Research Days

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

 Contact:  Jan Williams, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-6228

College of Veterinary Medicine Celebrates Knowledge Advancement Efforts During Research Days

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (April 4, 2005) – The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine honored the research accomplishments of its graduate students, faculty, alumni, and community partners at the annual Points of Pride Research Days on March 22-23.

“The new knowledge discovered by our students, faculty, and alumni make a real difference to animals and humans every day,” said College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Jeffrey Klausner. “This was a celebration to honor the individuals who play a critical role in furthering our understanding of diseases and advancing animal and human health.”

This year’s Distinguished Research Partner Award went to Boehringer Ingleheim Vetmedica, Inc., a major supporter of the College’s swine and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) research.

“Boehringer Ingleheim Vetmedica, Inc., has allowed us to develop our swine disease research program,” said Klausner. “They were one of the first companies to join our Swine Disease Eradication Center Industry Advisory Board and have supported it through annual contributions. They are also helping us establish an endowed fellowship in swine medicine.”

Also presented was the Pfizer Research Excellence Award, which went to Dr. Sagar Goyal, a professor in the College’s Department of  Veterinary Population Medicine, for his leadership in the development of vaccines and diagnostic tests for avian pneumovirus.

The Distinguished Research Alumni Award went to Dr. James Swenberg, a member of the College’s class of 1966 who is now a professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Bert Stromberg, associate dean for veterinary research and graduate programs, described Swenberg as “the epitome of an accomplished researcher.” Swenberg presented the Points of Pride Distinguished Research Alumnus Seminar, “Molecular Dosimetry: A Tool to Understand Carcinogen Metabolism, DNA Damage, and Repair.” 

In a poster competition, the winners were Julie Bryngelson and Brian Hardy, who were participants in the College’s 2004 Summer Scholars program; Alonso Guedes, a veterinary resident in anesthesiology; and Catherine St. Hill, a post-doctoral associate. Graduate student Jean Paul Cano won in the applied science area and Polly Mattila won in the basic science area. Each winner received a first-place ribbon, certificate, and $250 cash award.

2004 was a successful year for the College’s research programs. It was awarded a total of $10.1 million in research grants, up 63 percent from the previous year’s $6.4 million.

-end-

The College of Veterinary Medicine improves the health and well-being of animals and people by providing high-quality veterinary training, conducting leading-edge research, and delivering innovative veterinary services.