December 19, 2007
In the News
Volume 2, Issue 7
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
"News and Events" is a bi-weekly briefing from Melissa Weber in the CVM Communications & Marketing office. If you have news items or comments, please send them to weber [dot] 254 [at] osu [dot] edu (subject: News%20%26%20Events%20Newsletter) or give me a call at 614-292-3752.
Stories Today
- Rikihisa's Lab Receives Funding
- "Breakfast of Science Champions" Great Success
- Dean Rosol Invited to Tour Israel
- Vet Insider Magazine
- Congratulations to the Department of Veterinary Biosciences
- Reminder: Time to License Your Dog
- Wexner Partnership Ends on High Note
- Vet Med in the News
- Upcoming Events
- News Across Campus
Rikihisa's Lab Receives NIH Funding
Dr. Yasuko Rikihisa was recently awarded four years of funding from the National Institutes of Health for her competitive renewal of a grant entitled "Comparison of Human Ehrlichiosis Agent Genomes." Ehrlichia chaffeensis infects monocytes and macrophages and causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), a potentially fatal disease. The study will combine genome sequence analysis with comparative pathogenesis studies of multiple E. chaffeensis isolates to provide valuable insights into virulence determinants and new intervention targets. Overall, the proposed study will identify novel E. chaffeensis virulence determinants and their pathogenic mechanisms - critical information to develop potential chemotherapy and possible vaccines against human ehrlichiosis.
"Breakfast of Science Champions" Update
Thanks to everyone who helped make the "Breakfast of Science Champions" the best ever! Students from Westerville, St. Catharine's and Columbus Public Schools toured the mouse phenotyping lab with Deborah Devor-Hanneman, saw the clinical trials office with Dr. Holly Borghese, enjoyed a slide show with Dr. Steven Weisbrode, learned about bones with Dr. Cliff Monahan, heard about virus research with Dr. Michael Oglesbee, got to see the hospital with Kristine McComis and Melissa Weber, and enjoyed doughnuts in the Hummel Grand Lounge with representatives from Student Affairs and Administration. Students were enthusiastic and engaged. Thanks to everyone who helped! Another Breakfast is planned for Wednesday, February 20.
Dean Rosol Invited to Tour Israel
Dean Rosol has been invited to Israel with Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman. Mayor Coleman will lead a tour of cities in Israel in April 2008 to identify new business opportunities with Israeli life science companies and to develop partnerships with Columbus. Dean Rosol says that the College of Veterinary Medicine is in a strong position to take advantage of the 'One Medicine' concept and promote translation of discoveries and clinical trials in the college to commercialize new technologies for the benefit of both animals and humans.
Vet Insider Magazine
After Alumna Dr. Carolyn Biehl (DVM '94) started into private practice, she realized the need for better ways to communicate with clients. Starting with a series of articles posted on the web, her efforts have now grown in to Vet Insider Magazine, which includes a radio program, as well as an extensive information-filled web site that includes interviews available for download and podcast. "We were thrilled to be able to interview AVMA President Dr. Gregory Hammer," said Dr. Biehl. She was on campus December 12 interviewing faculty in the College of Veterinary Medicine about issues and diseases in the field.
Congratulations to the Department of Veterinary Biosciences
The Department of Veterinary Biosciences completed a successful departmental review. Special recognition goes to Jan Roseberry, assistant to Chair Dr. Michael Lairmore and Diane Rasmussen, assistant to Dean Tom Rosol for organizing the three-day agenda.
Reminder: Time to License Your Dog
Dog licenses for 2008 can be purchased now through January 31. On February 1, a late fee will be charged unless the dog being licensed has been newly acquired. Ten cents from every dog license sold in Ohio goes to The Ohio State University Canine Research Fund, administered here in the College of Veterinary Medicine, which provides funding for studies that improve the health and wellness of dogs.
Details, including fees and locations for purchase.
Partnership Ends on High Note
The William Wegman exhibit "Funney/Strange" at the Wexner Center for the Arts will end on December 30. The College of Veterinary Medicine partnered with the Wexner Center on several events: a college-wide reception in October, a talk by James Serpell, Professor of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare, and Director of the Center for the Interaction of Animals & Society at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine on "Why we love dogs and they love us," on November 4, President Gee's "pre-game brunch" on November 10, an alumni society reception on December 12, and an Ohio State Alumni Association reception featuring Dr. Jennifer Brandt who spoke on our emotional connection to our pets as family members on November 13. Events were all well-attended and well-received.
Mr. Wegman has created a new photograph exclusive for Ohio State: Weimeraners in Ohio State sweatshirts, called "Gray and Scarlet." It's only available for sale in the Wexner Center gift shop or online.
Vet Med in the News
Greyhounds Arrived at Ohio State
In early November, 24 retired racing greyhounds arrived at the College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital to begin a new life. Supported in part through a partnership with Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, students and veterinarians provided routine medical care for the animals from tracks in Kansas All 24 greyhounds were placed for adoption foster homes. The story was covered by Channel 4, The Lantern and a weekly student newspaper called, "U Weekly."
Staph Infection Found in Pets
Columbus Dispatch, December 15, 2007
This story discusses a study of MRSA planned for the Veterinary Medical Center and quotes Dr. Armando Hoet, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and director of the Veterinary Public Health master’s program.
Research Group Featured in Journal of Cancer Research
A group of researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine just published a ground-breaking article in the most recent issue of the Journal of Cancer Research. The Ohio State Research Communications office wrote a story explaining it, and also have some amazing photos.
Upcoming Events
Plan to Attend the Holiday Luncheon
All Faculty, Staff, and Students are cordially invited to attend a holiday luncheon on Friday, December 21, 2007 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Veterinary Medical Center in the first floor cafeteria. Sandwich buffet with accompaniments, cake assortment, and beverages will be served. Inquiries may be directed to Kristine McComis at mccomis [dot] 2 [at] osu [dot] edu
News Across Campus
University Holiday Schedule
Remember that Ohio State offices are closed on the following dates: Monday and Tuesday, December 24 & 25 Tuesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)
