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April 2018 - Vol. 13, No. 4

Top Stories

Dr. Weiping Zhang honored for research excellence

Dr. Weiping ZhangThe CVM presented its highest research award during Phi Zeta Research Day in March: The 2018 Zoetis Animal Health Award for Research Excellence. Dr. Weiping Zhang was chosen as this year’s recipient. He is a professor in DMP.

Dr. Zhang’s research mainly focuses on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) pathogenesis in diarrheal disease and vaccine development against ETEC associated diarrhea.

Dr. Katie Reif gains $50K gift for tick-related disease research

Dr. Katie Reif

A small pest has inspired a very generous gift for Dr. Kathryn Reif, who studies ticks and tick-borne diseases in the CVM.

Joe Bisogno, who owns Timber Hills Lake Ranch near De Soto, Kansas, gave Dr. Reif a $50,000 gift to support the work in her laboratory.

Video Feature

Making progress on the CVM's Strategic Plan

In January 2017, the College of Veterinary Medicine unveiled a new Strategic Plan to guide the college’s mission, vision and priorities from 2017 to 2019. The college has worked collaboratively and cooperatively among all its units to advance each of seven identified priority areas. As of April 2018, several our faculty members share some key points of progress made on each of these priority areas.


Video produced by Kent Nelson, technology coordinator from Computing and Technical Support (CATS). See more CVM videos at our YouTube site: youtube.com/KSUCVM

Students receive $5,000 AAAP scholarships

Lisa Tenny and Jake Carlson

Two CVM students are among 10 veterinary students nationwide chosen for $5,000 scholarship awards from the American Association of Avian Pathologists Foundation (AAAP Foundation) and Merck Animal Health. The scholarships are open to veterinary students in their second and third year of study and are focused on poultry health.

More Headlines

Dr. Megan Niederwerder studies ASF in feed

Dr. Megan NiederwerderIf African swine fever virus reaches the U.S., it could cause more than $16.5 billion in economic losses to swine and other industries. It would devastate trade and international markets, researchers say.

Dr. Megan Niederwerder, assistant professor DMP, wants to prevent that.

Her latest research has found that African swine fever could survive in a simulated feed shipment across the ocean, which suggests that feed may be a potential way that pathogens such as African swine fever virus spread.

AASV presents Howard Dunne Award to Dr. Richard Hesse in San Diego

Dr. Richard HesseDr. Richard Hesse, professor in DMP, was presented with the Howard Dunne Memorial Award at the 49th annual meeting of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) on March 5 in San Diego, California. This award is given annually to an AASV member who has made a significant contribution and rendered outstanding service to the AASV and the swine industry.

Eleven students receive Zoetis/AAVMC Scholarships

A group of 11 students in the College of Veterinary Medicine have named as recipients of the 2018 Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship. The scholarship program is sponsored by Zoetis, a global animal health company, in partnership with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

Veterinary students receive scholarship prizes in research poster competitions

Jordan Gebhardt and Laura ConstanceKansas State University has a pair of veterinary students who were among the scholarship prize recipients in the American Association of Swine Veterinarians’ (AASV) Veterinary Student Poster Competition announced in March.

Jordan Gebhardt, a third-year veterinary student from Cedar Springs, Michigan, had the top student poster entitled, “Medium chain fatty acids improve growth and alter fecal microbial populations in nursery pigs.”

Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory appoints interim associate director

Dr. Gregg HanzlicekThe Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, or KSVDL, announces the appointment of Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek as interim associate director.

"In the position of interim associate director, Dr. Hanzlicek will lead our client relations, service and outreach efforts," said Dr. Jamie Henningson, interim director of the lab. "I look forward to having Dr. Hanzlicek join me in the leadership of KSVDL."

K-State undergraduate student receives $3,000 award for veterinary research

Dr. A. Sally Davis and Mya MastersonThe second phase of a research project through a veterinary laboratory at Kansas State University has netted a $3,000 research award for Mya Masterson, senior in medical laboratory science and life science, Hutchinson.

Masterson successfully applied for funding from the Microscopy Society of America (MSA). In July 2017, she had procured a $500 award for the first phase of her research through the Histochemical Society’s Capstone Grant program.

Lin lab members present award-winning posters at Society of Toxicology meeting

ICCM team

Dr. Zhoumeng Lin reports having assembled a strong team of lab members to represent the CVM at the 57th annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) in San Antonio from March 11-15.

Founded in 1961, SOT is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad.

Dr. Susan Nelson clarifies misconceptions about toxoplasmosis, offers safety tips

Dr. Susan Nelson examines catToxoplasmosis is a disease that can have devastating effects on an unborn child, and many women have been erroneously advised to get rid of their cat if they are pregnant, says Dr. Susan Nelson, veterinarian and clinical professor at Kansas State University's Veterinary Health Center.

"Toxoplasmosis is a devastating disease for some but with proper precautions, a woman does not need to rehome her cat if she becomes pregnant," Dr. Nelson said.

Regular features

Alumni Events, Development and Continuing Education

VMAA logo The Veterinary Medical Alumni Association organizes alumni receptions at several of the national annual conferences plus continuing education events and more. This month's section includes coverage of our 2018 Alumni Fellow, Dr. Michael Whitehair '74, and the upcoming Alumni Reunion Weekend in June, plus sad news on the passing of Dr. Fred Oehme, professor emeritus.

Annual Conference 2018

News Ticker

More activities and accomplishments in the College of Veterinary Medicine:


New video promotes KSUCVM


Video produced by Kent Nelson, technology coordinator from Computing and Technical Support (CATS). See more CVM videos at our YouTube site: youtube.com/KSUCVM

University Distinguished Professor Dr. Philine Wangemann has been invited to give a keynote lecture at the 55th Inner Ear Biology Workshop. The title of her lecture will be “Videomicroscopy of the developing inner ear: Contractions of the endolymphatic sac expand scala media of the cochlea.” http://www.ieb2018.com/programme/abstracts/philine-wangemann.html

Dr. Peying Fong was selected to mentor Dr. Melanie Gareau, assistant professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. Dr. Gareau’s research focuses on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in models of inflammatory bowel disease. More about Editorial Board Fellowships can be found at: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/14697793/features/editorial-board-fellowship

Carolina Garcia (MS graduate student) and Dr. Hyesuk Seo (Postdoc) from Dr. Weiping Zhang’s laboratory were both awarded travel grants from PATH (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) to cover all expenses for attending the 2nd International VASA Conference (Vaccines for Shigella and ETEC) bi-annual meeting at Mexico City, Mexico, June 11- 14.

Dr. A. Sally Davis was awarded a 2018 K-State Mentoring Fellowship for the proposal “Architecting an Artificial Home for an Atypical Fungus” with Dr. Joseph Kovacs, Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH and additional collaborator with Dr. X. Susan Sun, Kansas State University. She is also co-chairing the 2018 ACVP-ASIP Symposium will be held on April 24 in San Diego concurrent with the Experimental Biology 2018. This year the symposium topic is “Vector-Borne Diseases: Bridging Scale” and is also co-chaired by Dr. Nicole Gottdenker, associate professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. David Renter presented “Ensuring Data Quality in Animal Health Studies” at the Regulatory Affairs Animal Health Seminar Series on March 6 at the K-State Olathe campus.

Dr. Natalia Cernicchiaro presented “Observational study to evaluate the association between whole-feedlot administration of Bovamine Defend, a direct-fed microbial, with fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in commercial feedlot cattle” at the Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo) on March 6 in Richardson, Texas.

Chris Omni, MPH in PHPA, was awarded a 2018 Midwestern Public Health Training Center (MPHTC) student scholarship (Region 7) for her field experience “Walk with Ease” targeting Black women.

Dr. Ellyn Mulcahy attended the quarterly meeting of the Kansas Public Health Workforce Development Coordinating Council meeting March 13. She also chaired the Spring 2018 meeting of the MPH Executive Council (department chairs) held March 28.

Rebecca Gasper, MPH in PHPA, presented at the KSU Graduate research Forum “K-State Movement Challenge: Enhancing the Reach and Impact of a Worksite Physical Activity Intervention” March 29.

Heather Poole, MPH in IDZ, presented at the KSU Graduate research Forum “Engaging Public Health Practice and Academic: A Model for Public Health Partnership at Kansas State University” March 29.

Dr. Mike Apley presented, “Challenges in antibiotic use monitoring in feedlot and dairy cattle,” at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting on March 5.

Dr. Susan Nelson presented, “Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Is Your Dog Just Being Bad, or Could it be Something Else?” at the K-State Olathe Careers & Cases in Veterinary Medicine Lecture Series on March 7.

On March 21, 2018, Dr. Justin Thomason presented, “Pacemakers in Veterinary Medicine: Takes a Lickin’ but Keeps on Tickin,” at the K-State Olathe Careers & Cases in Veterinary Medicine Lecture Series.

Dr. Ronnie Elmore received his certificate from the Center of Excellence for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine for completion of their online course and projects related to diversity and inclusion.

Michaela Musselman Michaela Musselman, student worker in the Veterinary Health Center pharmacy, won the state FFA Proficiency Award for Veterinary Science. Her project now goes on to nationals. According to Landa Colvin-Marion, some of Michael's relevant experiences have included training in non-sterile and sterile compounding for animal patients and helping fourth-year veterinary students with medication orders, as well as interacting with veterinary clinicians, veterinary house officers, hospital clients and other staff.

"Michaela is a deserving recipient of recognition for her efforts with her Veterinary Science Project," Landa said. "She is currently studying for her Pharmacy Technician exam, which will give her recognized credentials in the field. She also plans to take an elective course titled 'Pharmaceutical Use in Cattle' during the Summer of 2018."

Some scenes from the All-University Open House on April 7

Open House

Walkin’ Pets Veterinarian & Rehab/Vet Tech Scholarships Submission Period Open

The submission period is open for two scholarships sponsored by Walkin’ Pets by HandicappedPets.com. A $1,000 Veterinarian Scholarship is being offered for doctoral veterinary students, and a $500 Rehab/Vet Tech Scholarship is being offered for canine rehabilitation or veterinary tech students.

The application period for these two scholarships is open Feb. 1-July 31, 2018. Scholarship recipients will be notified by Oct. 1, 2018. Applicants are asked to respond to an essay topic and submit a short online application that can be found here: http://www.handicappedpets.com/vet-scholarships.

Full-time doctoral students entering their senior year in 2018 at an accredited veterinary school are eligible to apply for the Veterinarian Scholarship. The Rehab/Vet Tech Scholarship is open to full-time canine rehabilitation or veterinary tech students entering their graduation year in 2018 at an accredited canine rehabilitation or veterinary tech program.

Walkin’ Pets by HandicappedPets.com, an online pet product company serving the needs of aging, disabled, and injured pets and their pet caretakers, honors the veterinary and canine rehabilitation community with these two scholarships.

New Arrivals/Recent Departures

Lifelines is published each month by the Marketing and Communications Office at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The editor is Joe Montgomery, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu.

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