DENVER/December 17, 2020 – Morris Animal Foundation, one of the largest nonprofits funding animal health studies globally, is pleased to welcome three new members to its Wildlife Scientific Advisory Board (WSAB) and one to its Animal Welfare Advisory Board (AWAB).
The Foundation’s WSAB, one of five scientific advisory boards at the Foundation, is comprised of 10 members who represent a diversity of veterinary specialties and species expertise. Their review process ensures the Foundation supports the highest quality research by providing objective review from experts in the field. Each year, they evaluate from 150-200 grant proposals and recommend which ones to fund, based on scientific merit and the potential to save lives, preserve health and advance veterinary care.
Newly appointed members to this board are:
- Dr. Val Beasley is Professor Emeritus of Veterinary, Wildlife and Ecological Toxicology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, Urbana. His expertise is in veterinary, wildlife and ecological toxicology. He received his DVM from Purdue University and his PhD in toxicology from the University of Illinois.
- Dr. Mark Mitchell is a professor of zoological medicine at Louisiana State University. He brings expertise in wildlife epidemiology, biostatistics, clinical wildlife medicine and infectious disease. Dr. Mitchell received a DVM from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and PhD in epidemiology from LSU.
- Dr. Hendrik Nollens is the Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, California. A marine mammal veterinarian, scientist and conservationist, he brings expertise in aquatic animal health and infectious disease. Dr. Nollens holds a Master of Marine Science from the University of Otago in New Zealand; a DVM from the University of Ghent, Belgium; and a PhD in veterinary sciences from the University of Florida.
Morris Animal Foundation’s AWAB is a review committee established to ensure the well-being of animals involved in Foundation-funded studies, including client-owned pets in clinical trials.
Because of the dedicated participation of each individual on the board, the Foundation is able to carry out its mission of advancing animal health by supporting scientifically sound and humane research. The AWAB review process ensures optimal welfare for all animals by evaluating proposals to ensure the Foundation’s Animal Health Study Policy is being met.
The newest member of this board is:
- Dr. David Miller is a veterinarian experienced with captive and free-ranging wildlife and domestic animals. He brings expertise in wildlife and companion animal welfare. Dr. Miller received his DVM from the University of Wisconsin, a PhD in clinical sciences from Colorado State University, and is a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine as well as the American College of Animal Welfare.
Morris Animal Foundation, headquartered in Denver, is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $136 million in studies across a broad range of species.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
