Orientation Day Kicks-off Lynn Hall Learning Experience for Year 2 Veterinary Nursing Students

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As of the start of the fall semester Monday, August 22, a new class of Veterinary Nursing students has joined the mix of people traversing the hallways in Lynn Hall.  The 30 students in the Veterinary Nursing Class of 2025 spent their first year at Purdue studying across campus, so, although this is their second year in the on-campus Veterinary Nursing Program, this semester marks their first time going to class in Lynn Hall. 

The week began with an all-day orientation.  Dr. Chad Brown, Veterinary Nursing Program director, kicked off the orientation program with a presentation entitled, “Your Professional Journey Begins Today.” He shared insights about “Listening like a pro,” “Communicating like a pro, “Being accountable like a pro,” and “Advocating like a pro.” Dean Reed then gave a personal welcome to the students, after which several speakers provided information covering everything from Lynn Hall e-mail lists to Emergency Preparedness, PVM Counseling and Wellness Services, and the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization.  The students also toured teaching facilities, received an overview of fall semester courses, met course instructors, and picked up uniforms and equipment.

“We are excited to have these excellent students starting their coursework in Lynn Hall,” said Dr. Brown.  “After spending the past year completing core curricular classes across campus, these students now get to really dive into their veterinary nursing studies.  We know they are looking forward to that and we are looking forward to seeing them excel in their veterinary nursing classes and clinical training.”

The class is mostly from Indiana with three students from out of state – one each from California, Michigan and Utah.  The class includes one male student and boasts an average high school GPA of nearly 3.7 and average Purdue GPA of just over 3.4.

Welcome to Lynn Hall Veterinary Nursing Class of 2025!

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

Public Lecture on the Importance of Animals for Human Development Kicks off Purdue Veterinary Conference

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For the first time since the pandemic the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual Purdue Veterinary Conference will be held in person this month, with a kick-off event involving a public lecture Tuesday evening, September 20, on the importance of animals for human development.  The Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture, held from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Purdue Memorial Union, will be given by Dr. Gail Melson, Professor Emerita with the Purdue University Department of Human Development & Family Studies, who has played a long-standing role in research related to the human animal bond.

Dr. Melson’s talk entitled, “The Other End of the Leash: Why Animals Are Important for Human Development,” will explore how human connections with companion animals, domestic animals, wild animals and even animals of peoples’ imagination is crucial for human development. Throughout the human lifespan, from infancy through advanced age, animals of every kind influence cognitive, social, emotional and moral development. Drawing on empirical research and influential theories, Dr. Melson will show how humans are embedded in a living world of other creatures and are mutually dependent upon them. 

The Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture will be held in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom with a reception to follow.  The talk is free and open to the public. 

The Elanco Human-Animal Bond Lecture is the first session on the agenda for the Purdue Veterinary Conference, which is scheduled September 20-24 on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus.  The conference will feature continuing education tracks on Veterinary Nursing, Small Animal, Ruminant, Swine, and Practice Management and Communication, as well as industry presentations and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) modules.

The week of continuing education also includes special events involving three longstanding traditions.  The 50th Class Anniversary Celebration for the DVM Class of 1972 will take place Wednesday evening, September 21. The following night, Thursday, September 22, the five year anniversary classes will be honored at the Alumni and Friends Reception, when members of the Class of 1972 will be individually recognized and receive their commemorative 50th Anniversary medallions. Then Saturday, September 24, will feature the return of one of the conference’s longest-running events, the Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog, which is open to the public and will start at 8:00 a.m. in front of Lynn Hall.

Click here for more information about the 2022 Purdue Veterinary Conference and to register. Click here to sign-up for the Dog Jog.

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

Longtime Purdue Veterinary Medicine Business Office Staff Member Honored at Retirement

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With a mixture of emotions, faculty and staff of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine honored Lisa Wright, account clerk with the Veterinary Business Office, on the occasion of her retirement at a ceremony Wednesday, August 17.  Lisa was recognized for 43 years of dedicated service to Purdue University, the last 16 of which were with the Department of Veterinary Administration. 

“I hired Lisa in 2007 and I will have to say she is one of the best hires I have ever made,” said Business Manager Kathy Allen, as she began the ceremony in the Veterinary Medical Library, where well-wishers gathered to honor Lisa and express their appreciation for her years of service.  “I myself have learned so much from Lisa, especially when it comes to sponsored programs,” Kathy explained.  “She has become the college’s go-to person pertaining to sponsored programs.”  Kathy noted that while Lisa specifically worked with the Department of Basic Medical Sciences and the IU School of Medicine – West Lafayette, she never hesitated to help out however she was needed.  “So I think she has probably dealt with just about all of the faculty members in all of the departments.  It will be extremely hard to fill her shoes, and I’m sure it will take someone time to build-up the knowledge that Lisa leaves with.”

Kathy then quoted from a message she had received from a faculty member after he heard that Lisa was retiring.  “Lisa does so much for us, a new person cannot possibly capture all the things that Lisa does.”  Kathy continued, “And that just goes to show you how much she was appreciated.  Over the years that Lisa has worked here, she has gained respect from many faculty and staff members, graduate students, post-docs, and she has made everlasting friends.  I wish her the best and hope she enjoys her retirement to the fullest.  Thank you Lisa for everything.  You will be missed.”

Dean Willie Reed also spoke and echoed Kathy’s sentiments.  “Lisa, I discovered that you started at Purdue in 1979,” Dean Reed remarked.  Noting that Lisa started in what is now called Sponsored Programs, Dean Reed explained that she then worked in a couple of other positions on campus before finding her way to the college of Veterinary Medicine.  “So you’ve been with us 16 years,” Dean Reed observed.  “So it took you 27 years to find us.  The most important thing, is that you did.”  Dean Reed added, “I have always admired the fact that you are one of these unsung heroes who quietly goes about doing your job very well each and every day.  Your commitment and dependability…has been just wonderful and I want to thank you on behalf of all the faculty and staff for all that you do.” 

In honor of her years of service to the College of Veterinary Medicine and the IU School of Medicine – West Lafayette, Lisa received recognition gifts, including a commemorative glass baking dish with an etching of the Continuum Sculpture.  Congratulations Lisa!

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

PVM Represented in Collaborative Effort to Grow Musculoskeletal Health Research

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Some astonishing numbers were shared this week with staff from the office of U.S. Senator Mike Braun of Indiana during a meeting in Indianapolis spotlighting the need for, and accomplishments of, the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health (ICMH), which includes Purdue Veterinary Medicine scholars.  During a one-day program at the Center Wednesday, August 24, several ICMH members spoke about important progress being made toward the Center’s goal of turning discoveries into applications, prevention, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system through collaborative research.

The ICMH was established in 2017 and is led by Dr. Lynda Bonewald, an IU School of Medicine faculty member and the Center’s founding director. Based in the IU School of Medicine, the Center boasts more than 100 members from 36 departments and four campuses – including Purdue, IUPUI, the University of Notre Dame and Marian University. The collaboration involving ICMH members has resulted in numerus federally funded grants supporting research in all areas related to musculoskeletal health. Overall, external funding obtained by the ICMH members across all the colleges and universities has reached a total of $65 million so far.

That level of support is vital, given how musculoskeletal diseases and disorders have resulted in a huge financial burden to the United States health care system and are the leading cause of disability. According to information from the Center, in 2011, the cost of musculoskeletal diseases was estimated at $796.3 billion, or 5.7 percent of the U.S. National Gross Domestic Product.

To advance scientific discovery in this field, the ICMH has five research teams, each focused on one of the following areas:  mechanobiology and muscle-bone crosstalk; trauma regeneration and rehabilitation; lifestyle modification; cancer research; and musculoskeletal medicine. At Wednesday’s meeting, a group of ICMH members led by Dr. Bonewald shared with Senator Braun’s legislative assistant, Audrey Arbogast, and legislative correspondent, Jake Chebowski, about the goals, accomplishments and needs of the ICMH.  Two Purdue University faculty members, Dr. Sarah Malek, assistant professor of small animal orthopedic surgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Wayne Campbell, professor of nutrition science in the College of Health and Human Sciences, were among the ICMH members invited to participate 

Dr. Malek’s area of interest is in biomarker research used for disease pattern recognition involving animal and human models in a clinical setting with the aim of developing bedside clinical tests that can be used for humans and animals with musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis and fracture related infection. A member of the Center’s trauma, regeneration and rehabilitation team, Dr. Malek said, “I am excited to see this form of attention that ICMH is receiving, which hopefully will lead to encouraging expansion of federal and local funding to support musculoskeletal research that benefits both animals and humans.” Other Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty members involved in the ICMH are Dr. Marxa Figueiredo, associate professor of basic medical sciences; Dr. Dianne Little, associate professor of basic medical sciences; and Dr. Russell Main, associate professor of basic medical sciences.

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

League of VetaHumanz SuperPower Packs are Recognized with Inspiring Programs in STEM Award

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Thanks to support provided to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s League of VetaHumanz, more than 13,180 “SuperPower Packs” have been given to kids in underresourced communities as a means of interesting them in science in general and veterinary medicine in specific.  Simultaneously, the program has been newly recognized with INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.  The award program honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Purdue Veterinary Medicine launched the League of VetaHumanz in 2020 as an alliance of veterinary superheroes in academia, veterinary practice, research, government, and industry who are committed to engaging with under-resourced communities across the globe to provide access and support for children who aspire to careers in the veterinary profession. The SuperPower Packs are developed and distributed at no cost to children through the League, which is supported by the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine partners with the Purdue College of Education’s Evaluation and Learning Research Center for product development and assessment to optimize each SuperPower Pack’s educational impact. 

In presenting the Inspiring Programs in STEM Award, Insight into Diversity Magazine said the recognition pays tribute to the people and programs that encourage and inspire a new generation of people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Visit the League of VetaHumanz to learn more and to access additional information about the SuperPower Packs.

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

Orientation Prepares New Veterinary Students to Successfully Begin Their Veterinary Education

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One week before the start of classes in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, members of the incoming class of first year DVM students arrived at Lynn Hall for orientation.  There are 89 students in the DVM Class of 2026.  The orientation program, called “Launch! DVM 2026,” provided them with a head start on their veterinary school learning experience.

Guided by veterinary student ambassadors, the new students engaged in a variety of activities, listened to informative presentations about a range of topics, and toured facilities that will figure prominently in the first year of their veterinary education.  The orientation sessions began Monday, August 15, and conclude tomorrow (Saturday,  August 22).  The Launch program includes team-building exercises and opportunities to meet faculty, staff and Dean Willie Reed, who led the class in reciting the Veterinarian’s Oath as a way of setting the stage for the grand adventure that lies ahead.

The nearly 90 members of the class come from Indiana and 26 other states, with one international student from Korea.  Male students account for nearly 25 percent of the class, and nearly 40 percent of the students represent diversity of race and ethnicity.  First generation college students account for 24 percent of the Class of 2026.  Just getting into the class is a major accomplishment, given that more than 1,600 students applied for admission.

“Launch! DVM 2026 gives our college a thoughtful and organized approach to helping our new students feel welcome and informed as they anticipate the first day of classes,” said Director of Student Services Jamie Richards, who led the effort to plan the orientation week.  “This is a high caliber class. We are excited to welcome them to Lynn Hall and look forward to getting to know them and seeing them fulfill their dream of becoming veterinarians.”

Also new to taking classes in Lynn Hall are 30 Year 2 students in the on-campus Veterinary Nursing Program.  After completing a year of core curriculum classes across campus, the members of the VN Class of 2025 begin their Lynn Hall coursework this semester, with a daylong orientation scheduled for Monday.  We will feature that class in next Friday’s Vet Gazette.

The new students bring the total population of Purdue DVM students enrolled this fall to 329.  In the Veterinary Nursing Program, there are a total of 102 students enrolled in the on campus program, with another 396 taking courses on line in the VN Distance Learning Program. 

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

Veterinary Nursing Instructional Technologist Wins National Advising Award

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A significant responsibility carried out reliably and unpretentiously by a Purdue Veterinary Medicine instructional technologist resulted in a well-deserved ovation Saturday, August 6, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the annual conference of the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE).  That’s when Jennifer Smith, BS, RVT, RLATG, received the Advisor of the Year Award from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). And, in another positive reflection on Purdue Veterinary Medicine, the award was presented by Jennifer’s PVM colleague, Ashli Selke, RVT, CVT, in her role as NAVTA president.

Each year, NAVTA recognizes the outstanding work of the advisors of student chapters of NAVTA by sponsoring the SCNAVTA Advisor of the Year Award.  Nominations come from the students in the chapters.  Criteria for an advisor to be nominated include being instrumental in promoting veterinary technology to the students; demonstrating dedication to the student chapter; motivating and supporting the students in the chapter; and demonstrating leadership and serving as a good role model for students. 

For Jennifer, her efforts as the Purdue SCNAVTA advisor must be accomplished along with all her other responsibilities as senior instructional specialist and Veterinary Nursing student life and activities coordinator.  In presenting the award for the 2021-2022 academic year, Ashli quoted from Jennifer’s nominator who wrote, “Our Chapter Advisor is incredible!”  The nomination went on to detail how Jennifer never faltered in fulfilling her role as advisor even when she faced some significant health issues over the past year.  “She teaches classes, helps organize our SCNAVTA club meetings, plans activities, organizes VTNE review sessions, and arranges networking activities such as Lunch and Learns,” the nominator explained. 

The nomination further commended Jennifer for having “…drastically enriched countless lives of those in the Veterinary Nursing program.  She always makes herself accessible to us, and is always ready and willing to answer questions.  She is always available to talk to when we need help.”  The nominator concluded, “Our advisor’s tireless effort to support students has allowed us to learn and develop as future veterinary nurses.  Her dedication, kindness, and perseverance have made her an irreplaceable SCNAVTA advisor and a valued member of our community.”

Ashli added, “I can personally vouch for the accuracy of this nomination, and I can say it would take an hour to tell you all about the great work and character of this nominee…”  The plaque presented to Jennifer carries the following inscription: “The Executive Board of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America proudly presents this award to Jennifer Smith, BS, RVT, RLATG, for dedication and service to the Veterinary Nursing Students of Purdue University.”

“I am truly honored to receive this award for Advisor of the Year on behalf of NAVTA,” Jennifer said. “Thank you to members of the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization (VNSO) for considering me worthy of this special honor, and submitting the nomination. This award will serve as a great reminder that every day is an opportunity to help shape and inspire the next generation of veterinary nurses.”

Congratulations Jennifer!

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

Taco ‘bout Appreciation! Tex Mex Food Truck Headlines PVM Faculty Staff Appreciation Event

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With summer winding down and fall classes set to begin, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a Faculty and Staff appreciation event that featured tasty Tex Mex menus options served-up at the Mitchell’s Tex Mex Food Truck on Wednesday, August 10.  Attendees were treated to their choice of tacos, wet burritos or taco salads.  The meals were provided by the college to show PVM faculty and staff how much their dedication and hard work is appreciated.

Held from 11:30 – 1:30, the event not only featured great food but also opportunities for fellowship among colleagues as employees gathered near the entrance to the old Large Animal Hospital, which proved to be a perfect venue where the Mitchell’s Tex Mex food truck could park and open up for lunch-time food service.  More than 250 faculty and staff attended the event to get in on the great food and the chance to visit with colleagues on a beautiful sunny afternoon.

As people mixed and mingled while their food was prepared, Dean Reed took the opportunity to express to everyone his deep appreciation for their consistent effort and commitment to excellence throughout the year.  The festive lunchtime event served as a fitting wrap up to a busy summer marked by the return of several in-person annual programs, such as Boiler Vet Camp, which had been temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, as well as the opening of the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex.  With the new hospital facilities up and running, the old Large Animal Hospital has been vacated, making the entrance to the old facility a convenient site for the Faculty Staff Appreciation event. 

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

New Director of Lifelong Learning Joins PVM

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Purdue graduate and previous Purdue employee Tom Mauch stepped into the role of director of Lifelong Learning for the College of Veterinary Medicine effective August 1.  A seasoned event planner, Tom returns to the University to utilize his 20-plus years of experience planning events of all shapes and sizes throughout the U.S.  One of his favorite events was held outside Colorado Springs where he arranged to have tethered hot air balloon rides. The attendees enjoyed the experience and the views of the nearby mountains.

Tom says event planning is a passion for him.  “Managing a successful event is very rewarding,” Tom commented.

When not at work, Tom enjoys watching sports including college football and basketball and the NFL.  His love of sports also is reflected in a little known fact about him.  Tom served as the spotter for football game broadcasts on the Purdue Radio Network for 27 years. In that role he identified players involved in the action on the field for the play-by-play announcers.  During the off-season for his favorite sports, Tom enjoys summer gardening and laying the groundwork for eventual plans to start up a small tree farm.

Tom and his wife Kay live in West Lafayette.  They have three grown children and five beloved grandchildren who all live in town.  They also have a mini golden doddle for which Tom is accepting advice on how to ensure calm canine behavior when company arrives.

Tom is looking forward to being part of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine team and leading the college’s Lifelong Learning programs.  “I’m enjoying meeting the talented and dedicated faculty and staff and I’m excited about working collaboratively to carry-on the college’s excellent tradition of providing high quality continuing education,” Tom said.

Please help extend a warm welcome to Tom.  His office is located in Lynn 2121 and he can be reached at tmmauch@purdue.edu or 496-3560.

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

PVM to Play Role in Research on New Patent-pending Method to Mass-produce Antitumor Cells to Treat Blood Diseases and Cancer

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A Purdue University chemical engineer has improved upon traditional methods to produce off-the-shelf human immune cells that show strong antitumor activity, according to a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Reports.  And future research plans include clinical trials involving the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Xiaoping Bao, a Purdue University assistant professor in the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, said CAR-neutrophils, or chimeric antigen receptor neutrophils, and engraftable HSCs, or hematopoietic stem cells, are effective types of therapies for blood diseases and cancer. Neutrophils are the most abundant white cell blood type and effectively cross physiological barriers to infiltrate solid tumors. HSCs are specific progenitor cells that will replenish all blood lineages, including neutrophils, throughout life.

“These cells are not readily available for broad clinical or research use because of the difficulty to expand ex vivo to a sufficient number required for infusion after isolation from donors,” Dr. Bao said. “Primary neutrophils especially are resistant to genetic modification and have a short half-life.”

Dr. Bao has developed a patent-pending method to mass-produce CAR-neutrophils from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), that is, cells that self-renew and are able to become any type of human cell. The chimeric antigen receptor constructs were engineered to express on the surface of the hPSCs, which were directed into functional CAR-neutrophils through a novel, chemically defined protocol.

The method was created in collaboration with Dr. Qing Deng in Purdue’s Department of Biological Sciences; Dr. Hal E. Broxmeyer, now deceased, at the Indiana University School of Medicine; and Dr. Xiaojun Lian at Pennsylvania State University.

“We developed a robust protocol for massive production of de novo neutrophils from human pluripotent stem cells,” Dr. Bao said. “These hPSC-derived neutrophils displayed superior and specific antitumor activities against glioblastoma after engineering with chimeric antigen receptors.”

Dr. Bao disclosed the innovation to the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization, which has applied for an international patent under the Patent Cooperation Treaty system of the World Intellectual Property Organization. The innovation has been optioned to an Indiana-headquartered life sciences company.

“We will also work with Dr. Timothy Bentley and his team at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine to run clinical trials in pet dogs with spontaneous glioma,” Dr. Bao explained. Dr. Bentley is professor of neurology and neurosurgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. 

This research project was partially supported by the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering and College of Engineering Startup Funds, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Showalter Research Trust and federal grants from the National Science Foundation and National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Click here to view a complete news release.

Writer(s): Steve Martin | pvmnews@purdue.edu