The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine celebrated the accomplishments of outstanding faculty at a special Faculty Awards Celebration held in Lynn Hall. The recognition program Thursday, October 23, featured the presentation of four awards for outstanding teaching and excellence in research and service, as well as a new award named in honor of Dean Emeritus Willie Reed and State Representative Sheila Klinker, that recognizes an exemplary community partnership.
“It is exciting today to have this opportunity to recognize outstanding faculty members by presenting faculty awards for excellence in teaching, research and service,” PVM Dean Bret Marsh said as he began the program. He then presented the first award, the Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award, to Dr. Stephanie Thomovsky, clinical professor of veterinary neurology.
Dean Marsh noted how Dr. Thomovsky’s outstanding teaching of neurology and clinical neurosurgery has been praised by the students. “Her inspiring commitment to educating our students and the positive energy that infuses her teaching are deeply appreciated, and her impact is seen both in and outside of the classroom,” Dean Marsh said. “Moreover, Dr. Thomovsky is a powerful role model, demonstrating the importance of compassionate client communication and dedication to patient care. These are invaluable professional competencies that extend beyond the classroom.”
The next award presented was the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence, which recognizes faculty members for their roles in generating new knowledge through basic and clinical research. This year’s recipient is Dr. Rafael Neves, associate professor of food animal production medicine.
“Dr. Neves has initiated groundbreaking research in post-partum dairy cows, evaluating the interplay between inflammation and subclinical hypocalcemia and the impact on energy balance and milk production,” Dean Marsh shared. “His innovative approach has led to published findings in multiple high-impact journals.” Dean Marsh went on to explain that Dr. Neves is the co-author of a manuscript published in 2020 that was one of the top 100 most cited manuscripts in the Journal of Dairy Science in 2021, 2022, and 2023. “So, we are honored to recognize Dr. Neves for the significant impact he has made in dairy research during his six years of service as a member of our faculty.”
Next, Dean Marsh presented the Excellence in Research Award, which is sponsored by the college and recognizes faculty members for their roles in generating new knowledge through basic and clinical research. This year’s recipient is Dr. Harm HogenEsch, Distinguished Professor of Immunopathology.
“Dr. HogenEsch is an internationally recognized expert in vaccine development, particularly in the formulation of vaccines with adjuvants to enhance immune responses,” Dean Marsh said. He noted that, in collaboration with the late Stanley Hem, Dr. HogenEsch uncovered the mechanisms by which vaccine antigens absorb to aluminum adjuvants – the most commonly used adjuvants in human vaccines. “This discovery allowed vaccine companies to improve vaccine stability and efficacy.”
Dean Marsh further pointed out that Dr. HogenEsch’s current work, in collaboration with Yuan Yao in the College of Agriculture, has revealed the potential for the development of adjuvants derived from corn nanoparticles. “Thank you, Dr. HogenEsch, for all you do to pursue discoveries through your research and collaborations across campus.”
Dean Marsh then announced the recipient of the PVM Excellence in Service Award, which honors faculty who have demonstrated consistent and sustained delivery of services through the college. This year’s recipient is Dr. Caroline Gillespie Harmon, clinical assistant professor of equine community practice and section head for the Equine Field Service.
Though Dr. Gillespie Harmon was not able to attend the ceremony, Dean Marsh recognized her for her meritorious service. He noted that in her role as the Equine Field Service section head, Dr. Gillespie Harmon has served as an exemplary clinician, mentor, and leader. “She has advanced equine well-being through herd health maintenance and education as well as her empathetic nature when interacting with clientele,” Dean Marsh said. “Dr. Gillespie Harmon is most deserving of this award.”
To conclude the recognition program, Dean Marsh announced the recipients of a new award – The Reed-Klinker Exemplary Community Partnership Award, which recognizes outstanding collaborations between the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine and community partners in Indiana that build capacity, advance education, and promote long-term community well-being. The award is named in honor of Dr. Willie Reed, Dean Emeritus and founder of PVM’s Office of Engagement, and State Representative Sheila Klinker, who is a steadfast advocate for community engagement in Indiana, and was in attendance for the ceremony.
In presenting the inaugural award, Dean Marsh explained that the college is recognizing the partnership between PVM’s Priority 4 Paws program and IndyHumane – a partnership built on compassion and shared purpose and a shining example of how academic and community organizations can unite to create a lasting positive impact on animals and the people who care for them. “Through mutual respect, open communication, and shared leadership, this partnership has transformed the way shelter animals are cared for in Indiana,” Dean Marsh said. “Together, Priority 4 Paws and IndyHumane meet an important community need by improving the health and adoptability of shelter pets in a way that also supports the education and training of the next generation of veterinary professionals. This partnership exemplifies what the Reed-Klinker Award was designed to honor: a joint commitment to service, learning, and the long-term health of our communities.”
Dean Marsh then introduced Dr. Ryan Hill, one of the Priority 4 Paws clinicians, and Jenna Kaufman, marketing and social media manager for IndyHumane, who came forward for the award presentation. Dean Marsh also asked State Representative Klinker to come to the front to help give the award that is named in her honor. Dr. Hill and Kaufman each received a signed proclamation from State Representative Klinker’s Office.
Following the ceremony, the awardees and guests gathered for a reception in the adjacent Veterinary Medical Library.