment Mini-Grant (2017)
ICI3D Clinic on Dynamical Approaches to Infectious Disease Data travel award (2017)
VMED Graduate Student Travel Award (2017)
NIH T32 Comparative Medicine and Pathology Training Fellowship (2017-Present)
UMN CVM Class of 1961 Memorial Scholarship (2017)
UMN CVM General Scholarship (2017)
UMN CVM International Travel Scholarship Award (2017)
UMN CVM Student Council Grant (2016)
UMN CVM Donna Ant Scholarship (2016)
UMN CVM Cleaver Scholarship (2016)
Gunasekera, Umanga
Gunasekera, Umanga
Umanga Gunasekera
Degrees
M.S., Veterinary Public Health, Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany & Chiangmai University, Thailand
B.V.Sc., University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Adviser
Dr. Kimberly VanderWaal
Areas of research interest
I am interested in using epidemiological and bioinformatic tools to understand the dynamics of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) in endemic countries to establish sustainable livestock production. Turnover of lineages and the molecular aspect of the FMDV that leads to persistence outbreak in endemic countries is studied using the data from Vietnam. The spatial and temporal risk factors that cause FMD outbreak at the population level is studied using data from India. Findings from the study will contribute to optimizing FMD control strategies in endemic countries.
Publications
U.C. Gunasekera, A. Sivasothy, N. Wedasingha, S. Thayaparan, et al,. Analyzing the Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak as from 2008 to 2014 in cattle and buffaloes in Sri Lanka, J. of Prevent. Veter. Med., in press.
U.C. Gunasekera, M. Muralithas, and M. Baumann, 2016. Food safety monitoring and surveillance system for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Veterin. J. 63(2B), pp 31-34.
S. Thayaparan, I.D. Robertson, A. Fairuz, L. Suut, U.C. Gunasekera, and M.T. Abdullah, 2015. Seroepidemiological study of leptospirosis among the communities living in periurban areas of Sarawak, Malaysia. Med. J. Malaysia 70 (5), pp 281-287.
U.C. Gunasekera, S. Wickramasinghe, G. Wijesinghe and R.V.J.Rajapakse, 2012. Gastrointestinal parasites of captive primates in the national zoological gardens of Sri Lanka. Taprobanica. J. Asian Biodiversity, ISSN 1800-427X,vol 4 (1), pp 37-40.
U.C. Gunasekera, P.G.A. Pushpakumara, and L.N.A. De Silva, 2013. Endotoxemia in Horses in Sri Lanka - Case Report. Vet Scan Veterin J, 7 (2), pp 73-81.
Presentations (selected)
U.C. Gunasekera, V. Punyapornwithaya, N. Wedasingha, M.P.O. Baumann, and M.G. Doherr. Recent Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks and risk factors identified in Sri Lanka. Joint AITVM-STVM Conference, Berlin, Germany, September 5, 2016.
Gunasekera U.C., Punyapornwithaya V., Wedasingha N., Chaisowwong W., Baumann M.P.O., and Doherr M.G. Identification of Risk Factors for the Recent Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Sri Lanka. Global Foot and Mouth Disease Research Alliance, Hanoi, Vietnam, October, 2015.
U.C. Gunasekera, V. Punyapornwithaya, N. Wedasingha, M.P.O. Baumann, and M.G. Doherr. First result from a case control study for the identification of risk factors associated with Foot and Mouth disease in Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. The 4th Food Safety and Zoonoses Symposium for Asia Pacific, Chiangmai, Thailand, August 2015.
Awards
The German Academic Exchange Scholarship (DAAD) for the Master of Veterinary Public Health Program, 2013-2015.
Travel Award to participate in the AITVM-SVTM Conference in Berlin, Germany, 2016.
Global Foot and Mouth Disease Research Alliance Travel award, 2015.
Hughes, Lauren
Hughes, Lauren
Lauren Hughes
Degrees
D.V.M., Iowa State University
B.S., Animal Science - Equine, University of Wisconsin River Falls
Adviser
Dr. Molly McCue
Jimenez Lopez, Omar
Jimenez Lopez, Omar
Omar Jimenez Lopez
Degrees
DVM, Universidad Austral de Chile
Adviser
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.
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.
Kipp, Evan
Kipp, Evan
Kumar, Rahul
Kumar, Rahul
Rahul Kumar
Degrees
M.V.Sc., COVS, Gadvasu
B.V.Sc. & A.H., COVSc & AH, Duvasu
Advisers
Dr. Sagar Goyal and Dr. Sunil Mor
About my research
Being a veterinary pathologist by training, I have a strong zeal to gain an insight in understanding disease processes and in developing effective methods of disease diagnosis and their control. My research interest is in emerging issues in animal health especially poultry health. My current research seeks to develop highly sensitive and specific molecular assays for early detection of all arthritis reovirus variants circulating in chickens.
Publications (most recent)
- VK Singh, R Kumar, A Kumarand SK Yadav. Microbiology and histopathology of mandibulofacial abscess in a balb/c mouse. Appl. Biol. Res. 20(2): 218-220; (2018). DOI: 10.5958/0974-4517.2018.00029.0.
- VK Singh, R Kumar, A Kumar and SK Yadav. (2018).Concurrent methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida ocular infection in a BALB/c mouse: A case report. J. Labor. Anim. Sci. Vol 5 Issue 1. Jan-June (2018).
- Rahul Kumar, Rajinder Singh Brar, Harmanjit Singh Banga and Sandip Sodhi. (2018). Biochemical alterations in hypervitaminosis D3 in broiler chicks concomitantly challenged with endotoxin. J. World Poult. Res., 8 (4): 100-104.
- V. Sachan, R. Kumar, R. K. Gupta, A. Saxena. (2018). Uterine leiomyoma in a cow –a case report. Indian J. Anim. Hlth. (2018), 57(2): 235-238.
- V Sudan, R Kumar, D Shanker and S Paliwal. (2019). First report of molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Sarcocystis tenella from India. Parasitol. Res. Doi.org/10.1007/s00436-019-06282-1.
- R Kumar, NK Gangwar, B Sharma and A Tripathi. (2019). Clinicopathological study of ruminal acidosis in small ruminants. Indian J. Small Ruminants 25(1): 75-79. DOI: 10.5958/0973-9718.2019.00001.1.
Li, Chong
Li, Chong
Chong Li
Degrees
M.S., Preventive Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, China
Adviser
Dr. Montserrat Torremorell
Research
My research mainly focuses on swine influenza vaccination, immunity, and virus evolution. I am especially interested in developing the vaccines and vaccination strategy to improve the protection efficacy for pigs against influenza virus and understanding how prior immunity shape the genetic evolution and mutational spectra for swine influenza in pigs by natural transmission.
Lopez, Gustavo
Lopez, Gustavo
Gustavo Lopez
Degree
D.V.M., Universidad Central de Venezuela
Adviser
Dr. Montserrat Torremorell
Research
My research is mainly on swine infectious diseases that have an economical impact on commercial systems, currently focusing on Influenza A virus and its transmission dynamics.
Mahero, Michael
Mahero, Michael
Michael Mahero
Degrees
M.P.H., University of Minnesota
M.S., Food Safety, North Dakota State University, Fargo
B.Vet.Med., Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Adviser
Dr. Dominic Travis
Research
My research interests are in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases and veterinary public health. My research uses a One Health framework to define important epidemiological links, describing the syndrome of fever in a community with high levels of human-animal interaction, within a highly changing environment in Western Uganda. To achieve this, a mixed method approach will be employed rooted in the ethnographic exploration of communities’ behavioral risk factors and livestock production practices, followed by a quantitative evaluation of exposure to selected zoonotic diseases.
Publications
Mahero, M., Byarugaba, D. K., Doetkott, D. K., Olet, S., & Khaitsa, M. L. (2013). Antimicrobial Resistance and Presence of Class 1 Integrons in Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Clinical Cases of Animals and Humans in North Dakota and Uganda. Clin Microbial, 2, 128.
Travis DA, Chapman DW, Craft ME, Deen J, Farnham MW, Garcia C, Hueston WD, Kock R, Mahero M, Mugisha L, Nzietchueng S, Nutter FB, Olson D, Pekol A, Pelican KM, Robertson C, and Rwego IB. 2014. One Health: lessons learned from East Africa. Microbiol Spectrum 2(1):OH-0017-2012. doi:10.1128/microbiolspec.OH-0017-2012
Dreyfus, A., Dyal, J. W., Pearson, R., Kankya, C., Kajura, C., Alinaitwe, L., et al. (2016). Leptospira Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Health Centre Patients in Hoima District, Western Uganda. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 10(8), e0004858. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0004858
Selected Presentations
Mahero WM, Ruegg PR , Bytyqi H, Rrustemaj F and Wells SJ. Understanding and Mitigating Potential Risk Factors Associated with Herd Level Brucella Seropositivity among Smallholder Dairy Farms in Kosovo. 3rd International One Health Congress 15th-18th March. Poster Presentation
M. Mahero, L. Mugisha, C. Nyatuna, F. Ayako, N. Shamilah, et al. Eco-epidemiology of Malarial and Non- Malarial Febrile Illness in Western Uganda. Symposium on One Health for the Real World: Zoonoses, Ecosystems and Wellbeing. 17-18 March 2016, Zoological Society of London
AC Kinsley, K Pelican, M Mahero, A Tamale, S. Namusisi, J Waila, D Mwanguzi, J Baryamujura, D Birungi, D Travis, L Mugisha. After the Flood: Water Quality and Health Considerations of the Post-Flood Conditions in Kasese, Uganda. ICOMOS International Conference April 24-27 2016 , Minneapolis, Minnesota
Mahero M., D. Travis, K. Pelican, C. Robertson and D. Boulware. Spatial and Eco-epidemiology of Malarial and Non- Malarial Febrile Illness in Western Uganda. APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016) in Denver.
Awards
2014/2015: NIH Fogarty International Center Global Health Fellowship
2016-2017: Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences Award
2016: UMN GPS International Travel Award
Meneguzzi, Mariana
Meneguzzi, Mariana
Mariana Meneguzzi
Degree
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense
Adviser
Dr. Matheus Costa
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
VEMED 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
Milanez Preis, Guilherme
Milanez Preis, Guilherme
Guilherme Milanez Preis
Degree
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina
Adviser
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.
Milstein, Marissa
Milstein, Marissa
Marissa Milstein
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota
M.A., Biological Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis
B.A., Anthropology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Adviser
Dr. Dominic Travis
Research
As a veterinarian with a background in anthropology, I am particularly interested in understanding the cultural drivers of emerging infectious disease in wildlife and human populations. I work with and indigenous group called the Waiwai to study zoonotic disease transmission from hunter harvested meat and vector-borne disease transmission, as well as how domestic dogs can serve as sentinels for infectious diseases in the human population.
Publications (Selected)
Milstein M.S., Shaffer C.A., Gillespie T.R., Terio K.A., Wolf T.M., and Travis D. (In Revision). An Ethnographic Approach to Characterizing Zoonotic Disease Risk from Bushmeat in an Indigenous Reserve in Guyana. Ecohealth.
Shaffer C.A., Milstein M. S., Yukuma C., Marawanaru E., Suse P., Wolf T.M., Travis D. A. (2018). Integrating ethnography and hunting sustainability modeling for primate conservation in an indigenous reserve in Guyana. Intrnl J Primatol. 39(5): 945-968. 10.1007/s10764-018-0066-2
Shaffer C.A., Milstein M.S., Yukuma C., Marawanaru E., Suse P. (2017). Assessing the sustainability the Waiwai subsistence hunting in Guyana with implications for co-management in Amazonian indigenous reserves. Conservation Biol. 31(5):1119-1131. DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12891.
Grants and Awards
2018 Honorable Mention, Points of Pride Research Day, College of Veterinary Medicine, UMN
2016 National Geographic Committee for Research and Exploration
2016 Veterinary Pioneers in Public Health Grant, Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, UMN
2016 Outstanding Research Poster, Global Health Day, UMN
2016 Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences Research Grant, UMN
2016 Walter H. Judd International Graduate and Professional Fellowship, UMN
2016 International Travel Grant, College of Veterinary Medicine, UMN
Montoya Lopez, Julian
Montoya Lopez, Julian
Julian Montoya LopezOdland, 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
Adviser
Dr. Peter Davies
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.
Paul, George Omondi
Paul, George Omondi
George Omondi Paul
Degrees
M.S., Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, University of Nairobi
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi
Adviser
Dr. Dominic Travis
Research
My research interests are in epidemiology, infectious diseases and modeling. Respiratory diseases are considered the most important cause of mortality and ill-health in both wild and captive non-human primate populations. My PhD research is focused on understanding the dynamics of respiratory pathogens and the human-animal interface with a view to designing diagnostic and control measures. I will use tuberculosis as a case-study and evaluate its epidemiology and optimize diagnostic protocols in semi-captive chimpanzees and baboons in Africa.
Publications
Kimberly L. VanderWaal, Vincent Obanda, George P. Omondi, Brenda McCowan, Hui Wang, Hsieh Fushing, Lynne A. Isbell: The “strength of weak ties” and helminth parasitism in giraffe social networks. Behavioral Ecology 03/2016; 27(4). DOI:10.1093/beheco/arw035
T. Sitt, E..J. Poole, G. Ndambuki, S. Mwaura, T. Njoroge, G.P. Omondi, M. Mutinda, J. Mathenge, G. Prettejohn, W.I. Morrison, P. Toye: Exposure of vaccinated and naive cattle to natural challenge from buffalo-derived Theileria parva. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 05/2015; 122(2). DOI:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.04.006
K. VanderWaal, G.P. Omondi, V. Obanda: Mixed-host aggregations and helminth parasite sharing in an East African wildlife–livestock system. Veter. Parasit. 09/2014; DOI:10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.07.015
V. Obanda, G.P. Omondi, P.I. Chiyo: The Influence of Body Mass Index, Age and Sex on Inflammatory Disease Risk in Semi-Captive Chimpanzees. PLoS ONE 08/2014; 9(8). DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0104602
Awards
Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment &The Life Sciences, 2015-2016
Pena Mosca, Felipe
Pena Mosca, Felipe
Felipe Pena Mosca
Degrees
MSc. Universidad de la República, Uruguay, 2018
DVM. Universidad de la República, Uruguay 2015
Advisers
Dr. Luciano Caiseta 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
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
Rasmussen, Elizabeth
Rasmussen, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Rasmussen
Degrees
B.S., Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota
Adviser
Dr. Marie Culhane
Research
I am interested in avian influenza (AVI) and other infectious disease transmission at the wildlife, domestic animal, and human interface. My MS work is focused on exploring the role gull species play in AIV transmission to poultry. Some of my research activities include testing eild birds for AIV and GPS tracking Ring-billed Gulls.
Rodriguez, Zelmar
Rodriguez, Zelmar
Zelmar Rodriguez
Degree
D.V.M., UDELAR Facultad de Veterinaria, Uruguay
Advisers
Dr. Gerard Cramer and Dr. Luciano Caixeta
Research
I am interested in dairy cows health with emphasis in diseases during the transitional period and its impact in the productive performance. My research focuses on the assessment of diagnostic methods and risk factors associated with the development of ketosis and hoof lesions during early lactation.
Presentations
Association between peripartum metabolites and development of hoof lesions in primiparous cows. Minnesota Dairy Health Conference. St. Paul, MN. April 2018
Comparative evaluation of the Nova Vet and Precision Xtra cow-side β-hydroxybutyrate test for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia in dairy cows. CVM Points of Pride Research Day, University of Minnesota. St. Paul, MN. October 201
Awards
VMED Graduate Program Enhanced Learning Travel Award, 2018.
Schettino, Daniella
Schettino, Daniella
Daniella Schettino
Degrees
M.S., Food Safety, University Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
D.V.M., University Federal de Lavras, Brazil
Adviser
Dr. Andres Perez
Research
My research area is in Veterinary Epidemiology, focused in risk analysis, animal movement network analysis and animal surveillance. How to aplicate epidemiological tools in Official Veterinary Services.
Schwartz, Mark
Schwartz, Mark
Mark Schwartz
Adviser
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.
Shepherd, Frances
Shepherd, Frances
Frances Shepherd
Degree
B.S., Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Adviser
Dr. Michael Murtaugh
Research
I am researching the epidemiology and antigenic relationships of Rotavirus A in swine populations in the United States. Our goal is to understand how to design a better vaccine which will more effectively prevent piglet mortality.
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
Adviser
First Year Research Rotations
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.
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
Adviser
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)
Sturos, Matthew
Sturos, Matthew
Matthew Sturos
Degrees
D.V.M., University of Minnesota
B.S., Animal Science, University of Minnesota
Advisers
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.
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
Awards
CL Davis Foundation, Student Scholarship Award in Veterinary Pathology 2016
North Central Avian Disease Conference, B.S. Pomeroy Award 2016
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
Adviser
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
Valeris, Robert
Valeris, Robert
Robert Valeris
Degrees
M.Sc., Biology, Zulia University, Venezuela
D.V.M., Zulia University, Venezuela
Advisers
Dr. Randall Singer and Dr. Maria Pieters
Research
My research seeks to elucidate the ecoepidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni in poultry. One particular interest is the building of a model that can inform on the best interventions to reduce the burden of this zoonotic disease in poultry flocks.
Awards
MnDRIVE Global Food Venture Fellowship, 2017-2018
ICI3D Clinic on Dynamical Approaches to Infectious Disease Data travel award, 2016
Vasquez, Erika
Vasquez, Erika
Erika Vasquez
Degree
D.V.M., Universidad Central de Ecuador
Advisers
Dr. Fabio Vannucci and Dr. Connie Gebhart
Wang, Lan
Wang, Lan
Wass, Britta
Wass, Britta
Britta Wass
Degree
B.A., Biology & Public Health, St. Catherine University
Adviser
First Year Research Rotations
Worsley-Tonks, Katherine
Worsley-Tonks, Katherine
Katherine Worsley-Tonks
Degrees
M.S, Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens
B.S., Zoology, Cardiff University
Adviser
Dr. Meggan Craft
Research
The goal of my PhD research is to investigate the transmission of antibiotic-resistant and non-resistant E. Coli between domestic dogs, raccoons, and coyotes in urban and suburban areas.
Publications
Worsley-Tonks K. & Ezenwa V. (2015). Anthelmintic treatment affects behavioural time allocation in a free-ranging ungulate. Animal Behaviour, 108, 47-54.
Worsley-Tonks K., Lance S., Beasley R., Jones K., & Ezenwa V. (2015). Development and characterization of 30 novel microsatellite markers for Grant’s gazelle (Nanger granti). Conservation Genetics Resources, 7(1), 219-221.
Awards
Veterinary medicine graduate student travel award (2017)
ICI3D Clinic on Dynamical Approaches to Infectious Disease Data travel award (2015)
Animal Behavior Society Founders’ Poster Award (2014)
Wynands, Erin
Wynands, Erin
Erin Wynands
Degrees
M.S., Epidemiology, University of Guelph
B.S., Animal Biology, University of Guelph
Adviser
Dr. Gerard Cramer
Research
My research is focused on dairy cattle lameness. We are examining the role of fat mobilization during the early period of lactation as a risk factor for hoof lesion development. I am also interested in qualitative research methods and agriculture extension programs.
Publications
Wynands, E. M., S. J. LeBlanc, D. F. Kelton. 2017. Short Communication: The effect of storage conditions and storage duration on milk ELISA results for pregnancy. Journal of Dairy Science. 100 (12): 9781–9786.
Presentations (selected)
Wynands, E. M., G. Cramer. 2018. An evaluation of the relationship between hyperketonemia and pre- and post-calving hoof lesions in dairy cattle. [American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting – Animal Health Division, Knoxville, TN. June 2018]
Wynands, E. M., D. Moe, G. Cramer. 2016. Evaluation of three lameness detection strategies on the odds of cure in dairy cows. [American Dairy Science Association Joint Annual Meeting - Production Division, Salt Lake City, UT. July 2016]
Wynands, E. M., M. von Massow, S. J. LeBlanc, D. F. Kelton. 2016. Economic evaluation of a milk test for pregnancy confirmation in dairy cows. [American Dairy Science Association Joint Annual Meeting - Production Division, Salt Lake City, UT. July 2016]
Wynands, E. M., S. J. LeBlanc, D. F. Kelton. 2015. Pregnancy outcomes based on milk pregnancy-associated glycoprotein levels. [American Dairy Science Association Joint Annual Meeting - presented in the Production Division MSc Oral Contest, Orlando, FL. July 2015]
Awards
William and Deanna Pritchard Award, 2018 - 2019
Yang, Zhen
Yang, Zhen
Zhen Yang
Degrees
D.V.M. in progress, University of Minnesota
B.S., Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University
Adviser
Dr. Albert Rovira
Research
My research focuses on epidemiology, genetic and clinical correlations of emerging porcine circovirus type 2 and type 3 in swine herds in the United States.
Awards
American Assocation of Swine Veterinarians Foundation Scholarship, 2018
Cargill Food Animal Scholarship
Zhang, Yumeng
Zhang, Yumeng
Yumeng Zhang
Degrees
Master of Agronomy, Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, China
B.S., Animal Medicine, Huazhong Agriculture University, China
Adviser
Dr. Louis Mansky
Research
FeLV and MuLV are both retroviruses as HIV. Many cytidine analogues, such as decitabine and gemcitabine, are effective against FeLV and MuLV as to HIV. Our goal is to explore the antiviral activity and mechanism of decitabine and gemcitabine in FeLV and MuLV. Many anti-HIV drugs target reverse transcriptase(RT). Since reverse transcriptase is also important for the HBV life cycle, my other project focuses on figuring out if these anti-HIV compounds targeting RT also work for HBV and studying the antiviral mechanisms.
Publications
Y. Zhang; H. Li; G. Peng; Y. Zhang; X. Gao; S. Xiao; S. Cao; H. Chen; Y. Song “Mutational Analysis of the Functional Sites in Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Nonstructural Protein 10” J. General Virol. No. JGV-D-14-00066R1 December 5, 2014 doi:10.1099
Z. Yumeng, F. Zhixin, G. Changqin, Z. Wanpo, C. Fu, H. Xueying. “Pathological Diagnosis on Typical Case of Avian Leukemia” Hubei Agricult. Sci. 0439-8114(2012)10-2069-04
Zucko, Dora
Zucko, Dora
Dora Zucko
Degree
D.V.M., University of Zagreb
Adviser
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.