Lifelines
The official newsletter of the College of Veterinary Medicine
May 2011 - Vol. 6, No. 5
Top StoriesA Distinguished
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Leader 
Under the Microscope
A Distinguished Leader
K-State names Dr. M.M. Chengappa as its 2011 Outstanding Department Head
“I am honored and humbled by this recognition,” Dr. Chengappa said. “I am very thankful to Dr. Ralph Richardson, Dean of the College, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great College at K-State. It is truly a privilege to be associated with a fine group of highly productive faculty, staff and graduate students in this Department. I have an outstanding group of people to work with in the college. This experience that I have gained during the course of my tenure as Head has made me a better person. You achieve that only if you are sincere and genuinely concerned for the growth and well-being of the people you serve in the Department and the College.” The dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Ralph Richardson, said, “I consider Dr. Chengappa to be an outstanding role model for the head of an academic unit. He has done an amazing job of bringing a diverse group of faculty together in a highly functional manner. He has created an environment that lifts the aspirations and morale of all those associated with the department. Tangible evidence of his success can be measured by the department’s growth in research funding and competitive grants. He is doing the sort of thing that will allow us to reach and even surpass our Vision 2025.” |
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“I have known Dr. Chengappa ever since his appointment at K-State,” said Dr. Frank Blecha, associate dean for Research and head of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology. “We have worked together alongside cattle chutes, at the laboratory, on many university committees, and on the college administrative council. It is important to realize that during the many years he has served as department head, he has continued to be active in research, receiving several patents, and he is a major contributor to our DVM curriculum.” K-State veterinary alumnus and adjunct professor Dr. Steve Henry said, “Dr. Chengappa is one of the most consistent, persistent, yet quiet and deliberative administrators I have known. His consistent philosophy empowers people to become involved in new problems that often stretch and grow beyond their core discipline.” “Dr. Chengappa inspires me as a young faculty member with his focus on collegiality in academic excellence and his unerring commitment to positive problem solving,” said. Dr. Lisa Pohlman, assistant professor and director of clinical pathology. “While meeting departmental challenges with intelligence, equanimity and integrity, he fosters genuine bonhomie. “ “I have been in academics for almost 20 years and have had the pleasure of working under several department heads and chairs,” Dr. Bob Rowland said. “While at K-State, I have participated in the building of a nationally renowned infectious disease program in the department, which is a tribute to Dr. Chengappa’s leadership. He is the most supportive department head I have known. I also see him as a humanitarian – making sure that no one, regardless of status or opinion, is excluded or unappreciated.” As one of seven university distinguished professors in the veterinary college, Dr. Chengappa specialized in microbiology. His research interests include studying and understanding the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and developing strategies to protect animals from these diseases. He also coordinates and teaches a course in veterinary microbiology for sophomore veterinary students. Before joining K-State's faculty in 1988, Dr. Chengappa has received numerous awards including the prestigious Beecham Award for Research Excellence from K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990; the Distinguished Veterinary Postdoctoral Award from Michigan State University in 2004; and the Karuna Award for Outstanding Contributions to National and Global Progress from India in 2007. He holds memberships in a variety of professional organizations including the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Disease and the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association. He is co-author of two textbooks. He is author or co-author of more than 130 publications and book chapters and more than 127 abstracts and presentations. He is co-holder of five patents.
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Kind Hearts, Caring Hands Day celebrates White Coats
“Kind Hearts, Caring Hands day is a day that we conceived of 11 years ago to celebrate teaching and learning,” Dean Ralph Richardson said. “It’s a day where we can just really focus on the students, on the learning environment and the families that help make that happen.” Learn about all the activities of Kind Hearts, Caring Hands day including the White Coat Ceremony in the video below:
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Video produced by Joseph Chapes and Kent Nelson, technology coordinators from |
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Lucky 13 receive Pfizer Animal Health Scholarships
Thirteen K-State students are the lucky ones. Pfizer Animal Health selected its second class of Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholars. The selection included 300 second- and third-year students representing 28 U.S. and three Caribbean schools of veterinary medicine. The students will cumulatively receive $750,000 in scholarships. The scholarship is awarded to veterinary students who are making outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession and to the well-being and medical care of animals. This year’s recipients represented more than 30 percent diversity students. About a third of the recipients are studying to become mixed animal practitioners and approximately 35 percent are studying small animal veterinary medicine. |
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Seniors receive awards at annual honors banquet
Every year during the Kind Hearts, Caring Hands celebration, the senior honor’s banquet is held to wrap up the day’s events. During this banquet, over $100,000 is awarded to the senior veterinary students. More than 50 awards are presented during the event.
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Governor visits the CVM campus in April
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback visited the CVM on April 19. One of his goals is to have the CVM be recognized as a “Top 5” college of veterinary medicine. Gov. Brownback visited several classrooms, labs and offices throughout the day. (Photos by Joe Nisil, CVM webmaster)
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150 Years of Kansas Beef
Don’t forget to order your '150 Year of Kansas Beef' commemorative book!
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Human-Animal Bond Fair highlights K-State Open House
The first Human-Animal Bond Fair was held on April 16 during the annual campuswide open house. Five speakers were featured during the event including: The event was to celebrate the human animal bond. The speakers shared their own personal stories and experiences with the powerful bond. In between speakers, visitors would look at the many information booths set up in the Mara Conference Center.
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1912 Alumnus enters Western Heritage Hall of Fame
A departed CVM alumnus received very special recognition this April in Oklahoma City at the Western Heritage Awards. Dr. O.M. Franklin, class of 1912 was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Induction into the Hall of Great Westerners honors an individual who promotes America’s rich Western heritage through leadership and patronage of art, business, industry, environmental, education, humanitarian, government or philanthropic organizations. Dr. Franklin (1886-1973), Pampa, Texas, developed the first successful vaccine for blackleg in Wichita in 1916. Blackleg had become a deadly cattle disease, killing up to 20 percent of the hybrid calf crops throughout the American West in the early 1900s. At the time Dr. Franklin graduated with his DVM, blackleg had become such a problem in Kansas, the veterinary department of Kansas State Agricultural College actively began to try to improve the spore vaccine that both they and the USDA had been providing free for many years – in the case of the USDA, since 1897. Following graduation, Dr. Franklin took a job at the college as an assistant in veterinary medicine. He had an office in the basement of the agriculture building, now Leasure Hall. He was put to work on blackleg experiments at a salary of $75 a month. In November 1901, Drs. Paul Fischer and A.T. Kinsley prepared a progress report on blackleg in Kansas, Bulletin No. 105. The report details some of the home remedies and cures, including cutting off the tips of the tails of the affected animals, running them almost to death. In the following years, Dr. Franklin, along with three other veterinarians and several cattlemen, formed the Kansas Blackleg Serum Company and moved the operation to Amarillo, Texas. By 1923 the refined and patented vaccine was proven effective and marketed to much success. In 1927 the O.M. Franklin Blackleg Serum Company was formed and Dr. Franklin served as president until his retirement in 1950. By 1972, the Franklin Serum Company had become the largest cattle vaccine and supply company in the world. |
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DM/P's Dr. Nguyen wins K-State mentoring award
Sometimes the importance of mentoring might be overlooked, but not at K-State nor in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The university stresses the importance of this function by recognizing outstanding mentors with a formal award. Dr. Annelise Nguyen, assistant professor of toxicology, was chosen to receive this year’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring. “I feel so blessed and humbled to be nominated by my undergraduate students and then recognized by the award committee,” Dr. Nguyen said. “I was completely shocked to learn that I was the recipient of this award.” The students who nominated Dr. Nguyen emphasized her passion and her energy as part of the reason they were compelled to nominate her for this award. “Dr. Nguyen personally trains every student who works in her lab,” said Brian Heiniger, as 2010 K-State graduate. “I have met many undergraduate students, both at this university and many others, whose undergraduate research experience consists of menial tasks, such as washing lab equipment. This is certainly not the case in Dr. Nguyen’s lab, where all undergraduates work on meaningful research projects.” Kristina Bigelow, junior in gerontology, added, “Dr. Nguyen ensures that as scientists, we understand what we are doing at each step of a project and that we are capable of explaining it to one another. All the undergraduates who have been through Department Head Dr. M.M. Chengappa said, “Dr. Nguyen is an excellent role model to the students in to these undergraduate students, but also to the student in both the professional and graduate curricula. We are very proud of her accomplishments as a faculty member of this college.” Provost April Mason presented the award April 17. Congratulations Dr. Annelise Nguyen! |
Dr. Dryden named University Distinguished Professor
Dr. Dryden was one of five universitywide faculty chosen this year. The other four are Brett Esry, professor of physics; John Hatcliff, professor of computing and information sciences; John Leslie, professor and head of the department of plant pathology; and Xiuzhi "Susan" Sun, professor of grain science and industry. "These faculty members are fulfilling the mission of the university distinguished professors group by working to advance academic excellence in all disciplines," said April Mason, K-State provost and senior vice president. "By promoting teaching, research and creative endeavors and service, these professors illustrate the caliber of K-State faculty and their commitment to education." University distinguished professors are appointed following a universitywide competition conducted by the provost. "Our newest university distinguished professors are a talented group of educators and researchers who have made significant contributions to their fields," said Kirk Schulz, K-State president. "With their continued efforts and resulting success, we are moving forward to become a top 50 public research university by 2025." Each of this year's university distinguished professors has received national and international recognition for work within their field. Dr. Dryden is considered one of the world's foremost experts on fleas and ticks and he has researched nearly every major flea and tick product. In addition to his device, the "Flea Trap" -- an intermittent light trap for cat fleas -- being granted a patent, Dr. Dryden has published more than 100 journal articles about his work and he has presented nearly 100 scientific papers. His lectures have taken him to 22 different countries, and his work has been supported with more than $5 million in grants and gifts from Bayer Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health, Merial Animal Health, Novartis Animal Health and others. Dr. Dryden has received many honors, including the 2010 Veterinarian of the Year Award, which was presented at the Purina Pro Plan 56th annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards; the Teaching Excellence Award from second-year veterinary students at K-State in 2006; the K-State Distinguished Service Award in 2005; and the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence in 1995. A founding member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council, Dr. Dryden is also a member of the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Society of Veterinary Parasitologists, among others. Dr. Dryden joined K-State in 1990. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology and his doctor of veterinary medicine from K-State. He received his master's degree and doctoral degree in veterinary parasitology from Purdue University. The other University Distinguished Professors in the CVM are: Dr. M.M.Chengappa, Dr. Frank Blecha, Dr. Dan Marcus, Dr. T.G. Nagaraja, Dr. Jürgen Richt (Regents Distinguished Professor) and Dr. Philine Wangemann. |
The College of Veterinary Medicine has just added a new name to its ranks of University Distinguished Faculty members: Dr. Michael Dryden. This is a a lifetime title that is the highest honor the university can bestow its
faculty.
Hometown: Saint-Louis, Senegal. Saint-Louis used to be the capital of Senegal and also the capital of French colonies in West Africa until the independence of Senegal in 1960. Part of Saint-Louis is an island, surrounded by two branches of the Senegal River with the Atlantic Ocean in the West. Saint-Louis is located in the Northwestern part of Senegal just a few miles away from the border with Mauritania.Check it Out at the Library
Meet Library Assistant Scott Jackson
by Carol Elmore
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If you have come to the Veterinary Medical Library (VML) within the last month, you may have seen a new face at our information desk. Our newest staff member, Scott Jackson frequently fills in at the desk when Jeff Gauss or one of our student workers is helping a library user or is working on other tasks. Scott is rapidly learning all the many functions that occur at the information desk such as reference requests, copy questions, circulation functions, or other related information needs. His official title is Library Assistant III, and he performs many behind the scenes library functions such as bibliographic maintenance to keep our collections up-to-date and accurate, as well as the visible information desk work. He will also work with book gifts donated to the VML, and he sends out the weekly “Library Update” that lists all of our new acquisitions of books and journals. He has assisted with the Human-Animal Bond Fair sponsored by the VML at Open House and the Bagel Bonanza, the breakfast event held during Kind Hearts, Caring Hands Day. |
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Scott grew up near St. Louis and most recently comes to Manhattan from Stillwater, Okla., where he worked in Special Collections and Archives at the Edmon Low Library at Oklahoma State University. Scott started working there as a student. When he completed his degree in history from Oklahoma State, he was offered a full-time job working with the archives collections. Prior to his library job, one of his more interesting jobs was working at Mammoth Hotel in Yellowstone National Park for two summers and falls. He also had an unusual job working in a church nursery taking care of Coach Bob Stoops’ twins when Coach Stoops’ Sooners football team were national champions. Scott was able to fend off fans who tried to get to the coach when he took his twins to the nursery. Scott loves to read topical history books, especially those that are heavily footnoted. He says he finds learning all the intricacies of the VML to be challenging but is rapidly expanding his knowledge. He’s already learned that the ways that humans and animals relate to each other is much more complex than he ever imagined and hopes to get a dog someday. Please visit the Veterinary Medical Library Web site: www.vet.k-state.edu/depts/library/ for help on this and other subjects.
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News Ticker
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Also, as part of the recognition, Kealan was invited to throw out the first pitch at a K-State baseball game. She is the one in the middle below:
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Dr. William Fortney presented seven hours on small animal geriatric lectures at the Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Association’s April meeting. The Public Health Club's outreach coordinator, Karin Moser, a second-year veterinary student and MPH student, coordinated with the Riley County Police Department to host in conjunction with the club, child car seat and booster seat checks during the KSU Open House. The club also hosted a booth that discussed safety ideas for traveling with your pet. Riley County Law Enforcement helped the club advertise the event in advance of Open House. Raghavendra (Raghu) Amachawadi was selected to receive a Konza and Manhattan Rotary Club Scholarship in the amount of $500. This award is given to outstanding international students engaged in graduate study at Kansas State University and is based upon criteria of academic accomplishment, financial need, and the benefit of his graduate training to his country. Raghu Amachawadi is a Ph.D. student in the pathobiology program under Dr. Morgan Scott’s supervision. Congratulations Raghu! Good luck to Patrice Scott, CVM development officer and marketing coordinator for the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Patrice has accepted a new position as a communications director for the K-State College of Education. She started her new position on May 9. |
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Time to cut the ribbon at K-State Olathe
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| Dr. David Anderson shared some family news:
On April 19, John Anderson took 2nd place in the Pinewood Derby for the Bear Den of Pack 284 of the Boy Scouts of America!
Right: John and Jacob Anderson race to the top of “Mount Wamego” during the annual Tulip Festival. |
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Dr. Chris Blevins shared some photos from the faculty vs. senior students softball game. The final score was faculty: 13, seniors: 26. Dr. Blevins said, "The faculty believe points should have been spotted for them based on age difference ..."
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Kealan Schroeder, agricultural technician - small animal,
was one of three classified staff members who received the 2011 Classified Award of Excellence for outstanding achievement and performance, ability to inspire excellence in others, and initiative and creativity.
The three chosen individuals showcase the daily activities of K-State’s classified staff who regularly provide critical service in support of the mission of Kansas State University: teaching, research and service. Kealan was selected because she has shown a great deal of initiative in redefining the efficiency of work
carried out in her area of the hospital. CVM faculty, staff and students all
recognize her talent and commitment to helping them accomplish their own goals
at K-State, whether it be great patient care or a great educational experience. Congratulations, Kealan!! 
Calendar of events
May 13: Commencement, McCain Auditorium, 3:30 p.m.
Continuing Education events
June 5-8: 73rd Annual Conference for Veterinarians
* More information about Veterinary Medical Continuing Education events can be found at the VMCE Web site.
Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology Seminar Series
May 12: Dr. Charlotte Vines, Department of Microbiology, Mol. Genetics & Immunology, KU Medical Center
New Arrivals/Recent Departures
Welcome to:
Dr. Benjamin Chapman, Adjunct Faculty - DM/P
Dr. Rachel White, Post Doctoral Fellow - DM/P
Dr. Ying Chen, Post Doctoral Fellow - DM/P
Dr. Adam Stephenson, Temporary Post Doctoral Fellow- KSVDL
Thanks and Goodbye to:
Dr. Gwi Moon Seo, Senior Scientist - A&P
John Green, Research Assistant- A&P
Lifelines is published each month by the Development and Alumni Affairs Office at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The editors are Joe Montgomery, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu, and Dana Avery, dlaavery@vet.k-state.edu.