Current graduate students in Veterinary Sciences

Joaquín Alvarez Norambuena

Degree

DVM, University of Concepcion

Advisor

Dr. Montserrat Torremorell

Cally Berg

Degrees

DVM, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
BA, Biology, Mount Holyoke College

Advisor

Dr. Molly McCue

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

Natalie Bot

[email protected]

Degree

BS, Biochemistry, University of Mary, Bismark ND

Advisor

Declan Schroeder

Research

I have great interest in virology, especially relating to viral and host interactions! Throughout my undergraduate studies, I had several opportunities to participate in research. A couple of my most impactful research experiences involved my research with the HIV novel protein, reverse transcriptase, and my research with Ralco Nutrition involving essential oils. I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue working with Ralco Nutrition as I work toward my PhD in Veterinary Sciences, and I have a personal goal throughout my research to discover/ identify a novel virus or protein!

Rachel Renee Bradley (Weidmayer)

Research interest areas

Swine, virology, PRRSV, ASF

Bio

I received my BS in Animal Science and DVM here at University of Minnesota. I had research experience during vet school with various labs on campus focusing on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, influenza, and PRRSV. Additionally, I have done numerous field experiments during externships with various swine companies focusing on areas of swine production and health. My goals during my PhD is to better understand swine viruses and focus on virus survivability and inactivation.

John Carey

[email protected]

Degrees

BA, Thomas Edison State University

Advisor

Ferenc Toth

Research
I have spent several years in the preclinical research industry, specializing in safety and efficacy testing and the development of medical devices and biologics in large animal models. General therapeutic areas of interest include interventional medicine/transcatheter therapies, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, and implantable devices.

Academic interests include large animal research models/methods development, laboratory animal welfare, and translational methods bridging the research laboratory and the clinical/practical space in veterinary and human medicine.

Estefany L. Cotto-López

Bio

Estefany L. Cotto-López holds two Masters degrees, one in Environmental Health and another in One Health, and a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. Her research focuses on zoonotic and vector-borne diseases’ new reservoirs, host preferences, and new methods of detection. Estefany seeks to build a career in veterinary research, focused on detection and diagnostics of zoonotic diseases, with the hope of becoming a faculty member at the first College of Veterinary Medicine being built in Puerto Rico.

Sara Davis

Bio

I completed both my bachelors and DVM degree at the University of Minnesota, graduating from veterinary school in 2019. I spent three years in private practice in MN before returning to the College of Veterinary Medicine. I currently am an instructor in the ruminant group, and will continue to teach while completing my masters. With this degree, I hope to advance my knowledge in dairy management and production, specifically using health data technology systems.

Moumita Das

Degrees

MA, Epidemiology and Public Health, Sylhet Agricultural University
DVM, Sylhet Agricultural University

Advisor

Dr. Andres Perez

Gerardo Diaz Ortiz

Degrees

MS, Peruvian University of Cayetano Heredia
DVM, National University of San Marcos
BS, National University of San Marcos

Advisor

Dr. Noelle Noyes

Kristen Dimmler

[email protected]

Degrees

BS, 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.

Aidan Marie Edge

[email protected]

Degree

BS, Biology, St. Norbert College

Advisor

Alon Herschhorn

Research

During my undergraduate studies, I researched the identity of an unknown species of parasitic Eustrongylides nematode recovered from bullfrog hosts. Currently, my research interests include the genetic and environmental mechanisms of infectious disease, along with host-pathogen interactions. I look forward to joining the CMB student cohort and continuing my education at the University of Minnesota!

Jessica Garcia

Degree

BS, Biological Sciences, University of Missouri

Advisor

DVM / PhD Student, Currently in DVM curriculum

Nuttha Hengtrakul

Degree

DVM, Kasetsart University

Advisor

Dr. Jody Lulich

Chia-Hui (Jesper) Hsu

Degree

DVM, National Taiwan University

Advisor

Dr. Andres Perez

Jing Huang

Degrees

MA, Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University
BS, Agriculture, 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.

Lauren Hughes

[email protected]

Degrees

DVM, Iowa State University
BS, 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 development and 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

Dinara Imanbayeva

Research Interest Area(s):

• Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) Control and Eradication
• Disease-Risk Modeling
• Participatory Epidemiology
• Disease Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation
• Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock
• Veterinary Legislation

Biography

I am a veterinary professional with a diverse educational background and extensive research experience in various fields of veterinary science. I graduated from the Kazakh State Agrotechnical University followed by Masters in Veterinary Studies (MSc) at the University of Sydney, Australia. working on antimicrobial resistance of E. coli in cattle and horses in New South Wales (Australia). Over the years, I have been involved in several international projects aimed at enhancing animal health and disease control efforts in different parts of the world, mostly focusing on the West Eurasia region. As an International Animal Health Consultant for FAO and WOAH, I played a crucial role in strengthening disease surveillance systems in Central Asian countries combating TADs, reducing antimicrobial resistance in agriculture, implementing an Animal Health Network in Central Asia as well as developing veterinary legislation.

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

Lindsay Knoll

[email protected]

Degrees

Advisor

Research interests

Shelby Krebs

Bio

I graduated in May 2023 with my Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Business with a Management minor from the University of Minnesota - Crookston. My research experience includes working for Dr. Adam Mueller and Dr. Nathan Winkelman at Swine Services Unlimited Inc. out of Rice, MN. In this position, I was able to participate in multiple swine research projects at a variety of different levels. I helped with everything from trial administration, day to day observations, and final close outs. I have gotten experience with what it is like to work with different companies and carry out research in the field. This includes documentation, meetings, organization, statistics, and some data analysis to carry out the studies.

My research interest is centered around applied research. There is a uniqueness to each farm and what works for them. Sometimes what the science says works isn’t relevant for the farmer. I want to be able to work with the farmer on making the science relevant to them individually. I have been made aware of the educational gap between scientists and workers with my upbringing. I have found that many times people struggle to bring research findings and communicate them to the general public. I want to be able to bridge that educational gap through my education and research.

Danielle LaVine

Degrees

DVM, North Carolina State University at Raleigh
BS, Zoology, North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Advisor

Dr. Jennifer Granick

Emily Leonard

Degree

BS, Biology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Advisor

Dr. Luciano Caixeta

Lucas Ferreira

Degrees

MS - Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, 2025
BVSc - Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, 2022

Advisor

Cesar Corzo

Miranda Medrano

[email protected]

Degrees

BS, Animal Sciences, Cornell University 
MPH, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 
DVM, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 
 
Advisors

Dr. Marie Culhane 
Dr. Cesar Corzo
 
Research

Infectious disease epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance.

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

Mariana Meneguzzi

[email protected]

Degree

B.S., Veterinary Medicine, Instituto Federal Catarinense

Advisors

Dr. Montserrat Torremorell
Dr. Fabio Vannucci

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.

Morgan Nicole Miller

[email protected]

Degrees

BS, Animal Science, Northwest Missouri State University
Professional Science Masters, Applied Science and Technology, Kansas State University.

Advisor

Noelle Noyes

Research

Morgan is the current Laboratory Manager at Triumph Foods in St. Joseph, MO. Morgan is interested in the food microbiome and its relationship with food safety, specifically shelf life, food pathogens and environmental monitoring.

Sair Ordaz

Degree

BS, Agronomy Engineering, Universidad Juarez del Estado de Durango

Advisors

Dr. Gerard Cramer
Dr. Luciano Caixeta

Kendra Pachniak

Degrees

MS, Bioengineering, Stevens Institute of Technology
BS, Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin River Falls

Advisor

Dr. Whitney Knauer

Eliana Paladino

[email protected]

Degrees

MS, Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
DVM, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Brazil

Advisor

Dr. Randy Singer

Award

2017 Dr. Carlos Pijoan Fellowship in Swine Medicine

Sierra Palmer

Degrees

MPH, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
BS, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Advisor

Dr. Melanie Graham

Aysha Rana

[email protected]

Degree

I graduated from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, Jhang Campus.

Advisor

Alon Herschhorn

Research

Following my graduation, I joined the Foot and Mouth Disease Research Center at the Livestock Department, Government of Punjab, specializing in vaccine development and adaptation of viral strains. My deep passion for understanding viruses and developing effective vaccines fuels my commitment to the field of virology. During my PhD at the University of Minnesota, I am determined to contribute to the development of vaccines and therapeutics for the control of viral diseases.

Soumok Sadhu

[email protected]

Degrees

BS, Biotechnology
MS, Biotechnology

Advisor

Alexander Khoruts

Research

The application of innovative techniques to improve the gut health of both humans and animals is my primary area of research. I am particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of exploring innovative opportunities through the study of microbiota and Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT). I have successfully completed both my BS and MS in Biotechnology, during which time I participated in a variety of interdisciplinary projects to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the scientific field and to identify my specific interests. I am dedicated to the development of effective strategies to improve overall well-being and the advancement of our comprehension of gut health. The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is an exciting opportunity for me to contribute to research in this critical field.

Erica Schmidt

Degree

BS, Animal Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Advisor

Dr. Whitney Knauer

Research Interest

Animal Welfare and Population Medicine

Research

My research program investigates the affective state of disbudding pain in goat kids, a common procedure known to be extremely painful and often performed without pain management. Currently, there is no gold standard of practice to effectively mitigate this pain, highlighting a significant gap in the welfare of these animals. By utilizing a novel behavioral assay called Conditioned Place Aversion—never before applied in this context—my research provides crucial insights into how goat kids perceive and react to different emotional experiences. The findings will guide veterinarians and farmers in developing more effective pain management strategies, ultimately improving the welfare of goat kids during the disbudding process.

Amanda Sponheim

[email protected]

Degrees

DVM, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
BS, 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.

Joy Stock

Degree

BS, Animal Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Advisors

Dr. Sian Durward-Akhurst
Dr. Molly McCue

Drew Swartz

Degree

MS, Animal Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
BS, Animal Sciences, University of Missouri

Advisor
Dr. Gerard Cramer

Napatsorn Suwongsaksri

[email protected]

Degree

DVM, Kasetsart University, Thailand

Advisor

Dr. Randall Singer

Research Interests

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.

Chuong Dinh Vo 

[email protected]

Degrees

DVM, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam.

MA, Aquaculture, James Cook University, Australia.

Advisor

Dr. Andres Perez

Research Interests

African swine fever (ASF), rabies, avian influenza