October 4, 2010 CVM NewsCalendar is a biweekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please submit news and calendar items to Sue Kirchoff, editor, at kirch004@umn.edu by noon the Friday before publication.
Record number of posters presented- Researchers honored at annual Research Day event Researchers were honored at the College’s annual Points of Pride Research Day event on September 29, which included poster presentations, seminars by the Distinguished Research Alumnus and Pfizer Research Excellence award winners, award presentations, and a reception. Summer scholars, post-docs, technicians, residents, and graduate students presented a record number of posters at this year's event—84—and a standing-room-only crowd packed 215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center for talks by Dr. Stephanie Valberg and Dr. Michael T. Collins.
Dr. Srirama Rao presents Dr. Stephanie Valberg with the Pfizer Research Excellence Award.
Award-winning poster presenter Chunmei Long discusses her research with Drs. Jamie Modiano and Max Cheeran. Photos by Sue Kirchoff
Award presentations
Pfizer Research Excellence Award: Dr. Stephanie Valberg, professor and director of the Equine Center. A major focus of Dr. Valberg's research is discovering the pathogenic and genetic basis for muscle disorders in large animal species. She was part of the international team of researchers that sequenced the equine genome.
Distinguished Research Alumnus Award: Dr. Michael T. Collins, professor, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Collins' research focuses on Johne's disease.
Distinguished Research Partner: Morris Animal Foundation. The award was accepted by Dr. Patricia Olson, president and chief executive officer.
Poster competition awards
Summer scholars: Jill Schappa
Post-doctoral: Nooshin Bahaie
Comparative medicine: Josephine Gnananadarajah and Chunmei Long
Emerging and infectious disease: Abirami Kugadas
Population medicine: Joao Lima
First translational medicine research grant awarded Dr. Jaime Modiano and his colleagues have been awarded the College's first veterinary translational medicine research grant for the study “Ablation of tumor initiating cells by P-glycoprotein inhibition: Proof of principle in canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.” The study involves investigators from the University of Minnesota, Purdue University, and the University of Pennsylvania, who were awarded a grant of $228,835. Learn more
In memory: Dr. Arthur L. Aronson and Dr. Glen Nelson Dr. Arthur L. Aronson, 77, scientist, professor, veterinarian, musician, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died on September 22 at his home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Aronson earned his D.V.M. in 1957 and his Ph.D. in 1963 from the University of Minnesota. A memorial service was held in Raleigh on September 27; a service will be held in Minnesota on a later date, with details forthcoming.
Dr. Glen Nelson, a longtime faculty member at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, passed away on September 29 at age 88. Dr. Nelson was instrumental in establishing a veterinary college in Minnesota and was a member of the first graduating class of the CVM in 1951. A memorial service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 6, at the Roseville Memorial Chapel, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Alumni news: Julian "Skip" Olson joins Nutrition Physiology Company CVM alumnus Julian "Skip" Olson, D.V.M., has joined Nutrition Physiology Company, LLC, as director of dairy sales. He was previously national accounts sales manager at Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Community Fund Drive runs through October The College of Veterinary Medicine is participating in the University's Community Fund Drive, which runs October 1-31. Donate online or through the paper flier you will receive through campus mail this week. Your donation is tax-deductible. The University will give away a prize each week during the fund drive. To enter the drawing, make your donation online or by paper.
This year, the goal is for colleges and administrative units to double their participation from last year. Last year, the College's participation rate was 21.58 percent.
October is Disability Awareness Month University of Minnesota Disability Services is sponsoring a variety of events during Disability Services Month, including a reception, a movie night, an art exhibit, and an inspirational presentation by Matthew Sanford, "The Courage to Transcend." The schedule:
Reception to honor the contributions of people with disabilities and their allies: Monday, October 11, 2-4 p.m., Mississippi Room, Coffman Memorial Union
Social Justice Film Festival: Saturday, October 16, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Physics Building, first floor
Movie Night viewing of Josh Sundquist video, Laughing at Our Difference: Monday, October 18, 6:00-8:30 p.m., Ski-U-Mah, McNamara Alumni Center
Art Show: Advancing Access for Everyone: Thursday, October 21, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Larson Gallery, St. Paul Student Center
United Health Group Event: Thursday, October 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Carlson School of Management atrium. Matthew Sanford's keynote speech, "The Courage to Transcend," will be presented from noon-1 p.m.
For more information, contact Disability Services at 612-626-1333.
National Veterinary Technician Week is October 10-16 The Veterinary Medical Center will celebrate Veterinary Technician Week with treats and drawings for prizes. For more information about National Veterinary Technician Week, visit www.navta.net/NVTW.php.
Voter registration available Need to register to vote in the upcoming elections? The Veterinary Medical Library is making it easy for you. The library has a supply of Minnesota voter registration applications available by the circulation desk. The deadline to register is Tuesday, October 12, and the library will take care of mailing the application for you if you come in prior to this date.
Google Analytics: CVM Web traffic report September 2010
Top 10 CVM Web pages By number of visits, September 2010
For the top 10 most visited Web pages, the number of visits ranged from 42,397 for the CVM home page (up 26 percent from August) to 1,968 for the graduate programs home page (up 19 percent from August).
Most Web pages saw a significant increase in visitors in September. Especially notable: the Veterinary Radiology site, where the number of visitors increased by 173 percent.
Visits to the CVM home page came from 11,266 people in 102 countries and territories; 20 percent were new visits. Visitors spent an average of 1:13 minutes on the site.
Spotlight: Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences The Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Web site received 1,748 visits (up 40 percent from August) from 1,264 people in 57 countries and territories. About 48 percent found the site via a search engine (usually Google), and 61 percent were new visitors. Visitors viewed an average of 2.65 pages per visit and spent an average of 2:24 minutes on the site. The site's pagemasters are Jaclyn Barnes and Katie Minor (for the Canine and Equine Genetics Laboratory).
Welcome to the College Welcome to the following new employees who joined the College in September:
CVM Communications Nathan Pasch, graphic designer/media artist
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Department Ramy E. Abdelhamid, post-doctoral associate Branden A. Smeester, senior laboratory technician
Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Paulo Gomes, veterinary medical resident Christine C. Lim, assistant clinical professor
Veterinary Medical Center Lisa M. Lenarz-Wyatt, medical technologist Kelsey Zent, veterinary technician
Veterinary Population Medicine Department Steven G. Kellner, junior scientist Annette M. McCoy, post-doctoral fellow
Leslie Sharkey inducted into AHC Academy for Excellence Dr. Leslie Sharkey, associate professor in the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, was inducted into the 2010 Academic Health Center (AHC) Academy for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning on September 28. A nationally recognized teacher in veterinary and cardiovascular pathology, Leslie has contributed to didactic and clinical instruction, research mentorship, and continuing education for veterinarians.
The AHC Academy for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning serves as the highest recognition of excellence in the AHC educational mission. Those selected have contributed to developing a culture of learning by demonstrating a sustained and recognized commitment to teaching and student learning through innovation, creativity, and dissemination of scholarly works and are known nationally and/or internationally for their expertise in health-related fields. The academy provides leadership to strengthen teaching and learning in the AHC.
Up to four faculty members are inducted into the academy each year. They receive a recurring annual augmentation of $10,000 for five consecutive years (which may be used as an augmentation to their salary or to support their teaching) and a lifetime membership in the Academy.
Kari Ekenstedt honored for presentation Dr. Kari Ekenstedt, post-doctoral associate, was one of three postdocs who received an oral-presentation award at the Fifth International Canine and Feline Genomics and Inherited Diseases Conference in Baltimore on September 25. In her presentation, "Whole Genome Association Analysis Reveals Two Loci Strongly Associated with Leonberger Polyneuropathy," Kari presented data on a mutation for a young-onset and severe form that is a novel gene discovery as a model of human Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and additional data on a second genetic locus possibly related to a distinct older onset and milder form, reports Dr. Ned Patterson, assistant professor of medicine and genetics.
Professional development funds available for civil service employees Did you know that the University's Civil Service Professional Development Fund has money available for Civil Service employees? Grants up to $200 are available on a first-come basis. Visit www1.umn.edu/csc/subcommittees/profdev/prodevelguide2010.htm for program guidelines and application, or contact Carolyn Davison at cdavi@umn.edu for more information.
Three grad students complete preliminary examinations Wil Greggs, Adam Nettles, and John Schwartz, three students in the comparative and molecular biosciences graduate program, have successfully completed their preliminary examinations. Wil is advised by Dr. Lou Mansky, Adam is advised by Dr. James Lokensgard, and John is advised by Dr. Michael Murtaugh.
Jeffrey Seaman successfully defends M.S. research Jeffrey Seaman, a student in the veterinary medicine graduate program, has successfully defended his M.S. research, "Evaluation of Scintigraphy to Assess Incorporation of Intercalary Cortical Bone Grafts in Sheep." Jeff was advised by Dr. Liz Pluhar. A board-certified small animal surgeon, he is currently employed with two specialty referral clinics in New York.
Star Tribune quotes Julia Ponder Dr. Julia Ponder, executive director of The Raptor Center, was quoted in a September 27 Star Tribune story about the planned removal of an osprey nest atop a light pole in Edina. The story is online at www.startribune.com/local/west/103834583.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU.
CVM Research Seminar—Ecosystem Health in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, presented by Dr. Dominic Travis: Wednesday, October 6, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Dr. Scott Wells. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
Health Care Reform: Condition Critical: Wednesday, October 6, 4-6 p.m., Town & Country Club, 300 N. Mississippi Blvd., St. Paul. Sponsored by the Densford International Center for Nursing Leadership. Cost: $20 (free to students. For more information or to register, visit www.nursing.umn.edu/densford.
Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department Grand Rounds—TRAUMA: Modeling, STAT, and Helicopters... presented by Dr. Kelly Hall: Thursday, October 7, 8 a.m., 135 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Technician Grand Rounds: Thursday, October 7, 3 p.m., 145 Animal Science. Dr. Julie Schildt will present a toxicology update.
Equine Fall Conference: October 8-9, Leatherdale Equine Center. Topic: Equine Lameness and Clinical Updates
Seminaron Teaching: Strategies for Maximizing Learning Outcomes and Student Engagement in Online and Blended Learning Environments: Friday, October 8, noon-12:50 p.m., 215 Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center
National Veterinary Technician Week: October 10-16. The Veterinary Medical Center will celebrate with treats and drawings for prizes. For more information about National Veterinary Technician Week, visit www.navta.net/NVTW.php.
CVM Research Seminar, presented by Dr. Montserrat Torremorell: Wednesday, October 13, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Dr. Scott Dee. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
Care and Management of Captive Raptors: October 19-22, The Raptor Center
Hill's Pet Food Distribution: Wednesday, October 20, 7:00-7:45 a.m., noon-12:45 p.m., and 5:00-5:45 p.m., Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital
CVM Research Seminar—Mechanisms of Inflammation Regulation During Infection, presented by Dr. Bruce Walcheck: Wednesday, October 20, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Dr. Al Beitz. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
Hill's Pet Food Distribution: Thursday, October 21, 7:00-7:45 a.m. and noon-12:45 p.m., Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital
Companion Animal Symposium: October 21-22, Leatherdale Equine Center. Topic: Immune "Dysregulation." For details and to register, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/vetmedce/events/fallconf/.
American College of Veterinary Surgeons Symposium: October 21-23, Seattle, Washington. For details and to register, go to www.acvs.org/Symposium/.
Hill's Pet Food Distribution: Friday, October 22, 7:00-7:45 a.m., Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital
CVM Research Seminar—Food Supply Veterinary Medicine: Modeling of Production, Health, and Food Safety, presented by Dr. Yrjo Grohn, Cornell University: Wednesday, October 27, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Kristy Metivier. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
International Conference on Communications in Veterinary Medicine: October 31-November 2, Napa Valley, California. For details and to register, go to www.iccvm.com/.
Getting Acquainted with Copyright Workshop: Tuesday, November 2, 10 a.m.-noon, Magrath Library Instruction Room (room 81). For details and to register, go to http://z.umn.edu/meetcopyright.
CVM Research Seminar, presented by Dr. Yrjo Gregory A. Worrell, associate professor of neurology, Mayo Clinic: Wednesday, November 3, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Dr. Edward Patterson. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
CVM Research Seminar, presented by Dr. Annette O'Connor, veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, Iowa State University: Wednesday, November 10, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Dr. Scott Wells. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
Hill's Pet Food Distribution: Tuesday, November 16, noon-12:45 p.m., Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital
Hill's Pet Food Distribution: Wednesday, November 17, noon-12:45 p.m., and 4:00-4:45 p.m., Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital
CVM Research Seminar: The Archaeogenetics of Horse Husbandry in Central and East Asia, presented by Dr. Mim Bower, McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge: Wednesday, November 17, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Dr. Molly McCue. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
Hill's Pet Food Distribution: Thursday, November 18, noon-12:45 p.m.and 5:00-5:45 p.m., Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital
Hill's Pet Food Distribution: Friday, November 19, 7:00-7:45 a.m., Gortner Avenue dock, Large Animal Hospital
CVM Research Seminar, presented by Dr. Marcel Behr, McGill University Health Center: Wednesday, November 24, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Dr. Srinand Sreevatsan. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
December
CVM Research Seminar: Equine Articular Cartilage Maturation and Repair: New Technologies and Models to Address Longstanding Research Questions, presented by Dr. James McLeod, University of Kentucky: Wednesday, December 1, 3 p.m., 125 Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Hosted by Dr. James Mickelson. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Jaclyn Barnes at barne063@umn.edu or 612-624-2700.
Urolith Center seeks cats for clinical trials. The Urolith Center is enrolling cats in several clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of diet to manage urinary disease. For more information, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/depts/minnesotaurolithcenter/cat/home.html
Other studies enrolling in the Veterinary Medical Center. For information about other clinical studies currently enrolling in the Veterinary Medical Center, visit the Clinical Investigation Center Web site at www.cvm.umn.edu/cic/current.
Finn, a boxer mix Finn (aka Finnegan Seamus McGee) is an energetic and playful 65-pound, 2 1/2 year-old neutered male. Finn is not getting along with the owner's older dog (who is picking on Finn), and after a year of working with them, the owner is looking for a new home for Finn. A boxer mix, most likely with some Rhodesian Ridgeback, Finn is mostly reddish-brown with a white chest and four white paws. He is eager to please, loves to run, and enjoys learning new things. One of his favorite places is the dog park.
Although Finn gets along very well with other dogs, he would probably be at his best in a home where he is the only dog. He also would do well in a home with a well-grounded dog to be his guide, since he is very much a follower and needs you and your dog to be the leaders. He has not had a lot of exposure to children or cats, so he would be best in a home with older children and without cats. Finn knows the commands sit, stay, come, down, and heel. He walks very well on a leash, and he is trained on an electronic collar. He likes to play "hide and seek," but he is really only good at the "seek" part. If you are interested in Finn, please e-mail Erin at edickers@umn.edu.
Hill's College Feeding Program Order online through the Hill's online ordering system at www.hills-holos.com. For more information about the Hill's College Feeding Program, contact Jenna Fier at fier0045@umn.edu.
Housing For information about student and off-campus housing, including a housing and roommate search service, go to www.housing.umn.edu/.
Job openings For information about positions available at the College, visit www.cvm.umn.edu/employment/. For detailed information about current job openings, how to apply, and application materials, go to the University of Minnesota Office of Human Resources at www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html.
CVM NewsCalendar is a biweekly newsletter for faculty, staff, and students of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Please submit news and calendar items to Sue Kirchoff, editor, at kirch004@umn.edu.
The University of Minnesota is an equal-opportunity educator and employer.
Dr. Leslie Sharkey, 
Finn, a boxer mix