PVM Cancer Research Scholar Honored at Purdue Institute for Cancer Research Recognition Awards Ceremony

Two people standing next to each other between a banner that says "Partnership that powers discovery" and "From start to finishing cancer". One of the people is holding a plaque award — Dr. Deborah Knapp receives the PICR Career Research Achievement Award from Andrew Mesecar, director of the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, at the Institute’s 2026 awards ceremony April 3.

Dr. Deborah Knapp, Distinguished Professor of Comparative Oncology, Dolores L. McCall Professor of Comparative Oncology, and director of the Evan and Sue Ann Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center, was recognized this month at the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research 2026 Recognition Awards ceremony. The program April 3 honored faculty, trainees and staff advancing cancer research across the institute.

Dr. Knapp received the Career Research Achievement Award, which recognizes strong scientific and scholarly contributions as a result of work completed in the recipient’s role as a PICR member. In particular, the Award honors those who have demonstrated a sustained and significant impact on their field and national and international recognition for their work.

Debbie Knapp was recognized for her career that has helped define the field of comparative oncology and elevate Purdue’s leadership in cancer research and veterinary medicine. In addition to her roles as a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Werling Center director, Dr. Knapp is the associate director of clinical comparative oncology at the PICR.

Dr. Knapp’s research focuses on naturally occurring cancers in dogs as models of human disease, and generates insights that benefit both animal and human patients. Over more than three decades, she has led clinical trials, contributed to national data resources and expanded Purdue’s comparative oncology capabilities, including playing an integral role in the establishment of the Werling Center. Her sustained scientific leadership and impact exemplify the highest level of achievement that is recognized by the Career Research Achievement Award.

Congratulations Dr. Knapp!

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

Recent Stories

Fourth-year Purdue Veterinary Student Wins National Simmons Business Aptitude Award

For the first time, a Purdue veterinary student has won the national Simmons Educational Fund (SEF) Business Aptitude Award. The recipient is Luke Bousema of the DVM Class of 2026. The award includes a cash prize of $35,000.

“Paws Up” for the Academic Advising Team

This week, our Paws Up shines on the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Technology Program Advising Team as we celebrate the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) 2026 Global Advising Week.

Purdue Veterinary Student Honored by ASLAP Veterinary Student Award Program

The American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP) Foundation annually recognizes five graduating fourth-year veterinary students who have demonstrated significant interest and potential in the field, and one of this year’s honorees is Purdue veterinary student Mollie Madigan, MLAS. Through the award program, the ASLAP seeks to increase awareness of the practice of laboratory animal medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Alumnus Daniel Wilson Receives Animal Sciences Distinguished Alumnus Award

A member of Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s DVM Class of 2012 is the newest recipient of the Purdue Department of Animal Sciences Distinguished Mid-Career Alumni Award. Dr. Daniel Wilson, of Needham, Indiana was presented with the award Friday, May 1 at the 2026 Outstanding Students and Distinguished Alumni Awards Program that recognized students and alumni for their achievements, leadership and contributions to the department and industry.

CPB Graduate Student Wins Runner-Up Prize in Purdue “Say it in 6” Competition

Graduate Research Assistant Shyamkumar T.S. in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology was recognized as the runner-up in a unique graduate student competition at Purdue this spring. The contest is called, “Say It In 6®” and requires graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to tell their research story with only one picture and just a six-word caption.

Veterinary Technology Distance Learning program launching a new, streamlined plan of study for fall 2026

Starting in fall 2026, Purdue’s Veterinary Technology Distance Learning program will launch a streamlined curriculum that reduces total credits to 64 and allows for completion in just eight semesters. This revamped plan enhances student support by offering new elective specializations and a dedicated national exam prep course, all while maintaining the program's high accreditation standards.

Breast Cancer Drug Supinoxin Shows Potential for Small-cell Lung Cancer Treatment in New Tests

Purdue University scientists led by co-principal investigators in the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine have identified the Supinoxin small-molecule drug as a possible new therapy for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

PVM White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Major Milestone for DVM Class of 2026

The Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms provided a classic setting for an annual event that has become a cherished tradition of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Members of the DVM Class of 2026 gathered with family, friends and faculty and staff on the evening of April 12 for the annual White Coat Ceremony that signals the transition of the third year veterinary students from the classroom to the clinics.

Tail-Wagging Success Characterizes PVM’s Participation in Purdue Day of Giving

As the day dawned Wednesday, April 30, evidence came pouring in that Boilermakers everywhere – whether alumni, friends and/or fans – were answering the call to make the 2025 Purdue Day of Giving our loudest and proudest “All hail!” yet. And Purdue Veterinary Medicine played a part in the success!

PVM’s Oncology Team Buoys Purdue Institute for Cancer Research 5K Fundraising Run

It is no surprise that the members of Purdue’s Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center (WCORC) in the College of Veterinary Medicine would not back down from a challenge, especially when it comes to supporting innovative cancer research. So, true to form, about two-dozen representatives of the center could be found out on the course Saturday, April 12, participating in the 17th annual 5K Challenge fundraising run to support the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.