Role models can help children see themselves in a future career, and a new initiative at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is helping develop veterinary medical role models every child can relate to.
Writer(s): Purdue Veterinary Medicine News | pvmnews@purdue.edu
Philanthropy makes a difference in the College of Veterinary Medicine every day, as donors contribute in support of people and programs to improve animal and human health and well-being and support the education of future veterinary professionals. The gifts given are a reflection on the good work of faculty, staff, and students who often are the vital link between the college and generous supporters, says Chief Development Officer Tanya Finkbiner.
So, to help shine a light on the impact of philanthropy on our college, the Purdue Veterinary Medicine development team is beginning a series of spotlight announcements that will appear in the Vet Gazette periodically. “We want to help our people understand the impact they are having as they help foster and strengthen relationships with donors,” Tanya said. “To start we want to spotlight two campaigns currently underway.”
Leave A Print Campaign
“Construction on the new veterinary hospital is moving ahead steadily, and so is progress toward our Leave A Print fundraising campaign goal,” Tanya said. The initiative to help fully fund the new hospital project has a goal of $8.1 million. Over $3.5 million has been received to-date! “Every donation helps us get closer to new, state-of-the-art facilities,” said Tanya. To learn more about how you can help, see floor plans, and read about some of the reasons others have already contributed, visit leaveaprint.vet.
Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog Endowment Campaign
The 2020 Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog, one of the longest-running traditions of the Purdue Veterinary Conference, was cancelled to best support the health and safety of participants and the community during the continued COVID-19 pandemic. Though this is disappointing for everyone, there’s still a way you can help to ensure that the event will continue in the years to come.
In the past, proceeds from the event have benefited important programs like PetSafe and Priority 4 Paws to serve the animals in need in our community. Last year, proceeds totaling more than $10,100 went to PetSafe.
This year, you can honor the legacy of Professor Emeritus Skip Jackson and help this event live on in perpetuity by donating your typical registration fee of $25 (individual registration) or $30 (individual + pet registration) or more, and help us reach our goal of $25,000 by August 2023.* Those funds will make it possible to establish an endowment that will cover the expenses associated with hosting the event every year. A total of $10,900 has been raised to date, and your help is needed to get to the finish line.
Click here to GIVE NOW to support the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog and Fun Run Endowment. Your contribution is vital to the success of this event in the future, and donations of any amount make a difference. If you have any questions about this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact the PVM Advancement Office at 765-494-6304 or email PVMgiving@prf.org.
*If the $25,000 goal is not met by 2023, the fund will not be endowed to continue in perpetuity. All funds received will be used to support expenses associated with future Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog events until depleted.
Writer(s): Tanya Finkbiner and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu
The first virtual Purdue Veterinary Conference is set to kick-off Tuesday evening, September 22, with the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture, and continue with three days of high quality continuing education and special events. Among those virtual events will be a Trivia Night for all members of the PVM family!
“PURSUIT! Alumni and Friends Trivia Night” is the name of the friendly competition set for Thursday, September 24 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Open to all faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, the mystery themed event is the virtual equivalent of the traditional mixer reception that’s normally held in-person during the conference.
After a virtual happy hour and acknowledgment of alumni in our anniversary classes, there will be three rounds of trivia questions. Team-up with colleagues, friends, family and alumni classmates to compete! Trivia topics will include pop culture, Purdue, and veterinary medicine. Prizes and bragging rights will abound!
It’s elementary really…
Each team will be presented the questions and break into a separate room to collaborate on answers. The team captain will submit the answers for the team on a special link. The team with the most points at the end will win!
To register your team, email your team name, member names, and team captain to vetalumni@purdue.edu. This event is free and open to PVM family and friends. So make a team with your family, friends, and pets and get ready to have fun! Whether you fancy yourself Nancy Drew, Professor Plum, or Hercule Poirot, come ready to put your best gumshoe forward. A Zoom link will be provided to all who have signed-up for the event or registered for the conference.
Other features of the 2020 virtual Purdue Veterinary Conference include the virtual Awards Celebration Wednesday night, when outstanding faculty and Distinguished Alumni Award recipients will be recognized, as well as Wellness and Diversity Keynote presentations. Other excellent continuing education sessions will be offered as tracks on small animal, practice management, equine, exotics, ruminants, swine, one health and emergency preparedness, and topics of interest for veterinary nurses. Attendees can earn up to 24 hours of continuing education, and will have access to our virtual exhibit hall.
This year’s conference would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors: IDEXX, Banfield Pet Hospital, the Indiana Board of Animal Health/Indiana State Department of Health, Nutrena, Purina, Zoetis, Elanco, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Coyne Veterinary Services.
Click here for more information and to register.
Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu
Did you know that Drew Brees is a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine? A pet professor that is, or rather pet professors.
The legendary football player is represented in the college in the form of two dogs, a Terrier mix named Drew and an Australian Shepherd border mix named Brees. Brees is owned by Dr. Ellen Lowery, director of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, while Drew is owned by Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for student affairs.
“As far as the name Drew goes, it’s basically my admiration for Drew Brees. I’m a Boilermaker through and through,” Dr. Weisman says. Drew is about nine-years-old and Dr. Weisman describes him as a very self-sustained dog. He enjoys playing fetch by himself by dropping a ball down a flight of stairs and bringing it back up to the top. Dr. Weisman says, for a dog, Drew is rather organized. He has his own toy box that he gets his things out of at the beginning of the day, but always brings them back and puts them away at the end of the day.
As for Brees, Dr. Lowery says, “I’m not the biggest football fan, but I have so much respect for Drew Brees.” She says that Brees is about five-years-old and has a calm demeanor overall, but also is not afraid to act like a watchdog when she needs to. Dr. Lowery explains that when they’re home, “She keeps all of the squirrels and chipmunks in line.” When Brees is off-duty from her watchdog role, she enjoys being a “greeter” in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Students may find her in a hallway between classes always happy to be petted. Dr. Lowery says that students and staff love having Brees as a local mascot for the college.
Both of these dogs are involved in the college’s Pet Professor program. Animals in the program are often the pets of staff and faculty and provide a way for students to learn the foundations of conducting physical examinations and giving vaccinations to domestic pets as well as practicing ultrasounds and minor physical therapy techniques. Animals like Drew and Brees get a free examination while students get fun friends to play with and learn from, and who wouldn’t want a teammate like Drew Brees!
Writer(s): Jonathan Martz, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu
Three new initiatives designed to help Purdue Veterinary Medicine students and recruitment efforts are being funded by the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association (PVAA). The PVAA Board of Directors approved the support over the summer, after seeking input from Dr. Jim Weisman (PU DVM ’97), assistant dean for student affairs, and Dr. Sandy San Miguel (PU DVM ’93; PhD ’95), associate dean for engagement.
The PVAA board allocated $3,000 to support fourth-year DVM students by helping to cover the cost of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) that the students need to meet heightened safety measures put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The added PPE supplies provide protection for the students while they work in the Veterinary Hospital and gain valuable hands-on experiences during their clinical year.
Additionally, the board allocated $2,000 to support the recently established food pantry located in Lynn Hall for the Purdue University community. In conjunction with Purdue’s ACE Campus Food Pantry and Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. of Lafayette, the pantry is stocked with food for anyone in the PVM family facing food insecurity. This resource helps to ensure that students have the nourishment they need to thrive academically as they cope with demanding schedules. Located outside of Lynn B197, the pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. for all students, faculty, and staff to utilize.
The board also approved $3,000 for Boiler Vet Camp scholarships that will help students representing diversity in race and ethnicity who want to attend either the junior or senior camps. This allocation is aimed at supporting the college’s engagement activities that seek to broaden diversity in veterinary medicine. A sub-committee was established to determine the criteria for awarding the scholarships.
The PVAA board made the budget decisions as part of the approval of its 2020-2021 fiscal-year budget. The PVAA is a membership-based organization representing the entire PVM alumni base and functions as a subsidiary of the Purdue Alumni Association (PAA). All funding for the PVAA is generated through membership dues and seed money from the PAA. New graduates enjoy a year of free membership and then half-priced membership for two years. Membership in the PVAA is only $30 per calendar year.
The PVAA Board of Directors is made up of representatives from each of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association regional districts, as well as Veterinary Nursing representatives from across Indiana. Other seats on the board include young alumni seats, as well as members-at-large from across the nation. The 24 member board is led by an executive committee made-up of Dr. Erin Kosta-Wilson (PU DVM 2008), president; Dr. Angela Demaree (PU DVM 2002), president-elect; and Dr. Jerry Rodenbarger (PU DVM ’79), secretary/treasurer. Dr. John Feutz (PU DVM 2005) is the immediate past-president.
Click here for more information or to join the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association. Interested in serving on the PVAA Board of Directors? Please email Susan Xioufaridou at: susanx@purdue.edu.
Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu
In its 7th year, Purdue Day of Giving raised an incredible $42,197,298 received through 20,217 gifts – once again an amazing showing of generosity and support for the university and its persistent pursuit of the next giant leap!
“This has been an incredible event, especially during such a trying year for everyone. We are so appreciative to have a family of generous and loyal donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students, clients, and friends who remain dedicated to our college and the future of veterinary medicine,” said Amanda Dunkle, director of development operations and donor stewardship. “The enthusiasm of the event has been uplifting, and the impact these donations will have on our college and, specifically, the new Veterinary Hospital, is really exciting to think about.”
Gifts contributed during the Purdue Day of Giving to the College of Veterinary Medicine this year totaled $1,226,863, positioning us in the 8th position for donations received across campus and earning the college an additional $3,000 in bonus funds! The efforts of others who took the time to participate in hourly challenges, take photos, and spread the word made an impact on our overall success as well, resulting in the college winning an additional $2,000 in bonus funds for receiving the 1,869th gift during the event and winning the Most Creative Pet Photo challenge.
“To see the community of our college come together in such a challenging year was truly humbling,” said Tanya Finkbiner, chief development officer for the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Every single gift is a valuable part of our mission to advance global animal and human health and well-being. Seeing the steel beams going up for the new hospital today, it is the perfect metaphor of how people, including our clients, donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and students, are what keep our college strong – together.”
For more information and results from Purdue Day of Giving, visit dayofgiving.purdue.edu.
Writer(s): Amanda Dunkle | pvmnews@purdue.edu
The National Cancer Institute has announced the development of the Integrated Canine Data Commons (ICDC), which has significant ties to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Developed by the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, the cloud-based repository of spontaneously arising canine cancer data was created with the goal of advancing human cancer research by enabling comparative analysis of canine cancer. Dr. Deborah Knapp, Distinguished Professor and the Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, serves on the Steering Committee for the ICDC, as one of the external researchers from institutions of higher education invited to participate.
“Many different types of information on dog tumors, including genomics, pathology, clinical features, and case outcomes can be deposited into the ICDC,” Dr. Knapp explains. “Scientists from all over the world can study the information from dogs and compare it with human cancer patient data from the Cancer Research Data Commons. This is expected to lead to a much better understanding of the similarities and differences between canine and human cancer and better outcomes for cancer patients in both species.” Dr. Knapp adds, “It is an honor to participate with top scientists at the National Cancer Institute who are leading this effort.”
In addition to Dr. Knapp, other scientists from Purdue have been involved, specifically in contributing two of the initial data sets in the ICDC. Dr. Deepika Dhawan, oncology research scientist in the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program, and Dr. Sagar Utturkar, senior bioinformatics scientist in the Bindley Bioscience Center, have been heavily involved in compiling, analyzing, and formatting the Purdue data the team has contributed to the ICDC. Dr. Tim Ratliff, Distinguished Professor of Comparative Pathobiology and the Robert Wallace Miller Director of the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, was instrumental in connecting the Purdue team to the program.
The ICDC and its website were publicly launched August 26, 2020 in conjunction with National Dog Day. Click here to learn more.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training. The NCI coordinates the United States National Cancer Program and is part of the National Institutes of Health, which is one of eleven agencies that are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The ICDC is part of the Cancer Research Data Commons (CRDC), an initiative from NCI’s Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT). Learn more at cancer.gov.
Writer(s): Allison Carey | pvmnews@purdue.edu
Role models can help children see themselves in a future career, and a new initiative at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is helping develop veterinary medical role models every child can relate to.
The college has launched a new organization called the League of VetaHumanz, an inclusive veterinary superhero league working with member universities and organizations to diversify the veterinary workforce, which is over 90% white, and provide underserved youth access and support to pursue careers in the veterinary field.
The league will feature role models as superheroes, called VetaHumanz, in academia, practice, research, government, and industry, and provide resources for veterinary students to engage with children in their communities after graduation. The league will offer P-12 training opportunities for aspiring veterinarians, including virtual veterinary lessons, children’s books, and an online game. For children without access to in-person role models, resources in a box are in development so they can learn about a veterinary role model and perform a veterinary-related educational activity at home with friends and family.
“We have an amazing team of superheroes, including teachers, community leaders, artists, graphic designers, communications experts, evaluators, students, veterinarians and experts in diversity, equity, and inclusion who are all thrilled to take our role modeling programs to the next level and inspire future veterinary professionals,” said Dr. Sandra San Miguel, founder of the League of VetaHumanz and associate dean for engagement in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Each VetaHuman has a superhero identity, and Dr. San Miguel goes by “Pink Phoenix.”
“We can all make the world a better place if we work together and use our powers for good,” she said.
There are 18 member institutions and organizations across the U.S., and the league plans to expand the program globally.
The league will be supported for the next five years by a $1.35 million grant from the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health.
The League of VetaHumanz expands upon an existing SEPA-funded program, This is How We “Role,” which was designed in 2015 to increase awareness of the role that veterinarians play in keeping people and their animals healthy. This is How We “Role” has chapters in 20 states. The program received a 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
The impact of the League of VetaHumanz on aspiring veterinarians and role models will be evaluated by the Evaluation and Learning Research Center in the College of Education. The evaluation will explore changes in attitudes toward the veterinary profession, knowledge of veterinary science, self-perceptions of the child’s capability to achieve success, and the impact of live and virtual role modeling. The effect on veterinary student role models’ likelihood to continue community service and their ability to interact effectively with future clients also is evaluated.
Writer(s): Kelsey Schnieders Lefever, Purdue News Service | pvmnews@purdue.edu
Just as many humans start to sneeze in the fall, horses also can experience seasonal allergy symptoms. Those symptoms can include coughing, but Dr. Laurent Couëtil, professor of large animal internal medicine in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, says sometimes the only sign is that their performance suffers.
Dr. Couëtil also serves as director of the Equine Sports Medicine Center. He has spent much of his career treating and researching equine respiratory disease, and he collaborated with three other researchers to argue for the adoption of equine asthma as an official diagnosis in the Equine Veterinary Journal. Equine asthma can flare up as a result of allergies, especially during the fall, and this year, that’s the season when many races traditionally held in the spring are being run, due to pandemic-influenced schedule changes.
Dr. Couëtil’s research shows that the causes of equine asthma are largely environmental. “We tend to see an increase in horses showing signs of equine asthma during crop harvest season,” he said. “Horses pastured near fields where crops are harvested may be exposed to the dust generated by the combine harvesting crops.” Horses affected by these allergies may develop signs like coughing or increased breathing efforts within a few days of exposure to the dust or allergens and may show impaired performance.
“Other horses with asthma tend to show signs when pollen and molds peak again in the fall,” Dr. Couëtil added. “So, the triggers may be different, but horses will show similar symptoms.”
One reason for so many allergy and asthma flare-ups in the fall has to do with feeding. As grass becomes sparse toward the end of the summer or early fall and horses are supplemented with dry hay, more susceptible horses may develop asthma flare-ups.
“Most asthmatic horses are allergic to hay dust,” Dr. Couëtil said, “And, therefore, they usually develop clinical signs when fed hay in the barn during the winter months.” Additionally, feeding round bales is associated with more severe signs because horses are exposed to higher dust levels compared with eating from square bales. “This is especially true when round bales are left in the field uncovered as they tend to become moldy from exposure to rain and moisture.”
Dr. Couëtil has found that often, less severe asthma symptoms improve when horses are on grass pasture, but during the fall months, this isn’t always possible. Feeding low-dust forages can help horses recover and also prevent flare-ups. “Our recent research demonstrated that athletic horses, such as racehorses, benefit from being fed steamed hay or haylage instead of dry hay,” Dr. Couëtil said. “These forages result in lower exposure to dust as compared to dry hay, and this translates in lower levels of airway inflammation. Haylage appears to have the strongest beneficial effect, and this effect seems to be linked to higher omega-3 fatty acid content.”
Additional supplementation with nutrients rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA found in fish oil and algae, can help keep asthmatic horses healthy. Avoiding exposure to allergy triggers, such as by feeding low-dust forages, can help horses stay healthy and perform at peak levels. During crop harvest season, this might mean keeping the horse in the barn while crops around the stable are harvested.
“If horses continue to show signs of asthma despite environmental management, your veterinarian may prescribe treatment with aerosolized corticosteroids,” Dr. Couëtil said. Taking preventive measures can help minimize horses’ exposure to allergens and prevent asthma flare-ups, keeping horses healthy and performing at their best levels.
Dr. Couëtil’s research is supported by the Grayson Jockey-Club Research Foundation, the state of Indiana, and the Purdue Veterinary Medicine research fund.
Writer(s): Kelsey Schnieders Lefever, Purdue News Service, and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu
Purdue University hosted a virtual Faculty Awards Convocation this year to honor faculty who received awards for teaching, research and scholarship, engagement, and leadership. Several Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members were among those recognized as Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Peter Hollenbeck recited this year’s role of honor in a series of videos.
“In a normal year, I’d be standing at the podium at the Faculty Awards Convocation, which is a rather joyous occasion to hold up all sorts of awards and excellence amongst our faculty,” Dr. Hollenbeck said. “But this is not a normal year. We had to cancel the Faculty Awards Convocation. Nonetheless, we want to hold-up the role of honor this year by reciting it and saving it for posterity.”
Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members recognized include:
Dr. Maggie O’Haire, associate professor of human-animal interaction in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology
Dr. O’Haire is one of six recipients of the Clifford B. Kinley Trust Award. The Clifford B. Kinley Trust was established in 1978 to fund research relating to human welfare and was activated in 1991 upon Mrs. Kinley’s passing. The competition is exclusive to the West Lafayette campus, and limited to faculty (tenure track/tenured, research, clinical) principal investigators.
Dr. Sulma Mohammed, professor of cancer biology in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology
Dr. Mohammed is one of two recipients of the Faculty Engagement Fellow Award, which is awarded to a full professor whose work has led to a strong record in the scholarship of engagement.
Dr. Jennifer Koziol, clinical assistant professor of theriogenology/ production medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Dr. Koziol is one of eight Scholarship of Engagement Fellows The purpose of the program is to foster the development of the scholarship of engagement for faculty throughout the Purdue system in support of the promotion and/or tenure process.
Dr. Tiffany Lyle, assistant professor of veterinary anatomic pathology in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology, and director of the Histology Research Laboratory
Dr. Lyle is one of 14 Purdue Insights Forum Fellows. The Faculty Insights Forum involves bimonthly sessions that address the “nuts and bolts” of leadership including diversity and inclusion, transparency, building consensus, recognition and appreciation, and mentoring faculty and staff. Each participant is paired with an experienced administrator at Purdue who matches her/his career goals. Participants and mentors meet four times per year to discuss the participant’s goals and personal progress toward the program outcomes. The program is intended to increase the pool of potential leaders at Purdue.
Congratulations to each of these Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members! Click here to view a complete listing of the award recipients honored as part of the virtual Faculty Awards Convocation, and to access links to videos of Dr. Peter Hollenbeck announcing the award recipients.
Writer(s): Purdue News Service and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu
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