Morris Animal Foundation recognizes the need for training new scientists and in 2006 launched the Veterinary Student Scholars Program. By giving students the opportunity to work on MAF-funded projects early in their careers, we hope to encourage them to consider a career in research. At our annual meeting in June 2007, 23 scholars presented their projects - the range was as diverse as the animals on the planet. Though originally two prizes of $5,000 were to be given, the projects were so outstanding that an anonymous donor came forward to allow MAF to give out six prizes.
Ballard Award for Companion Animals, $5,000
Steven Friedenberg, Cornell University
Project Mentor: Rory Todhunter, BVSc, PhD
D05CA-606: "Genes and Canine Hip Dysplasia"
“I have always been interested in scientific research and having the opportunity to work with Dr. Todhunter this summer solidified my interest in this area. Furthermore, working with Dr. Todhunter stimulated my interest specifically in studying the genetic basis of orthopedic disease. (This topic) I hope to continue studying in my career as an academic veterinarian.”
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is the most common inherited orthopedic disease in dogs, leads to osteoarthritis and pain, and remains prevalent in dogs despite attempts to exclude affected dogs from breeding. One reason it is difficult to eradicate is because it is a “complex” trait which means more than one gene contributes to its development. Through this research two potentially significant genes that may play a role in development of this disease were identified. These genes were then sequenced using DNA of both affected and unaffected dogs to search for genetic mutations. While no mutations have been found yet, a marker of interest in a gene called fibrillin 2 was identified. Further studies are underway to confirm this marker in a larger group of dogs, which could then potentially be used as a genetic test for CHD.
Ballard Award for Wildlife, $5,000
Sophie E. Knafo, Tufts University
Project Mentor: Gretchen Kaufman, DVM
D05ZO-613: "Distribution of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Grevy's Zebras, Plains Zebras, Other Wildlife Species, and Livestock in the Sambura Landscape, Kenya"
“I met the local people of the Samburu region, and this personal connection I now have with the place has solidified my desire to continue working on projects which jointly benefit wildlife, human, and ecosystem health.”
The Grevy’s zebra is an endangered species whose principal range is the Samburu landscape in northern Kenya. This range is also used by local farmers to graze livestock. The close association of the Grevy’s with livestock may promote the transmission of diseases including gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to describe the distribution of GI parasites in Grevy’s zebras, plains zebras, and domestic donkeys and cattle in the Samburu landscape using fecal and soil samples. It was found that the zebras and livestock carry similar parasite species. This study can serve as a starting point for compiling a baseline of parasites and parasitism rates of wild and domestic animals in northern Kenya.
2nd place for Companion Animals, $1,000
Cherlene Delgado, University of Missouri
Project Mentor: Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD
D05FE-621: "Feline Asthma - Using a new Protocol to Decrease Inflammation and Clinical Signs"
“This experience has greatly reinforced my interest in the opportunities that research offers to explore new treatment protocols and novel therapies for the benefit of companion animals. I felt an enormous contentment knowing that there are research projects out there that find a novel approach to improve companion animal health and I am proud to be part of one.”
Asthma is a common and potentially debilitating disease in cats and is often treated with steroids. Some cats have adverse reactions to this treatment, however, there is a need for an alternative treatment. Hyposensitization (also known as immunotherapy) offers the chance to “cure” allergies via controlled injections of allergens that allow the body to tolerate the allergen when exposed again under natural conditions. CpG motifs, which are components of bacteria that warn the body that it has been invaded by a potentially dangerous organism, can also be used as the body is not able to fight the bacteria and cause an allergy at the same time so they fool the body out of “allergy mode.” The animals were treated with both Immunotherapy and CpG motifs and had only mild adverse reactions. Further, 8 of the 12 cats showed reduced allergy symptoms thus showing these two new treatments have potential to help asthmatic cats.
2nd place for Wildlife, $1,000
Larry JB Minter, North Carolina State Univeristy
Project Mentor: Carlos R.F. Pinto, MedVet, PhD
D05ZO-624: "Influence of Extender and Packaging on Post-Thaw Survival of Epididymal Cat Spermatozoa"
“My involvement in this project further solidified my interest in pursuing a career where I will be able to utilize assisted reproductive technieqes to support the conservation of endangered species, particularly regarding small populations management within zoological institutions.”
Cryopreservation or freezing of germplasm (genetic material such as eggs or sperm) will play a critical role in sustaining the future of threatened animal populations. This project tested the post-thaw effect of two cryprotective extenders (materials that can affect the survival of the frozen material) Test Yolk Bufer and Lactose-EDTA (LE), and two packaging techniques, straws and vials. The findings suggest that using LE as an extender and a cryo-vial packaging technique resulted in the best and most useful sperm.
3rd place for Companion Animals, $500
Ashley Hill, Mississippi State University
Project Mentor: Cyprianna Swiderski, DVM, PhD
D05EQ-615: "Biochemical Characterization of Hyperelastosis Cutis: Investigating the Collagen Crosslink Pattern that Identifies Affected Horses"
“This project is important to me because we achieved publishable data which helped to elucidate the genetic defect responsible for Hyperelastosis Cutis without inducing significant stress on the animals nor requiring euthanasia as an endpoint.”
Hyperelastosis Cutis (aka HERDA) is a genetic disease of Quarter Horses that is recognized by bruising, stretching, sloughing, and severe scarring of skin. This laboratory previously identified an elevated deoxypyridinoline (DPD) to pyridinoline (PYD) ratio in the urine that identifies affected horses from birth. DPD and PYD crosslink collagen, giving strength to the collagen in skin. Synthesis of both DPD and PYD require the amino acid hydroxylysine (HL) which is derived from its precursor amino acid, lysine. Depleting HL favors DPD formation. This study determined that horses with HERDA have less HL available and therefore fewer PYD crosslinks in collagen. Lysine levels were not different between affected and normals, indicating that conversion of lysine to hydroxylysine is defective in horses with HERDA. These results are important in determining which of the emerging genetic defects in horses with HERDA actually causes the disease.
3rd place for Wildlife, $500
Laura Stokes-Greene, The Ohio State University
Project Mentor: William Saville, DVM, PhD
D05ZO-607: "Evaluation of Infectious Disease Risks to the Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) by Hematologic and Serologic Survey of Domestic Animals and Captive Wildlife Surrounding Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia"
“I am grateful for being given the opportunity to reap the benefits of experiencing something extraordinary – something that is invaluable for my career – both personally and professionally,”
The Sumatran rhinoceros is one of the most endangered animals in the world with an estimated surviving population of less than 300 animals. This project sought to identify hemoparasite (blood parasite) infection in Sumatran rhinoceroses and other animals within and around Kambas National Park, Indonesia. The investigator found that multiple animal species are infected with various hemoparasites and found a novel hemoparasite in the Sumatran rhinoceroses that were evaluated. The investigator concluded that since these hemoparasites are so widespread, the best way to manage these blood-borne diseases in the Sumatran rhinoceros is to closely monitor their health and treat any infection that becomes apparent.
Companion Animals
Kristin McLaughlin, Cornell University
Project Mentor: Maria Flaminio, DVM, PhD
DO5EQ-605: "Immunoglobulin Isotype Expression in Lymphoid Tissues of the Equine Fetus and Neonate"
“Before this summer, I had very little and not very positive experience working in a research laboratory. This program exposed me to a friendly and nurturing environment… I am now considering further pursuit of equine research…”
Amanda Sherck, Kansas State University
Project Mentor: Elizabeth Davis, DVM, PhD
D05EQ-618: "Pharmakokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Oral Dexamethasone Administered to Healthy Horses"
“Due to my experiences with the summer research program sponsored by Morris Animal Foundation I have developed an interest in research and am now considering graduate research as an option.”
Michael Rossi, Louisiana State University
Project Mentor: Changaram S. Venugopal, BVSc, PhD
D05EQ-601: "Comparison of Neurokinin-A Receptor Protein in Healthy and RAO_Affected Horses"
“Being involved in such a detailed and in depth research project has further sparked my interest in this field. I was indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated mentor who was willing to guide me in my endeavor. This experience has truly inspired me to consider such a career in research.”
Melody Davis, North Carolina State University
Project Mentor: Carlos R.F. Pinto, MedVet, PhD
D05EQ-602: "Determination of Reactive Oxygen Species in Equine Semen Using Chemiluminescence"
“I really appreciate the opportunity that Morris Animal Foundation has given me with this fellowship. I learned a lot during this experience and gained valuable skills in trouble shooting, semen evaluation, and scientific writing.”
Jennifer S. Hohenlohe, Oregon State University
Project Mentor: Christopher K. Cebra, VMD
D05LA-604: "Evaluating Techniques for Isolating Pancreatic Islets in South American Camelids"
“Participating in this project with Dr. Cebra has broadened my experience and confirmed my interest in scientific research. Following graduation this spring I will start a small animal internship at OSU. The internship application process is competitive and my research experience likely contributed to the success of my application.”
Danielle Perrone, The Ohio State University
Project Mentor: Stefan Niewiesk, DVM, PhD
D05CA-608: "Defining T Cell and B Cell Responses after CDV Vaccination in Dogs Background and Significance"
“My project has allowed me to consider a career path as a clinical researcher, something that I had not thought about before. I was also intrigued in this research because no one has detailed these experiments before, and it is exciting to know that my work can forge the path for other future projects, in a field as ever-changing and controversial as vaccination research.”
Danielle S. Torin, Tufts University
Project Mentor: Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, PhD
D05FE-614: "Dietary Patterns of Cats with Cardiac Disease"
“I now feel more comfortable in my abilities to conduct clinical research, and am increasingly open to the possibility of pursuing clinical research as a practicing small animal veterinarian.”
Lena DeTar, University of Minnesota
Project Mentor: James R. Mickelson, PhD
D05CA-622: "Ion Channel Genes and Idiopathic Epilepsy in Dogs"
“This research has definitely made me more aware of the research opportunities for students, clinicians, residents and others in the veterinary field.”
Letitia Posey, Oklahoma State University
Project Mentor: Lin Liu, PhD
D05MS-620: "Arsenic, Cancer and Animal Health and Welfare"
“I have always revered research scientists and thought of them as the best of the best as far as intellectuals and talented people. It’s great to know that I have the potential to do this myself.”
Wildlife
Veronica Flores, Texas A&M University
Project Mentor: Karen Snowden, DVM, PhD
D05ZO-609: "Lurking in the Wings: Investigation of Avian Hemoparasites and their Insect Vectors at the Fort Worth Zoo"
“During the course of the summer program, I was exposed to careers that combine research and clinical medicine. I am currently interested in pursuing laboratory animal medicine, which would incorporate clinical medicine into a research setting.”
Katherine Fogelberg, Texas A&M University
Project Mentor: Michael Tewes, PhD
D05ZO-617: "Potential Impact of Common Diseases on Endangered Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in Southern Texas"
“I learned a great deal during this program, including the process that one must go through to produce results and actually conduct good research … I certainly have a greater appreciation for those who choose this career path.”
Cristina M. Hansen, University of Illinois
Project Mentor: Petra A. Volmer, DVM
D05ZO-610: "Cholinestrase Determination as Part of an Overall Health Assessment of Alaskan Caribou (Rangifer Tarandus Subsp. Granti)"
“This project strengthened my belief that wildlife research is important, fascinating, fun, and what I want to do with my life.”
Alina Evans, University of Minnesota
Project Mentor: Marguerite Pappaioanau, DVM, PhD
D05ZO-623: "Prevalence of and use of Clinical Signs to Screen for Rift Valley Fever Virus Infection in Malaria Negative Patients Presenting to a Provincial General Hospital in rural Kenya"
“From this research and previous experiences, I am gradually gaining a broader perspective of veterinary medicine, public health and conservation.”
Nicole Savageau, University of Pennsylvania
Project Mentor: Sharon L. Deem, DVM, PhD
D05ZO-611: "Documenting the blinding Effect of Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant) on Native Fauna in Gabon"
“Despite some of the setbacks that inevitably occur with this kind of research, this project made me even more interested in a career in zoo and conservation medicine and research.”
Jenny Niemuth, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Project Mentor: Erik K. Hofmeister, DVM, PhD
D05ZO-619: "Detection of Corticosterone Metabolites in Fecal Samples of Wild-Caught House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) as an Accurate measure of Physiological Stress Reactions"
“This research project showed me that establishing and validating even one assay can have a significant impact on the way animal health research is conducted and on animal health research itself. I plan to pursue a career that includes animal health research because answering scientific questions, improving animal health, and contributing new knowledge is one way that I can improve our world.”
Lucy James, Royal Veterinary College
Project Mentor: Mark T. Fox, BVetMed, ILTM, MRCVS
D05ZO-616: "Comparative Study of Tannin Concentration of Browse, Fecal Parasites and Fecal Steroid Content of Captive and Wild Black Rhinoceros"
“This project has enhanced my desire to become further involved in conservation related research in the future…”
