| Faculty |
|
KSU Affiliation |
Research Interest |
|
Dr. Mike Apley
(mapley@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Food Animal |
Dr. Apley’s research
interests include food animal therapeutiClinical Sciences,
antimicrobial resistance, pharmacokinetiClinical Sciences, and
pharmacodynamiClinical Sciences. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Frank Blecha
(blecha@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Anatomy & Physiology |
Our laboratory studies the interrelationship
of immunology and physiology in animals. This includes evaluation of the regulatory mechanisms involved in innate
immunity and in stress- and pathogen-induced immune alterations. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Barry Bradford
(bbradfor@ksu.edu)
|
 |
Animal Science &
Industry |
Our research focuses primarily on
understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to fatty liver
and subsequent metabolic disorders in dairy cattle. A second
area of interest is the effect of gastrointestinal microbes on
host physiology.
|
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Susan Brown
(sjbrown@ksu.edu) |
 |
Biology |
We study the genetic
regulation of early patterning in embryos. We are using the red
flour beetle as a model in which to understand how the processes
of
cell proliferation and segmentation are integrated as the embryo
grows Techniques such as RNAi are used to study the function of
candidate genes
(known for their function in other organisms).
|
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Mary
Cain
(mecain@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Psychology |
Dr. Cain’s laboratory examines the
neurobiological basis of drug abuse using a rodent model. The
first research area is examining the neural structures that
contribute to elevated drug use in rats. The second
area of research is examining the effects of environmental
enrichment on drug taking behavior. Both research areas attempt
to determine the neuronal structures that contribute to drug
taking behavior in order to develop methods to decrease drug use
using both behavioral and neurobiological techniques. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Bart Carter
(bcarter@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
CVM – ARF |
Director – Animal
Resource Facility |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Shafiq
Chowdhury
(chowdh@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Diagnostic
Medicine/ Pathobiology |
Work in Dr. Chowdhury’s laboratory is focused
in the area of molecular virology and recombinant vaccine
technology of bovine herpesviruses (BHV). Bovine herpesvirus
types 1 (BHV 1) and 5 (BHV- 5) are significant viral pathogens
of cattle. BHV-1 (also known as infectious rhinotracheitis virus
or IBR) causes upper respiratory disease and abortions in cattle
and BHV 5 (also know as encephalitic bovine herpesvirus) causes
neurological disease in calves. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Rollie
Clem
(rclem@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Biology |
The Clem laboratory has been studying the
role of apoptosis in defense against baculovirus infection in
lepidopteran insects. Currently, the laboratory is exploring the
question of whether apoptosis can serve as a defense against
arbovirus invasion in the mosquito midgut. To that end, midguts
and other tissues from arbovirus-infected mosquitoes are
examined for apoptosis, including a collection of Aedes aegypti
strains that vary in their ability to vector dengue virus. In
addition, the hypothesis that apoptosis can limit virus
replication and spread is tested directly by manipulating
apoptotic pathways in the mosquito and examining the effects on
the ability of arboviruses to successfully cause disseminated
infections. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008 |
Dr. Hans Coetzee
(jcoetzee@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Clinical Sciences |
Research involves the
study of chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of
hemoparasitic diseases such as Anaplasma marginal. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Beth Davis
(Edavis@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Clinical Sciences and Anatomy &
Physiology |
The primary focus of my research has involved
mechanisms of innate immunity in horses. The current series of
investigations involves examining the mechanism of immune
activation with specific DNA sequences called CpG DNA. We are
examining how bacterial DNA induces these responses and which
sequences are the most effective at inducing immune activation.
The ultimate goal of such investigations will be to use CpG DNA
in combination with vaccine antigens so that we can safely and
effectively make vaccines more powerful. Investigations will
utilize cellular proliferation, cytokine gene expression and
molecular cloning and sequencing assays. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Sherry Fleming
(sdflemin@ksu.edu) |
 |
Biology |
My research is focused on
the mechanisms of local and remote organ tissue damage in
response to ischemia and reperfusion events. I use a mouse model
of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion to test the central
hypothesis that certain autoantibodies recognize antigens
expressed on stressed or injured tissues, activate complement
and damage tissues. My lab examines both the inflammatory
component (complement activation, Toll like receptors and PMN
infiltration) and the involvement of autoantibodies. An
additional component of my research is to investigate the role
of these injury-inducing antibodies in autoimmune diseases. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Peying
Fong
(pfong@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Anatomy &
Physiology |
The Fong laboratory studies the regulation of
sodium absorption by epithelial cells in health and disease,
with a focus on interactions between the epithelial sodium
channel (ENaC) and the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance
Regulator (CFTR). Thyroid epithelium is employed as a model
system to test the hypothesis that CFTR regulates the expression
of ENaC by influencing endocytosis. Porcine thyroid epithelial
cultures represent a robust epithelial preparation capable of
bi-directional cation transport. The experimental approach
incorporates measurement of short-circuit current in the
presence and absence of specific pharmacological interventions,
as well as microscopic assays of endocytic uptake, cell surface
biotinylation, and immunolocalization studies. The results of
these investigations should increase knowledge about the
pathogenesis of diseases as diverse as Pendred syndrome, cystic
fibrosis and polycystic kidney disease. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Roman
Ganta
(rganta@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Diagnostic Medicine/ Pathobiology |
Research in Dr. Ganta’s laboratory is focused
on the characterization of vector-borne pathogens of the genus
Ehrlichia that impact the health of animals and humans. |
Unable to mentor summer
student in 2008
|
Dr.
Ronette Gehring
(rgehring@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Clinical Sciences |
My research interests include antimicrobial
resistance, pharmacological interventions for the treatment and
prevention of economically important diseases in food-producing
animals and drug residues. I place a strong emphasis on
mathematical modeling as a tool for hypothesis generation and
data analysis. |
|
Dr. Lynn Hancock
(lynnh@ksu.edu) |
 |
Biology |
Capsular polysaccharides
of enterococcus faecalis and biofilm formation: enterococcus
faecalis is a commensal bacterium of the mammalian digestive
tract, but in compromised patient populations can cause a
variety of diseases including endocarditis, bacteremia, urinary
tract infection and wound infection. The focus of my research is
to determine the role of enterococcal capsular polysaccharides
in the infectious process, and to investigate how the capsule
contributes to the process of biofilm formation. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Mike Herman
(mherman@ksu.edu) |
 |
Biology |
In the Herman lab we want to understand how
cell polarity is controlled during metazoan development.
Orientation to the body axis of an animal gives each cell a
polarity. We are studying cell polarity in the free-living soil
nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Helmut
Hirt
(hhirt@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Biology |
Enterococci are a major cause for nosocomial
infections. I am interested in the biology of the major surface
molecule lipoteichoic acid (LTA) in respect of functions and the
genes and proteins involved in its synthesis. A further area of
interest is the ecology of enterococci and their associated
antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Mike
Kenney
(kenny@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Anatomy &
Physiology |
Dr. Kenney’s research is focused on
determining how pathophysiological states (including immune
stress and heart failure) and aging alter sympathetic nerve
regulation. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Butch
KuKanich
(skukanic@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Anatomy &
Physiology |
The focus of the Analytical Pharmacology
Laboratory is the evaluation and design of rational drug dosages
through the use of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and
pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies. The analytical
methodology currently available includes: HPLC, LC/MS, and
flourescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). The evaluation of
analgesic and analgesic adjuncts in companion animals is an area
of current research for the laboratory. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Meena
Kumari
(mkumari@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Anatomy &
Physiology |
My research is directed at elucidating the
molecular mechanisms that underlie alcohol-mediated alterations
in gene expression in the brain. We are particularly interested
in delineating the molecular mechanism(s) by which chronic
ethanol upregulates NMDA receptor number in an in vitro model
system of fetal cortical neurons. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Jim Lillich
(lillich@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Clinical Sciences
|
Dr. Lillich’s laboratory is interested in
intestinal epithelial migration related to mechanisms of ulcer
formation and healing. We study the effects of non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medications are a variety of cell signaling
pathways using cell lines and native tissues. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Daniel
Marcus
(marcus@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Anatomy &
Physiology |
We are studying the cellular mechanisms used
by inner ear epithelia to create and maintain the unusual ionic
composition of “endolymph” in the luminal compartment. Normal
endolymph composition is essential for healthy hearing and
balance. This laboratory uses electrophysiologic, pharmacologic
and molecular biologic approaches in our investigations. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Tonatiuh Melgarejo
(tmelgare@ksu.edu) |
 |
Human Nutrition |
The research in my
laboratory deals mainly with the study of the innate immune
system, particularly the mechanisms that regulate the synthesis
and production of Host defense Peptides (HDPs) that protect the
host from microbial infections. The main goal of my laboratory
is three fold: 1) The development of natural antimicrobials from
animal origin, 2) The discovery of novel immuno-modulator
molecules that could induce HDPs production and 3) To develop
suitable animal models to study HDPs in
health and disease. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Tim
Musch
(musch@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Anatomy &
Physiology |
Dr. Musch’s laboratory studies congestive
heart failure (CHF) which affects approximately 500,000
individual per year. The hallmark of this disease is the
inability of the afflicted individuals to perform exercise. The
factors that contribute to excerise intolerance are poorly
understood. Various types of experiments, ranging from treadmill
running studies to examination of the responses of isolated
single blood vessels to various drugs, are used to deduce how
CHF affects blood vessel and skeletal muscle function. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. T.G. Nagaraja
(tnagaraj@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Diagnostic Medicine
/ Pathobiology |
I am part of the team to study the ecology of
E. coli 0157:H7 in cattle, and I am particularly interested in
understanding the factors influencing the persistence of E. coli
0157:H7 in the gut and subsequent shedding in the feces. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008 |
Dr. Sanjeev Narayanan
(sanjeev@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Diagnostic Medicine / Pathobiology |
Antimicrobial resistance
is of growing global concern in human and veterinary medicine.
Our research focus is to identify causes for development of
antimicrobial resistance in bacteria that have never been
exposed to antibiotic. We use realtime PCR and microarray
technologies to identify factors that cause amplification and
spread of antimicrobial resistance genes in mixed bacterial
populations.
Using molecular techniques listed above, a VRSP student in
summer 2007 (Ms. Jami Conley) was instrumental in developing a
rapid molecular assay to serotype animal isolates of Salmonella.
Other members of our lab are also studying the molecular
structure and expression of leukotoxin in Fusobacterium
necrophorum and shigatoxins in E. coli O157:H7.
|
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Annelise Nguyen
(tnguyen@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Diagnostic Medicine
/ Pathobiology |
Dr. Nguyen’s research interest is in the area
of cell communication in cancer cells. Cancer cells exhibit many
defects in cell-cell communications that contribute to the loss
of cell stability (excess cell growth). One type of cell-cell
communications is through gap junctions. Our research is
focusing on the role of protein kinase C in the regulation of
gap junction activity in colon cancer cells. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Yoonseong Park
(ypark@ksu.edu) |
 |
Entomology |
Insects that cope with
extreme environmental conditions can serve as models to study
the mechanisms of homeostasis. Knowledge on the homeostatic
mechanisms in insects also serves for developing the strategies
controlling pest insects, such as targeting the osmoregulatory
function. We study neural and endocrine regulation of insect
diuresis in genetic model organisms fruitfly Drosophila
melanogaster and red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, and in
African malaria mosquito. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. David
Poole
(poole@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Anatomy &
Physiology |
Dr. Poole’s laboratory currently is examining
the relationships between skeletal muscle structure and oxygen
delivery at the microcirculatory level. This approach is
anticipated to provide unique insights into the functional
abnormalities which are associated with major disease conditions
such as emphysema, diabetes and chronic heart failure. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Raymond Rowland
(browland@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Diagnostic Medicine / Pathobiology |
The overall goal of my research is to address
fundamental problems in infectious diseases caused by persistent
RNA viruses. The current focus is on molecular mechanisms of
viral persistance and virulence caused by porcine reproductive
and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), considered the
number-one infectious disease problem in swine. In addition to
its economic impact, PRRSV respresents a relevant biological
system for understanding mechanisms of viral pathogenesis,
including immune evasion strategies utilized by cytopathic RNA
viruses. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Tom
Schermerhorn
(tscherme@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Clinical
Sciences – Small Animal |
The Schermerhorn lab has several ongoing
projects related to the study of diabetes mellitus. These
projects include studies on insulin exocytosis, feline hepatic
glucose metabolism, and canine beta cell function. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Bruce Schultz
(bschultz@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Anatomy & Physiology |
Projects in the laboratory
focus on the regulation of salt transport across epithelial
tissues. Diseases of interest include cystic fibrosis (with
special focus on male infertility), mastitis, and secretory
diarrhea. Thus, tissues that are studied include the male
reproductive tract, the mammary gland, and the intestine. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Masaaki Tamura
(mtamura@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Anatomy & Physiology |
Dr. Tamura’s research has focused on
clarification of the involvement of angiotensin II and its
signaling in chemical carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis in the
colon and lung. Currently, the following studies are in
progress: a) determination of whether pharmacological and/or
genetic intervention (blockage of angiotensin II receptor
function) attenuate chemical carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis in
the lung and colon; b) investigation of whether a positive or
negative correlation exists between angiotensin II receptor gene
polymorphisms and human lung cancer in lung cancer patients and
corresponding normal control subjects. In addition,
determination of the therapeutic potential of genetically
engineered umbilical cord matrix-derived stem cells in lung
cancer is an ongoing collaborative research project with the KSU
stem cell research group. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Dan Thomson
(dthomson@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Clinical Sciences |
We will be conducting
research on cattle. The research will be food safety studies
that will include direct challenge models and natural infection
studies. We will also be working with Bovine Respiratory Disease
Complex. Lastly, we are developing a web based Spanish/English
training site for feedyard workers. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. John Tomich
(jtomich@ksu.edu) |
 |
Biochemistry |
Three projects are being studied by the
members of the Tomich Lab. 1) Design, synthesis and testing of
anion selective channel forming peptides to determine the
mechanism by which channels can show ion selective and still
have extremely high transport rates. The object of this research
is to develop a sequence that could be used to provide a new
chloride conductive pathway in cystic fibrosis patients. 2)
Characterization of a peptide that causes a transient yet
repeatable disruption of tight junctions in barrier membranes.
The goal of this project is to test this peptide’s ability to
open barrier membranes and facilitate drug delivery. 3) Design
and synthesis of peptides with unusually high adhesive strength.
The goal of this project is to design a biodegradable protein
sequence that could be introduced and ultimately harvested from
crop plants for use in the plywood industry. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Deon van der Merwe
(dmerwe@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Diagnostic Medicine
/ Pathobiology |
Research themes include
exposure and risk assessment associated with toxic hazards using
in vitro systems, physiologically based pharmacokinetic models
and geographical information systems. If you are interested in
toxicology, this is the place to be. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Tonia Von Ohlen
(tonia@ksu.edu) |
 |
Biology |
The work in my lab focuses on the earliest
steps of nervous system development. We are interested in
regulation of gene expression at the step at which cells chose
to become nervous system vs. ventral epidermis. We are using
Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study this process.
|
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008 |
Dr.
Philine Wangemann
(wange@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Anatomy &
Physiology |
More than 28 million people in the United
States are deaf or hard of hearing and about two million are
impaired by dizziness or have difficulties with balance.
Research in Dr. Wangemann’s laboratory centers around fluid
regulation and blood flow control in the inner ear. A detailed
understanding of the inner ear is a necessary prerequisite to
finding cures for auditory and vestibular disorders in humans
and animals. |
Unable to mentor summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Mark Weiss
(weiss@vet.k-state.edu) |
 |
Anatomy & Physiology |
More than 28 million
people in the United States are deaf or hard of hearing and
about two million are impaired by dizziness or have difficulties
with balance. Research in Dr. Wangemann’s laboratory centers
around fluid regulation and blood flow control in the inner ear.
A detailed understanding of the inner ear is a necessary
prerequisite to finding cures for auditory and vestibular
disorders in humans and animals. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008 |
Dr.
Melinda Wilkerson
(wilkersn@vet.ksu.edu)
|
 |
Diagnostic
Medicine/ Pathobiology |
The Wilkerson laboratory is interested in the
development and implementation of immunological assays to
measure memory or recall responses in multiple species to
vaccine antigens. They focus on non-radioactive assays to
measure proliferation of memory lymphocytes to specific
antigens. The laboratory is currently involved in a multi-center
project (funded by American Veterinary Medical Foundation) to
investigate adverse reactions and detection of abnormal immune
responses to canine vaccines in dogs. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Sam Wisely
(wisely@ksu.edu) |
 |
Biology |
Dr. Wisely’s research focuses on wildlife
disease ecology and conservation biology. Current projects
include the epizootiology of rabies in striped skunks, the
spread of antibiotic resistant microbes by small mammals, and
predictive modeling of chronic wasting disease in white-tailed
deer. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|
Dr. Carol Wyatt
(cwyatt@vet.ksu.edu) |
 |
Diagnostic Medicine
/ Pathobiology |
Dr. Wyatt’s major research
interest is in immune responses to microorganisms and their
products. The focus is currently on mucosal immunity to
gastrointestinal pathogens, especially in neonatal animals. We
are also interested in evaluating this assay for use in
assessment of the incidence of C. parvum infection in cattle
operations. Additional studies are directed toward determining
whether apoptosis of infected epithelial cells plays an
important role in disease progression, and whether IL-10 can
affect C. parvum infection in vitro. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008
|
Dr. Kun Yan Zhu
(kzhu@ksu.edu) |
 |
Entomology |
My research interests include pesticide
toxicogenomiClinical Sciences, mechanisms of insecticide action,
and biochemical and molecular basis of insecticide resistance in
arthropods. |
Unable to mentor summer student in 2008 |
Dr. Ludek Zurek
(lzurek@ksu.edu) |
 |
Entomology |
Dr. Zurek's research
program is focused on: 1) Ecology of food-borne and zoonotic
pathogens; 2) Ecology of antibiotic resistant strains and
resistance genes; 3) Microbial diversity and significance of the
gastro-intestinal tract on mammals and insects. We are working
mainly with Escherichia coli O157:H7, enterococci, and
staphylococci using a polyphasic
and metagenomic approach. |
Interested in mentoring summer
student in 2008
|