Turning a Reading Day into a Research Day

April 9, 2021

The spring semester on Purdue University’s campus has felt a little different this year with Protect Purdue efforts taking center stage. The modified academic calendar included the cancellation of spring break in order to minimize mass travel to and from campus, and in its place, the university added three reading days throughout the semester to provide a break from instruction with the last reading day taking place Tuesday, April 13. Purdue Veterinary Medicine students will take advantage of the day as the College of Veterinary Medicine celebrates the 59^th anniversary of the Omicron Chapter of Phi Zeta by hosting the 2021 PVM Research Day.

Taking place virtually this year, the research event continues a longstanding PVM tradition affiliated with the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Omicron Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta, which is the honor society of veterinary medicine in the U.S. The purpose of the Research Day is to showcase scientific discovery in the college that enhances the well-being of animals and people.

Paul Plummer smiles wearing a white lab coat in a lab — Dr. Paul Plummer will present the keynote lecture at the PVM Research Day on April 13.

The day will begin with introductory remarks from Dean Willie Reed followed by a keynote lecture presented by Dr. Paul Plummer, professor and Anderson Endowed Chair of Veterinary Sciences at Iowa State University and the executive director of the National Institute of Microbial Resistance Research and Education. Additionally, Dr. Plummer is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council for Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria (PAC-CARB), which is responsible for providing advice, information, and recommendations to the federal government regarding programs and policies intended to support and evaluate the implementation of U.S. government activities related to combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Dr. Plummer’s presentation will focus on “Lessons from the One Health Interface.”

Following Dr. Plummer’s lecture will be a series of 15-20 minute pre-recorded lectures on three separate tracks consisting of Animal Welfare, Microbial Tools, and Microbiomes. Each moderated track will include four sessions presented by PVM faculty, residents, interns, or graduate students and will close with a live discussion panel.

During the afternoon, Osborne Award Competition finalists will present on a variety of topics, beginning with Dr. Ana Aghili’s presentation, “The First Case Report of Pleural Sporotrichosis in a Cat in the United States.” Dr. Aghili is an Emergency and Critical Care resident in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

The second nominee for the Osborne Award Competition is Dr. Garrett Oetelaar, resident of Diagnostic Imaging in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Dr. Oetelaar’s presentation is entitled, “Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Bromethalin Toxicosis in a Cat.”

The third nominee for the Osborne Award Competition is Dr. Beatriz Belda-Lopez, Small Animal Surgery resident in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, who will give a presentation entitled, “Massive Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in the Absence of Clinical Signs in a Dog.”

Following the Osborne Award finalists, Associate Professor of Basic Medical Sciences Marxa Figueiredo will present as the recipient of the 2020 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence. Dr. Figueiredo’s presentation is entitled, “Osteo-Immune Therapeutics for Metastatic Prostate Tumors and Bone.”

The program also will feature acknowledgement of sponsors, including Zoetis, and an induction ceremony for new members of Phi Zeta. The Research Day will then conclude with award presentations and closing remarks. Congratulations to the following award winners:

2021 Phi Zeta Omicron Chapter Graduate Student Research Award

“Effects of Low-Dust Forages on Racehorses’ Dust Exposure, Airway Cytology, and Plasma Omega-3 Concentrations: A Randomized Clinical Trial”

Presented by: Dr. Carla Olave, resident of large animal medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

2021 PVM Graduate Student Research Award

“Enhanced Vaccine Efficacy Following Intradermal Immunization with a Novel Dinucleotide/Nanoparticle Combination Adjuvant”

Presented by: Juan Hernandez, graduate research assistant in CPB Immunology, Department of Comparative Pathobiology

Phi Zeta Manuscript Award – Clinical/Applied Research

“MicroRNA Biomarkers in Canine Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma”

Presented by: Dr. Nelly Elshafie, graduate student, Department of Comparative Pathobiology

Phi Zeta Manuscript Award – Basic Science

“Assessment of Physical Compatibility of Injectable Enrofloxacin with Commonly Used Intravenous Fluids and Drugs During Simulated Y-Port Administration”

Presented by: Dr. Ana Aghili, resident of emergency and critical care, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences

Writer(s): Jonathan Martz, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Fourth Purdue AMR Conference Promotes Collaboration to Address Global Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance through PVM’s One Health Initiative.

Purdue University served as the place where local, national and international experts came together in-person and online recently for concentrated sharing of research, expertise and insight targeting the threat of multi-drug-resistant infections. The fourth annual AMR Conference February 25-26, 2026, held in Stewart Center, attracted more than 100 attendees from across the U.S. and six other countries.

Presentation of Research Poster Prizes Wraps up Antimicrobial Resistance Conference

Purdue University’s fourth Antimicrobial Resistance Conference concluded February 26 with remarks from Purdue Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, PhD, who also announced the winners of the conference’s research poster session. The poster contest, which attracted more than 20 entries, was divided into categories for undergraduate and graduate students.

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

Today we are glad to highlight one of our own committee members. Charlene Evans, Toxicology Laboratory Supervisor in the Reed Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory, is a wonderful champion for mental health and wellbeing on the PVM Wellness Committee and within the ADDL community.

Purdue Professor of Large Animal Surgery Named Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Head

Dr. Timothy Lescun, a board-certified large animal surgeon, has been appointed head of the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences in the Purdue university College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Engages with Swine Health Leaders at AASV

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was well-represented at the 2026 American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Annual Meeting, which provided important continuing education and networking opportunities for swine practitioners. The conference in Las Vegas February 28 through March 3, 2026, also provided the opportunity for the college to engage with alumni and partners who are influencing the future of animal agriculture.

Boilers, Ballgowns, Boilermaker Pride and PVM!

With a fun twist on classic title, the 2026 Purdue Boilermaker Ball provided a meaningful evening of celebrating Purdue University’s distinguished heritage and traditions, and the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine was proud to be part of the event. Dubbed “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” the festive function February 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown proved to be one enchanted evening! PVM alumni and donors were among the guests for the creative black-tie event, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit and share the common commitment to veterinary medicine, animal health, and the mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Purdue Alumni Honored with IVMA Awards for Achievement, Volunteer Service and Contributions to Profession

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) recognized several Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards and honors at the association’s 2026 Crossroads Veterinary Conference. The annual meeting in Noblesville, Indiana, was held February 5-7 and featured scientific and practice management sessions for veterinary professionals as well as an exhibit hall. As part of the conference, the IVMA hosted its membership meeting February 5, when awards and honors were presented.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

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

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.