Points of Pride Research Days

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

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

U of M College of Veterinary Medicine Celebrates Knowledge Advancement Efforts During Research Days

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (April 14, 2006) - The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine honored the research accomplishments of its graduate students, faculty, alumni, and research partners at its annual Points of Pride Research Days on March 14-15.

"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."

The Distinguished Research Alumni Award went to Dr. Gary Boorman, a member of the College's class of 1967, who is now a pathologist in the Environmental Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Boorman presented the Points of Pride Distinguished Research Alumnus Seminar, "The Role of Veterinarians on Research in the Genomic Era." 

This year's Distinguished Research Partner Award went to Geneticporc. Genetiporc has supported the College's research efforts for more than eight years, enabling many investigators to develop successful research programs. They have also provided stipends to support graduate students. Genetiporc was a founding member of the Swine Disease Eradication Center, which is engaged in research, teaching, continuing education, and certification related to many areas of swine health and production, with particular emphasis on disease control and eradication and animal welfare.

Also presented was the Pfizer Research Excellence Award, which went to Dr. Mitchell Abrahamsen, a professor in the College's Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. He recently led a group that described the genome of Cryptosporidium parvum, a parasite that is a pathogen that infects the digestive tracts of humans and animals. He had obtained highly competitive major federal funding from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, Dr. Abrahamsen has served as director of graduate studies for the Molecular Veterinary Biosciences program and mentored numerous graduate students.

In a poster competition, the winners were Abigail Cumpton, class of 2008, who was a participant in the College's 2005 Summer Scholars program; Dr. Xudong Liang, a postdoctoral associate; Dr. Andrea Sotirakopoulos, a resident; and graduate students Dr. Sheri Ross and Dr. Lisa Schmidt. Each winner received a first-place ribbon, certificate, and $250 cash award.

In 2005 the College's research expenditures exceeded $16.3 million. Research funds continue to increase each year. These critical funds allow research to investigate the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and develop sustainable agriculture practices to protect animal and human health, thus benefiting Minnesota's $21-billion animal agriculture economy.

-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.