ON THE COVER Our Neurology team (L to R, back row: Dr. Bruna Miessler, Shelby Panepinto, Sarah Jackson, Torri Collins, Dr. Sarang Im; front row: Dr. Arturo Otamendi, Bud the dog, and Dr. Colleen Embersics, service chief). They are pictured with our stunning new sculpture, In Our Hands, which embodies our dedication to better the lives of animals and humans through compassionate care, outstanding education, and groundbreaking research. We are grateful to all who have placed their beloved animals, like Bud, in our hands and entrusted us with their care. Bud was diagnosed with cancer in his spine. Dr. Embersics surgically removed Bud’s tumor last summer. Bud’s clinical team includes members of our Integrative Medicine team (pictured on page 2) who play a critical role in restoring his mobility.
administration
Oliver Garden
Dean
Bonnie Boudreaux
Senior Associate Dean for Student Success
Henry Green
Associate Dean for Opportunity and Engagement
Udeni Balasuriya
Associate Dean for Diagnostic Operations
Cherie Pucheu-Haston
Associate Dean for Clinical Programs
Tammy Dugas
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education
Britta Leise
Associate Dean for Staff and Faculty Advancement
Gretchen Delcambre
Assistant Dean for Student Outreach and Veterinary Admissions
Ernest Tanoos
Senior Assistant Dean for Finance and Administrative Services
Thomas Rooney
Assistant Dean for Strategic Communications
Bunnie Cannon
Assistant Dean for Outreach and Strategic Initiatives
Tracy Evans
Executive Director of Development, LSU Foundation
magazine
Sandra Sarr
Editor
Julia Goodwin
Class Notes Editor
Ginger Guttner
Contributing Writer
Leslie Nevarez
Proofreader
STUN Strategic Creatives
Graphic Design
Chris Jones, Ginger Guttner, Thomas Rooney, Sandra Sarr
Photography
Mele Printing
Printing
School of Veterinary Medicine
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“THE HAPPIEST BOY” BUD, OUR COVER MODEL AND PATIENT, IS IN THE skillful and caring hands of Dr. Kielyn Scott, associate clinical professor of Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Hali Mouiller, RVT, veterinary technician, members of his Integrative Medicine clinical team who work with him regularly to improve his mobility. They are working with him on his feet placement, which helps to build strength and stability.
SCAN TO READ THE FULL STORY:
A Message from the Dean
A community like no other
OLIVER GARDEN BVetMed, PhD, FHEA, FCPP, FRCVS, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA
Autumn is a harbinger of cooler weather and a time to return to school. I am always thrilled at the arrival of this season of welcoming new and returning students, staff, and faculty. It is a time when our entire LSU Vet Med community comes back together on campus for a new academic year of teaching, healing, discovering, and protecting.
ONE OF THE JOYS OF WORKING AT LSU VET MED IS THIS SCHOOL’S AMAZING SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND COLLEGIALITY.
Here at LSU Vet Med, we are reaping the rewards of our efforts, with completion of the Student Success Suite, Graduate Student Classroom, Auditorium Classroom, and Surgical Training Center – to name just a few of the exciting, worldclass projects that support our growth. We are guided by our North Star of excellence, aspiration, urgency, and kindness, while embracing President William Tate’s vision of Scholarship First. We truly are moving apace in all our promises to deliver outstanding teaching, research, and public service to our communities in Louisiana and further afield. We are proud to be building winning teams in Louisiana, for the world.
In September, we held a stirring dedication ceremony for our magnificent new sculpture, “In Our Hands,” by Vito Di Bari. We invited the Baton Rouge area community to meet the artist and help us celebrate this iconic
touchstone that reflects our dedication to better the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. The sculpture and several members of our phenomenal community at LSU Vet Med grace the cover of this magazine. We are so grateful to our clients who have entrusted us with their animals – whether furred, feathered, or scaled – by placing them in our healing hands for the tender loving care that we deliver day in, day out.
One of the joys of working at LSU Vet Med is this school’s amazing sense of community and collegiality. Having worked at veterinary schools and colleges on both sides of the Atlantic, I can honestly say that we have something very special right here on our campus. There is no other place on earth with such a committed, passionate, and collegial community of students, staff, house officers, faculty, and alumni. I am honored to be your leader and never forget what a privilege it is to serve in this role, striving to do so with humility, integrity, and good humor every day as we boldly advance our vision and purpose for the benefit of all.
With my warmest wishes to you all,
news briefs
Food Animal service area gets major renovation
LSU SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
showcased a completely renovated Food Animal Service area inside the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital during a ceremony celebrating the opening of the state-of-the-art facility on July 10, 2024.
animal agricultural industry in Louisiana.”
Dr. Strain reminisced about the facilities at LSU Vet Med when he began his veterinary education and the remarkable growth of the School in recent years. He noted how LSU Vet Med is more than a place; it’s a family, as well as a vibrant community of knowledge and fellowship.
Following the welcome ceremony, guests were given a tour of the new space by LSU Vet Med’s food animal clinicians, including Dr. Matt Welborn (LSU 1987), Dr. Clare Scully, and Dr. David Martinez.
The LSU Vet Med Food Animal Service sees approximately 4,000 animals each year and provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and reproductive care for animals in the hospital, as well as herd health and individual care for animals on the farm. A team of veterinarians, interns, residents, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students provide care for all animals in the service.
We welcomed special guests, including members of the Louisiana legislature, administrators from LSU, and Dr. Mike Strain, commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry for the opening celebration.
The $4.125 million renovation began in October 2022. More than 9,000 square feet of space was reworked, and another 3,875 square feet of new construction was added to complete the clinical and teaching space. During the construction phase, food animal clients were admitted and treated at the School’s temporary facility at Brightside Farms. The renovation is the first substantial upgrade to the food animal facility since the opening of the School in 1978.
Oliver Garden, dean of LSU Vet Med, welcomed special guests, including members of the Louisiana legislature, administrators from LSU, and Dr. Mike Strain, commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry. Strain is a veterinarian and a 1983 graduate of LSU Vet Med.
“At LSU Vet Med, we are committed to advancing veterinary medicine and enhancing animal health,” remarked Dean Garden. “The renovations to our food animal hospital reflect our dedication to providing state-of-the-art care for food animals, protecting food security and supporting our strong
“These transformative improvements will not only benefit our patients and clients but enrich the educational experience for our students as we build a pipeline of food animal veterinarians to serve Louisiana and the region,” said Garden. “We are very excited about the opportunities these enhancements bring and look forward to delivering on our vision of bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery for Louisiana and beyond.”
NIH renews grant to advance lung research
Dr. Tammy Dugas, principal investigator of the NIH renewal award.
The Lung COBRE has become a vital hub for research in lung biology, particularly focusing on inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. Its collaborative framework integrates expertise from the fields of veterinary medicine, human medicine, and the Departments of Pathobiological Sciences and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at LSU Vet Med, reflecting a commitment to addressing critical health issues that transcend species.
Over the past five years, the Lung COBRE has provided substantial resources to early-career investigators, enabling them to establish independent research programs and contribute to scientific advances. The CLBD is interactive and consists of a dynamic group of junior investigators whose research focus is on understanding the molecular and cellular immunological mechanisms associated with lung diseases arising from both infectious (viral, bacterial, fungal) and non-infectious (e-cigarette aerosols, air pollution, and more) causes.
LSU VET MED has successfully renewed its Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) grant focused on lung biology, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to advance pulmonary research.
The competitive renewal was originally funded in 2019 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This multi-million dollar award garnered by its inaugural director, Dr. Jeyaseelan “Jey” Samithamby, enabled the creation of the Louisiana Center for Lung Biology and Disease (CLBD) at LSU Vet Med and continues to support cutting-edge research aimed at understanding lung disease mechanisms, promoting scientific innovation, and fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Dr. Tammy Dugas, principal investigator of the renewal award, expressed enthusiasm about the renewal. “The continuation of the Lung COBRE is a testament to the success of our research programs and our dedicated team at LSU Vet Med. This funding allows us to further our understanding of pulmonary diseases and contribute to the development of new therapies that could benefit both humans and animals.”
Oliver Garden, dean of LSU Vet Med, added, “This grant renewal underscores our leadership in translational research and our commitment to developing breakthrough solutions that improve health outcomes for all species. The support from the NIH continues to validate the incredible work happening at LSU Vet Med.”
Recent disease outbreaks worldwide have demonstrated very clearly the urgent need to understand how our collective exposures impact our susceptibility to lung diseases. A unique new element of the renewal is the buildout of a state-of-the art inhalation facility enabling the research team to examine the intersection between air pollution exposures and susceptibility to lung infections. LSU’s new facility will be one of the few of its kind in the United States. The facility will use human samples to validate findings from preclinical models. The renewal will allow these unique research efforts to continue while providing essential mentorship and fostering the next generation of biomedical researchers.
LSU Vet Med dentist performed root canal on jaguar at Audubon Zoo
ON JUNE 4, 2024, zookeepers at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans noticed that Valerio, a 9-year-old male jaguar, appeared to have a fractured (broken) tooth. The team took photos of the tooth and discussed treatment and care with Audubon’s veterinary staff. Hilary Householder, DVM (LSU 2016), associate veterinarian at Audubon Zoo, contacted her classmate, Melissa Blazevich, DVM (LSU 2016), DAVDC, assistant professor of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. The Audubon and LSU Vet Med teams made plans to perform the root canal.
On July 19, Dr. Blazevich, assisted by dentistry nurses Meg Quinn and Michelle Badeaux and fourth-year veterinary students Phillip St. Martin and Sudarshini Coimbatore, traveled to Audubon to perform the procedure in the Zoo’s veterinary hospital. Dr. Blazevich cleaned the anesthetized jaguar’s teeth and performed a standard root canal on one of Valerio’s maxillary canine teeth. As a board-certified veterinary dental specialist, Dr. Blazevich is specially qualified to perform this procedure.
Audubon Zoo has reported that Valerio has been doing great since his recovery. “Staff have reported he is very comfortable,
LSU Vet Med’s Dr. Blazevich cleaned the anesthetized jaguar’s teeth and performed a standard root canal on one of Valerio’s maxillary canine teeth. As a board-certified veterinary dental specialist, Dr. Blazevich is specially qualified to perform this procedure.
and they no longer see any signs of discomfort with his mouth,” said Dr. Hilary Householder. “He is back on public exhibit every other day, rotating with Audubon’s other jaguar, 3-year-old female Reina. His appetite has returned, and he is showing no signs of any problems.”
In addition to the LSU Vet Med faculty, staff, and students, Audubon Zoo staff who assisted in the procedure were Senior Veterinarian Robert MacLean, DVM; Associate Veterinarian Hilary Householder, DVM;
Hospital Manager Amanda Adkins, BAS, RVT; Veterinary Technician Rachel Fendrich, RVT; Curator of Primates & Swamp/Jaguar Jungle Elizabeth Wilson; and Zookeeper Hunter Racer.
The jaguars have two dedicated zookeepers that are part of the Swamp/Jaguar Jungle Animal Husbandry Team that care for all of the South American and Native North American species in the Louisiana Swamp exhibit and Jaguar Jungle exhibit.
“Audubon Nature Institute and LSU Vet Med have a
ABOUT AUDUBON ZOO Located in historic Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo features exotic and endangered animals from around the globe. Amidst canopies of great oak trees, experience the wonder of nature in a shaded wonderland that includes beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, kids’ play areas, and more. Audubon Zoo is consistently one of the country’s top-ranked zoos, voted as one of the top ten zoos in the country in the USA Today “10 Best” reader poll and ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans.
Practicing wellbeing at LSU Vet Med
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longstanding relationship of collaboration both in the care of our resident animals and the training of veterinary students and house officers. Audubon veterinary staff often consult with LSU Vet Med faculty on a variety of cases in order to facilitate the best medical care possible for the animals that call Audubon Nature Institute home. We are also able to provide hands-on experience in zoo and aquatic medicine for LSU veterinary students and house officers,” said Dr. Householder.
“LSU Vet Med faculty and staff often help in the zoo setting upon the invite and request of the Audubon Zoo veterinarians. Based on my conversations with the zoo veterinary staff, they are well equipped to perform many procedures; however, they call in specialists when needed. This yields a wonderful comradery among all the veterinarians and staff. I believe it is important to have a good relationship so that we can explore and learn more about a variety of species from all aspects, while also providing interesting learning experiences for our students,” Dr. Blazevich said.
psychological stress such as anxiety, depression, burnout, and compassion fatigue than the general population, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine recognizes this and has taken several steps to prioritize mental wellness through the Wellbeing Committee, which implements programs and
activities to increase welfare among students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the tightknit community.
“Most people in this building are caregivers in some capacity. You need the energy and reserve to be a caregiver,” said Kayla Baudoin, MSW, LCSW, and LSU Vet Med’s wellbeing manager.
Providing care for clients’ furry friends is a crucial responsibility that requires the concentration of balancing both patient and
The Wellbeing Committee also offers QPR Suicide Prevention seminars at least once each semester to the LSU Vet Med community. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
For more information on LSU’s wellbeing resources, go to lsu.edu/vetmed/wellbeing/resources.php
owner needs. This balancing act can lead to added stress, pressure, and burnout.
“In order to be present for the clients and patients, veterinary professionals must also prioritize their own mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
The Wellbeing Commitee with co-chairs Kayla Baudoin and Stephanie Johnson meets once every semester to find ways to bring the community together. During the hustle and bustle of an intense semester, the committee organizes different wellnesspromoting opportunities for students and staff, such as Tiger Human Animal Therapy Service (Tiger HATS) in the library, goat yoga on the lawn, and wellbeing seminars.
“I hope they can take something away from each talk—one small nugget of information that they learn is worth it, whether within themselves or with client communication,” said Kayla.
“In Our Hands” sculpture captivates community
The Baton Rouge community was invited to dedication ceremony and celebration in September.
LSU SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
held a public dedication of its stunning new sculpture titled, “In Our Hands,” by Vito Di Bari on Wednesday, Sept. 18, near the entrance of the Stephenson Pet Clinic.
The artist, Vito Di Bari, was on hand and gave brief remarks regarding his inspiration for the iconic sculpture. Members of the LSU A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Dr. Alissa Rowe, performed at the celebratory occasion.
“This celebration is for everyone. For decades, the Baton Rouge community has placed their beloved animals in our hands and entrusted us with their care. We offer compassionate care for tens of thousands of furred, feathered, and scaled animals each year,” said Oliver Garden, dean of LSU Vet Med.
The sculpture is prominently positioned in front of the Stephenson Pet Clinic on Skip Bertman Drive, between the Mississippi River and Tiger Stadium, in Baton Rouge. Funded by the Percent for Art Program under Louisiana’s Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, this artwork symbolizes the school’s commitment to the wellbeing of animals and people alike.
The two hands depicted in the sculpture represent LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s dedication to improving and safeguarding the lives of animals and humans through outstanding education, groundbreaking
research, and compassionate care, according to the sculptor, Vito Di Bari. “Our aim is for this piece to become a landmark that honors and represents the School of Veterinary Medicine, its mission, and its community,” he said.
Standing at an impressive 16 feet tall and 18 feet wide, the sculpture is constructed from powder-coated steel. The hollow, reinforced structure is made from metallic outlines welded to additional profiles to provide thickness. To ensure stability, beams extend deep into the concrete base. The artwork weighs approximately 3,800 pounds.
“This sculpture already serves as a navigational landmark that embodies LSU Vet Med’s vision to better lives, fostering a sense of belonging for our entire community. It is a beautiful beacon that celebrates our deep-rooted culture of healing,” Dean Garden said.
Vito Di Bari is renowned for creating metaphorical, site-specific artworks
Sculptor-artist
Vito Di Bari and the LSU A Cappella Choir were on hand for the celebration.
that offer memorable and unique experiences for both residents and visitors.
The selection committee for this project included representatives from LSU, LSU Vet Med, and art and architecture experts from Baton Rouge.
“From the very beginning, our esteemed committee members served as the bedrock of this project. Their diverse perspectives, meticulous reviews, and unwavering commitment ensured we selected a brilliant beacon that will resonate with our community for generations,” said Scott Finch, director of the Percent for Art Program.
The Percent for Art law, enacted in 1999, mandates that whenever over $2 million
in state funds are allocated for constructing or renovating a state building, 1 percent of the budget must be spent on acquiring, conserving, restoring, and installing artwork for display in and around the building.
The Louisiana Percent for Art program not only enhances public environments for Louisiana’s citizens but also highlights the state’s cultural heritage, attracts visitors, and creates economic opportunities and training for artists and related industries.
Surgical
SYDNEY MORDOH RECENTLY appeared as a guest on Three Questions with Oliver, an occasional exchange between Dean Oliver Garden and a member of our community whose innovation, compassion, and integrity embody LSU Vet Med. She shared highlights from her research, made recommendations for those considering a PhD (hint: “Get involved in your Summer Scholars Program to discover what you are really passionate about.”), and more.
Sydney completed the first year of her PhD and in July entered into her combined surgical residency/PhD program. She is looking at the function of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that is used to fight infection in sepsis, a condition where there is an overwhelming infection of the whole body. She is also collaborating with Dr. Basel Abuaita and building on some work of Drs. Samithamby “Jey” Jeyaseelan and Britta Leise. Most recently, Sydney presented two posters at the 14th international colic research symposium in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Dean Oliver Garden in conversation with Dr. Sydney Mordoh
View the 3Q with Oliver segment on the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine YouTube channel at youtu.be/FYun2SMdQLI.
WHAT IS A PRIMARY TAKEAWAY THAT YOU WOULD LIKE VIEWERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH?
Sepsis remains as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in our equine patients, with prognosis depending on the primary disease process. Like in people, horses are very susceptible to the effects of endotoxins and seem to be more likely to develop sepsis than other large animal species. A common sequela of sepsis in the horse is laminitis, which can be career-ending and life-threatening for the horse and remains a challenge to prevent and treat for our equine veterinarians. I am looking at the equine innate immune response, specifically neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) during sepsis. There are two different mechanistic pathways that release NETs,
suicidal and vital NETosis, and my overall goals are to determine which NETosis pathway predominates in equine sepsis in order to correlate findings with disease severity and clinical outcome. In my research, understanding the role NETs play in the equine innate immune response is of considerable importance with the potential of developing a stall-side test to identify patients with disease progression, severity, and prognosis.
YOU’RE A DVM, A LARGE ANIMAL SURGERY RESIDENT, AND ALSO A PHD STUDENT. WHAT LED YOU TO PURSUE A PHD, AND HOW WILL YOUR PHD IMPACT YOUR CAREER?
When I was a veterinary student over one summer at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, I wrote my first grant and pursued my first research project looking at ticks and tick-borne diseases in Zimbabwe. After graduating veterinary school in 2021, I pursued two equine internships at academic institutions. I took on a clinical research project during my time at Ohio State looking at acute phase proteins as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in colic and presented that research at ACVS (the American College of Veterinary Surgery Conference) in Portland, Oregon. I am really thinking about research questions and seeing how to pursue that in the lab. Being able to apply this knowledge in the lab and learning how to ask those important questions is what lead me to pursue a PhD. I would like to work at an academic veterinary institution after my PhD and residency.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A PHD HERE AT LSU VET MED?
I would recommend getting involved in your Summer Scholars Program to discover what you are really passionate about. Being passionate about your research is very important. A PhD is not an easy feat, so I think it is important to gain experience in a laboratory setting, and find your niche before starting. In the clinical setting, I find that I think a lot about my research and how I can apply it and ways I can contribute to the field. For me, pursuing a PhD allows me to build on that to be able to do just that.
Chowdhury awarded USDA grant and honored for breakthrough cattle vaccine
Dr. Chowdhury is featured in the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s new 2024 “Faces of American Innovation” report for developing a groundbreaking vaccine against bovine respiratory disease.
THE USDA NATIONAL Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded LSU Professor of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Shafiqul Chowdhury a grant in the amount of $800,000 for his project “Novel Pseudorabies Virus (PRV) Vectored Subunit Vaccine Against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome and Swine Influenza Virus.” This is the third USDA grant awarded to Dr. Chowdhury regarding the pseudorabies virus vectorsubunit vaccine project in the last four years for a total award of 2 million dollars.
Dr. Chowdhury is featured in the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s new 2024 “Faces of American Innovation” report for developing a groundbreaking vaccine against bovine respiratory disease.
The Bayh-Dole Coalition, of which the LSU Office of Innovation & Ecosystem Development is a member, is a diverse group of innovation-oriented organizations and individuals committed to celebrating and protecting the Bayh-Dole Act, as well as informing policymakers and the public of its many benefits. The Bayh–Dole Act, also known as the Patent and Trademark Law Amendments Act, is a U.S. law that allows universities, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to own and commercialize inventions developed with federal funding.
Petco Love/Blue Buffalo grant makes life-saving treatment at LSU Vet Med possible for beloved pet, Jackson
BY JULIA GOODWIN
JACKSON THE CAIRN TERRIER received another chance at life after years of offering comfort to people in endof-life care with his owner, Heather Meadows.
When Heather noticed something wrong with Jackson, she took him to multiple veterinary appointments seeking answers. After receiving news of a mass on his liver with an unaffordable removal surgery, she faced an unbearable possibility.
Thanks to the Petco Love/Blue Buffalo grant at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, Jackson received the treatment he needed.
“I prayed about it before coming to LSU. I’m eternally grateful it was there,” Heather said.
Before retiring, she visited patients as an end-of-life caregiver with her trusted canine assistant. Heather felt Jackson acted as a “comfort dog” for the patients and recalled his heightened sensitivity to their final chapters.
“They connected. He was right there through every stage,” she said.
At age 15, Jackson started to show signs of pain as he sat hunched over most mornings trying to sit comfortably. Heather, determined to keep him well, continued to seek out care options for his elevated liver values that had been ongoing for two years.
“He’s my boy. I take care of him as I would my child,” she said.
Dr. Quinci Middlebrooks, veterinarian at Walker Animal Hospital and 2022 graduate of LSU Vet Med, discovered a mass the size of an orange on Jackson’s liver after an in-house ultrasound was performed in April 2024.
Dr. Middlebrooks referred Jackson to LSU Vet Med, where Drs. Jude Bordelon and Brandon Thibodaux suggested further diagnostic testing and surgery to remove the tumor. The costs of these treatments were more than Heather could afford.
"I didn't ever want to let him down,” she said.
What started as a desperate situation turned into a beacon of hope when Heather learned she had
Petco Love/Blue Buffalo continues its support for pet owners by helping with the cost of pet cancer treatment and investing in the top veterinary oncology universities for pet cancer treatment funds. Since 2010, the Petco Love and Blue Buffalo have invested more than $16 million in the fight against pet cancer.
received the Petco Love/ Blue Buffalo grant, making Jackson’s surgery possible.
Drs. Bordelon and Thibodaux successfully removed the mass in June 2024.
“He’s a trooper,” said Dr. Bordelon.
Since then, Jackson is back to living his best life with his biggest fan.
“He seems happier and more energetic after the surgery,” said Dr. Middlebrooks, who saw him in her clinic in August 2024.
When assessed before the surgery, it was determined
that Jackson was otherwise healthy even though he suffered from an autoimmune disease years earlier. He had received two blood transfusions before any signs of the tumor.
“He’s here because he loves his life. He’s a survivor,” Heather remarked.
She adopted Jackson at six weeks old from Lake Charles, La., and has provided him with the best chance to live with whatever time he has left.
“I’m doing right by him,” Heather said.
Insights Program gives students a view of vet med
INSIGHTS IS A TWO-WEEKlong summer program that provides undergraduate students from universities across Louisiana and beyond a view into the veterinary school experience through demonstrations and interactive activities.
Close up experiences with large animal medicine, zoo medicine, parasitology, cardiology, radiology, and mock interviews are some of the activity topics.
The program is designed to open pathways for students from historically underrepresented groups through both intentional recruitment and increased retention initiatives. The Insights into LSU Vet Med Program provides students with an immersive learning opportunity showcasing LSU’s accessible and equitable academic experience.
LSU Vet Med Lobby
Equine Stables
Clinical Skills Lab
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
LSU Diagnostics (Necropsy Lab)
Rangasamy presents research on lung health at major scientific conferences
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
(COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the world, and patients often die of respiratory failure caused by bacterial pneumonia. Currently, there are no effective therapies to limit the impact of COPD or to cure pulmonary emphysema.
Dr. Tirumalai Rangasamy, associate professor-research in the Center for Lung Biology and Disease and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, is working on multidisciplinary research that coordinates basic scientific and clinical investigations.
He presented research findings at two major scientific conferences this year. His talk, Lung Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Chronic Secondhand Smoke-induced Alveolar Destruction and Protect Against Streptococcus Pneumoniae was delivered at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference at San Diego last spring.
Pulmonary emphysema is a component of COPD. Primarily caused by cigarette smoking, COPD is a serious respiratory condition that impacts the lives of 1 in 10 adults globally. It killed more than 3.23 million people in 2019 (and is the third leading cause of death in the world). Dr. Rangasamy and his colleagues discovered the first and only (so far) pulmonary emphysema (COPD)-resistant gene, Nrf2, at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2004.
Antibiotics are highly ineffective, and most available treatments only give asymptomatic relief. Therefore, therapies that could utilize the cells with the capacity to remodel the damaged lung parenchyma and modulate the innate immune response to effectively clear pathogens would represent a major advance in treating such patients.
In this long-term chronic cigarette smoke exposure study, Dr. Rangasamy and his colleagues, for the first time, investigated the therapeutic potential of purified and well-characterized lung mesenchymal stem cells in second-hand cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema-associated bacterial exacerbation, using a pre-clinical animal model. The results of this study clearly revealed that lungspecific mesenchymal stem cells indeed contribute to the protective immune response against S. pneumoniae and lung repair and have implications in mitigating SHS-induced pulmonary emphysema-associated bacterial exacerbations.
Dr. Rangasamy and team, under the mentorship of Dr. Samithamby “Jey” Jeyaseelan, are currently developing both lung mesenchymal stem cell
and small molecule-based interventions in COPDassociated bacterial exacerbations, as well as in various infectious lung diseases, including pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and superbugs [methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae].
American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical society dedicated to accelerating the advancement of global respiratory health through multidisciplinary collaboration, education, and advocacy. Its more than 16,000 members in 133 countries are leading scientific discoveries, advancing professional development, impacting global health, and transforming patient care.
Dr. Rangasamy also presented the “Development of small molecule-based intervention to combat the infection caused by the superbug Carbapenemresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae” at the National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE) in Washington, D.C., last June. Multiple drug-resistant bacteria or superbugs represent a growing and pressing public health
concern of the 21st century. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria killed more than 4.95 million people in 2019 and are expected to kill 10 million people annually worldwide by the year 2050. Bacteria that are resistant to Carbapenems, which are a last resort of antibiotics used to treat resistant infections, are among the most dangerous to human health according to the World Health Organization. The first Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) was isolated in North Carolina in 1996 and has been spreading across the globe since. CRKP can cause infections in healthcare settings including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or wound or surgical site infections. Studies show that 40% of the infected individuals die within a month, with little treatment options in place to stop it.
Thus, there is a pressing need to develop and evaluate novel alternative strategies to combat the infections caused by these antibiotic-resistant bacterial species. Previous studies by Dr. Rangasamy and his colleagues have shown that genetic ablation of Nrf2 enhances the susceptibility to cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary emphysema, allergic asthma, acute lung injury, and septic shock.
Several drugs and pharmacological agents that
stimulate the Nrf2 pathway are being studied to treat diseases caused by oxidative stress. Sulforaphane is an isothiocyanate abundantly found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and radishes. In this study, Dr. Rangasamy and his colleagues at LSU Vet Med under the mentorship of Dr. Samithamby “Jey” Jeyaseelan are investigating the antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and lung protective properties of Sulforaphane (a potent activator of Nrf2) using both in vitro cell culture (Alveolar macrophages and monocytederived macrophages obtained from healthy humans) and in vivo animal models (mice suffering from pneumonia caused by the most dangerous superbug, Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae).
Dr. Rangasamy's research was showcased at the scientific meeting of the IDeA program, which is part of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). The IDeA program supports networks such as INBRE, COBRE, and IDeA-CTR, and trains biomedical scientists in IDeA-eligible states. About 50 scientists and directors from the National Institute of Health and 1,200 scientists and researchers from 24 IDeA states attended this NISBRE conference.
THERE IS A PRESSING NEED TO COMBAT INFECTIONS CAUSED BY ANTIBIOTICRESISTANT BACTERIAL SPECIES.
LSU Vet Med announces new Veterinary Clinical Sciences department head
COLIN MITCHELL, BVMS, MS, DACVS, assumed the role of head of the department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences effective July 29, 2024.
Dr. Mitchell joined the faculty of LSU Vet Med in August 2005 and is a professor of equine surgery. He has served as clinical lead and director of LSU Vet Med’s Large Animal services since July 2020. Dr. Mitchell succeeds Dr. Frank Andrews, who will be leading LSU Vet Med’s growing Equine Health & Sports Performance Program as it seeks designation as a Center of Excellence alongside substantial expansion.
Dr. Mitchell received his BVM&S from the University of Edinburgh in 2002 and his Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 2004. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. In addition to teaching and leadership, Dr. Mitchell is renowned for his expertise in orthopedics, laminitis, and soft tissue surgical procedures.
Dr. Mitchell is looking forward to helping support the VCS faculty as they continue to provide outstanding veterinary education to our current and incoming student classes, as well as cutting-edge clinical research and world-class care for our patients in both the small and large animal hospitals.
“Dr. Mitchell is a talented and compassionate faculty member, equine surgeon, and member of the school leadership team. He will continue the great work begun by his accomplished predecessor, Dr. Frank Andrews. With his extensive teaching, clinical, and administrative experience and deep commitment to veterinary medicine and clinical science, I could not be more confident that the department will continue to thrive and innovate under Dr. Mitchell’s leadership as we deliver on our vision to better the lives of animals and people,” Dean Oliver Garden said.
LSU Vet Med researcher receives NIH award to advance research on inflammationdriven diseases
WILL BEAVERS, PhD, assistant professor of infectious diseases in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, has received an award from the National Institutes of Health in the amount of $369,174 per year for five years, effective Sept. 1, 2024, to define the molecular interactions in cells that drive diseases associated with inflammation and validate targets for future therapies to treat and prevent these diseases.
Inflammation is a natural and essential process in the body that helps protect us from infections and heal damaged tissue. However, improper resolution of inflammation leads to chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. A key part of this process involves the metabolism of certain lipids (called polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFAs) in our cells to signaling molecules that signal the end of inflammation, helping the body return to homeostasis.
However, these lipids can also undergo reactions without the help of enzymes, which leads to the creation of harmful byproducts called lipid electrophiles (LEs). These LEs attach to vital proteins in cells, altering their function, and contributing to the initiation and progression of inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Beavers discovered that these toxic byproducts are produced in the mitochondria (the cell's energy center) and damage key proteins there, which can harm the cell. He is now using Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to study this process because this bacterium is genetically easier to work with, shares metabolic similarities with mitochondria, and doesn’t produce PUFAs or enzymes that metabolize PUFAs, making it an ideal model for tracing the sources and consequences of LEs.
The goal of this research is to understand how these toxic byproducts form and how they damage cells to guide the development of future treatments that will help manage or prevent chronic diseases associated with inflammation.
Carter
a collaborator on research to develop treatment to alleviate deadly eye tumor often found
in children
DR. RENEE CARTER, Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology,
is participating in a research project to develop an eyedrop delivery system for retinoblastoma treatment, the most frequent intraocular tumor in children.
Retinoblastoma is a tumor that originates from within the eye and is diagnosed in children worldwide. Unfortunately, this tumor is often associated with a high incidence of mortality due to the lack of accessible care in some regions of the world. Treatment modalities currently utilized include systemic chemotherapy, intraocular injections of chemotherapeutic compounds, local radiation therapy, and surgery. These modes of treatment are invasive, expensive, and not readily available in all regions of the globe.
In low- and medium-income countries, the mortality from retinoblastoma is therefore as
high as 70 percent. The outcome of this project will be an effective and less invasive approach to treat retinoblastoma.
The researchers’ aims are to develop and study the use of nanotherapeutic compounds as carriers to deliver chemotherapeutic compounds to the eye in a topical and noninvasive manner. It is our hope to improve access to effective, noninvasive medical care options for this devastating disease.
Assistant Professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Qi Cai (College of Engineering) will lead the research team. Collaborators on the project include Cristina Sabliov, professor of biological and agricultural engineering (College of Engineering); Carlos Astete, research professor of biological and agricultural engineering (College of Engineering); Renee Carter, professor of veterinary clinical sciences (School of Veterinary Medicine).
The research project has received a Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research Award. Aligned with LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda, the teams and their projects aim to solve pressing problems in Louisiana and everywhere. Seeing eye to eye? Renee Carter inspired Brandon Kilbourne’s vision for a poem, “The Restoration of Vision.”
“THE
RESTORATION OF VISION”
BY DR. BRANDON KILBOURNE, 2024 LSU VET MED ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Two coins were found on the riverbank: black pupils gaping and gold-rimmed with irises contracted to a sliver, they stare blankly from a clump of bedraggled feathers, wings akimbo as water laps their primaries, unresponsive to the Samaritans’ approach.
* No longer vacant, the eyes look out of a face now dry and recognizable for an owl. With wingbeats stifled by a swaddling towel, the head held still and talons subdued by falconer’s gauntlets, an examining light pauses on the left eye upon finding the grey scuff of a partially torn cornea, before a lens peers through the vitreous to view a healthy retina, rose background to a burgundy glob of pecten, and its fovea’s night-sight speck.
*
An eye under repair, the injury a chance to train by eye the restoration of vision.
A surgical microscope excludes the world beyond the edge of a circle, whereby the clinician, without removing her eyes from her oculars, instructs the students as to what she sees: a fissure opaquely marring a surface that should be smooth— Her sight mirrored onto the wall’s monitor shows the expertise required to rescue an eye.
Under the clinician’s safeguard gaze, the resident’s needle sutures shut the tear operable through his pair of oculars, bringing the scuff mark’s edges together and the lesson to a close, the world again enlarging to the intubated owl on the table.
*
After a week of dining on thawed prey, the caretaker administers a meal as a test:
More information is at lsu.edu/research/funding/ internal/faculty_research_grant_ program/pfir.2023-24.php
among shadows cast by the wall’s slats, a mouse warily sniffs its way across the flooring gravel of the flight cage. Before it can dash from the open, a pair of corneas seize on movement from their ceiling-high perch, coordinate the swoop of pinions and talons to prove with a dead mouse the ability to survive.
* From inside a crate, a healed eye looks on flowing water tinted with the vermeil of dusk. As the door opens, the owl lingers, as if unsure to return to the site of its injury. Taking flight, thankless wingbeats draw gasp and applause, awe onlooking a needle’s work flying away.
Banse is new ASU College of Veterinary Medicine dean
HEIDI BANSE, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, was named dean of the forthcoming Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in July 2024. Dr. Banse joined the LSU Vet Med faculty in 2017 as an assistant professor of equine medicine. In January 2022, she was appointed as associate dean for educational strategy and in that role was instrumental in guiding our efforts to redesign the LSU Vet Med DVM curriculum.
Veggiani named AAI public policy fellow
DR. GIANLUCA VEGGIANI, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, has been selected as an American Association of Immunologists (AAI) 2024-25 Public Policy Fellow. The AAI Public Policy Fellows Program (PPFP) engages early career researchers in AAI advocacy activities focused on increasing federal funding for research, strengthening the biomedical research enterprise, and advancing understanding of immunology.
Banse will be the chief administrative officer for the ASU College of Veterinary Medicine. She will oversee the college’s missions, including teaching, research, and service. Her primary duties also include oversight of all academic programs associated with the school, veterinary residency rotation, managing budgets, and overseeing resources.
“It is an honor to be leading this effort. I am so grateful for the solid foundation that has been laid thus far. It is so exciting to think about the opportunities this will provide for aspiring Arkansas veterinary students,” said Dr. Banse.
Dr. Banse received her BS and DVM from Washington State University in 2004 and 2007, respectively. She received her PhD from Oklahoma State University and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Large Animal). She is also a member of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Council on Outcomes-based Veterinary Education and Spectrum of Care Initiative.
“I am excited to have been selected as an AAI Public Policy Fellow. Advocating for increased support for biomedical research and evidence-based policies is not only essential for driving scientific progress, but also critical towards promoting equity and accessibility in STEM education. Through this program, I am confident that I will gain invaluable knowledge and skills to effectively bridge the gap between the scientific community, the public, and legislators, thus contributing to tangible change. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity and am committed to leveraging this experience to make a positive difference for our community,” he said.
The PPFP provides early-career researchers, who are within 15 years of receiving their terminal degree and who are committed to a career in biomedical research, with the opportunity to learn about and participate in the public policy and legislative activities of AAI. Up to 10 Fellows are selected to participate annually.
Vet tech leader
retires after nearly 30 years of service
Lee Ann Eddleman was celebrated by friends, family, and colleagues.
FOR NEARLY THREE decades, Lee Ann Eddleman was an integral part of our Veterinary Teaching Hospital team. As director of nursing, Lee Ann led our fabulous team of veterinary technologists and set the standard for care.
We celebrated her amazing career as she embarked last summer on her next phase: retirement. A grateful team of faculty, staff, and students gathered in July to celebrate Lee Ann, her lasting contributions to LSU Vet Med, and all of the animals in our care who benefitted from her commitment to heal.
Andrews named head of LSU Vet Med’s Equine Health & Sports Performance program
FRANK ANDREWS, DVM, DACVS, will lead the Equine Health & Sports Performance (EHSP) Program full time as LSU Vet Med positions itself for a prestigious Center of Excellence (CoE), a designation that can further our service as the premier equine center in the Southeast.
“Dr. Andrews’ unparalleled expertise and leadership have helped propel LSU Equine to the forefront of equine care and biomedical research in our region. With our renewed focus on equine health, Dr. Andrews’ expanded and dedicated role is vital to our continued success,” Dean Oliver Garden said.
Joining LSU Vet Med in 2008 as a professor of Equine Medicine and director of the Equine Health Studies Program, as it was then named, Dr. Andrews has been a driving force behind the program’s exceptional growth. Under his leadership, the EHSP has become not only a leader in research, but also in sports performance, contributing significantly to Louisiana’s robust $3.0 billion horse industry. The anticipated CoE designation will further amplify the EHSP’s impact, enhancing the wellbeing of
Louisiana’s 120,000 horses and bolstering the state’s horse industry.
Dr. Andrews’ esteemed career includes serving as interim head of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) from September 2020 to March 2021, before being named head of VCS in March 2021. His academic credentials include a BS, DVM, and MS from Washington State University and Diplomate status from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Large Animal Internal Medicine).
His research and clinical interests span a wide array of equine health areas, including equine gastric ulcer syndrome, gastrointestinal diseases, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Dr. Andrews’ dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence in Animal Health and the Faculty Distinguished Scholar Award.
LSU Vet Med faculty member published in Science Signaling
DR. WEISHAN
HUANG, associate professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, has published new findings on T helper cell antigen receptor signaling and transcriptional control in the high-impact journal Science Signaling. This work employs advanced T cell culture techniques and transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-Seq) to investigate the mechanisms through which T cells differentiate into pathogenic T helper cells or anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells. Dr. Huang initiated the project and is a major contributor to this publication. Findings from Dr. Huang’s studies may suggest approaches to regulate the body’s immune responses to improve health and reduce disease outcomes.
SUBMIT NEWS
SANDRA SARR sarr1@lsu.edu
Launching Leaders
How the Summer Scholars Program launched leaders in Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Lab Animal Science
2024 Scholars on their way forward
BY SANDRA SARR
JULIA GOODWIN CONTRIBUTED TO THESE FEATURE STORIES.
Launching Leaders
2024 Summer Scholars Rhiannon Ballard-Davis, Sarah (Peyton) Cagle, and Carolina Inturregui learn from a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, where they met with Dr. Alexa Delaune, vice president of veterinary services, and Dr. Sean Perry, associate veterinarian, who earned his PhD at LSU Vet Med.
The Summer Scholars Program at LSU Vet Med provides experiences for veterinary students to consider careers in biomedical research by pairing students with mentors conducting research in their area of interest. Since its inception, the program has funded research experiences for nearly 200 LSU Vet Med students. This summer, we hosted 13 Summer Scholars, first- and second-year veterinary students selected based on several factors, including potential career impact. If Drs. Trinka Adamson, Daniel Dorbandt, and Arturo Otamendi (see the following feature stories) are any measure of the Summer Scholars Program’s career impact, we say the program succeeds in its purpose.
“Students complete a biomedical research project during the summer and participate in lectures, discussions, and field trips to enhance their understanding of research in the field of veterinary medicine. Students present their experimental design, hypotheses, and research findings both in oral presentation and poster presentation format. The intent is to introduce students to the culture of biomedical research and engage them in creative, problem-solving research activities that will lead to the discovery of new knowledge and open potential pathways to a career in research,” said Dr. Britta Leise, DVM (LSU 2002), PhD, DACVS, associate dean of staff and faculty advancement and associate professor of equine surgery. She has served as Summer Scholars Program director since 2022.
At completion of their research study, students give an oral presentation of their results to their colleagues and all mentors. They present results via posters with about 600 other students worldwide at the National Veterinary Summer Scholars Symposium and at the annual LSU Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day (PZRED) held in February.
2024 Summer Scholars, Mentors, Research Projects
CASEY ANDERSON is working with Dr. Adriano Vatta, associate professor of parisitology, on the proposal titled, “Clinical evidence of anthelmintic failure: a retrospective investigation into small ruminant patient records at the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.”
RHIANNON BALLARDDAVIS is working with Dr. Kielyn Scott, assistant clinical professor of Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation, on the proposal titled, “Using targeted pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to decrease anxiety in captive wolf hybrids.”
SARAH (PEYTON) CAGLE is working with Dr. Brooke Dubansky, Associate professor of anatomy, on the proposal titled, “Utilization of contrast-enhanced CT imagining to characterize ligamentous and tendinous osteoderm attachments in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).”
AUSTIN DYKAS is working with Dr. Mustajab Mirza, associate professor of Equine Surgery, on the proposal titled, “One-layer closure of small intestinal resection and anastomosis in adult horses.”
THOMAS HARRIS is working with Dr. Noelia Diaz Falcon, clinical assistant professor of Anesthesiology, Dr. Mark Mitchell, professor of Zoological Medicine, and Dr. Jeannette Cremer, associate professor of Veterinary Anesthesiology.
Thomas’ proposal is titled, “Can indirect blood pressure monitoring be used in birds: Measuring the level of agreement between indirect and direct arterial blood pressure methods in sedated barred owls (Strix varia).”
CAROLINA INTURREGUI is working with Dr. Pilar Camacho-Luna, assistant professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology, on the proposal titled, “Evaluation of circadian variations of central corneal thickness and its correlation with intraocular pressures in healthy horses.”
ETHAN NEAL is working with Dr. Mark Mitchell, professor of Zoological Medicine, on the proposal titled, “Determining the pharmacokinetic properties of two different doses of oxfendazole in barred owls (Strix varia).”
SARA BUCHER is working with Dr. William Beavers, assistant professor in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, on the proposal titled, “Envelope targeting antibiotics induce arachidonic acid resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.”
RALPH DELGADO is working with Dr. Mandi Lopez, director and professor of the Laboratory for Equine and Comparative Orthopedic Research, on the proposal titled, “Regeneration and cryopreservation of tendon neotissue for equine tendon healing.”
JULIA HARIG is working with Dr. Ahmed Abdelmoneim, assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, on the proposal titled, “Effects of developmental exposure to diethylhexyl phthalate on organismal development and behavioral stress response.”
GENESIS MIZE is working with Dr. Basel Abuaita, assistant professor of Infectious Diseases, on the proposal titled, “Comparative horse macrophage hostdefense against Salmonella serovars.”
SOLOMON PEARSON is working with Dr. Alexandra Noël, assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, on the proposal titled, “Impact of e-cigarette nicotine chemical form, tobacco derived vs. non-tobacco derived, on pulmonary responses in mice.”
LOGAN RODDY is working with Dr. Henry Green, associate dean for Opportunity and Engagement and associate professor of Veterinary Cardiology, Dr. Wendy Wolfson, associate professor of Shelter Medicine and Surgery, and Dr. Krista Miller, assistant professor of LSU/Petco Love Community Outreach. Logan’s proposal is titled, “Prevalence of clinical signs in canines affected with trypanosoma cruzi infections amongst various southern Louisiana parishes.”
TRINKA ADAMSON
Summer Scholar 2004, DVM 2007, DACLAM 2010
VOICE
An animal advocate and research collaborator in medical discoveries
TRINKA ADAMSON’S PASSION for ensuring animal welfare as a collaborator on research benefitting humanity comes as no surprise to her mentor at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Trinka is senior director and attending veterinarian in the Animal Resources Department at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, Calif., collaborating with leading scientists across fields like neuroscience, cancer research, and computational biology.
“Trinka is at the intersection of the need to protect humans and animals. She is intelligent, humble, hardworking, teamcentric, and perfectly suited to the profession,” said Mark Mitchell, PhD, DVM, DECZM, professor of zoological medicine, and her mentor in the Summer Scholars Program, which helped provide a foundation for Trinka’s work with researchers advancing medical discoveries.
Her role encompasses three key areas: advocating for the humane treatment of animals, consulting on research design, and ensuring adherence to the Animal Welfare Act and all local, state, and federal regulatory requirements. Trinka takes pride in providing the highest-quality veterinary medical care, husbandry, enrichment, and professional technical support to enable the scientists to perform their animal research at Salk. She is a valued troubleshooter when the direction of scientists’ experiments changes.
Although Trinka’s path to caring for animals and supporting researchers’ innovative science was a bit circuitous, her education at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine helped point the way to her destination. She had a desire to work with animals since she was a child but had second thoughts after viewing a veterinary surgery at age 10. So, she detoured and obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees in physiology, volunteered in a human hospital, and served on an undergraduate teaching team. During
graduate research in physiology, she questioned whether the best lab animal protocols were in use and realized that animal science remained her passion.
Trinka became interested in lab animal while a student at LSU Vet Med and worked one summer with Dr. David Baker, longtime professor of laboratory medicine. She originally thought she wanted to be an exotics veterinarian and served as president of the Wildlife, Avian, Zoo, & Exotic Medicine Club. In 2004, as a first-year student, she participated in the LSU Vet Med Summer Scholars Program with her mentor Dr. Mitchell. They worked on a project, “Evaluating the efficacy of Baquacil as a microbicide on the eggs of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans),” to evaluate a treatment to suppress or eliminate Salmonella spp. from the turtle eggs and hatchlings at eight turtle farms in Louisiana. Turtle farms were being shut down due to salmonella, impacting the livelihoods of rural Louisiana farmers, who supplied most of the nation’s pet turtles. Their research was supported by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, Louisiana Turtle Cooperative, Louisiana Turtle Farmers Association, and Fluker Farms.
Donning coveralls and boots in the heat of a South Louisiana summer, Dr. Mitchell, Trinka, and other researchers drove to Ponchatoula, Pierre Part, and Jonesville, La. turtle farms. They had long talks while enroute to collect research samples on farms where they crawled under sheds and went anywhere necessary to get the job done.
In February 2007, they published a paper in the American Journal of Veterinary Research describing findings that the presence of salmonella in turtles could be reduced using a technique they developed.
Their work together on that project has had a lasting impact. The state of Louisiana has enacted legislation requiring the implementation of the technique outlined in their study to reduce salmonella in turtles, thereby minimizing the associated health risks to humans.
“She was truly a lovely person to be around. She learned research techniques and communication skills. She’s a team player, and that’s what is needed to succeed,” Dr. Mitchell said.
Trinka graduated from LSU Vet Med in 2007 and completed her lab animal residency at UC Davis. She then joined the City of Hope Beckman Research Institute in Duarte, Calif., as their clinical vet, associate director, and associate research professor within the Center
for Comparative Medicine.
After a decade at City of Hope, Trinka was recruited by the Salk Institute. Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization. She is responsible for overseeing the management of department staff and operations and coordinating the care of a variety of rodents, small mammals, and nonhuman primates. While Trinka sees herself as part of a team, she has the final say on how animals are diagnosed and treated.
“I don’t say yes to everything that researchers propose for their studies. I have the legal authority to determine protocols concerning animals. That said, I want to be a collaborator, not a cop. Our end goal is to cure both human and animal diseases while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare. That can only be accomplished if the scientists and veterinary staff work together,” said Trinka.
“Animals are a critical component of how we study, treat, and cure diseases. Most of us have a family member who has suffered a chronic disease. I wanted to be a part of discovering treatments and cures,” she said.
While working at City of Hope, Trinka witnessed kids fighting cancers. “I saw firsthand why I am doing what I do,” she said.
In a proof-of-concept research study, the U.S. government mandates that two distinct animal model studies be completed before initiating a human clinical trial. Depending on the research objectives, animals may be involved in the project for a few weeks or, in some cases,
for their entire lives.
“I can control how animals are treated during research studies and ensure they don’t linger with a disease,” said Trinka, who reviews proposed studies as a member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), a committee that oversees the use of animals for research, teaching, and testing at an institution. The IACUC is federally mandated to ensure that the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained.
Trinka stays current on literature and ensures that modern protocols are in use.
Her knowledge of the law and love of animals guide her design of animal enrichment programs in which animals are provided things that they value. For example, mice like to build nests and they are given materials to do so.
She enjoys the constant new challenges her work provides, including teaching, which involves animal ethics, zoonotic diseases, surgical training, husbandry techniques, blood draws and injections. No two days are the same. As a working mother, she appreciates that she can mostly make her own schedule, unlike working in a veterinary clinic.
“I am very appreciative of the well-rounded education I received at LSU Vet Med. I wake up every morning excited about what I do,” she said.
“OUR END GOAL IS TO CURE BOTH HUMAN AND ANIMAL DISEASES WHILE MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF ANIMAL WELFARE.”
DANIEL DORBANDT
Summer Scholar 2008, DVM 2011
VISIONARY
Advancing Veterinary Ophthalmology
DANIEL DORBANDT’S DRIVE to become a veterinary ophthalmologist came into focus when his grandmother needed to make a six-hour roundtrip from Shreveport to Dallas to treat her cat’s eye condition. Her plight opened Daniel’s eyes to a need for veterinary specialists in a field where only 500 Board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists currently serve the entire U.S. He saw an opportunity to make a significant impact.
“I’ve always been intrigued by physics, and ophthalmology involves the principles of physics— understanding the way the light enters the eye, its refraction or the bending of light, and the structural properties of the eyes to repair them is like solving a complex puzzle,” he said.
His fascination led him to pursue veterinary ophthalmology. In 2008, Daniel participated in the Summer Scholars Program under the mentorship of Dr. Renee Carter, DVM, DACVO, professor of veterinary ophthalmology. Their research project,
“Characterization of integrins in the normal canine cornea,” focused on transmembrane receptors that influence several eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The work led to national conference presentations and served as a foundation for future research leading to published papers in Veterinary Ophthalmology.
“Dr. Carter had a remarkable way of asking questions and pushing me just enough without letting me falter as I figured out how to solve
Photo by loveleepaws Photography, loveleepaws.com
problems,” he said.
The Summer Scholars Program fostered his curiosity and inspired him to explore new territory in infectious disease epidemiology as a research assistant in Dr. Christopher Mores’ Arbovirus Laboratory at LSU Vet Med. After earning his DVM at LSU Vet Med in 2011, he pursued advanced training at Virginia Tech and the University of Georgia. When it was time to choose a residency, he turned to Dr. Carter for advice.
Daniel completed his residency in veterinary ophthalmology and Master of Science degree at the University of Illinois in 2016. There, he earned the prestigious Resident Teaching Excellence Award. Part of his residency research looked at 3D approaches to surgical impact.
“Dr. Carter helped me explore the best options and plot a path forward in my career as an ophthalmologist. I owe so much to her,” he said.
Today, Daniel is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist at Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine in New Haven, Conn., where his clinical and research interests are intraocular inflammation, immune deviation, ocular neoplasia, biomedical education, and client communication.
“We see all patients who fit through the clinic door,” said Daniel, who also has seen patients bigger than a typical clinic door—a white tiger, elephants, and a seal— throughout his training in veterinary ophthalmology. Dr. Carter and he continue to connect at annual conferences. “I was his mentor, and now I am his colleague. It’s very gratifying
knowing that I helped direct him to capture the spirit of what he wanted to accomplish,” she said.
Although he has achieved the career goals he set for himself several years ago, Daniel has never been satisfied with good enough.
“If Dan encountered an obstacle, he would find a solution. He was always interested in becoming an ophthalmologist. I knew he would get to his end goal. He is driven in a good way. He’s going to reach any goal he sets for himself,” said Dr. Carter.
With a special interest in ocular oncology, he has published research on innovative diagnostic techniques, including 3D printing, as well as novel treatment strategies for tumors on and around the eye.
“I read his published papers. He is a very thoughtful scientist and a great human. I realize he started with a small research project here, and he kept building on it. I am very proud of him,” she said.
Although he initially intended to pursue a career in academia, the challenges of being a clinician seeing 60-75 cases and conducting five surgeries each week suit his need to continually operate outside a comfort zone.
“With eyes, things can turn catastrophic quickly, and those cases are referred to specialists. Corneas are the most densely innervated structure in the body and can be extremely painful. General practitioners are not comfortable doing biopsies on 1/2 mm-thin corneas,” he said.
Daniel is known for his eyelid mass removal procedure, which utilizes
“WE SEE ALL PATIENTS WHO FIT THROUGH THE CLINIC DOOR.” HE ALSO HAS SEEN LARGER ONES, INCLUDING ELEPHANTS.
cryotherapy instead of anesthesia where the patient remains awake during the removal and reconstruction. It is risk-free, has a high success rate and a shorter recovery period, and costs less.
A lifelong learner, Daniel constantly looks for ways to improve by pushing the boundaries with an understanding of what could happen but without guaranteed outcomes.
For Daniel, it’s about constantly improving and exploring new methods. If a novel technique doesn’t work as planned, he has contingency plans.
“I am always willing to break through my comfort zone and try,” he said.
One successful case in which he obtained the clients’ permission to try a novel treatment involved a German shepherd with a disease, pannus or chronic superficial keratitis (CSK). The dog had already lost one eye and an aggressive tumor threatened to spread around the structures of
his remaining eye. Daniel presented treatment options to his clients. Removing the eye would be the most expedient approach, but it would leave the dog blind. He performed two surgeries on the eye utilizing a novel treatment in veterinary medicine that he’d read about in a human pediatrics journal. The human case involved treating a vascular tumor. He applied similar techniques in the dog’s surgery, using cryotherapy where the tumor started and a beta blocker medication to help shrink blood vessels. He then removed 50 percent of the cornea for access to remove the tumor. Two years later, the dog still has vision in the treated eye.
“It is the most difficult case I have ever experienced. I had a back-up plan and a back-up to that if needed,” he said.
Daniel’s dedication to advancing the field is matched by his commitment to mentorship. Helping young ophthalmology students is one way Daniel gives back and honors the mentoring and opportunities he received.
“I still think about my Summer Scholars experience 16 years later,” he said.
ARTURO OTAMENDI
Summer Scholar 2011, DVM 2014,
VALIANT
Becoming a bassoon-playing veterinary neurologist
ARTURO OTAMENDI REMEMBERS finding a litter of kittens covered in worms and wounds while on his grandparents’ farm in Venezuela. He brought them inside, bathed them, and applied medicine and bandages. He was 6 years old. He is still helping animals and teaching others to do so at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine as a board-certified veterinary neurologist specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles, often helping paralyzed pets to walk again.
“Medicine is fascinating. As a veterinarian, I combine science and my love of animals. Both have to be in my life,” said Arturo, who came at age 9 to the U.S. from Venezuela with his mother and brothers. He is not the first in his family to enter the medical profession. His mother runs multiple pre-clinical studies and was an ER doctor for humans in Venezuela. His grandfather is a dermatologist in Venezuela and completed his residency at Harvard.
Valedictorian of his graduating class at East Jefferson High School in Metairie, La., his longstanding passion for animals, including wildlife, led him to volunteer at Audubon Zoo during summer breaks.
In 2011, during Arturo’s second year at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, he participated in the Summer Scholars Program with Dr. Joseph Francis, professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, as his mentor. Together they worked on a project entitled, “Mechanism by which exercise training decreases blood pressure: role of sirtuins.”
Sirtuins play a large role in neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory diseases in the central nervous system.
He published a paper and presented his research at Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day, where he gained practice presenting. The project opened his eyes to a whole new world in science.
“The Summer Scholars Program changed the trajectory of my career. It helped me get my foot in the door and showed that I had research experience,” he said.
During his fourth year at LSU Vet Med, he did an externship at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, New York City’s only Level 1 Veterinary Trauma Center. He assisted in the surgical removal of a brain tumor in a cat, and that’s when he became interested in neurology. A rotating internship at North Carolina State University solidified his decision to specialize.
He practiced veterinary neurology in San Francisco, Calif., and New Orleans, La., before returning to LSU Vet Med in early 2024 as an assistant professor of neurology and neurosurgery.
Arturo’s research interests include cognitive and behavioral changes in dogs and cats associated with age, quality of life implications for patients with canine cognitive dysfunction, histological agerelated changes to the brain, neoplastic disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord, and neurodegenerative diseases. Clinically, he specializes in managing complicated seizure cases and patients with inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system.
“I always knew I wanted to specialize, and LSU
Vet Med’s Summer Scholars Program made my path easier. If I hadn’t done it, it would have taken me longer to reach my goals,” he said.
In 2018, he completed a neurology residency at Texas A&M University. Securing such a residency is extremely competitive. There are only 15 neurology residency spots in the entire U.S. During interviews, the first thing he heard was, “Tell us about your research.” He said, “It really made me stand out from the crowd.”
“Arturo was inquisitive and eager to learn. It was like watching a light bulb turn on. I am proud of him, but I don’t take any credit for his success,” said mentor Dr. Francis, neuroscientist and cardiovascular expert.
“So many people helped me get to where I am today,” Arturo said.
Several veterinarians have taken Arturo under their wing and mentored him. One was Dr. Jon Fletcher, director of PostGraduate Medical Education & Clinical Studies at MedVet in Mandeville, La. A challenging case that stands out for Arturo is that of Blue Jay, a beautiful Labrador retriever who’d been having seizures. An MRI indicated encephalitis, inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection or an autoimmune response. The inflammation caused the brain to swell,
which led to seizures in the dog.
“He was deteriorating, comatose, and not responsive. Someone said that we may need to euthanize. I said, ‘Let’s try one more thing.’”
They administered an IV with a chemotherapy infusion of Cytoxan, which reduced the inflammation of his brain. The dog improved and was walking after three days. Blue Jay didn’t have any more seizures.
“I love saving an animal from the brink of death. There always can be a little hope,” he said, adding, “I thoroughly communicate with clients and present treatment options in ways that they understand. I take the time to build trust. In the end, it is important to respect the clients’ decision. We are here to present options.”
After leaving MedVet and joining LSU Vet Med, Arturo said he’s doing what he loves, especially teaching. He delights in seeing students’ passion for learning when they cycle through the Neurology service in LSU Vet Med’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where he is a member of a stellar team.
“It was always my end goal to return to LSU Vet Med. I love to teach. It comes naturally. I want students to feel comfortable seeing neurology cases and to get them thinking like doctors. I not only care about the learning but also about their wellbeing. I know the stresses of veterinary school and teach with compassion,” said the assistant professor of
“I ALWAYS KNEW I WANTED TO SPECIALIZE, AND LSU VET MED’S SUMMER SCHOLARS PROGRAM MADE MY PATH EASIER.”
neurology and neurosurgery.
The Neurology team schedules time regularly for students to discuss wellness issues and meet with the school’s wellbeing manager. Arturo checks in with his students on how they manage stress.
“For me, it’s through music,” he said. He played trombone in a marching band, orchestra, and jazz band. For seven years, he didn’t play at all and then joined a community band in San Francisco. Long fascinated with the bassoon, he rented one for $50 a month and watched YouTube videos to teach himself how to play. “It’s so melodic and has lots of options for making beautiful sounds,” he said. For six months, he practiced every day, auditioned, and joined the New Orleans Civic Orchestra. Now, he plays with the Civic Orchestra of Baton Rouge, plays trombone in the Tiger Rag Tag Band (comprised of LSU Tiger Band alumni), and participates in several public performances throughout the year.
“Whenever I get excited about something, I try very hard,” Arturo said. “Mentors helped me become who I am today. Now I get to be that person for someone else,” he said.
Balancing act Isabel Grazian, Veterinarian, soldier, artist
“The Matriarchy,” Isabel’s profile of an elephant, captures a sparkle in its eye. “I always start with the eyes. No eyes, no peace,” she said.
ISABEL GRAZIAN BALANCES
passions ranging from animal shelter medicine, the military, and fine art with an unwavering focus that eludes many. She has proven that her seemingly unrelated interests complement each other as she steadily marches forward toward the vision she had in high school for a career in medicine.
Isabel grew up in Barrington, Ill., where “it was too cold to stay,” she said.
She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned a BS in animal science and worked in the Animal Genetics and Genomics Laboratory. After graduation, Isabel earned her DVM at LSU Vet Med in 2023 and forged ahead to complete a one-year internship in shelter medicine.
“She is hard-working and puts 110% into every task, whether that is reviewing journal club articles or performing a surgery that is new to her,” said Wendy Wolfson, associate professor of Shelter Medicine and Surgery at LSU Vet Med.
Isabel’s diligent spirit is apparent through her extensive education, dedicated work ethic, and meticulously crafted artwork. She has successfully managed each pursuit—all while serving in the U.S. Army.
"Veterinary school is expensive. When I was contacted by an Army recruiter, it offered an attractive option that would pay for vet school. I enlisted during my junior year of college," Isabel said.
She underwent 10 weeks of basic training and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training the summer before her senior year of undergraduate school. She attended a leadership course for sergeant training while in clinics at LSU Vet Med. Doing so required her to be exceptionally organized, particularly when obligations overlapped and she needed to negotiate making up tests when called to military duty.
As an Army reservist serving one weekend per month and several weeks during summers, Isabel drove trucks, Humvees, ambulances, and an 18-wheeler.
In August 2024, she started four months of Veterinary Corps training and is on track to become a Veterinary Officer Captain. She is learning leadership, teamwork, and veterinaryspecific practices that will prepare her to handle and care for military working dogs.
Serving at six animal shelters-including doing vaccinations, spays, and neuters at Angola, the largest maximum-security prison in the U.S.—leads her to not only feel competent in surgery, the ER, and shelter medicine, but also gives her career confidence to handle military working dogs.
She believes that all of her endeavors involve systemic and creative processes.
When she pursued veterinary medicine, Isabel
noticed that her artistic skills helped with her understanding of anatomy.
"Art and science are one in the same. With both, you experiment and make appropriate adjustments throughout the process,” she said.
Art also offered her a peaceful haven during the stresses of veterinary school.
At LSU Vet Med, she was selected from a field of international competitors to be part of a juried show, Animals in Art, with her mixed media drawing of an elephant, “The Matriarchy.”
She made the pen and ink drawing while in clinics.
“There’s no such thing as a mistake to ruin my piece. I work around and adjust,” she said.
Isabel works around obstacles and makes appropriate adjustments in everything she does as she relentlessly pursues her dreams. She proves that with the right motivation, anything is possible.
—Julia Goodwin
Isabel, second from left, with Dr. Wendy Wolfson, to right of Isabel, and team on the first outing of our LSU Vet Med/Petco Love Community Outreach mobile clinic to provide vaccinations, flea and heartworm prevention, and general wellness examinations for resident dogs at Angola Prison.
1980
Melissa Gates and her husband, John, reside in Rancho Cordova, Calif., where she is the owner of Cordova Veterinary Hospital. They are both on standby as members of the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps in light of the recent wildfires in the state. Melissa also joined their local Fire Safe Council which works with federal, state, and local agencies to educate about fire safety and implement measures to reduce the risk of wildfires.
1982
Joe Fereday sold his practice, Brownswitch Pet Hospital. He worked solo there for 37 years in Slidell, La., until retirement.
1984
Sharon Hoffman completed the Thomas P. Sollecito One Health Fellowship in Oral Medicine. The fellowship is crafted to support the One Health concept between oral medicine specialists at the University of
Sharon Hoffman presents a poster at the American Academy of Oral Medicine.
Pennsylvania and boardcertified veterinary dentists interested in oral medicine and dedicated to life-long learning. Sharon was one of three veterinary dental specialists selected to participate and presented a poster on Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid in a Dog at the AAOM (American Academy of Oral Medicine) as part of the fellowship.
1985
Mac Law celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary with his wife, Christine, on August 4 with a trip to the mountains of North Carolina. Mac said he is enjoying retirement and playing pickup soccer in the Raleigh area.
Geri and Chip Carlson are pictured in Italy after a bike ride to stage one of the Tour de France.
1990
Geri Carlson practices small animal medicine in private practice in the Charlottesville, Va., area. In her spare time, she is active in local theater as a performer, director, and choreographer. Geri and her husband, Chip, just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on August 4th and went to Italy for two weeks. One memorable highlight of the trip was biking up to the route of the first stage of the Tour de France and watching the cyclists go by. “Thank goodness for e-bikes!” she said.
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1991
Suzanne LeGrange joined Idexx as a small animal internal medicine consultant in March 2023 after working at a private specialty practice in North Carolina for almost 27 years. She now works out of her home in Asheville, N.C., with help from her cat, Dexter.
1992
Anita Trichel received her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from
Tulane University after graduating from LSU Vet Med and performed most of her postdoctoral work at the Tulane Primate Center in Covington, La. She moved to the University of Pittsburgh with her mentor, Dr. Michael Murphy-Corb, in 1997 and completed her PhD. Anita joined the University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Laboratory Animal Research in 2006 and opened and directed the University’s BSL-3 Regional Biocontainment Laboratory in 2008. She became an associate
director of the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine in 2012, and then board certified in laboratory animal medicine (DACLAM) in 2013. During COVID, Anita and her researchers tested mRNA based COVID vaccines in nonhuman primates. Anita also published a first author paper titled “Overview of Nonhuman Primate Models of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Comparative Medicine,” in 2021 and has been a coauthor on multiple infectious disease research papers.
Suzanne LeGrange working from home with her feline assistant, Dexter.
If you do not see your submitted news in this issue, look for it in the next issue of UPROAR!
1993
David Fletcher and his wife, Kelly, live, work, and serve in the Horn of Africa. Their children continue to reside in the U.S. David said his primary focus in the region is caring for food animals, camels, and small ruminants. Food animals in the region are the country’s largest export which contributes considerably to its overall GDP, he said. Most diseases that are considered foreign to the U.S. can also be found here. David’s work consists of teaching at the local university, practice, and consultation. He is also involved in wildlife conservation efforts and assists with the healthcare of animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Cheetahs are native to this region, but local and regional illegal poaching and trade has drastically diminished the population, said David.
1994
Amy Gill started a new position as a veterinary biologics science and policy advisor at the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB), after working as a veterinary products reviewer for nine years. She lives and works in Ames, Iowa, and said she misses fresh seafood.
David Fletcher cares for camels in the Horn of Africa
Right: David Fletcher feeds an injured falcon.
Below: Some of David Fletcher’s pastoral patients
1997
John Dunn was selected to Chair the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Committee on Health Security, Policy, and Law. In 2024, John also joined the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies.
2002
Tiffany Wolf is an associate professor of disease ecology and ecosystem health at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She recently received a prestigious McKnight Land-Grant Professorship in
recognition of her research efforts toward the health and sustainability of wildlife populations. The McKnight award includes funding to support her research program and student training. Tiffany was also recently granted tenure in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine.
2003
Kelli Jones was appointed president elect of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians and works as a veterinary technical service manager at Ceva Animal Health.
2007
Brad Singleton works as a part-owner of South Park Animal Hospital, Dripping Springs Animal Hospital, and Southwest Vet in the Austin, Texas, area. He alternates between each hospital as he is needed to care for his patients.
Brad Singleton and his team operate on a ball python.
2012
Laura (Hoelle) Mowry and her husband, Todd, moved to Wilmette, Ill. Laura practices veterinary medicine and works as managing partner of Wicker Park Veterinary Clinic in Chicago.
John Dunn
2014
Sarah Shedenhelm recently met up with three LSU Vet Med classmates for the first time in 10 years in Kansas City, Mo. They came from four different states and had a fabulous weekend, she said.
2016
Lindsey Carr works as an associate veterinarian at Dodge City Veterinary Hospital in Denham Springs, La. She recently fulfilled a special request at work— performing surgery on her daughter’s stuffed dinosaur, Bumpy. Lindsey said that Bumpy stopped roaring and her owner, four-year-old Cate, was very sad. Once Bumpy’s procedure was complete, she went home with a bandage and a cone and made a full recovery.
Lindsey Carr operates on a special patient per her daughter’s request.
From left to right: Sarah Shedenhelm (Arkansas), Ashley Gagne (Pennsylvania), Heather Kittrell (Missouri), and Sally Lynch (Tennessee), at their own reunion in Kansas City.
2018
Kathryn May moved to Charlotte, N.C., and joined Cotswold Animal Hospital in November 2019. She currently resides in Charlotte with her husband and daughter, working as the managing doctor at her practice.
Kristen Armstrong started working at Lafayette Veterinary Care Center after graduation. She resides in Rayne, La., with her family and works as an associate veterinarian at the animal hospital.
2019
Carolyn Blank works as a radiologist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., after completing her diagnostic imaging residency at LSU Vet Med.
Sue Crow helped set new standards of excellence in integrating Eastern and Western medicine.
2020
Nicholas Fleissner recently passed his specialty boards and became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.
2024
Matthew Criscione received his DVM and started a small animal rotating internship at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., in June 2024. While at LSU, he cared for and worked with recovering birds as a Raptor Rehabilitation CoChair and received the Avian Research Reward. Matthew said he is interested in small animal soft tissue surgery after his extensive experience with avian wildlife. “My ultimate goal is to develop new surgical techniques for the zoological species since research in this area is so limited,” he also said. After the internship, Matthew plans to become double boarded in wildlife medicine or pursue a PhD in epidemiology. He is also interested in shelter medicine and plans to volunteer with shelter animals and wildlife. “They need us. If we don't help them, who will?” said Matthew.
In Memoriam
Sue Crow passed away on June 18, 2024. She was 80. The LSU Vet Med Integrative Medicine Support Fund was established by Sue and Donald Crow, helping to create one of the foremost integrative medicine programs in the nation. Sue’s unwavering commitment to integrative medicine helped create a wonderful new service that has impact at all levels--in the curriculum and in the clinic. She was also the first nurse in the South who assured patients did not get hospital acquired infections. Sue was known internationally for her simple humorous approach to preventing hospital infections and was invited to nine countries to lecture on this topic. She gave over 5,000 lectures, wrote a book, and over 100 articles on hospital acquired infections. Her belief in integrative medicine as a treatment modality fuels innovation at LSU Vet Med, helping us set new standards of excellence in
SUE WAS A VISIONARY PHILANTHROPIST WHOSE GENEROSITY HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON OUR SCHOOL, OUR PATIENTS, AND OUR ENTIRE LSU VET MED COMMUNITY.
integrating Eastern and Western medicine. Sue was a visionary philanthropist whose generosity has left an indelible mark on our school, our patients, and our entire LSU Vet Med community.
Dr. Wilfred “Bill” Springer passed away on May 20, 2024. He was 97. Dr. Springer earned his BS and DVM from the University of Illinois and received his master’s and PhD degrees in medical microbiology from the University of Georgia under a National Institute of Health Fellowship. In 1968, he joined the faculty at LSU Vet Med, the year LSU Vet Med was founded. In 1987, Dr. Springer served as a department head, and simultaneously served as acting dean for Research and Advanced Studies at
the School of Veterinary Medicine until his retirement in 1994. He also served on editorial and review boards for the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the Merck Veterinary Manual, the American Journal of Veterinary Research, Louisiana Agriculture, USDA Animal Health grant programs, and published over 100 scientific articles.
Class of 1981 gathers to celebrate reunion
FIFTEEN MEMBERS
OF the Class of 1981 (and several family members) gathered for a “Mudbugs in the Mountains” reunion at the home of Jim and Rose Marie Henderson in Fairmont, W. Va., in May 2024. The weekend included friendship, music, and 120 pounds of
boiled crawfish. Mike and Nancy Liles began what looks like a new annual tradition for the class by hosting the reunion in 2023 at their home in Searcy, Ark. Next year’s reunion is already being planned for Rayne, La., at the home of Nancy Rumore.
Robinson, James Slaughter, Gary Balsamo, Richard Broussard, Wayne Mercer, Craig Klimczak, Michael Davis, Mike Liles, Bob Jackson
Bottom row: Stephanie Nix, Jim Henderson, Dennis Seliz, and Ed Griffin
From left to right: Top row: Wade Ewing, Mike Reid, George
Nancy Liles, Class of 1981
PHOTO ALBUM
From left to right: Richard Broussard, Jeff Liles, and Jim Henderson perform at the reunion.
From left to right: Jim Henderson, Rose Marie Henderson, and Nancy Liles enjoy boiled crawfish.
Bob Marshall writes children’s book about raccoon rescue
BOB MARSHALL WROTE and published a children’s book titled, “Hi! My Name is Betty!” with help from his son, Jeremy Marshall, as a co-writer and daughter-in-law, Kristen Marshall, as the illustrator.
The picture book tells the tale of Betty, a baby raccoon, who was lost near Bob’s home and cared for until it was safe to return her to the wild. She would often visit Bob at home for treats or to play in the pool even after her release.
He began writing down his memories of Betty’s visits, telling the story mostly for himself, said Jeremy.
“He wanted to make sure he could remember every little detail of their time together,” he said.
After a while, the story took on a life of its own and Bob decided to share Betty with animal lovers of all ages.
“THE BOOK IS A PLAYFUL TESTAMENT TO THE PROFOUND RESPONSIBILITY HUMANS HAVE FOR CARING FOR THE NATURAL WORLD AND THAT THE DEAREST OF FRIENDS COME FROM THE MOST UNLIKELY OF PLACES.”
Readers can purchase “Hi! My Name is Betty!” online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. There are also copies available in Bob’s practice at Coursey Blvd. Animal Hospital in Baton Rouge, La.
“He crafted a story from Betty’s perspective, showing the world through her eyes,” Jeremy also said.
Upon publication, it became apparent that readers were just as enamored with the baby raccoon as Bob was when his story won second place in the 2024 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Children’s Nonfiction category.
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Parting Shot
WINGED WONDER Photographer Christopher Jones stood to the side of the crate from which a rehabilitated eagle was about to be released back into nature by a team from LSU Vet Med Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana. As the crate door opened, the eagle made a sharp left and flew directly over the photographer’s head. Chris admits it was a bit nerve wracking, but he’s a pro and captured this magnificent moment.
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
DOG BOWL SCULPTURE BY DONALD GIALANELLA Two poodle members of the Tiger HATS (Human Animal Therapy Service) sponsored by LSU Vet Med pose with the new Dog Bowl Dog sculpture outside our east entrance to the main building. The sculpture, an iconic dog coated in stainless steel pet food bowls, is funded by the Louisiana Percent for Art. Sculptor Donald Gialanella incorporated voluntary donations of stainless-steel pet food bowls from our community. The dog was inspired by the love and care given to animals by the dedicated people at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, according to the sculptor.
