The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that alumna and long-time Lafayette-area veterinarian, Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” (Diesch) Holmes, of West Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, April 29, at her home. She was 71.
A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Dr. Holmes completed her undergraduate studies at DePauw University, graduating in 1973 with a bachelor’s in mathematics. She then worked for a few years in actuarial sciences before enrolling in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. After earning her DVM degree in 1983, she entered private practice in the Lafayette, Indiana area, where she spent her entire veterinary career, becoming the founder and owner of Petsburgh Pet Care. She retired in 2022 after serving pets and their humans for nearly 40 years. Dr. Holmes and her veterinary staff also were known for rescuing, treating, and finding homes for many stray dogs and cats.
An avid gardener, Dr. Holmes had a profound love of the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. With a passion for exploration that fed her pursuit of lifelong learning, she also loved traveling with her husband and daughters.
No public memorial service was planned. Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy in Dr. Holmes’ memory. Click here to view a complete obituary and to leave a message or share a memory.
Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff, residents, and family members participated as “Kurt’s Crew” in the Challenge 5K to support Purdue cancer research along with the family of cancer victim Kurt Lahrman.
The 15th annual Purdue Challenge 5K run/walk benefiting the Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research had special meaning this year for a group of participants with ties to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Several members of the PVM community ran in the event Saturday, April 15 to honor and celebrate the life of a cancer victim who was married to a veterinary nurse in the Evan and Sue Ann Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center. Their effort was both thoughtful and helpful, as the fundraising event raised a total of $100,000 for efforts to pursue a cure.
Dr. Deborah Knapp (right) runs with Sarah Lahrman, RVT as part of the PVM team named “Kurt’s crew” to honor Sarah’s late husband.
It was last August when Kurt Lahrman passed away from colon cancer at the age of 46, survived by his wife, Sarah, a long-time veterinary nurse and supervisor in the college’s cancer center, and their three children. “Before and during his battle with cancer, Kurt was a special person that made the world a better place,” recalled Dr. Deborah Knapp, Distinguished Professor of Comparative Oncology and the Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology, who serves as director of the Evan and Sue Ann Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center.
Kurt was remembered as a family man who cherished his wife and children, enjoyed hanging out with friends, and making people laugh. “Kurt’s family carried through with such grace throughout his cancer fight,” Dr. Knapp said. Sarah and their children participated in the 5K with the PVM team that went by the name, “Kurt’s Crew.” Most of the PVM participants wore signs to honor Kurt and others who have died of cancer, as well as cancer survivors. Dr. Knapp wore several signs including one in memory of Evan Werling, of the newly named Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center, who was a longtime friend of the college together with his wife, Sue Ann.
Since 2008, the Challenge 5K has generated more than $1 million for lifesaving cancer research at Purdue. The event serves as a reminder that Purdue cancer research provides hope to survivors. Thanks to the Challenge 5K’s generous event sponsors, 100% of the money raised directly supports Purdue cancer research, helping the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research make strides in improving cancer detection, treatment, and prevention.
A special thank you to “Kurt’s Crew” for representing PVM in the Challenge 5K and paying tribute to Kurt and other cancer victims as well as cancer survivors.
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) has announced the launch of its new Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council, which includes a Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty member. Dr. Candace Croney, professor of animal behavior and well-being and director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science, is one of the seven members of the council, which is comprised of renowned researchers from top universities across the U.S. With expertise ranging from environmental sustainability to human nutrition and development, the council will advise on research priorities and the latest evidence related to meat production and consumption. News of the council was shared by NAMI in a press release issued Monday, May 22.
Dr. Candace Croney holds a joint appointment at Purdue in the colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, and also serves as associate vice provost for diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Dr. Croney’s research spans the fields of animal behavior, welfare science, and ethics, with a focus on understanding the complex interplay among science, ethics, and culture in addressing animal welfare challenges. As director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science, she leads efforts to address contentious social issues in animal welfare, inform policy development, and explore the broad effects of the human-animal bond, including our obligations to animals, and their evolving roles in society.
The remaining six advisory council members include:
Dr. Adegbola Adesogan,University of Florida, whose research focuses on sustainably increasing animal-source food production and consumption, particularly with a focus on the role of animal-source foods in childhood development.
Dr. Keith Belk, Colorado State University, who is an expert in red meat quality and safety, animal care, and international standards and trade.
Dr. Mindy Brashears, Texas Tech University, who specializes in food microbiology and food safety.
Dr. Craig Gundersen, Baylor University, whose research focuses on identifying the causes and consequences of food insecurity and evaluating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
Dr. Alexa Lamm, University of Georgia, whose research focuses on identifying the most effective ways to communicate about agricultural and environmental science with stakeholders and the public.
Dr. Jason Rowntree, Michigan State University, who specializes in measuring and managing ecological impacts of livestock grazing systems.
In the press release about the formation of the Advisory Council, NAMI President and CEO Julie Anna Potts thanked the council members for volunteering their time and expertise. “The Meat Institute and our Protein PACT partners are making tangible progress toward ambitious goals for the health of animals, people, communities, and the planet,” Potts said. “The Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council will play a critical role in ensuring that our efforts are informed by the latest evidence, as well as helping us to identify and fill research gaps.”
The North American Meat Institute is the United States’ oldest and largest trade association representing packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal, turkey, and processed meat products. NAMI members include more than 350 meat packing and processing companies, the majority of which have fewer than 100 employees, and account for more than 95 percent of the United States’ output of meat and 70 percent of turkey production.
The Protein PACT unites partners across animal protein in the first-ever joint effort to accelerate the entire animal protein sector’s progress toward global sustainable development goals for healthy people, healthy animals, healthy communities, and a healthy environment. Protein PACT partners are establishing transparent baselines and benchmarks for their efforts, setting ambitious targets for continuous improvement, collecting data to verify and transparently report on progress, and launching comprehensive communications about animal protein’s unique place in sustainable, healthy diets. To learn more, visit www.TheProteinPACT.org .
Distinguished Professor of Comparative Pathobiology Timothy Ratliff is leading the team of scientists doing new research on multiple myeloma.
The Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research is beginning a four-pronged attack against multiple myeloma to be carried out over two years with $4.3 million from the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation, and Distinguished Professor of Comparative Pathobiology Timothy Ratliff is leading the team of scientists doing the research. Dr. Ratliff is the former director of Purdue’s cancer research center.
The research supported by the funding from the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation promises insights and potential novel treatments to lengthen and improve the quality of life for people with multiple myeloma. In the 1970s, Rodger Riney started a small brokerage business that grew exponentially until 2017, when he sold the business, Scottrade, to TD Ameritrade. The sale happened two years after he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Today, Riney, whose cancer is in remission, and his wife, Paula, put much of their resources into the fight against the disease.
Sometimes simply called myeloma, the cancer attacks plasma cells, white blood cells that produce infection-fighting antibodies. The cancerous plasma cells then grow out of control, crowding out normal cells in the bone marrow where red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells also are produced. In 2019, the most recent year for which U.S. incidence data are available, over 27,800 new cases of myeloma were reported and 12,455 people died of the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Bobby Sandage is the managing director for the foundation and also a 2018 Purdue Distinguished Pharmacy Alumnus with a Purdue PhD in clinical pharmacy. He helps oversee the foundation’s 90 research projects at 17 universities around the world. He seeks out the world’s best researchers doing the most promising work — work that can justify the foundation’s multimillion dollar investments.
“I evaluate research proposals, and I have a small group of outside experts who review them to make sure they are cutting-edge,” Dr. Sandage says. “Purdue’s proposals were very promising, and we proceeded to have them evaluated by outside experts and, ultimately, by Rodger, who makes the final decisions on which projects are funded.”
Dr. Ratliff says two of the Purdue grants are focused on developing new small-molecule drug chemotherapeutic agents. “Herman Sintim, the Richard B. Wetherill Professor of Chemistry, will work to develop one set of chemotherapeutic agents that target unique and important pathways in multiple myeloma,” Dr. Ratliff said.
Also developing key chemotherapeutic agents targeting different critical pathways are fellow members of the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research: Dr. Arun Ghosh, the Ian P. Rothwell Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry; and Dr. John Tesmer, the Walther Distinguished Professor in Cancer Structural Biology. “These are outstanding chemists and structural biologists who have the opportunity and data to show that the avenues they’re taking will add significantly to the therapeutic armamentarium,” Dr. Ratliff said.
The second two grants focus on immunotherapy, which engineers the body’s own immunity to fight the cancer. The first features the research of Dr. Sandro Matosevic, associate professor of industrial and physical pharmacy, who is developing genetically modified immune cells known as CAR NK cells. CAR stands for “chimeric antigen receptor,” which means that the NK cells are genetically modified to recognize and attack specific proteins found on the surface of multiple myeloma cancer cells.
“NK cells are very important in killing tumors,” Dr. Ratliff said. “Sandro is using an innate immune mechanism — natural killer cells — which kill fundamentally in the same way as other killer cells of the immune system, but they recognize the tumor cells in a very different manner. Sandro is taking a novel approach by using a different cell type than is currently used in treatment and also by diversifying the recognition sites so that they will recognize multiple different components on the multiple myeloma cell.”
The fourth and final study is being done by Dr. Ratliff and Dr. Philip Low, the Presidential Scholar for Drug Discovery and the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of Chemistry-Biochemistry. The two are developing a different immune killer cell called a T cell. Dr. Low has developed a unique genetically modified universal CAR T cell that uses a mechanism that also shows promise in controlling the intensity of the immune attack on cancer cells and also overcomes the antigenic escape in CAR T cell treatments. Antigenic escape occurs when cancer cells mutate and become unrecognizable to the CAR T cells designed to kill them. Dr. Low’s CAR T cells are used in conjunction with a second agent developed by Dr. Ratliff and Dr. Low that modifies the cancer and enables enhanced killing of multiple myeloma cells. The combination therapy is unique in cancer immunotherapy.
Dr. Ratliff is gratified by the Riney Foundation’s support. “They know we have the capacity to really make a difference in multiple myeloma,” Dr. Ratliff said. “From the chemotherapy side, we have new targets, and our investigators have data showing real promise. On the immunotherapy side, it’s very similar — two different, promising approaches.”
Dean Reed joins Faculty Teaching Award honorees: Drs. John Christian, Mindy Anderson, Kevin Hannon, and Stephanie Inoue.
Spring not only brings the end of the academic year and graduation, it also is a time for celebrating accomplishments of Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty. Two ceremonies at the conclusion of the spring semester provided such opportunities to recognize faculty with awards and to honor those receiving academic promotions.
The first ceremony, held in Lynn 1136 on April 26, honored faculty who received teaching awards given on the basis of evaluations made by members of each class of DVM students. Dean Willie Reed began the program by explaining that each year the veterinary students are asked to evaluate the teaching effectiveness of faculty members using the following standard:
“An outstanding teacher is one who demonstrates superior ability in communicating the chosen material to students and stimulates their desire to master the material. This teacher will also recognize that their teaching responsibility does not stop at the classroom door, and therefore, will be ready to aid and motivate students in a counseling and advisory capacity, either formally or informally.”
Dean Reed said the results of this student ballot are used to select the recipients of awards honoring the top teachers in each year of the DVM program. Then he announced this year’s award winners. Congratulations to the following award recipients:
Dr. Kevin Hannon, associate professor of basic medical sciences, received the PVM Award for Excellence in Teaching from First-Year DVM Students, selected by the Class of 2026. Dr. Hannon teaches Gross Anatomy of the Dog and Cat in the fall semester and Veterinary Neuroscience in the spring semester. He also teaches in the Veterinary Nursing Program. Dr. Hannon has demonstrated innovation in his teaching by creating an interactive application, Active Lesson, that allows the students to practice active recall and visualize anatomy from multiple perspectives.
Dr. Stephanie Inoue, lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Administration, was recognized with the PVM Award of Excellence in Teaching from Second-Year DVM Students, selected by the Class of 2025. Dr. Inoue is instructor-of-record for Veterinary Skills and Competencies (VSAC) Ill and IV and she teaches in all the VSAC courses as well as the Applications and Integrations courses. She is respected by students for her high standards and the support she provides to students. She also is dedicated to maintaining the health and wellbeing of the college’s Canine Educators.
Mindy Anderson, Pharm D, clinical assistant professor of basic medical sciences, was awarded the PVM Award of Excellence in Teaching from Third-Year DVM Students, selected by the Class of 2024. Dr. Anderson is the instructor-of-record for Veterinary Pharmacology Principles and Applications and Applied Pharmacology II. Dr. Anderson’s years of experience as a veterinary nurse enable her to make pharmacology very practical. Although Dr. Anderson teaches primarily in the second year of the DVM program, she made such a lasting impact on the Class of 2024 that they chose to recognize her in their third year.
Dr. John Christian, associate professor of veterinary clinical pathology and director of the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, received the PVM Award of Excellence in Teaching from Fourth-Year DVM Students, selected by the Class of 2023. Dr. Christian is the instructor-of-record for Clinical Chemistries in the second year. In the first year of the curriculum, he teaches physiology and provides valuable support to the A&I courses. The students appreciate Dr. Christian’s reflections on values that are the foundation of respected professionals and his caring attitude. Dr. Christian’s selection by the fourth year class is a testament to the lasting impression he has made on them.
Dean Reed recognized faculty award winners (pictured left-right): Drs. Sandy Taylor, Janice Kritchevsky, Kari Ekenstedt, Darryl Ragland, Aimee Brooks, John Christian, and Kevin Hannon. Not pictured: Dr. Michael Childress.
Then in May, another set of faculty awards was presented at the Faculty Awards and Promotions Celebration, which was held in Lynn 1136 on Friday, May 12. “It is exciting today to have this opportunity to recognize outstanding faculty members during this ceremony that combines the presentation of faculty awards with the recognition of newly promoted faculty,” Dean Reed said as he began the program. “First, we will present awards for excellence in teaching, research, engagement, and service. Then, we will honor our recently promoted faculty, before reconvening in the Veterinary Medical Library for a reception.”
The following award winners were recognized:
Dr. Janice Kritchevsky, professor of large animal internal medicine and large animal chief of staff in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, received the Alumni Faculty Award for Excellence.
Dr. John Christian, associate professor of veterinary clinical pathology and director of the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, was presented with the Zoetis Distinguished Teacher Award, as a result of his selection based on the annual evaluation by veterinary students of the teaching effectiveness of PVM faculty members.
Dr. Kevin Hannon, associate professor of basic medical sciences, received the PVM Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award, as a result of his selection, based on the same annual veterinary student evaluation of the teaching effectiveness of PVM faculty members.
Dr. Aimee Brooks, clinical associate professor of small animal emergency and critical care, was presented with the Excellence in Teaching Award sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Kari Ekenstedt, assistant professor of anatomy and genetics in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, received the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence.
Dr. Michael Childress, associate professor of comparative oncology, is the recipient of the PVM Excellence in Research Award sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Sandy Taylor, associate professor of large animal internal medicine, received the PVM Excellence in Service Award.
Dr. Darryl Ragland, associate professor of food animal production medicine, was presented with the PVM Excellence in Scholarship of Engagement Award.
Promoted faculty pictured (left-right): Drs. Andrea Pires dos Santos, Susan Mendrysa, Darryl Ragland, Christina Wilson-Frank, Deepti Pillai, Nadia Lanman, and Uma Aryal. Not pictured: Drs. Michael Childress, Caroline Fulkerson, and Sarah Malek.
Dean Reed then recognized ten members of the PVM faculty who were promoted this spring. “Faculty promotions involve a rigorous process that demonstrates excellence and scholarly productivity in one or more of the areas of discovery, learning, and engagement,” Dean Reed said. “I am very proud to recognize these promoted faculty members today.”
Congratulations to the following faculty members for their academic promotions:
Each faculty member received a hand-drawn illustrated portrait by Professor Emeritus David Williams to commemorate their promotion.
This week’s softball competition between students and faculty and staff attracted a great turnout.
You’ve heard of the World Series and the World Cup – well, at the conclusion of the spring semester, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine continued its own epic sports tradition as faculty and staff faced off with students in the traditional end of semester soccer and softball games. The first round of competition featured soccer matches played at the Purdue Turf Recreation Exercise Center (TREC) Indoor Soccer Complex in April. The second round consisted of the annual senior student vs. faculty/staff softball game, which was held just this week, on Wednesday, May 10, at the softball fields to the west of the Co-Rec/TREC complex.
The softball game featured a “huge turnout” by the students, according to faculty event coordinator, Dr. Craig Thompson, clinical associate professor of clinical pathology. “They had two full teams and we played nine innings,” Dr. Thompson said. “The faculty team had a big first few innings, but the defense fell apart and the students found their offensive stride and ultimately won 16-10.” To Dr. Thompson’s recollection, this is only the second time the students have won.
Student teams consisted of veterinary medicine, clinical year, and veterinary nursing students. At least some of the credit for their success goes to fourth-year student Ernie Harshman, who coordinated student participation. Dr. Thompson organized the faculty team. The teams were co-ed, and everyone was encouraged to play or come to support their respective squads. Another plus involved the fact that the team members’ significant others and offspring also were welcome to play. It was a fun capstone sporting event at the end of the spring semester.
The first of the two PVM soccer matches featured talents of first- and second-year DVM students and faculty, staff, and family members.
The other major spring sporting event for the college featured the traditional competition on the soccer pitch between students and the faculty and staff, which Dr. Steve Thompson chronicled in a very detailed recap, from which this summary is excerpted. On the Saturday of Easter weekend (April 8), the students squared off against the faculty/staff team in two matches at the TREC. The first game began at noon with just enough attendance from the faculty and staff and their families and a comparable student turnout from the first- and second-year DVM classes to make the match possible. Max Rowley, of the DVM Class of 2023, supported the effort as a central referee.
The first-half started as a six on six match-up, with Dr. Steve Thompson, clinical associate professor of small animal primary care, protecting the goal for the faculty/staff team. The students played solid defense as the faculty/staff team gained possession of the ball. With Dr. Craig Thompson sidelined because he was preparing for the upcoming softball game, his wife, Amanda, and son, Dante, stepped in to play for the faculty side. This powerful combo proved effective when Dante scored a goal, giving his team the first lead of the day. Then, Dr. Chad Brown, director of Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs, made a defensive move that, with help from sons of Drs. Hogan and Parnell, led to another successful shot on goal by Dante. Then, Dr. Justin Hayna, clinical assistant professor of equine theriogenology, arrived making it possible to play 7 on 7. The change seemed to energize the students and Ximena Yanez, on an assist by Bridget Mallin, found the back of the net with her shot. The students again took possession and Bridget found Adrian Dixon who scored to tie the game. As the half wound down, Dante took over goalie duties and Dr. Thompson moved up into the wing, scoring a goal to give the faculty/staff team a one point lead.
The second-half began as a 6 on 6 competition so each team could have a sub. With Dr. Hayna adding some offense, the faculty/staff team continued scoring while the students only scored one more time, resulting in a final score of 6-2 in favor of the faculty/staff.
The second faculty/staff v. student soccer match featured a good turnout by the third- and fourth-year DVM students and included a good-natured refereeing controversy.
The second game featured a great showing by the third- and fourth-year DVM students and Veterinary Nursing students enabling them to field a team of 14, along with classmates who came to cheer them on. The faculty/staff sideline was more sparse, but included Drs. Nolie Parnell and Jessica Christensen who were there for verbal support. Bridget agreed to referee.
As the defending co-ed soccer intramurals champions from last spring for all of Purdue campus, the students jumped out to a quick lead with Kami Graber setting up Max for a quick goal after Bridget started the game quickly, even as a faculty/staff team member was just running back onto the field from the break between games. As the game continued, the students dominated possession, but the faculty/staff team was able to even the score on a goal by Keenan Hogan. Later, Kami found herself all alone at the near post and put the ball in the net easily outside of the goalie’s reach. The faculty/staff team would up their pressure, but Carter Huber made multiple saves as the students’ goalie, before the faculty/staff team evened the score with a goal by Cotter Hogan. Additional goals by both teams resulted in a 4-3 hafltime score in favor of the students, albeit with some controversy about the referee’s clock management, which resulted in the faculty/staff team playing with only six on the field when Kami scored the go-ahead goal that earned her a hat trick.
The second-half was played as a 6 on 6 match with Drs. Thompson and Brown sharing goalie duties and turning away many point blank shots on goal by the students. But then, alert plays by Max and Stephanie Verkuilen led to a goal by Kami who expertly placed her shot past Dr. Brown. Possession favored the students as the game entered the final 10 minutes, and Kami got another chance to beat Dr. Brown with a clinical finish and pad the student lead at 6-3. The faculty/staff team kept competing and ultimately a hard cross from Dr. Thompson that was perfectly timed, hit Dr. Max Derré, small animal surgery resident, in stride for a quality late goal that made the score 4-6. In the waning minutes, the students subbed freely to ensure that everyone had playing time, before an additional goal by each team resulted in the students winning by a two goal advantage.
The Class of 2023 will graduate with a 1-0 record in the soccer series, one of only a few classes to achieve a winning record, according to Dr. Thompson. The Class of 2024 will have a 1-0 record to carry forward to next semester. Dr. Thompson pointed out that the faculty and staff have won or tied 21 of their 39 games. The students have a combined record of 18-16-5.
Dean Willie Reed presented the 2023 Outstanding Staff Award to Jolene Knuth, anesthesiology technician supervisor in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Willie Reed recognized outstanding staff at an awards ceremony last Friday, May 5, in Lynn 1136. “I want to thank each of you for joining me this afternoon to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our Purdue Veterinary Medicine staff members who are receiving Outstanding Staff and Bravo Awards this afternoon,” Dean Reed said as he began the program. “Formally recognizing the significant achievements of these individuals is an important tradition in our college.”
The dean first presented the 2023 Outstanding Staff Award and Outstanding Research Staff Award. The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes excellent performance by the College of Veterinary Medicine’s non-faculty, full-time employees. “Excellent staff members are vital to the success of an organization, often working behind the scenes and out of the limelight,” Dean Reed said. “With can-do attitudes, a knack for knowing how to get things done, and friendly demeanors that spark energy and enthusiasm, these unsung heroes contribute to a positive and productive work environment.”
Noting that the award consists of a plaque and a cash gift of $1,000, Dean Reed then announced that the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Staff Award is Jolene Knuth, anesthesiology technician supervisor in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital. She was recognized for excellence in service to students, staff, faculty, and other constituencies of the college.
Jolene was praised for going above and beyond in her job responsibilities and being a team player who consistently helps others. “You are so dedicated to the inner-workings of our hospital that in one day you can be found mentoring new anesthesiology technicians, teaching our students, supervising staff during large animal and small animal surgeries, covering lunch shifts, and maintaining equipment,” Dean Reed said. “Your nominators echoed one another when describing how you are a vital go-to member of the team and that you are always dedicated, proactive, and have a positive attitude.” Dean Reed then read the inscription on the plaque, which recognized Jolene for her years of outstanding dedication and service to the patients, students, staff, and faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine and her tremendous work ethic and excellence in anesthesia care, as well as her leadership and commitment to developing the skills of the anesthesia staff.
Kathy Ragheb, laboratory technician in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, received the 2023 Outstanding Research Staff Award for her work in the Flow Cytometry Laboratory, which is led by Dr. J. Paul Robinson.
Next, Dean Reed announced the recipient of the PVM Outstanding Research Staff Award, noting that non-faculty research staff members play very important roles in the discovery mission of the college, and are indispensable in their respective units and laboratories. This year’s honoree is Kathy Ragheb, laboratory technician in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences. “Kathy is being recognized for her performance over and above the call of duty, her attitude of selfless dedication to the development and growth of research programs, and her excellence in research initiative, collaboration, and personal development,” Dean Reed said in presenting the award.
For over 30 years, Kathy has served as a flow cytometry operator for the college. “During that time, she has operated more than 20 different cytometers and has become very highly skilled in that role,” Dean Reed said, noting that she also authored 17 peer-reviewed publications, which is a very significant number for technical staff. “With the benefit of Kathy’s dedication, our Flow Cytometry Laboratory is one of the most recognized in the world. Given that distinction, we have become a key educational resource for the field and accordingly, the laboratory is home to advanced demonstration instruments.” Dean Reed also noted that Kathy works with some 20 faculty across campus and the Flow Cytometry Laboratory has the distinction of being the only unit on campus with this technology. Dean Reed then read the plaque inscription, which recognized Kathy’s excellence in laboratory work, commitment to clinical research, and contributions to discovery at the College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as her valued contributions to teaching students of all skill levels, and her collegiality and work ethic.
Congratulations to all of the spring 2023 Bravo Award recipients!
The award ceremony also included the presentation of several Bravo Awards, which recognize employees who have achieved substantial accomplishments that extend well beyond regular work responsibilities. The awards are for concrete or measurable goal achievement or contributions, for which the employee receives no other honor, award, or compensation.
Awardees may be recognized in any of four categories:
Moving the University Forward – accomplishments or contributions that transform or advance university objectives;
Innovation and Creativity – innovative work or suggestions well beyond standard job requirements that significantly improve operational efficiencies or introduce new or improved processes;
Operational Excellence – extraordinary effort during times of critical department need; and,
Fiscal Stewardship – achievement of significant cost saving or cost avoidance realized beyond normally expected or established standards.
Bravo Award recipients receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.
Congratulations to the following individual Bravo Award recipients:
Crystal Bradford, senior administrative assistant to the head of the Department of Comparative Pathobiology, who was honored for Operational Excellence;
Amy Fridlund, infection control specialist in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, who was recognized for Operational Excellence and Moving the University Forward in her previous role as instructional technologist in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology;
Melanie Prouse, senior technologist in the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, who was honored for Operational Excellence;
Jennifer Ashley, veterinary skills and competencies manager, who was recognized for Operational Excellence and Innovation and Creativity;
Scott Fix, facilities manager, who was honored for Operational Excellence; and
Tressa Bowman, administrative assistant in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, who was recognized for Operational Excellence.
In addition, Dean Reed announced a group Bravo award that recognized the members of the Veterinary Hospital’s team of veterinary nurses in the Anesthesiology Service. “This outstanding team was really put to the task during the transition to the new hospitals that make up the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex,” Dean Reed said as he introduced the recipients, who are Olivia Buschman, Olivia Coon, Alena Epperson, Elisa Hostetler, Jolene Knuth, and Chloe Morris. “Now they provide services to four different buildings: the Small Animal Hospital facilities in Lynn Hall, and the Brunner Small Animal, Equine, and Farm Animal Hospitals. This amazing team overcame the challenges related to the greatly expanded hospital space by increasing their communications and serving as back up for each other whenever and wherever needed. As talented individuals and as a team, they continue to teach our DVM and Veterinary Nursing students while continuing to provide excellent patient care.”
In keeping with a beloved Bravo Awards tradition, after each Bravo Award was presented, Dean Reed invited audience members to shout out together “Bravo!” to the recipient.
One other component of the awards ceremony included recognition of staff who most recently completed the online Certificate Program for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. Congratulations to:
A Purdue Veterinary Medicine graduate is the new dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. Dr. Nicholas Frank (PU DVM ’93; PhD 2002) was announced as the new dean yesterday (May 11). His appointment comes as he is currently in his sixth year as associate dean for academic affairs at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
Mississippi State President Mark Keenum made the announcement, which concludes a comprehensive and competitive national search conducted in conjunction with an advisory committee that included President Keenum and other MSU academic leaders, College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, and university and industry/farming community stakeholders. Dr. Frank’s selection is pending formal approval by the Board of Trustees for Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.
“We conducted a thorough national search and, in that process, interviewed some of the nation’s best veterinary medicine university administrators,” President Keenum said. “After extensive review of these outstanding candidates and with due consideration of the vital importance of Mississippi’s farming and agribusiness interests to our state’s economy, I am convinced that in Nicholas Frank we found a dynamic leader who has extensive experience in both large and small animal veterinary medicine teaching and research. He also understands and shares our commitment to providing exemplary service and support to Mississippi’s farmers and ranchers, poultry producers, and equine interests.”
Dr. Frank said of his appointment, “It is an honor to have been selected as the next dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. I look forward to working with all members of the community to advance veterinary medicine, support agriculture, and further the mission of Mississippi State University.”
Dr. Frank grew up in the United Kingdom and he earned his Purdue DVM degree in 1993, before completing an internship in large animal medicine and surgery and his residency in large animal internal medicine at Purdue. Board certified by the American College of Veterinary Medicine in large animal internal medicine in 2000, Dr. Frank earned his PhD in equine endocrinology and nutrition at Purdue in 2002.
While at Tufts, in addition to his administrative role, Dr. Frank served as a professor in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He also is an honorary professor of endocrinology at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in Nottingham, England. Before joining Tufts in 2011, Dr. Frank served as director of the Center for Equine Veterinary Research at the University of Tennessee.
Speaking about Dr. Frank’s background, MSU Provost and Executive Vice President David R. Shaw said, “The search committee was impressed that Dr. Frank has spent his career in equine medicine and brings a wealth of experience in large animal veterinary practice. From his service at Purdue University and the University of Tennessee, he also brings extensive experience with the land-grant university mission.”
Volunteers from the College of Veterinary Medicine and across campus turned out in force for a tree planting project at the new Purdue University Veterinary Hospital facilities on Arbor Day.
This year Purdue University turned Earth Day into a month-long celebration that included an Arbor Day tree planting effort to enhance the landscaping around the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex. Campus Planning’s Architecture and Sustainability Department teamed-up with the Grounds Department, Arboretum, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine for the event that afforded a great Earth Month-themed volunteer opportunity for faculty, staff, and students.
Dr. Sarah Malek, assistant professor of small animal orthopedic surgery, and Mu Young Kim, a visiting scholar from South Korea, celebrate their success as tree planting volunteers on Arbor Day.
Held on Arbor Day, Friday, April 28, the event helped celebrate the 14th consecutive year of Purdue receiving the Tree Campus USA award. A host of volunteers from the college and across campus turned out for the effort, and helped plant some 60 native trees at the new David and Bonnie Brunner Small Animal, Equine, and Farm Animal Hospitals.
The tree planting project also contributed towards Purdue’s 2020 Physical Facilities Sustainability Master Plan goal of planting 3,728 new trees on campus between July 2020 and July 2024. Volunteers were advised to dress appropriately for the tree planting effort. Purdue Grounds provided necessary tree planting gear.
Despite cloudy skies and intermittent rain, the successful event resulted in beautiful additions to the landscaping around the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex. The trees that were planted are in addition to the trees planted as part of the original landscape construction plans for the new facilities.
Thank you to all the volunteers who turned out to lend a hand to this worthy effort!
