Skip to main content

PVM Faculty Member Involved in New Purdue Partnership Focused on Big Data Approach to Cancer

A graduate student in a lab points to an x-ray film showing Dr. Ratliff
Dr. Timothy Ratliff, left, director of the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research and PVM distinguished professor of comparative pathobiology, works with a graduate student in the Hansen Life Sciences Lab on campus. (Purdue University photo)

The Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, led by Dr. Timothy Ratliff, Purdue Veterinary Medicine distinguished professor of comparative pathobiology, is partnering with the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research to improve the use of biostatistics, predictive modeling, and data science in cancer research.  Dr. Ratliff, who serves as Purdue’s Robert Wallace Miller Director of the Center for Cancer Research, said the partnership will include the appointment and exchange of scientific staff, sabbatical opportunities, student training, and postdoctoral fellowships.

“The Purdue University Center for Cancer Research is honored to enter into a partnership with the Frederick National Laboratory to enhance and accelerate educational and research activities in the field of computational biology and predictive modeling,” Dr. Ratliff said. “Working with the outstanding investigators at Frederick National Laboratory will benefit our students and faculty and will enable us to have a greater impact on the field.”

Purdue and Frederick National Laboratory also will conduct cooperative research in protein crystallization in microgravity.  Dr. Ethan Dmitrovsky, director of the Frederick National Laboratory and president of Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., said the agreement brings together two leaders in cancer research.  “The Purdue University Center for Cancer Research conducts world-class basic research that has led to significant advances in the field,” he said. “This mutually beneficial partnership will allow some of the best minds in cancer research to come together to accelerate research discoveries that will ultimately benefit patients.”  

The Purdue Center for Cancer Research conducts basic research on the cellular causes and potential treatment of cancers. The center is one of only seven National Cancer Institute-designate basic research cancer centers in the nation. 

Writer(s): Steve Tally (Purdue News Service) and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Taco ’bout our amazing people!

With the conclusion of the summer season rapidly approaching, faculty and staff at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine were treated to a taco luncheon on Friday, August 14 in appreciation of their excellence and dedication throughout the year. Though the event couldn't take place in the Lynn Hall Courtyard as originally planned, the rainy weather that day did not dampen the celebration of the college's incredible faculty and staff.

Reception honors visiting Japanese DVM and veterinary technology students

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s partnership with two veterinary schools in Japan was the basis for a celebratory reception at the end of last week, as the college honored visiting students from Kitasato University and Rakuno Gakuen University. The eight member delegation included four DVM students and a faculty member from Kitasato University and two veterinary nursing students and a faculty member from Rakuno Gakuen University.  The reception on Friday morning, August 14, served as an informal farewell and included a brief recognition program when each of the Japanese visitors received a commemorative certificate.

ADDL and CPB Department welcome new pathology residents and intern

A trio of veterinary graduates started their pathology residencies at Purdue Veterinary Medicine this summer while a fourth veterinarian began a pathology internship in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology.  This newest class of students pursuing post-DVM training in pathology includes Purdue veterinary alumni and graduates of universities abroad.

PVM Team Shares Collaborative Approach at National Advancement Conference

When alumni and donors choose to invest their time, talents, and resources in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, they typically are not focusing on departments or organizational charts—they're thinking about the college they love.  That simple idea was the foundation of a presentation delivered by Julia Wickard, executive director of the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Association and constituent liaison, and April Shepherd, PVM’s senior director of development, at the Association of Veterinary Advancement Professionals (AVAP) Annual Meeting, which was held July 8-10, just prior to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Annual Convention in Anaheim, California.

“Paws Up” for Lanora Lannan – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we are happy to highlight Lanora Lannan, who is the client liaison for Small Animal Primary Care.

“Paws Up” for Dr. Michelle Tucker – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are highlighting Dr. Michelle Tucker, who is an assistant professor of large animal surgery, for contributing to a rewarding learning environment here at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine and Purdue Football Share Bullish Outlook at Summer Event

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, recently attended the Purdue Football Coaches Celebration at McGraw’s Purdue Chop House in West Lafayette, where he connected with new Purdue Head Football Coach Barry Odom. The event, hosted by McGraw’s owner Todd McGraw, also featured an opportunity to meet “Odom,” the Purdue Beef Angus Bull that serves as the latest symbol of Boilermaker pride.

Recognition Ceremony Honors VCS Residents, Graduate Students, and Purdue Veterinary Hospital Interns

More than 100 faculty and staff of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) and the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital (PVH) gathered at Lafayette’s Thomas Duncan Hall on Thursday, June 26 for the 2025 Resident and Intern Recognition Ceremony. The historic venue was a wonderful place to host this annual event that honors and celebrates the accomplishments of the VCS and PVH residents, interns, and graduate students who are completing their programs this summer.