Purdue Veterinary Medicine and Houston Methodist Researchers Develop Novel Strategy for Tuberculosis Vaccine

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Innovators at Purdue University, led by Dr. Suresh Mittal, Distinguished Professor of Virology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Houston Methodist Research Institute have created a novel strategy for developing an effective vaccine for a widespread form of tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a leading cause of death worldwide, leading to over 1.5 million fatalities annually. Approximately one-third of the global population is infected with the latent form of Mtb. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is widely used as a vaccine against tuberculosis, but has a variable protection against neonatal and adult pulmonary TB. That protection can, however, range from zero to 80% among infants. Children are routinely vaccinated, yet Mtb dissemination into brain and tuberculosis meningitis continues to occur.

The Purdue and Houston Methodist researchers have created this novel TB vaccine formulation by incorporating autophagy-mediated antigen presentation, which initiates an enhanced T cell response. Dr. Chinnaswamy Jagannath, professor of pathology and genomic medicine at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, which is an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, showed that the novel formulation improves the development of tuberculosis-specific immune responses.

Dr. Jagannath collaborates with Dr. Mittal, a faculty member in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. “Our vaccine approach is equally effective without or with prior vaccination with BCG,” Dr. Mittal said. “It is vital since the majority of people in Mtb-endemic countries are already immunized with BCG,” said Dr. Jagannath.

Dr. Mittal’s lab studies delivery platforms for vaccines, and Dr. Jagannath’s lab used the nasal delivery route for this TB vaccine development. “The great thing about this work with TB is that it can translate to other infectious diseases and possibly cancer immunotherapy,” Dr. Mittal said.

The innovators have worked with the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) to patent their technology. The innovators and OTC are looking for partners to continue developing it. The next step for the vaccine formulation is to conduct a vaccine efficacy study in a nonhuman primate model. Dr. Mittal explained that the successful completion of the study will form the basis for a human trial, though no human trial is currently planned.

A manuscript describing this work is published in the August 2021 issue of the peer-reviewed Cell Reports Medicine. This research was conducted with research awards from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Internal Funds.

Click here to view a complete Purdue news release on the research.

Writer(s): Steve Martin, Purdue For Life Foundation | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Upcoming Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture Examines Canine-assisted Interventions in Hospitals

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The expansion of canine-assisted interventions to healthcare facilities is an emerging trend in the realm of human-animal interaction. Although media attention focuses on patient benefits, little attention is given to the lack of informed policies and procedures addressing risks to humans and canines.  Dr. Sandra Barker will be focusing on this issue during her keynote lecture at the Purdue Veterinary Conference as the speaker for the Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture, which will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7.

Entitled “Who Let the Dogs In? The Challenge of Canine-Assisted Interventions in Hospitals and the Need for Veterinary Involvement,” Dr. Barker’s presentation will address the challenges of implementing sound canine-assisted interventions in hospitals and the need for veterinary expertise to maximize human safety and canine welfare.  Sponsored by an endowment from Elanco Animal Health, the lecture will be hosted virtually and will serve as the kick-off for the 2021 virtual Purdue Veterinary Conference.  The event is free and open to the public.  Attendees may click here to join the Zoom event.

Dr. Barker received her PhD in counseling and human systems in 1978 from Florida State University. She has worked for most of her professional life in academia, serving for the past 30 years on the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), with responsibilities that included conducting research, teaching, clinical practice, and service. She is currently Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and a trauma therapist in the Medical College of Virginia Physicians’ group practice.

Dr. Barker founded the Center for Human-Animal Interaction in The School of Medicine at VCU in 2001, the first such center established in a medical school, and established the Dogs On Call Program, a model animal-assisted intervention program in the VCU Medical Center. She continues to serve as senior advisor to the center.

Dr. Barker has vast teaching and clinical experience in treating trauma survivors and grieving pet owners, providing and evaluating animal-assisted interventions, and directing a pet loss counseling program. Her internationally recognized research on the health benefits of interacting with companion animals spans more than 30 years. She has published and presented extensively on the benefits of interacting with companion animals and is often interviewed for major media outlets including National Public Radio, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and The Guardian. She is a co-author of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Health Care Facilities: A Best-Practices Manual for Establishing and Maintaining New Programs, published in 2019 by Purdue University Press. Dr. Barker also is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association’s Friends of Veterinary Medicine award, Florida State University’s “Grads Made Good” Outstanding Alumni Award, and the Virginia Social Science Association’s Scholar Award. She is a Fellow of the International Society of Anthrozoology and a Wallis Annenburg PetSpace Leadership Institute Fellow.

Dr. Barker lives with her husband, Dr. Randolph Barker, on ten wooded acres in rural Hanover County, Virginia, where she is blessed to interact daily with abundant wildlife and neighboring horses. A pet owner most of her life, she knows the joys of the human-animal bond, the pain of its breaking, and the rewards of sharing a therapy dog with vulnerable populations.

The Purdue Veterinary Conference, to be held virtually September 7-10, will offer four days of high-quality tracks on small animal, equine, food animal, practice management, exotics, 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.

Click here for more information on the conference, including the conference schedule. Click here to register today.

Writer(s): Ben Shepard | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Kelly Dold Joins Communications Team as Marketing Manager for Veterinary Hospital and ADDL

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Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s communications team is pleased to welcome Kelly Dold as the new marketing and communications manager for the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, effective Monday, August 23.  Kelly joins us from the Purdue for Life Foundation, where she previously served as the marketing manager for the Purdue Center for Cancer Research.

In her new role, Kelly will be responsible for marketing and promoting the services offered by the Veterinary Hospital, the Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Ind., and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL), to clients and potential clients, referring veterinarians, the veterinary medical profession, and other stakeholders.  Her work will involve developing and implementing marketing strategies utilizing various communications and outreach efforts, including media releases, digital and print communication, social media, and representation at selected in-person events, as well as helping with media contacts and requests for interviews.

Kelly grew up in Hamilton, Ill., along the Mississippi River. She received her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. From her early years on the family farm through her adulthood, she has had numerous animals in her daily life – horses, pigs, dogs, and cats. 

“I feel my lifelong experiences with animals will be beneficial in this marketing position for the College of Veterinary Medicine. I fully embrace the human-animal connection and the importance of the need for compassionate care. Additionally, I am excited about the state-of-the-art facilities that will soon be coming on line for the Veterinary Hospital, the daily delivery of top-quality, advanced veterinary medical health care at the hospital and the Caesar’s Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, and the dedication and excellence of the diagnostic team at the ADDL, all of which deserve greater awareness locally and nationally.”

Kelly lives in Monticello with her husband, Chris, and their four rescue dogs and cat. They have seven grown children who come home often to enjoy Lake Freeman. When not working, she enjoys landscaping and gardening, biking out on the country roads, boating that always includes the dogs, and cooking new creations. 

Kelly works in Lynn Hall, Room 2121.  She can be reached at kdold@purdue.edu or 496-2766.  Feel free to reach out and help extend a warm welcome to Kelly!

Writer(s): PVM News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Continuum Café Ready to Serve for Fall Semester after Successful Summer

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With a new feature item on the menu, the Continuum Café is up and running for the fall semester, following a busy summer of providing breakfast, lunch, and snack items for customers, especially Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff, and students.  The café is open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, which is the same as the café’s summer schedule.

New on the menu is Chameleon Organic Coffee, including Cold Brew and Nitro-infused Cold Brew coffees on tap.  Additionally, as of today, the café is now serving Cold Brew Floats, with a scoop of ice cream to go with either the Cold Brew or Nitro-infused Cold Brew, according to Tammie Hill, who manages the day-to-day operations of the café for Aramark, which operates more than 30 dining locations on the Purdue campus. 

Thanks to the patronage of members of the PVM family, the café has experienced good success even in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. “We really appreciate the support of all of our customers over the summer and we look forward to continuing to serve the needs of the PVM family during the new academic year,” Tammie said.  “And we are excited to now offer Chameleon brand organic coffee. So far we are the only site on campus serving Chameleon Cold Brew coffees on tap.” 

The café also continues to offer breakfast and lunch sandwiches along with fruit and various snack items, from chips to energy bars. A special thank you is in order for Tammie and her crew for keeping the Continuum Café successfully operating even through the summer as an important service for the PVM family and a bright spot in Lynn Hall amongst all the changes that have occurred due to the pandemic.  Along with limiting customer seating, the café continues to follow procedural adjustments that were implemented last year to provide for everyone’s health and safety, including serving food items in a grab-n-go format.

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

Two Purdue Veterinary Medicine Programs Receive INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine’s 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award

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National Recognition of Programs That Are Making a Difference for All Underrepresented Groups in the Fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine this week received the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education, for two programs, “The League of VetaHumanz” and “Vet Up! The National HCOP Academy for Veterinary Medicine.” The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  The college will be featured, along with 78 other recipients, in the September 2021 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed said the award reflects the college’s commitment to finding innovative ways to increase diversity in the veterinary medical profession, which is a vital STEM discipline.  “One of our college’s priorities is to inspire young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue rewarding careers in veterinary medicine,” Dean Reed said. “Supported by a talented team of collaborators, both ‘The League of VetaHumanz’ and ‘Vet Up! The National HCOP Academy for Veterinary Medicine’ have great potential to bring greater diversity to the veterinary medical profession, and in doing so, to enhance the profession’s success in meeting the needs of both animals and people.”

The League of VetaHumanz is a global, inclusive veterinary superhero league where veterinarians in academia, practice, research, government, and industry provide access and support for underserved youth, with the aim of diversifying the veterinary workforce. VetaHumanz are human beings with “superpowers” who protect animal and public health, otherwise known as veterinarians. Committed to excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion, VetaHumanz wield their superpowers to prevent threats to animal and public health across the globe. The League of VetaHumanz was founded on January 1, 2020 as a result of many years of support from the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including a new five-year grant, “See Us, Be Us.”

Teams of diverse veterinary role models increase interest and preparation for careers in veterinary medicine by providing K-12 students in-person and remote role models who communicate the impact of veterinary medical research on public health and animal health challenges, while facilitating career exploration and experiential learning. The teams of VetaHumanz, VetaHumanz-in-Training (veterinary medical students), and Allied Superheroes in 22 states provide in-person role modeling and delivery of STEM programming to underserved elementary school students through partnerships with schools and community centers. Already, nearly 400 role models are certified to present the curriculum in an age-appropriate and culturally-responsive manner.

Additionally, SuperPower Packs, which are self-guided, STEM educational experiences that can be used independently by children lacking access to veterinary role models, are being produced and distributed at no cost to underserved children. Children are invited to transform into a veterinary superhero who is an expert on the veterinary topic highlighted in each SuperPower Pack, and then perform the STEM activity as if they are the veterinary superhero expert. Each SuperPower Pack contains an educational game, a VetaHuman collectible card, a note from the featured VetaHuman, an official League of VetaHumanz cape, a sticker, and a brief postage-paid evaluation survey for the child to complete and return.

The program also engages with youth through the League of VetaHumanz website, where VetaHumanz share the stories of their journeys to careers in veterinary medicine, and veterinary medical students share their career aspirations.

Initially, NIH NIGMS SEPA funding is used to engage children in veterinary careers, and then leveraged to secure other independent and federally supported programs, such as Vet Up!, to sustain interest in and prepare students for careers in the veterinary profession.

Vet Up! is designed to expand access to the veterinary profession for talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and address the need for more veterinarians serving rural areas and protecting food safety.  The program is funded by a $3.18 million federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the goal of filling veterinary shortage areas with equity-minded individuals from underrepresented populations and rural areas.

“Vet Up! leverages the college’s proven history of effective diversity programming and partnerships with high schools, historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), and state entities to design and deliver curricula that provide otherwise-inaccessible opportunities to students,” said Dean Reed.

The Vet Up! National Academy consists of three programs with a competitive selection process for admissions:

• Vet Up! Champions is a yearlong program to prepare high school students, working adults, and undergraduate students to attain their next level of education on the path toward a veterinary medical degree.
• Vet Up! College is a summer immersion program to prepare undergraduate students to competitively apply to a veterinary medical degree (DVM) program.
• Vet Up! DVM Scholars supports Purdue veterinary medical students throughout their professional degree program and prepares them for careers in veterinary shortage areas.

In conjunction with its inaugural year, Vet Up! also received the 2019 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.

A longstanding partnership between the college and Purdue University’s Evaluation and Learning Research Center (ELRC) provides for evaluation of both the League of VetaHumanz and Vet Up! The ELRC evaluates how the League impacts both the role models and participating children. In the case of Vet Up!, the ELRC evaluates the impact of the programming on participants and the veterinary medical profession.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”

A call for nominations for this award was announced in April 2021.

For more information about the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.

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

New Purdue Veterinary Medicine Students Enliven Lynn Hall

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Enthusiastic chatter and smiling faces paired with brand new Purdue Veterinary Medicine T-shirts signaled the arrival of the newest class of Purdue DVM students this week.  The 87 members of the DVM Class of 2025 have been participating in a week-long orientation program entitled “LAUNCH! DVM 2025,” which began Monday, August 16, and concludes tomorrow (Saturday, August 21) with a Welcome Back Picnic hosted by the DVM Class of 2024.

The orientation program consists of a series of presentations covering a variety of topics as well as various activities including team-building exercises and tours. “The orientation is a great way to help our new students feel welcome and to introduce them to their new PVM family, while also giving them valuable information and insights that help prepare them for a successful first year in veterinary school,” said Dr. Jim Weisman, PVM assistant dean for student affairs. “This is a great class and it’s fun to see the students getting to know each other and beginning to gel as a cohesive and supportive team.”

This year marks the second year of conducting in-person instruction in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, with careful adherence to Protect Purdue protocols designed to help ensure the health and well-being of the students, faculty, and staff. “In our academic spaces, our students will continue to wear a face mask,” Dr. Weisman explained. “Our learning spaces have returned to normal seating capacity in keeping with Purdue University’s decision to resume full density on campus. We look forward to our PVM family of faculty, staff, and students being together and continuing to take all necessary precautions to keep our college and our university community safe.”

The incoming class includes students representing 17 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  There also are two international students – one from Mexico and the other from Canada. 

Meanwhile, the Veterinary Nursing Program also is welcoming new and returning students, both on-campus and online. The Veterinary Nursing on-campus program has 30 incoming Clinical Year 2 students enrolled for the fall semester. The class has a majority of students who are from Indiana as well as representation from Illinois, Ohio, and Massachusetts. Orientation for the Veterinary Nursing on-campus program will be held Monday, August 23.

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

PVM Says “Thank You” to Faculty and Staff with “Nacho Average” Appreciation Event

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Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff were treated to a lunch delivered by Mitchell’s Taco Truck at Lynn Hall as a thank you for their extraordinary efforts to carry out the College of Veterinary Medicine’s missions of learning, discovery, and engagement.  The event was held on Wednesday, August 18, outside of the main east entrance to Lynn Hall.  

The college has hosted an appreciation event annually, but had to skip the function last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  By bringing the event back this year, the college provided a welcome reprieve for the staff and faculty, who were able to select from three different meal options served safely in individually packaged boxes. More than 250 college employees participated in the festivities. While waiting on their food, PVM faculty and staff members wore masks to safely mingle and catch up with colleagues.

Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Business Office Welcomes New Team Members

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The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to welcome two new staff members to the Business Office in the college’s Department of Veterinary Administration. Michelle Jenkins and Carissa Burgess fill critical roles in the Procurement and Employment Centers. Please join us in welcoming them to the PVM family!

Michelle Jenkins joins the Business Office as an account clerk effective July 26.  Michelle brings six years of Purdue University business office experience and an eagerness to return to a role that brings her fulfillment.  Assistant Director of Financial Affairs Vanessa Farmer said, “I am confident her prior breadth of experience at Purdue will prove to be an asset as the position has been revised to be more cross-functional. This will allow for continued support of our Procurement Center as well as providing support to our Employment Center in processing tickets.” 

Carissa Burgess has accepted the account clerk position in the Employment Center effective August 23. Carissa has a Baccalaureate in Business Administration from the University of Northwestern Ohio. She brings a strong track-record of excellent customer service developed through her time as an account manager in the insurance field and as a client associate assisting financial advisors in banking. During Carissa’s degree pursuit at the University of Northwestern Ohio, she worked with veterans as a new student services advisor. Vanessa shares, “Carissa brings with her a broad range of experience working in higher education that will be valuable in her role with our team and college.”

Please join us in welcoming Michelle and Carissa! Michelle may be reached at mejenkin@purdue.edu and Carissa may be reached at burgescm@purdue.edu.

Writer(s): PVM News | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Two Purdue Veterinary Medicine Programs Receive INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine’s 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award

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National Recognition of Programs That Are Making a Difference for All Underrepresented Groups in the Fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine (PVM) today received the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education, for two programs, “The League of VetaHumanz” and “Vet Up! National HCOP Academy for Veterinary Medicine.”  The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine will be featured, along with 78 other recipients, in the September 2021 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Inspiring Programs in STEM Award winners were selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in STEM through mentoring, teaching, research, and successful programs and initiatives.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed said the award reflects the college’s commitment to finding innovative ways to increase diversity in the veterinary medical profession, which is a vital STEM discipline.  “One of our college’s priorities is to inspire young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue rewarding careers in veterinary medicine,” Dean Reed said.  “Supported by a talented team of collaborators, both ‘The League of VetaHumanz’ and ‘Vet Up! National HCOP Academy for Veterinary Medicine’ have great potential to bring greater diversity to the veterinary medical profession, and in doing so, to enhance the profession’s success in meeting the needs of both animals and people.”

The League of VetaHumanz is a global, inclusive veterinary superhero league where veterinarians in academia, practice, research, government, and industry provide access and support for underserved youth, with the aim of diversifying the veterinary workforce. VetaHumanz are human beings with “superpowers” who protect animal and public health, otherwise known as veterinarians. Committed to excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion, VetaHumanz wield their superpowers to prevent threats to animal and public health across the globe. The League of VetaHumanz was founded on January 1, 2020 as a result of many years of support from the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including a new five-year grant, “See Us, Be Us.”

Teams of diverse veterinary role models increase interest and preparation for careers in veterinary medicine by providing K-12 students in-person and remote role models who communicate the impact of veterinary medical research on public health and animal health challenges, while facilitating career exploration and experiential learning.  The Teams of VetaHumanz, VetaHumanz in Training (veterinary medical students), and Allied Superheroes in 22 states provide in-person role modeling and delivery of STEM programming to underserved elementary school students through partnerships with schools and community centers. Already, nearly 400 role models are certified to present the curriculum in an age-appropriate and culturally-responsive manner.

Additionally, SuperPower Packs, which are self-guided, STEM educational experiences that can be used independently by children lacking access to veterinary role models, are being produced and distributed at no cost to underserved children. Children are invited to transform into a veterinary superhero who is an expert on the veterinary topic highlighted in each SuperPower Pack, and then perform the STEM activity as if they are the veterinary superhero expert. Each SuperPower Pack contains an educational game, a VetaHuman collectible card, a note from the featured VetaHuman, an official League of VetaHumanz cape, a sticker, and a brief postage-paid evaluation survey for the child to complete and return.

The program also engages with youth through the League of VetaHumanz Website (www.VetaHumanz.org), where VetaHumanz share the stories of their journeys to careers in veterinary medicine, and veterinary medical students share their career aspirations.

Initially, NIH NIGMS SEPA funding is used to engage children in veterinary careers, and then leveraged to secure other independent and federally supported programs, such as Vet Up!, to sustain interest in and prepare students for careers in the veterinary profession.

Vet Up! is designed to expand access to the veterinary profession for talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and address the need for more veterinarians serving rural areas and protecting food safety.  The program is funded by a $3.18 million federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the goal of filling veterinary shortage areas with equity-minded individuals from underrepresented populations and rural areas.

“Vet Up! leverages PVM’s proven history of effective diversity programming and partnerships with high schools, historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), and state entities to design and deliver curricula that provide otherwise-inaccessible opportunities to students,” said Dean Reed.

The Vet Up! National Academy consists of three programs with a competitive selection process for admissions:

• Vet Up! Champions is a yearlong program to prepare high school students, working adults, and undergraduate students to attain their next level of education on the path toward a veterinary medical degree.
• Vet Up! College is a summer immersion program to prepare undergraduate students to competitively apply to a veterinary medical degree (DVM) program.
• Vet Up! DVM Scholars supports Purdue veterinary medical students throughout their professional degree program and prepares them for careers in veterinary shortage areas.

In conjunction with its inaugural year, Vet Up! also received the 2019 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.

A longstanding partnership between the college and Purdue University’s Evaluation and Learning Research Center (ELRC) provides for evaluation of both the League of VetaHumanz and Vet Up!  The ELRC evaluates how the League impacts both the role models and participating children. In the case of Vet Up! the ELRC evaluates the impact of the programming on participants and the veterinary medical profession.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in STEM. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”

A call for nominations for this award was announced in April 2021.

For more information about the 2021 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.

Contact:

Kevin Doerr
Director, Public Affairs & Communications
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
email: doerrkr@purdue.edu

Sources:

The League of VetaHumanz

Dr. Sandra San Miguel
Program Founder and Associate Dean for Engagement
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Email: amasss@purdue.edu

Vet Up! National HCOP Academy for Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Latonia Craig
Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Email: craig84@purdue.edu

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

Welcome New Purdue Veterinary Medicine Residents

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The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomes a new troop of veterinarians taking the next step in their careers. The Departments of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Comparative Pathobiology, as well as the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, gained 18 new residents this summer seeking advanced training in diverse specialty areas.

The residency programs, ranging in length from three- to four-years, provide advanced training in a chosen specialty and preparation for obtaining board certification as specialists, while also offering research and teaching opportunities.

Please help extend a warm welcome to PVM’s newest residents:

Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Residents:

Dr. Christy Buckley (Diagnostic Imaging) earned a DVM from the University of Missouri in 2018 before beginning a small animal rotating internship followed by a specialty diagnostic imaging internship at Mississippi State University. Most recently, Dr. Buckley completed a diagnostic imaging fellowship with the Veterinary Imaging Center of San Diego.

Dr. Peter Cho (Ophthalmology) earned a DVM degree in 2020 at Kansas State University. Dr. Cho went on to complete a small animal rotating internship with Veterinary Centers of America (VCA).

Dr. Nicole Gibbs (Small Animal Internal Medicine) earned a DVM degree from Texas A&M University in 2020 before completing a rotating internship with an emphasis in medicine at North Carolina State University.

Dr. Satoshi Haginoya (Emergency & Critical Care) earned a BVSc (DVM-equivalent) from Kitasato University in Japan in 2015. Dr. Haginoya worked in private practice before completing a rotating internship at Synergy Animal General Hospital in Japan, and then continuing on as a clinician before coming to the U.S. Dr. Haginoya then completed internships in emergency and critical care at the University of California, Davis and Washington State University.

Dr. D. Henre Honnas (Large Animal Surgery) earned a DVM degree from the Royal Veterinary College of London before completing an internship with Pioneer Equine Hospital in California.

Dr. Jordan James (Small Animal Surgery) earned a DVM degree from Ontario Veterinary College in 2019 followed by both a small animal rotating internship and small animal surgery internship at Michigan State University.

Dr. Eva Kao (Small Animal Internal Medicine) earned a DVM degree from National Taiwan University in 2015 followed by a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University in 2019. Dr. Kao went on to complete a small animal rotating internship with Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital in Oklahoma and a one-year small animal internal medicine residency with the Atlantic Veterinary College in Canada.

Dr. Ellen Kuerbitz (Oncology) earned a DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 2020 before completing a small animal rotating internship at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Brad Lytle (Cardiology) earned a DVM degree from Louisiana State University in 2018 before completing a small animal rotating internship at VCA Vet Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center. Dr. Lytle then worked as an emergency veterinarian for a year with VCA South Shore before completing a specialty cardiology internship with VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center.

Dr. Carlos Mendez Valenzuela (Radiation Oncology) earned a DVM degree from the University of Guatemala in 2018 and served as a clinical oncologist for one year with Ortovet Veterinary Hospital in Guatemala before enrolling in a master’s program at Oxford University. 

Dr. Levi Smith (Ophthalmology) graduated from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the DVM Class of 2020 and went on to complete a small animal rotating internship at the University of Georgia before returning to Purdue.

Dr, Kate Spies (Small Animal Surgery) earned a DVM degree from Washington State University in 2019 and then completed a small animal rotating internship at Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine and a surgery specialty internship at WestVet Emergency and Specialty Center.

Dr. Go Togawa (Neurology) earned DVM and PhD degrees from Azabu University in Kanagawa, Japan and then went on to complete a neurology internship at the University of Guelph as well as a rotating internship at the University of Saskatchewan.

Dr. Debora Vogt (Large Animal Internal Medicine) earned a DVM degree and went on to complete a rotating equine medicine internship at the University of Bern in Switzerland. Dr. Vogt served as a veterinary associate in France and Switzerland before completing a large animal internal medicine internship at the University of Saskatchewan.

Department of Comparative Pathobiology Resident:

Dr. Zi-An “Alan” Yu (Clinical Pathology) earned a DVM degree from National Taiwan University in 2017 and then completed a small animal rotating internship in the National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Yu stayed on at the hospital as a contract veterinarian in the Clinical Pathology section before coming to Purdue.

Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory / Department of Comparative Pathobiology Residents:

Dr. Ali Frankovich (Anatomic Pathology) earned a DVM degree from Mississippi State University. While attending veterinary school, Dr. Frankovich participated in a summer research program studying gulf coast ticks. 

Dr. Yue Xiang “Polly” Chen (Anatomic Pathology) earned a DVM degree from Michigan State University in 2021. Dr. Chen also completed a Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) Certificate at Michigan State University before coming to Purdue.

Dr. Nick Newsome (Avian Diagnostic) graduated from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the DVM Class of 2020. During the subsequent year, Dr. Newsome proudly served as a public health veterinarian for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service in a turkey processing plant in Missouri.

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