Lifelines Online

2025 Phi Zeta Research Day Awards and Scholarships

Both oral and poster presentations are received, and awards for these presentations are conferred during a reception and ceremony that evening. Additional research scholarships and graduate students awards are also presented, including the the prestigious Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence to an outstanding member of faculty.

'A career well lived' — the return of former CVM Dean Dr. Ronald Marler

Dr. Ronald Marler, DACVP, DVM class of 1973, served as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine from 1994 to 1997. He is recognized as an expert in nonclinical drug development, pharmaceutical pathology and toxicology. He gave the All-College Convocation in April as part of the Alumni Fellows program at K-State.

Radiation cancer treatment serves as 'A critical lifeline'
By KSU Foundation

The VHC's Dr. Chieko Azuma helps put a spotlight on K-State being one of the only places in the region that provides radiation cancer treatment for pets. The KSU Foundation is helping the college raise funding for new equipment that will make treatment sessions much quicker and easier for the patients.

Students to advance veterinary medicine with Zoetis/AAVMC scholarships

Eight students have been recognized with the 2025 Zoetis Foundation/AAVMC Veterinary Student Scholarship. Back row, from left: Maci Gerken, Ashley Kragelund, Alyssa Leslie and Destiny Parkhurst. Front row: Jenna King, Jessica Burger, Cheyenne Town and Astrid Carcamo-Tzic.

Kansas City TV station visits CVM to learn about VTPRK
By JuYeon Kim, KSHB-TV

Third-year veterinary student Caleb Hildebrand and Dr. Brad White share inspiration and impact of the VTPRK program on the shortage of rural veterinarians in Kansas. KSHB reporter JuYeon Kim visited the CVM in Manhattan to learn what makes this program successful and how it could be helpful in Missouri.

K-State veterinary team to provide vision exams for service and working animals

Registration is now open for a national event — the ophthalmology team from Kansas State University's Veterinary Health Center will provide free eye exams for eligible service and working animals during the month of May. To promote the event, Dr. Jessica Meekins spoke to Fox 43 on its AM Live TV broadcast.

K-State graduate students showcase impactful research at Capitol Graduate Research Summit

Dr. Conrad Schelkopf, doctoral student in pathobiology, presented "Electronic nose differentiates healthy cattle from cattle experimentally infected with bovine respiratory disease," at the 2025 Capitol Graduate Research Summit. He was one of 10 K-State students who presented, plus he received one of two Outstanding Presentation Awards.

Dr. Susan Nelson shares tips to prevent dog bites
By Rylee Coy

As millions of households enjoy the companionship of dogs, it's important to remember the most well-loved pets can bite under certain circumstances. In recognition of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, Dr. Susan Nelson, urges pet owners and families to learn how to prevent dog bites through education, awareness and responsible pet ownership.

Dr. Hans Coetzee contributes to pain-relief solutions for livestock
By Gabriel Johnson, KSNT

K-State's Dr. Hans Coetzee offers insight for a unique pain relief product for cattle with help from a local rancher. John Irvine, of the Irvine Ranch near Manhattan, never wants to see his animals hurt. Learn how these two individuals are collaborating on a research project targeted at improving livestock practices.

Congratulations to Dr. Meghan McCarthy who has earned board certification with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Large Animal!

Congratulations to Dr. Kate KuKanich who received notification and a certificate from Wiley Publications for being a “Top Cited Article in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine” among work published, for her article, “Prevalence of antibiotic use for dogs and cats in United States veterinary teaching hospitals.”

Clinical Sciences says thanks to Dr. Nicky Cassel, president of Phi Zeta Sigma Chapter, and the rest of the executive committee for another successful Phi Zeta Day on March 11. Congratulations to the residents, faculty and honorary staff that were inducted into membership for the Sigma Chapter. From Clinical Sciences: Drs. Aurelie Bruwier, Anri Celliers, Madeleine Dreith, Martin Hamon, Meghan McCarthy, Pierre Picavet, Suma Rao, Kimberly Reeds, Cristina Roberts, Trent Shrader, and Gretal Tovar as well as staff member Kris Richardson.

Drs. Raghavendra Amachawadi and T.G. Nagaraja received $96,138 in funding as a subcontract from Texas Tech University (USDA flow down) for the project, “Tackling liver abscesses in cattle by exploiting pathogenesis and developing nutritional strategies to decrease prevalence.”

Dr. Chris Blevins, along with the VHC equine team and 4th year students provided veterinary services at the 2025 EquiFest of Kansas held in Salina, KS March 21-23, 2025. The event is hosted by the Kansas Horse Council and provides competitions, demonstrations and display exhibits.

Thanks to all the generous donations made to the CVM during K-State's Day of Giving held April 9. You can read a story about how this event helped provide special support for and across the university.

Congrats to the recipients of this year's Staff Council Awards

Roots of Research recognition for Drs. Richt and White

A pair of trees have been planted in front of the Mosier Hall parking lot as part of an award that recognizes exceptional research and scholarly work that has inspired students, colleagues and the broader academic community. The trees symbolize the deep roots they have cultivated through their work and the legacy they leave for future generations. Drs. Brad White and Jürgen Richt were two of 20 recipients from across campus.

"This initiative is a meaningful way to celebrate the remarkable contributions of our researchers while also contributing to the beauty and sustainability of our campus," said Dr. Hans Coetzee, interim vice president for research. "These trees will stand as living tributes to the impactful work our awardees have done to advance knowledge and inspire others."

Dr. Jim Riviere publishes new book

"Zero – Much to Do About Nothing?" is a new thought-provoking book by Jim E. Riviere, DVM, Ph.D., a former CVM faculty member, that explores the complex and often confusing concept of “zero” across disciplines such as mathematics, pharmacology, food safety, and regulatory science. Drawing on more than four decades of experience in teaching, research and directing a USDA-supported chemical food safety program, Dr. Riviere uses real-world examples to illustrate how the definition of “zero” varies by context and why that matters for science, policy, and public health. Learn more about the book here.