VMD/PhD Alumni Profiles

Associate Professor, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

• VMD:  2003   
• PhD:  2007
• Graduate Group:  Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic:  Molecular and physiologic significance of the nuclear receptor corepressor-HDAC3 complex

After graduating from the program, Dr. Alenghat worked as a Postdoc at Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania. She is currently an Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Postdoctoral Scientist, University of Kentucky, Lexington

• VMD: 2020
• PhD: 2019
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: ACVR1 Signals by Multiple Modalities in the Developing Zebrafish.

After graduating Robyn moved to Lexington, KY to perform postdoctoral studies at the University of Kentucky.

Principal Scientist at Merck

• VMD: 2015

• PhD: 2014
• Graduate Group: Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Thesis Topic: Regulation and Kinase Activity of the TRK Family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

After graduation, Steve moved to Boston to join a LAM residency at MIT.

Small Animal Internship

• VMD: 2021
• PhD: 2019
• Graduate Group: Neurosciences
• Thesis Topic: Pathways to pathologic retinal iron accumulation: blood, guts, and the immune system.

After graduating Bailey entered a Small Animal Internship in Langhorne, PA.

Professor at University of California at Los Angeles

• VMD: 1998
• PhD: 2003
• Graduate Group: Immunology
• Thesis Topic: Development and function of a CD4+25+ regulatory T cells

The Bensinger laboratory is largely interested in understanding how lipid metabolism influences lymphocyte proliferation and adaptive immunity.  

Chief Executive Officer at CASTR Alliance

• VMD: 2010
• PhD: 2009
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Hypoxia Inducible Factors Regulate the p53 and Noth Pathways to Promote Cancer

After graduation, Jessica accepted a postdoctoral position at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Dr. Jason Biela's laboratory. She is currently the Chief Executive Officer at CASTR Alliance.

Assistant Professor of Clinical Pathology, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 2011
• PhD: 2010
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Receptor utilization and antiviral CD8 T cell responses during central nervous system infection with a murine coronavirus

Post-graduation, entered a residency in Anatomic Pathology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pathology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Professor of Molecular Neurosciences, George Mason University

• VMD: 1986
• PhD: 1988
• Graduate Group: Bioengineering
• Thesis Topic: The role of spatial and chromatic parameters in image processing by the visual system

The Blackwell laboratory studies the molecular, cellular and network mechanisms of long term memory storage using computational and electrophysiological techniques.  The lab studies neuromodulators and their role in Parkinson's disorder and mental illness.

Associate Professor, Department of Community and Regional Development, University of California at Davis

• VMD: 2015
• PhD: 2013
• Graduate Group: City and Regional Planning
• Thesis Topic: Fringe Benefits: quantitative and qualitative study of urban form on farmland functions

Katie is an Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis.

Scientific Writer at Oxford Pharmagenesis

• VMD: 2015
• PhD: 2014
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Blood and Guts: Consequences of Adenovirus Vector Vaccination on T Cell Activation and SIV Susceptibility in Rhesus Macaques

Irene is currently a Scientific Writer at Oxford Pharmagenesis.

Veterinarian, Dogwood Pet Hospital

• VMD: 1992
• PhD: 1997
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Transcription factor YY1 and its role in regulating transcription of the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer

Associate Veterinarian

• VMD: 2021
• PhD: 2020
• Graduate Group: Epidemiology and Biostatistics

• Thesis Topic: Antimicrobial use and resistance: intersections of companion animal and public health.

After graduating Sondra is currently gaining further clinical experience as an Associate Veterinarian in Media, PA.

Postdoctoral Scientist University of Washington

• VMD: 2019
• PhD: 2018
• Graduate Group: Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Thesis Topic: All the right noises: Causes and consequences of stochastic trimethylamine oxide reductase expression in Escherichia coli.

After graduating from the program Jeffrey moved to Seattle to perform a Postdoc at the University of Washington.

Interim Director, Regional Epidemiology Program at the Bureau of Communicable Disease Control of the New York State Department of Health

• VMD: 1997
• PhD: 2003
• Graduate Group: Parasitology
• Thesis Topic: Infection dynamics of Ichthyophthirius multifillis in zebrafish and catfish

Dr. Cherry's main interest is control and prevention of zoonotic diseases.  Currently, he directs statewide surveillance for communicable diseases occurring in the community setting, evaluates surveillance methods, and implements and evaluates education and prevention programs for communicable diseases.

Principal Scientist at Seagen

• VMD: 2011
• PhD: 2010
• Graduate Group: Pharmacology
• Thesis Topic: The role of mitochondrial-targeted human Cytochrome P450 2D6 in drug metabolism and toxicity

Post-graduation, Michelle accepted a Postdoc position at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. She is now Principal Scientist at Seagen. 

Assistant Professor at University of Wisconsin

• VMD: 2011 
• PhD: 2010 
• Graduate Group: Neuroscience 
• Thesis Topic: Probing the Neurophysiology of anxiety: Social stress alters the modulation of serotonin neurons 

LaTasha's thesis project characterized 2 subpopulations of serotonin cells and revealed that those 2 subpopulations are regulated differently in social stress-based model of anxiety.

Assistant Research Scientist, University of Georgia

Chief Scientific Officer, AptoTec, Inc.

President, Biomedical Information Services

• VMD: 1979
• PhD: 1980
• Graduate Group: Anatomy
• Thesis Topic: Role of CNS cholecystokinin in hypothalamic control of food

Dr. Della Fera's primary area of interest is in regulation of energy balance of food intake.  In recent years, she has focused on regulation of adipose tissue mass, and, in particular, the effects of natural compounds on adipogenesis, lipolysis, lipogenesis, and adipocyte apoptosis.

Staff Scientist, The Wistar Institute

• VMD: 1984
• PhD: 1988
• Graduate Group: Immunology
• Thesis Topic: Studies on neonatal transplantation tolerance:  A role for MHC restriction

Professor and Chancellor’s Fellow at University of California at Irvine

• VMD: 1996
• PhD: 1999
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: HIV/SIV Entry

Dr. Edinger's laboratory addresses cancer treatment by trying to exploit metabolic differences to selectively starve cancer cells by down-regulating nutrient transporter proteins.

Veterinarian, King of Prussia Veterinary Hospital

• VMD: 2017
• PhD: 2015
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: The Role of the gp41 Membrane-Proximal Tyrosine Motif in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Pathogenesis.

Samra is currently a veterinarian at King of Prussia Veterinary Hospital.

Scientist II, Repertoire

• VMD: 2017
• PhD: 2015
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic. T Cell Immunosurveillance of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

After graduating from the program Rebecca spent a couple of years working as a veterinarian to solidify her clinical skills.  She is currently a Scientist II in the biotech company, Repertoire.

Professor and Department Head of the Department of Comparative Biosciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• VMD: 1979
• PhD: 1982
• Graduate Group: Pharmacology
• Thesis Topic: Tyroid hormone metabolism in the isolated perfused rat kidney

Dr. Ferguson is interested in the interaction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis nutrient metabolism and vice versa.

Director of the Neuroscience Institute
Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine

• VMD: 1979
• PhD: 1987
• Graduate Group: Physiology
• Thesis Topic: Cortical acetylcholine

Dr. Fine's laboratory investigates mechanisms of information processing and storage in the central nervous system; development and application of advanced optical imaging methods for neuroscience, including extrinsic and genetically-encoded fluorescent ion and voltage indicators in conjunction with multiphoton, confocal- and fast CCD-imaging.

Senior Lecturer and Director of Veterinary Curriculum, Cornell University

Associate Professor of Pathobiology and Director of PennVet Imaging Core Facility, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 1987
• PhD: 1992
• Graduate Group: Physiology
• Thesis Topic: Expression and function of Kv channels during T cell differentiation

The general focus of the Freedman laboratory is physiological processes that regulate lymphocyte and macrophage development and function. They are specifically interested in pathways that regulate calcium signaling in T and B cells and in the viral and cellular determinants of viral tropism and pathogenesis.

Senior Research Investigator for the Laminitis Research Initiative, Department of Clinical Studies at New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 1993
• PhD: 2000
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Using molecular genetic techniques to investigate a putative muscarinic receptor homologue in mouse sperm that may be involved in sperm-egg binding and/or the acrosome reaction

Small Animal Internship, Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital

• VMD: 2015
• PhD: 2013
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Natural variation in the histone demethylase KDM4C, influences cell proliferation through the regulation of specific genes

Brittany is in Colorado for a SA rotating internship at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital.  She hopes to then pursue a residency in Pathology.

Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine Emerita, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 1980
• PhD: 1980
• Graduate Group: Anatomy
• Thesis Topic: Studies of the effects of small pontine lesions producing paradoxical sleep without atonia in freely behaving cats

After decades studying physiology and anatomy of sleep and an animal model of sleep apnea (the English bulldog), Dr. Hendricks turned her attention to a simpler model - Drosophila.  She showed, using behavioral, pharmaceutical, and molecular approaches, that Drosophila's rest state has sleep-like properties.  Dr. Hendricks' lab used this model organism to show that the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway is involved in rest regulation as well as its well-known role in long-term memory consolidation.

Veterinarian, Blackhorse Pike Animal Hospital

• VMD: 2009
• PhD: 2008
• Graduate Group: Immunology
• Thesis Topic: Leishmania mexicana infection

The goal of Alice's project was to better understand how Leishmania mexicana infection induces a non-healing response in mice that are fully capable of controlling infection with L. major via the generation of a strong cell-mediated Th1 response.

Assistant Professor, Cuyamaca College 

• VMD: 2015
• PhD: 2016
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Mechanisms of translational control in early embryonic development

Post-graduation, Richard did a Small Animal Rotating Internship at VCA hospital in Maryland near Washington DC. He is now an Assistant Professor at Cuyamaca College.

Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University

• VMD: 1989
• PhD: 1993
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Defensin expression in the human small intestine:  A study of the human defensin family

Dr. Jones studies Leishmania amazonesis, a disease that can have a variety of symptoms from skin ulcers and organ disease to facial disfigurations and immune system malfunctions.

Senior Director, Compound Development Team Leader, at Janssen R&D

• VMD: 2007
• PhD: 2007
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Helminth antigens modulate TLR-ligand induced dendritic cell activation

Director of Scientific Programs and Alliances, New York Stem Cell Foundation

• VMD: 2002
• PhD: 2004
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology - Genetics and Gene Regulation
• Thesis Topic: Investigating the role of Oct4, a transcription factor, during germline development of the mouse

Chief Executive Officer at IMMR, Inc.

• VMD: 1987
• PhD: 1991
• Graduate Group: Physiology
• Thesis Topic: Electrical cell coupling in post-ischemic, arrhythmia-prone myocardium

Following graduation, Robert worked for FemPulse Corporation, a medical device company focused on women’s health, and Diligence Matters, LLC, is a life sciences consulting firm. Dr. Kieval also was the founder and Chief Technology Officer of CVRx.

Attending Veterinarian at George Mason University

• VMD: 2012
• PhD: 2011
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Micro-RNA in colorectal malignancies

Catrina's thesis entitled "LIN28B, let-7, and the molecular pathogenesis of colon cancer" explored the role of proteins that regulate microRNAs in colon tumors, and suggests that these factors may serve as prognostic markers for humans diagnosed with colon cancer. After graduation, Catrina was a Resident in laboratory animal medicine at Columbia University. Catrina is currently an Attending Veterinarian at George Mason University.

Associate Veterinarian, PetPT

• VMD: 2017
• PhD: 2015
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: R-Spondin-2 Modulates Osteoblastogenesis and Bone Accrual.

Noelle is currently gaining clinical expertise as an Associate Veterinarian at PetPT.

Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Science, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

• VMD: 1984
• PhD: 1987
• Graduate Group: Pathology
• Thesis Topic: A mouse model for alpha thalassemia:  A characterization using electron microscopy, autoradiography, and iron kinetics

Dr. Knoll is interested in veterinary hematology, cytology, and clinical endocrinology.

Veterinarian, Oak Tree Veterinary Hospital

• VMD: 1984
• PhD: 1987
• Graduate Group: Immunology
• Thesis Topic: The regulation of isotype expression on T dependent antibody responses

Director of Regulatory Affairs, Monsanto Company

• VMD: 1975
• PhD: 1976
• Graduate Group: Pharmacology
• Thesis Topic: The effect of Pb on K flux in frog sartorius muscle

Professor of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University

• VMD: 1992
• PhD: 1996
• Graduate Group: Bioengineering
• Thesis Topic: Integrated magnetic resonance imaging studies of cardiac function and perfusion

Dr. Kraitchman's research intersts are concentrated on non-invasive imaging of cardiovascular disease.  She has been actively involved in developing new methods to image myocardial function and perfusion using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Staff Scientist, Biomin

• VMD: 2015
• PhD: 2016
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Control of mitochondrial trafficking in neurons

Post-graduation, Erika will be working in agricultural research and global food animal production and food security for the Austrian company, Biomin.

Director of Intellectual Property, Harvard University

• VMD: 1981
• PhD: 1986
• Graduate Group: Physiology
• Thesis Topic: Biochemical and electrophysical abnormalities in retinas of diabetic animals

Veterinary Pathologist/Associate Research Fellow, Pfizer, Inc.

• VMD: 2002
• PhD: 2006
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Innate immunity to Toxoplasma gondii 

After graduation Katie entered a Postdoctoral Fellow/Resident position in Comparative and Experimental Pathology at the New England Primate Research Center, Harvard University. She is currently a Veterinary Pathologist/Associate Research Fellow at Pfizer.

Veterinarian, Frontier Wellness Center

• VMD: 2001
• PhD: 2001
• Graduate Group: Immunology
• Thesis Topic: The role of B lymphocytes in murine hepatitis (strain A59 clearance and pathology)

Professor of Veterinary Science, John S. and Elizabeth A. Knight Chair and Director of the Equine Initiative, University of Kentucky

• VMD:  1984
• PhD:  1990
• Graduate Group:  Pathology
• Thesis Topic:  Hormonal regulation of hepatic P450 monooxygenases

Dr. MacLeod's laboratory studies biological and biomedical aspects of the musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on the growth and maturation of articular cartilage, the development of osteoarthritis, repair of cartilage lesions, and the effects of intra-articular glucocorticoid medications on chrondrocyte function.

Formerly, Clinical Pathologist at IDEXX Reference Laboratories

Associate Editor of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, An International Journal of Laboratory Medicine

• VMD: 1980
• PhD: 1983
• Graduate Group: Pathology
• Thesis Topic: Bone marrow failure syndromes

Dr. McManus handles daily pathology cases and occasional resident training at IDEXX. Dr. McManus has been editing for the Veterinary Clinical Pathology journal for four years. She first started out as a Section Editor for Hematology and Immunology, and then recently became an Associate Editor. She is also a member of the IDEXX Medical Review Board.

Professor of Neuropathology in the Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin at Madison

• VMD: 1978
• PhD: 1982
• Graduate Group: Pathology
• Thesis Topic: Alpha-bungarotoxin receptors of cultured chick ciliary ganglion neurons

Research in Dr. Messing's laboratory is directed at understanding developmental and pathologic aspects of glial cell biology in the nervous system of the mouse, with a particular focus on astrocytes and their major intermediate filament protein, GFAP.

Veterinary Medical Officer, US Food and Drug Administration

• VMD: 2013
• PhD: 2012
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Population genetics of T. gondii

Post-graduation, Natalie worked as a veterinarian in private practice. Natalie is currently at the FDA as a Veterinary Medical Officer reviewing pre-clinical trial data.

Formerly Professor of Animal Biology

Head of the Laboratories of Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 1973
• PhD: 1973
• Graduate Groups: Biology
• Thesis Topic: The glucoprivic control of ingestive behavior

The Miselis laboratory was interested in the neurobiology of visceral function and ingestive behavior.

Perlman Professor of Oncology and Comparative Medicine

Director of Animal Cancer Center and Research Program, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota

• VMD: 1991
• PhD: 1991
• Graduate Group: Immunology
• Thesis Topic: Calcium and protein kinase C as mediators of T cell activation

Jaime Modiano is the Director of the University of Minnesota Animal Cancer Care and Research Program. His lab is interested in understanding the basic differences between normal cells and tumor cells.

Senior Associate Director of Technology Assessment, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.

• VMD: 1987
• PhD: 1991
• Graduate Group: Molecular Biology/Genetics
• Thesis Topic: Characterization of the immeidate-early growth response in regenerating liver and insulin-stimulated Reuber H-35 cells

Dr. Mohn's career to date has focused on discovery and/or acquisition of novel pharmaceuticals for virtually the entire range of economically important medical conditions in domestic species.

Director of the Division of Comparative Medicine, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs in the Division of Program Coordination, and Strategic Initiatives of the Office of the Director at the National Institutes of Health

• VMD: 1994
• PhD: 1996
• Graduate Group: Biochemistry
• Thesis Topic: Possible mechanisms of neurotoxicity and dopamine-mediated injury in the newborn brain during hypoxia and posthypoxic reoxygenation

Dr. Murphy is responsible for programs at NIH that provide funding for the development and access to critical animal models, which offer essential clues to a broad range of human disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and AIDS. She provides scientific leadership for strengthening and enhancing a critical part of the biomedical research continuum, providing support for animal models that build the bridge between basic science and human medicine, with discoveries in one species enhancing understanding of another. She provides funding for pre- and post-doctoral training and career development for veterinary scientists who provide unique expertise to translational biomedical research, and establishes collaborations between DCM-supported grantees and grantees funded by the NIH Institutes and Centers. Her office sets scientific priorities through the development of long-term strategic plans and execution of funding decisions, and manages the direction of operations and activities through the implementation of NIH policies and resource allocation.

Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Sciences, University of Wisconsin

• VMD: 2008
• PhD: 2010
• Thesis Topic: YY1 functions in B lymphocyte development

After graduating from the program, Xuan and her husband moved to Michigan where she pursued a small animal clinical internship at Michigan State University.  After completion of this program she took an oncology residency position at University of Wisconsin. She is currently an Associate Professor of Oncology at the University of Wisconsin working on the function of transcription factor YY1. 

Professor of Swine Production Medicine at New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 1986
• PhD: 1989
• Graduate Group: Neuroscience
• Thesis Topic: Optical monitoring of the electrical activity of neuronal ensembles constructed from identified invertebrate cells

Independent Contractor

• VMD: 2012
• PhD: 2015
• Graduate Group: Epidemiology and Biostatistics 
• Thesis Topic: Characterization of Illegal Wildlife Trade Networks

Nikki is currently an independent contractor with the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Owner/Veterinarian, Liberty Veterinary Clinic

• VMD: 2009
• PhD: 2007
• Graduate Group: Neuroscience
• Thesis Topic: Intracellular signaling pathways of the melanocortin type 3 and type 4 receptors

Emergency Medicine Trainee, Toronto

• VMD: 2022
• PhD: 2021
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Interrogating alveolar epithelial type 1 cell plasticity across the lifespan.

After graduating from the program Ian moved to Toronto to gain training in Emergency Medicine, and hopes to pursue postdoctoral studies there.

Associate Dean for One Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

• VMD: 1988
• PhD: 1991
• Graduate Group: Immunology
• Thesis Topic: Regulation of positive selection and lineage commitment during thymocyte development

Dr. Punt is an immunologist who has worked at multiple levels of education and research (high school, college, university, professional school). 

CEO of Myrtelle, Inc.

• VMD:  1991
• PhD:  1994
• Graduate Group:  Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic:  Identification of molecular alterations in human meningiomas

Postdoctoral Scientist, Washington University in St. Louis

In September 2023: Assistant Professor, University of Washington, Seattle

• VMD: 2017
• PhD: 2015
• Graduate Group: Bioengineering
• Thesis Topic: Biomaterial-mediated Reprogramming of the Wound Interface to Enhance Meniscal Repair.

After graduating from the program Sylvia moved to St. Louis to perform postdoctoral studies at Washington University. She recently accepted an Assistant Professor position at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

• VMD: 1980
• PhD: 1982
• Graduate Group: Anatomy
• Thesis Topic: Factors in the control of feed intake in ponies

Dr. Ralston is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and has served on the Board of directors for many years. Her primary research focus throughout her career has been on the effect of rations on glucose and insulin metabolism in horses. 

Senior Director, Kallyope

• VMD: 2012
• PhD: 2011
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Granule secretion through the actin network at the lytic NK cell synapse

After graduation, Gregory worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania. He is currently the Senior Director at Kallyope.

Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 2012
• PhD: 2015
• Graduate Group: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Thesis Topic: Understanding the Use of Antibiotics on Small Dairy Farms in the Developing World

Following graduation, Laurel did postdoctoral work with Drs. Gary Smith and Shelly Rankin at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She is now an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology.

Professor, Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research at the University of British Columbia

• VMD: 1982
• PhD: 1984
• Graduate Group: Anatomy
• Thesis Topic: The activity of neurons in the area of the Locus Coeruleus during the states of sleep

Dr. Reiner has studied the neurobiology of behavioral states and the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative disease. He also has experience in the private sector as President and CEO of Active Pass Pharmaceuticals, a drug discovery company that he founded to tackle the Alzheimer's disease.

Professor of Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Basic Science, Virginia Tech School of Medicine and Research Institute

• VMD: 1976
• PhD: 1977
• Graduate Group: Pathology
• Thesis Topic: Tubulointestinal and glomerulonephritis in the Brown Norway rat:  A model for autoimmune nephritis

Dr. Robertson's research interests include comparative oncology of malignant melanoma and malignant lymphoma, chronic renal disease, and implantable biomaterials.

Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 2010
• PhD: 2009
• Thesis Topic: Changes in Oxygen Tension Rapidly and Reversibly Regulate Macrophage Nitric Oxide Production

Associate Veterinarian, Pet Mechanic

• VMD: 2021
• PhD: 2020
• Graduate Group: Immunology
• Thesis Topic: T-bet Expressing B Cells with Distinct Residency and Functional Characteristics Give Rise to Plasma Cells.

After graduating from the program Rebecca is solidifying her clinical experience as an Associate Veterinarian at Pet Mechanic.

Veterinarian and Owner, Next Generation Embryo Transfer

• VMD: 1975
• PhD: 1981
• Graduate Group: Physiology
• Thesis Topic: Examination of the interaction of oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells

Postdoctoral Scientist, Washington University, St. Louis.

• VMD: 2020
• PhD: 2019
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Non-canonical Functions of the Bacterial SOS Response.

After graduating from the program Mandie pursed an Internship in Equine Medicine at the University of Georgia.  She is currently a Postdoctoral Scientist at Washington University in St. Louis.

Pathologist, Antech Diagnostics

• VMD: 2002
• PhD: 2006
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Characterization of neutralizing antibodies against West Nile virus in mice and horses

Professor and Chair of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin at Madison

• VMD: 1986
• PhD: 1992
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Transforming growth factor alpha and multistage cancer in the mouse

The overall goal of Dr. Sandgren's research program is to understand genetic and extracellular mechanisms that regulate cell and tissue growth, whether that growth is a reparative response to tissue damage or an abnormal condition leading to cancer.

Professor of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin at Madison

• VMD: 1981
• PhD: 1980
• Graduate Group: Physiology
• Thesis Topic: Cholesterol metabolism in the ovary of the rat

The Schuler lab is interested prolactin and related hormones and the determinants of cell and context specific actions, including ligand specificity, receptor signal transduction, receptor processing and cross talk with other signaling pathways.

Lead Veterinary Medical Officer, Food and Drug Administration

• VMD: 2017
• PhD: 2016
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: AKT controls adipocyte function and systemic metabolism.

After graduating from the program Abby entered the Food and Drug Administration where she is currently a Lead Veterinary Medical Officer.

Chief Scientific Officer/Co-founder of Cadence Neuroscience

• VMD: 1975
• PhD: 1977
• Graduate Group: Pathology
• Thesis Topic: Pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Dr. Sheffield has over 25 years experience directing the research and development of medical devices, biologies and pharmaceutical products.  Previously, he was Director of New Technologies at Northstar Neuroscience, Inc., as well as at Johnson & Johnson where he was Ethicon's Director of Pharmaceutical Research and Development.  He also served as Director of Surgical R&D at Ethicon Endo-Surgery, leading to the development of numerous minimally invasive procedures.  Dr. Sheffield is an inventor with multiple patents relating to medical devices and has authored and co-authored numerous medical publications.

Veterinarian, Private Practice 

• VMD: 2012
• PhD: 2013
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: "Functional analysis of the Herpes Simplex Virus glycoprotein B membrane proximal domain." 

After graduation, Spencer gained clinical experience in general or emergency practice. In the future, he is interested in pursuing a career in public health aspects of infectious disease.

Professor of Pathology and Scientist at the Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University

• VMD: 1988
• PhD: 1993
• Graduate Group: Genetics
• Thesis Topic: Canine phosphofructokinase deficiency

Dr. Smith's research program in muscular dystrophies focuses on identifying canine models of these diseases and applying novel genetic therapies to their treatment.

Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 1974
• PhD: 1982
• Graduate Group: Materials Science Engineering
• Thesis Topic: Passivation and corrosion kinetics of Stainless Steel 316L orthopaedic implants

With a background in physical sciences, Dr. Smith has explored and innovated materials and mechanics applicable to orthopedics. Having a reliable quantitative measure of hip laxity allows accurate prediction of dogs and cats that are susceptible to hip OA later in life.  This technology is known as "PennHIP" and is now being adopted worldwide.

Associate Veterinarian & Chief of Surgery, Boston Road Animal Hospital

• VMD: 1974
• PhD: 1975
• Graduate Group: Physiology
• Thesis Topic: The effects of calcification on diffusion in the epiphysical plate

Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University 

• VMD: 2008
• PhD: 2008
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology - Cell Biology and Physiology
• Thesis Topic: Regulated protein sorting in the endosomal system

After graduating, Dr. Strochlic was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. He is currently an Associate Professor at Drexel University.

Research Scientist and Lecturer in the Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation at the McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin at Madison

• VMD: 1991
• PhD: 1996
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Conotruncal cardiac malformation and neural tube defects in transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative CS43/ß-galactosidase fusion protein

Associate Professor of Medical Oncology and Medical Director for the Canine Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University

• VMD: 1995
• PhD: 2000
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: The isolation and characterization of a population of canine putative hematopoietic progenitor cells and their use as targets for retroviral mediated gene therapy

The Suter lab studies the molecular underpinnings of canine and feline lymphoma and is involved in the development of novel therapeutics for these diseases.

Director of Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research

Professor, University of Wisconsin

• VMD: 1985
• PhD: 1988
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Understanding genetic imprinting in early mammalian development

Dr. Thomson directed the group that reported the first isolation of embryonic stem cell lines from a non-human primate in 1995, work that led his group to the first successful isolation of human embryonic stem cell lines in 1998.  In November 2007 Dr. Thomson's team succeeded in isolating similar pluripotent stem cells from human somatic cells.  Dr. Thomson was elected into the National Academy of Sciences in 2008 and is the recipient of the 2011 King Faisal International Prize, and the recipient of the 2011 Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research.

Professor of Reproductive Biology and Department Chair of the Cornell Center for Wildlife Conservation, Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell University

• VMD: 1995
• PhD: 1999
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: Characterization, targeting and functional analyses of male germ cell-specific isoforms of type I hexokinase in the mouse

Dr. Travis' laboratory primarily studies the compartmentalization of signaling and metabolic pathways in male germ cells. 

Dr. Travis was a recipient of the NIH Pioneer Award in 2009.

Associate Professor of Small Animal Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 1995
• PhD: 1998
• Graduate Group: Pathology
• Thesis Topic: Bone morphogenetic protein signaling during chondrocyte maturation

Dr. Volk’s research interests focus on defining regulatory cues important to direct progenitor cell homing to sites of injury, as well as, in vitro and in vivo signals important to direct their differentiation into appropriate target cell types for use in tissue engineering strategies in human and veterinary medicine.

Pathology Resident, University of Pennsylvania

• VMD: 2020
• PhD: 2018
• Graduate Group: Cell and Molecular Biology
• Thesis Topic: The effect of maternal antibodies on anti-viral immunity in infant mice.

After graduating Elinor entered a Pathology Residency at the University of Pennsylvania.

Professor of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Director, Walter Flato Goodman Center for Comparative Medical Genetics

Associate Director, Core Center for Gene Therapy of Cystic Fibrosis and Other Genetic Disease

Stokes Investigator, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

• VMD: 1982
• PhD: 1986
• Graduate Group: Immunology 
• Thesis Topic: H-2-linked control of retrovirus production in Gross and Friend virus-induced tumor cell lines.

Dr. Wolfe's laboratory studies methods for gene and stem cell therapies in the central nervous system. They use animal homologues of human genetic diseases as test systems. The approaches include: ex vivo gene transfer using retrovirus and lentivirus vector-modified neural stem cells transplanted to the brain; and direct injection of herpesvirus, adeno-associated virus, and lentivirus vectors.

Postdoctoral Scientist, University of Pennsylvania.

VMD: 2022

PhD: 2021

Thesis Topic: Enhancing electronic health record data for population health studies.

After completing the program, Sherrie entered a Postdoctoral position at the University of Pennsylvania.