Current graduate students in Veterinary Medicine

Joaquín Alvarez Norambuena

Degree
DVM from 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

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.

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.

Albert Canturri

[email protected]
 
Degrees
D.V.M., Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.
Residency in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
ECVP Diplomate

Advisor
Dr. Maria Pieters

Research
My research focuses on the development of novel molecular diagnostic techniques to better understand Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae pathogenesis, transmission and prevention in swine.
 
Publications 

• Muñoz-González S, CanturriA, Pérez-Simó M, Bohórquez JA, Rosell R, Cabezón O, Segalés J, Domingo M, Ganges L. First report of the novel atypical porcine pestivirus in Spain and a retrospective study. Transbound Emerging Diseases. 2017 Dec;64(6):1645-1649
• Muñoz-González S, Sordo Y, Pérez-Simó M, Suárez M,Canturri A, Rodriguez MP, Frías-Lepoureau MT, Domingo M, Estrada MP, Ganges L. Efficacy of E2 glycoprotein fused to porcine CD154 as a novel chimeric subunit vaccine to prevent classical swine fever virus vertical transmission in pregnant sows. Veterinary Microbiology. 2017 Jun; 205:110-116.

Awards

• MnDRIVE Graduate Student Professional Development award, 2020-2021
• Carlos Pijoan Graduate Student Fellowship in Swine Medicine, 2021

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. 

Jonah Cullen

[email protected]

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).

Sara Davis

Bio
I completed both my bachelors and DVM degree at the Uneivrsity 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_final_1.jpg

Moumita Das

Degrees
Masters in Epidemiology and Public Health from Sylhet Agricultural University
DVM from Sylhet Agricultural University

Advisor
Dr. Andres Perez

Cipriano De Abreu

[email protected]

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.

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

Jessica Garcia

Degree
BS, Biological Sciences, University of Missouri

Advisor
DVM / PhD Student, Currently in DVM curriculum

Nuttha Hengtrakul

Degree
DVM from Kasetsart University

Advisor
Dr. Jody Lulich

Chia-Hui (Jesper) Hsu

Degree
DVM, National Taiwan University

Advisor
Dr. Andres Perez

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.

Lauren Hughes

[email protected]

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 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.

Omar Jimenez Lopez

[email protected]

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.

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

Evan Kipp

[email protected]

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.

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

Miranda Medrano

[email protected]

Degrees
B.S 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
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.

Ana Paula Norte

Hello, my name is Ana Paula Norte. I'm a DVM, and MSc. in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonosis, both degrees from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. I was a research assistant at the Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Lab for a year and a half and also a teaching assistant for the 2022 Swine Health class. My research interest is swine bacterial diseases, with a particular focus on molecular epidemiology.

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
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

Sierra Palmer

Degrees
Master of Public Health from University of Minnesota Twin Cities
BS from University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Advisor
Dr. Melanie Graham

Nakarin Pamornchainavakul

[email protected]

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.

Felipe Pena Mosca

[email protected]

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.

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.

Anay Ravelo

Degrees
MS from University of Florida
BS from University of Florida

Advisor
Dr. Luciano Caixeta

Rachel Schambow

[email protected]

Degrees
B.S. Physiology, University of Wyoming
DVM, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Adviser
Andres Perez, DVM, PhD

Research
My research area is African Swine Fever epidemiology with a focus on risk analysis and identifying novel tools for early detection and control of the disease.

Presentations

• “Modeling the accuracy of a novel ELISA for African swine fever virus antibody and PCR using Bayesian latent class analysis.” Schambow, R.A., Gimenez-Lirola, L., Perez, A. Oral presentation. 16th International Symposium of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, 2022, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
• “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.

Publications

• 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).
• Schambow RA, Poulsen K, Bolin S, Krahn D, Norby B, Sockett D, and PL Ruegg. 2021. Apparent prevalence of Mycoplasma wenyonii, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, and bovine leukemia virus in Wisconsin and Michigan dairy cattle herds. JDS Communications (2).
• Schambow, R. A., Sampedro, F., Urriola, P. E., van de Ligt, J. L. G., Perez, A., & Shurson, G. C. (2022). Rethinking the uncertainty of African swine fever virus contamination in feed ingredients and risk of introduction into the United States. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 69, 157– 175. https://doi-org.ezp3.lib.umn.edu/10.1111/tbed.14358

Erica Schmidt

Research Interest: Animal Welfare and Population Medicine

Bio
I’m Erica Schmidt and I’m from Wolcott Connecticut. I just graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a B.S. in Animal Science with a concentration in biotechnology. During my time at UMass, I worked under Dr. Kathleen Arcaro where I worked on the Canine Tumor Project and the BRCA Study. I also was a summer intern at Mass General Hospital as a Research Animal Specialist where I worked with NHP’s and Swine. I’m very excited to start my new journey at the University of Minnesota this fall.

Mark Schwartz

[email protected]

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 are 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.

Haley Schwecke

Degree
BS, Agriculture, Kansas State University

Advisor
Dr. Maria Pieters

Rachel Shoemaker

Degree
BS, Microbiology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Advisor
Dr. Peter Larsen

Ilya Slizovskiy

[email protected]

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).

Amanda Sponheim

[email protected]

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.

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
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.

Lan Wang

[email protected]

Advisor
Dr. Montse Torremorell

Degrees
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.

Dora Zucko

Degree
D.V.M., University of Zagreb

Advisor
Dr. Kathleen Boris-Lawrie

Area of research interest
My research is focused on characterizing 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.