Tips to Have a “Pawsitively” Pet Safe Holiday

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The holidays have arrived for the year, bringing decorations, gifts, food, and holiday gatherings. As much as we enjoy holiday traditions, these celebrations pose a variety of potential hazards for pets. Dr. Suma Rao, Purdue Veterinary Medicine clinical assistant professor of small animal community practice in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, provides the following tips on how to keep pets safe during the holidays.

Holiday Plants:

• As we enjoy our annual pick of holiday plants, we must take into account that our pets may see them as an evening snack. “Poinsettia plants, mistletoe, holly, and Christmas cactus are toxic to animals when ingested,” Dr. Rao cautions.
• For pet owners who choose to decorate with a live Christmas tree, Dr. Rao explains that Christmas tree water is toxic when fertilizer is used.

Decorations:

• Tinsel and ribbon are tempting play objects for cats, but Dr. Rao warns they can cause a blockage if ingested.
• Lighted candles around the house can be knocked over by pets and pose a fire hazard.
• As we put up decorations that use electricity, Dr. Rao points out it’s important to remember that dogs and cats are tempted to chew on electrical cords, which can cause burns, seizures, and even death.

Food:

• Another big part of holiday celebrations is food. Dr. Rao reminds pet owners, “Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is toxic to animals.” She also points out that Macadamia nuts can cause renal disease in dogs, and sugar-free products containing xylitol are toxic to animals.
• Dr. Rao also cautions, “Do not feed high fat foods or bones to pets. They could cause gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, and/or blockage.”

Environment:

• When the weather outside is frightful, Dr. Rao points out that salt on roads and sidewalks can be caustic to pet’s paw pads. Be sure to wipe their feet after a walk.

Stress:

• “Holidays can be stressful to pets due to the high volume of visitors, loud noises, and parties,” Dr. Rao explains. “Try to keep your pets’ daily routine as close to normal as possible.  Let them do their normal activities that they are used to, in order to help reduce stress.”

With the help of these tips, Dr. Rao says both people and pets can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.  If a pet does get sick or injured during the holidays, the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital‘s animal emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  For emergencies, call 765-494-1107.

Writer(s): Amanda McCormick, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Research Led by PVM’s Dr. Riyi Shi Utilizes World War II Antidote in Battle Against Parkinson’s Disease

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Dr. Riyi Shi, professor of neuroscience and biomedical engineering in PVM’s Department of Basic Medical Sciences and the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, has discovered that a World War II chemical agent antidote holds promise as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. (Lyna Landis/Purdue Research Foundation)

A Purdue Veterinary Medicine professor is leading studies showing a World War II chemical weapon antidote to be effective in combating a new enemy: Parkinson’s disease.  Recent research in the laboratory of Dr. Riyi Shi reveals that the antidote drug dimercaprol is effective at removing acrolein, a neurotoxin that is produced in the body after nerve cells are damaged and that is directly correlated with Parkinson’s disease. In addition, acrolein has been shown to increase pain and trigger a cascade of biochemical events postulated to intensify the severity of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Parkinson’s is characterized by the steady and progressive loss of brain cells. Those afflicted show early symptoms of trembling in their hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face. It can progress to the point where walking, talking, or completing the most basic tasks becomes a daily challenge. Half a million people in the U.S. are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, and another 50,000 people are diagnosed with this neurodegenerative disorder every year, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Our studies show that by removing the toxin (acrolein) from the brain, we are not just reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but also significantly reversing the damage of Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Shi, professor of neuroscience and biomedical engineering in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Basic Medical Sciences and the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. “This could actually provide a new treatment for Parkinson’s patients.”

When administered systematically in the body, dimercaprol nullifies certain chemical features of acrolein, neutralizing and effectively eliminating it from the brain. Dr. Shi is moving forward the potential treatment, which has fewer side effects than other acrolein scavengers and involves safe, total removal via urinary excretion. The technology is patented through the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization, and the innovation is available for licensing. Click here to view a video about the technology.

Dr. Shi’s laboratory already is demonstrating promising results using dimercaprol to remove acrolein in subject models of Parkinson’s disease. So far, these studies have revealed an increased survival rate of brain cells and a significant delay of the disease’s progress.

“We believe that the drug’s classification and method of administration are what make it an attractive therapy option. By systematically injecting the antidote drug directly into the abdominal cavity, it can be absorbed by the bloodstream and then travel to the brain, where the disease is most harmful and where the drug can most benefit the patient,” Dr. Shi said.

The research relates to a paper authored by Dr. Shi and doctoral student Ran Tian and published earlier this year in the Journal of Neurochemistry, which described how the chemical warfare antidote drug was shown to remove the neurotoxin in cell cultures, laboratory animals, and other experiments. The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana CTSI Collaboration in Biomedical Translational Research Pilot Program.

Dr. Shi’s work aligns with Purdue’s Giant Leaps celebration, recognizing the University’s global advancements in health as part of Purdue’s 150^th Anniversary. “Health and Longevity” is one of the four themes of the yearlong celebration’s Ideas Festival, designed to showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues.  The research also dovetails with the goals of a recently formed Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, at Purdue’s Discovery Park. The institute spans 25 departments and includes around 100 faculty engaged in neuroscience-related research.

For additional information, click here to view a complete news release.

Writer(s): Cynthia Sequin, Purdue News Service | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Welcome Dr. Teresa Buchheit to VAD!

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Dr. Teresa Buchheit will join the Department of Veterinary Administration (VAD) as a continuing lecturer starting Wednesday, January 2, 2019.  She will be working with the Applications and Integrations courses, the Veterinary Skills and Competencies courses, and the other clinical skills courses.  Since February 2015, Dr. Buchheit has been a member of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences’ faculty as clinical assistant professor of equine ambulatory practice.

Dr. Buchheit received her DVM degree from Purdue in May 2005 before completing an internship in equine medicine and surgery at Mississippi State University and a residency in large animal internal medicine at the University of Tennessee.  Dr. Buchheit received board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (large animal specialty) in 2010.  She then completed a master’s in comparative biomedical sciences at North Carolina State University in 2014 with a research focus on equine inflammation and sepsis.

Please stop by Dr. Buchheit’s office in LYNN G164B in the new year to welcome her to this new role.

Writer(s): Kathy Salisbury | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Faculty Honored for Years of Service

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A total of 17 Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members were recognized recently for their years of service at Purdue University.  The Faculty Service Recognition Luncheon, hosted by the Office of the Provost, was held November 30.  The PVM faculty members honored are:

10 Years of Service

Dr. Jeannie Plantenga, associate professor of radiation oncology; Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Dr. Patricia Wakenell, professor of avian diagnostics/avian diagnostic pathologist; Dept. of Comparative Pathobiology/ADDL

Dr. James Weisman, assistant dean for student affairs/clinical associate professor; Dept. of Veterinary Administration

15 Years of Service

Dr. Amanda Farr, clinical assistant professor of equine ambulatory practice; Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Dr. Tomohito Inoue, continuing lecturer in anesthesiology; Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Dr. Margaret (Peg) Miller, professor of veterinary pathology/anatomic pathology training coordinator; Dept. of Comparative Pathobiology/ADDL

Dr. Jose Ramos-Vara, professor of veterinary pathology; Dept. of Comparative Pathobiology/ADDL

Dr. Craig Thompson, clinical associate professor of veterinary clinical pathology; Dept. of Comparative Pathobiology

20 Years of Service

Dr. Lynn Guptill, associate professor of small animal internal medicine/co-section head of small animal internal medicine; Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Dr. Sulma Mohammed, associate professor of cancer biology; Dept. of Comparative Pathobiology

25 Years of Service

Dr. John Christian, associate professor of veterinary clinical pathology/lab director and section chief of clinical pathology; Dept. of Comparative Pathobiology

Dr. Kevin Hannon, associate professor of basic medical sciences; Dept. of Basic Medical Sciences

Dr. Harm HogenEsch, associate dean for research/professor of immunopathology; Dept. of Veterinary Administration/Dept. of Comparative Pathobiology

30 Years of Service

Dr. Abdelfattah Nour, professor of basic medical sciences; Dept. of Basic Medical Sciences

Dr. J. Paul Robinson, The SVM Professor of Cytomics/professor in the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering/director of the Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories; Dept. of Basic Medical Sciences

40 Years of Service

Dr. Stephen Adams, professor of large animal surgery; Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

45 Years of Service

David Williams, professor of veterinary history; Dept. of Veterinary Administration

Congratulations to all of these PVM faculty members for their years of service to Purdue University and the College of Veterinary Medicine!

PVM staff members celebrating service anniversaries will be honored at a College of Veterinary Medicine ceremony Tuesday, December 18, at 3:00 p.m., in Lynn 1136.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

World War II weapon used in new battle: Combating Parkinson’s disease

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A World War II chemical weapon antidote is shown to be effective combating a new enemy: Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is characterized by the steady and progressive loss of brain cells. Those afflicted show early symptoms of trembling in their hands, arms, legs, jaw and face. It can progress to the point where walking, talking or completing the most basic tasks becomes a daily challenge.

Half a million people in the U.S. are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, and another 50,000 people are diagnosed with this neurodegenerative disorder every year, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more about Dr. Riyi Shi at his Lab of Translational Neuroscience website.

Read more at: World War II weapon used in new battle: Combating Parkinson’s disease

Writer(s): Purdue Veterinary Medicine News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Record Purdue Giving Fuels PVM’s Fundraising Totals

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Another record year of giving helped the College of Veterinary Medicine achieve key priorities as part of Ever True – the Campaign for Purdue University. The generosity of Purdue Veterinary Medicine donors propelled the College past its total Ever True campaign goal of $40 million in support of the overall campaign priorities of placing students first, building on our strengths, and championing research and innovation.

Giving totals show that for fiscal year 2017-2018, which ended June 30, the College raised $8.77 million in private gifts, exceeding its fiscal year goal of $7 million. That amount brought total giving to the College as part of the Ever True campaign to $48.1 million.

The College’s campaign priorities include five categories. Giving exceeded the specific goals in four of those, with $15.8 million raised for faculty support; $12.5 million for programs; $9.2 million for student support; and $5.3 million for areas of greatest need (unrestricted). The area in which giving is still short of the goal is facilities, and efforts are ongoing to raise the additional funds needed in support of new hospital plans. As of the close of the most recent fiscal year, $5.3 million had been raised toward the $18 million facilities goal.

The Purdue University Ever True campaign concludes in 2019, the University’s 150^th Anniversary year and the College’s 60^th Anniversary year. As a whole, the University recorded its strongest fundraising year ever in the 2017-2018 fiscal year, with $451.5 million raised, up from the previous record of $351.9 million. Those funds brought the total contributed as part of the Ever True campaign to $1.964 billion toward the University’s goal of $2.019 billion.

The College of Veterinary Medicine deeply appreciates the generosity of all of its contributors. If you would like to know more about supporting the College of Veterinary Medicine, or wish to make a gift, please contact the Office of Advancement at (765) 494-6304 or PVMGiving@prf.org.

Writer(s): Tanya Finkbiner | pvmnews@purdue.edu

In Memory: Dr. Billy E. Hooper

Dr. Billy E. Hooper

Dr. Billy E. Hooper, a former Purdue Veterinary Medicine administrator who was nationally recognized for his leadership in academic veterinary medicine, passed away June 6 at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Ind. He was 86.

Dr. Hooper dedicated his professional life to academic veterinary medicine and had a particular passion for expanding diversity in veterinary medical schools and colleges. A United States Marine Corps veteran who served in the Korean War, Dr. Hooper earned his DVM degree at the University of Missouri before pursuing graduate studies at Purdue University. He earned his master’s and PhD degrees in veterinary pathology at Purdue in 1963 and 1965, respectively, and became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). He went on to join the PVM faculty and served as associate dean for academic affairs from 1973 to 1986. His distinguished career also included faculty appointments at the University of Missouri, University of Georgia, Oklahoma State University, and Western University of Health Sciences.

In 1986, Dr. Hooper became the first executive director of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) in Washington, D.C. He also served on the AVMA Council on Education, the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education, the National Board Examination Committee, and was instrumental in supporting the Iverson Bell Symposium, which was first held at Purdue in 1972 and is the oldest and longest-running symposium in veterinary medicine devoted to exploring issues of diversity.

Dr. Billy Hooper (right) with a fellow early AAMVC leader, Dr. John Welser, and then president of the AAVMC, Dr. Eleanor Green, dean of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, at the AAVMC’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2016.

Dr. Hooper received numerous awards in recognition of his accomplishments, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Missouri, a listing in Purdue University’s “Book of Great Teachers,” and the Iverson Bell Award for his contributions to advancing diversity in veterinary medicine. In 2016, on the occasion of the 50^th Anniversary of the AAVMC, the association honored Dr. Hooper by renaming the annual AAVMC Recognition Lecture the “Billy E. Hooper Lecture Award for Distinguished Service to Veterinary Medical Education,” in recognition of the founding role Dr. Hooper played as the AAVMC’s first executive director and as a former editor of the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education.

Upon retirement, Dr. Hooper and his wife, Janice, returned to Lafayette where Dr. Hooper’s volunteer activities included serving as president of the Lafayette Citizen’s Band and chairing the Youth Services Committee of the Lafayette Kiwanis Club. In recognition of his community contributions, he received the Crystal Bison Award as the outstanding volunteer in 2011.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed described Dr. Hooper as an accomplished and beloved educator and leader in the veterinary medical profession. “It is hard to put into words the sense of loss associated with the passing of this gentle, caring, capable, and accomplished veterinarian, educator, and humanitarian. I am forever grateful for his kindness, encouragement, and mentorship,” Dean Reed said. “Anyone who met Dr. Hooper certainly remembers his amiable disposition, disarming smile, and great intellect. Because of his talent, expertise and leadership skills, he was sought after as an educator and administrator and traveled far and wide during his professional career. I am especially touched, though, to know that our college and the Purdue University community was the home he returned to, and the location where he finished his life’s work. He will be dearly missed not only by the Purdue Veterinary Medicine family, but by the entire veterinary medical profession.”

Memorial contributions may be given to the Purdue Foundation for scholarships to be used in support of students of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing (veterinary technology).

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

In Memory: Dr. Robert M. Claflin

Dr. Robert M. (Bob) Claflin

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine lost one of its founding faculty members with the passing of Professor and Associate Dean Emeritus Robert M. (Bob) Claflin, who died April 27 in Indianapolis. He was 96.

Dr. Claflin’s interest in veterinary medicine stemmed from his work on his family’s farm in Montrose, Mich., which he helped run after his father’s sudden passing while he was in his teens. He left to serve in the Navy in World War II and afterward enrolled at Michigan State University, where he earned his DVM degree in 1952. He then came to Purdue University, where he completed his graduate studies, earning his master’s in 1956 and his PhD in 1958. That same year, he joined the Purdue faculty, and shortly after was named head of what was then called the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Pathology, and Public Health. As part of a small group of academic leaders tasked with getting a veterinary school up and running at Purdue, Dr. Claflin helped select the first class, which enrolled in 1959 in what initially was called the School of Veterinary Science and Medicine.

Dr. Bob Claflin (right) returned to Purdue in 2010 to celebrate the retirement of his successor as associate dean for academic affairs, Dr. John Van Vleet (center). Also pictured is PVM Professor Emeritus Gerald Goetsch, who had served as head of what formerly was called the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology.

Dr. Claflin remained on the faculty as professor of veterinary pathology until his retirement in 1988. During the last two years of his tenure, he served as the College’s associate dean for academic affairs. “After retiring, Dr. Claflin continued to be a loyal supporter and dear friend of the College,” said Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed. “I remember Dr. Claflin from when I was a graduate student at the College, beginning in the late 1970s. He was a true gentleman and scholar. He embodied the values of excellence, integrity, and caring that are fundamental hallmarks of Purdue Veterinary Medicine. He was gifted in his field of expertise and served with utmost competence as a professor and administrator. Stern when he needed to be, Dr. Claflin also had a wonderful, gentle smile that assured students and colleagues alike that he always wanted what was best for them and the College. He will be greatly missed.”

As residents of West Lafayette, Ind., Dr. Claflin and his wife, Barbara, were active in the annual Feast of the Hunter’s Moon re-enactment at Fort Ouiatenon. After retirement, they moved to Ludington in western Michigan where they restored one of the oldest homes in the city. Dr. Claflin ultimately moved to Indianapolis after suffering health challenges in 2013.

The family suggested that memorial donations be made to the Ludington Rotary Club’s STRIVE mentoring and scholarship program, P.O. Box 149, Ludington, Mich. 49431.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Retiring Professor Honored for Nearly 50 Years of Service

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Dr. Ronald Hullinger got a “group hug” from students in the DVM Class of 2020 during a reception held May 2 in honor of his retirement.

A crowd of Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff, and students gathered to recognize long-time faculty member Ronald Hullinger at a reception held in May in honor of his retirement as professor of basic medical sciences. Dr. Hullinger came to Purdue University in 1969, just a few years after the College of Veterinary Medicine graduated its first class of veterinarians in 1963. He retired as of May 15, completing nearly 50 years of service to the College.

Dr. Hullinger earned his DVM degree in 1965 at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he went on to complete his PhD in 1968, at which time he joined the faculty there. A year later he accepted an appointment at Purdue University as assistant professor of veterinary anatomy in what was then the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, which later became part of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences. Rising through the academic ranks, Dr. Hullinger was promoted to full professor in 1985. He also served as director of Veterinary Medical Education from 1988 to 1994.

Dr. Hullinger expressed appreciation and shared words of advice during the reception, including encouragement to read books; visit a museum every six months; visit a playground often and listen and laugh; habitually smile and say “hello”; be grateful and act like it; and give regularly.

Noting the size of the crowd that gathered for the reception, Dean Reed commented, “This is a testament to you and the appreciation that we all have for you.” Then he asked a rhetorical question. “How do you thank someone who has given almost 50 years of service to our College and to Purdue University? That’s a hard thing to do,” Dean Reed said. “Think about all those years — all the contributions he’s made, the hours he spent doing research, preparing lectures, delivering those lectures, meeting with students, attending committee meetings, and attending conferences. All of those are contributions to the success of our College.”

Dean Reed also recalled his own experience coming to Purdue in 1978 as a graduate student. While he knew Dr. Hullinger during that time, he has been able to get to know him much better since becoming dean in 2007. “I’ve always admired him for what he has done,” Dean Reed said. “I think if you go to the dictionary and you turn to the word ‘professor’ — if there was a picture of a professor, he looks the part right? He looks like a distinguished professor and always presents that image and always is someone we can all look up to.”

Dean Willie Reed and Basic Medical Sciences Department Head Laurie Jaeger congratulate Dr. Hullinger, who holds an engraved glass plaque given in recognition of his retirement.

Dr. Laurie Jaeger (PU DVM ’84; PhD ’91), head of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, spoke at the beginning of the reception, remembering when she first met Dr. Hullinger, not as a colleague, but when she was a first-year veterinary student back in 1980. “He welcomed me into this college and here I am sort of bidding adieu, isn’t that amazing?” Dr. Jaeger went on to explain how Dr. Hullinger made many contributions to his field, including chapters in definitive anatomical and histological textbooks. She noted he also took opportunities for sabbaticals and made international connections with faculty in other parts of the world that also benefitted from the teaching at Purdue. “But if you know Dr. Hullinger at all, even with all those accomplishments, you’ll recognize that the interactions that have really driven him, and what he’s been passionate about, have been his interactions with the veterinary students,” Dr. Jaeger said.

Dean Reed estimated that Dr. Hullinger’s Purdue career probably has touched 90 percent of the approximately 3,400 veterinarians who have graduated from Purdue, whether through teaching or providing mentorship, counseling, or just friendship. “That is quite a record. That is quite a legacy,” Dean Reed said. He also noted that, most recently, Dr. Hullinger played a huge role on the College’s Diversity Action Committee. “He has worked tirelessly with committee members and myself and others to make sure that we have a welcoming and inclusive culture here in our College.”

Dean Reed also shared a letter from Purdue Provost Jay Akridge announcing the approval of Dr. Hullinger’s designation as Professor Emeritus of Basic Medical Sciences. He also presented Dr. Hullinger with a glass plaque featuring an engraving of the Continuum sculpture and the College’s seal. Dr. Hullinger then expressed his appreciation for all of the opportunities he has had to interact with faculty, staff, and students. “It’s just amazing what you have given to me,” Dr. Hullinger said. “Thank you all.”

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Introducing New PVM Faculty

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The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed the following faculty members during the 2017 – 2018 academic year. Please join us in welcoming them to the PVM family.

Suma Rao, DVM, MBA, DABVP

Dr. Suma Rao joined the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences as clinical assistant professor of small animal community practice effective May 21. Relocating from Massachusetts, Dr. Rao brings more than 20 years’ experience practicing small animal veterinary medicine with 12 years spent as owner and operator of her own veterinary practice. She earned her DVM degree in 1994 at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on canine and feline medicine and surgery, and is board-certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in canine and feline practice. Dr. Rao went on to earn her MBA in 2015 at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, at which time she transitioned into teaching and mentoring roles, taking positions with Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine; the Becker College of Animal Studies in Leicester, Mass.; and the Pets in Need Clinic in Providence, R.I.

Mario Sola, DVM, MS

Dr. Mario Sola became a member of the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) and the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Department of Comparative Pathobiology upon his appointment as clinical assistant professor of diagnostic pathology on August 22. Dr. Sola earned his DVM degree in 2014 at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. During his DVM training, he completed a summer externship in pathology at GlaxoSmithKline and managed the Department of Comparative Pathobiology’s Immunocytochemistry Laboratory, which sparked his interest in pathology. He then completed a master’s degree and residency training in anatomic pathology at the ADDL before joining as faculty. He also is currently in the process of completing a PhD degree in immunology.

Nadia Lanman, PhD

Dr. Nadia Lanman joined the Department of Comparative Pathobiology as research assistant professor effective August 1. She also manages the Purdue Collaborative Core for Cancer Bioinformation (C³B) at the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research. Dr. Lanman earned a PhD in plant molecular biology with a certification in computational life sciences from Purdue University in 2015 before joining the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research in June 2015 where she oversees C³B operations. Dr. Lanman’s research focuses on a variety of different types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, and pancreatic cancer with a particular interest in single-cell analyses, epigenomics, and the integration of large-scale-omics datasets. The focus of her work is to apply computational techniques for the analysis of large datasets, with the ultimate goal of understanding the biological mechanisms involved in cancer disease and progression.

Rebecca Wilkes, DVM, PhD, DACVM

Dr. Rebecca Wilkes joined the Department of Comparative Pathobiology as assistant professor of molecular diagnostics and section head of molecular diagnostics at the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL). Dr. Wilkes earned both DVM and PhD degrees from the University of Tennessee in 2001 and 2007, respectively. She also is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists in virology and bacteriology/mycology. Dr. Wilkes’ research interest involves development of new molecular tests, including targeted next-generation sequencing panels for detection of infectious diseases. She also enjoys genetic characterization and phylogenetic evaluation of circulating strains of viruses to examine changes over time, with the expectation of translating the findings to improved detection methods and improved vaccines or antivirals for prevention/treatment of animal diseases.

Writer(s): Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu