DENVER/August 3, 2020 – Morris Animal Foundation, one of the largest nonprofits funding animal health studies globally, welcomes two new members to its Large Animal Scientific Advisory Board (LSAB). Dr. Michael Mienaltowski is an Associate Professor of Applied Physiology at the University of California, Davis, Department of Animal Science. Dr. Canaan Whitfield-Cargile is an Assistant Professor of Large Animal Surgery at Texas A&M University.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Mienaltowski and Dr. Whitfield-Cargile accepted our invitations to join our Large Animal Scientific Advisory Board,” said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer. “We look forward to benefiting from their expertise as we select the best studies for funding that will help horses and other equids around the world.”
Morris Animal Foundation’s LSAB, one of five scientific advisory boards at the Foundation, is comprised of 10 members who represent a diversity of veterinary specialties, from surgery to the microbiome. 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 100 to 150 grant proposals and recommend which ones to fund, based on scientific merit and the potential to save lives, preserve health and advance veterinary care.
Dr. Mienaltowski received his DVM from Michigan State University and his PhD from the University of Kentucky. His primary research interests are based in the development, maturation and repair of musculoskeletal tissues. He is interested in the physiology of usage and elite performance, as well as pathophysiology from over-usage, and acute and chronic injury for all musculoskeletal tissues on all species, as they might be related to use, environment or genetics.
“I am excited to be a part of this advisory board because Morris Animal Foundation has funded so many studies that benefit the health and well-being of animals,” said Dr. Mienaltowski. “I have been a beneficiary of their support and I am delighted to repay that generosity by helping them choose groundbreaking studies to fund.”
Dr. Whitfield obtained his DVM from the University of Georgia and PhD from Texas A&M University. He has experience in surgery, sports medicine and rehabilitation. His clinical and research interests involve wound healing and equine gastroenterology, with a focus on how the microbiota influences these processes.
“Morris Animal Foundation has a strong history of promoting and facilitating research that has had a profound positive impact on equine health and welfare, said Dr. Whitfield-Cargile. “I am honored to join this board, where I hope to use my clinical knowledge and research experience in equine gastroenterology to guide selection of future research to continue to improve the health and quality of life of horses.”
Morris Animal Foundation, headquartered in Denver, is a global leader in supporting studies to find solutions to serious health threats to animals. Since its founding in 1948, the Foundation has invested more than $155 million in over 2,700 studies that have improved the health and quality of life for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife around the world.
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.
