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February 2009 - Vol. 4 No. 2 |
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Top Stories
Phi Zeta Research Day CVM Web site gets face
lift Development officer joins CVM team
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Regular Features
Check it Out at the
Library New Arrivals/Recent Departures
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  bonus
stories and photos*
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Pre-veterinary student researches breast cancer in pets Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of the body of dogs
and cats. That’s why one Randi King, junior in animal science and industry and pre-veterinary medicine, Rose Hill, Kan., is conducting animal breast cancer cell research with Dr. Annelise Nguyen, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology. King is examining samples of breast cancer cells from cats and dogs, which were provided by the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. She is characterizing various biomarkers in the mammary tumors, which have shown to play a crucial role in human cancer, to eventually establish their differential patterns. There are only a limited number of drugs currently available in cancer treatment for dogs and cats, and by establishing differential patterns it will allow for an increase of treatments that have been approved for humans to extend to veterinary medicine, according to King. Cancer accounts for about 50 percent of pet deaths each year, and King’s research will add more information to the medical field, where less is known about cat and dog breast cancer than about breast cancer in people. “I know it’s an area that needs more research,” she said. “It would be an awesome area to go into because it’s kind of pioneering, because we’ve gone so in-depth in human cancer. It would be really cool to start seeing more advanced cancer therapy at veterinary clinics.” Dr. Nguyen said the mapping of the genome sequence of dogs and cats has been completed, which gives researchers an advantage when studying diseases. She said King’s research has more implications than the health of pets. “Many of the new cancer treatments and cures that we find for dogs and cats will help treat and cure humans as well,” Dr. Nguyen said. “We are comparing the similarity of a specific gene expression in a dog or cat with humans.” King’s project started in fall 2008, and her research will continue as part of a two-year program through the CVM. King said she wanted to become a veterinarian after her childhood pet, a cat, died from leukemia. “The veterinarians couldn’t do anything for him,” she said. “I decided then to become a veterinarian because I thought, ‘I’m going to figure out what to do and be able to save some little girl’s best friend someday.’” At first, King said she was intimidated at the idea of doing cancer research. “I was a little nervous, but after I talked to Dr. Nguyen, she has such a warm personality that she just put me at ease,” King said. “When she was explaining everything, I realized how cool the whole big picture of it was.” King came to She plans to apply to the CVM and would like to own a clinic eventually, though she said university research also is a possibility in her future. - story and photo by K-State Media Relations |
 Randi King hopes to be a clinician someday, but is enjoying the learning prospects of basic research.
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Phi Zeta Day puts research in the spotlight Mark your calendars for March 3 — this year’s Phi Zeta Research Day. This event showcases the research efforts of instructors, house officers, and graduate and professional students at the CVM. Oral presentations are given on basic or clinical research areas and case reports. An award ceremony is held in the evening, featuring the announcement of winners and also the presentation of the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Excellence in Research to an outstanding member of our faculty. New members of Phi Zeta will be initiated that night and a number of non-Phi Zeta awards of excellence will be presented. Phi Zeta was originated in 1925 by a group of senior veterinary students in the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University. The organizers of the society, when seeking a suitable name, sought the help of a Greek scholar, Professor George P. Bristol, Cornell University, who suggested a Greek word, which in the Latin form is spelled PHILOZOI and means “love for animals.” The abbreviation of Phi Zeta was adopted as the society’s name. In 1929, a charter was granted to the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Beta Chapter was established. In 1931, the executive committee approved the petition of a group from Iowa State College, and the Gamma Chapter was established. Since then twenty-four chapters have been chartered, bringing the total number of chapters to 27. In 1969, the Sigma Chapter of Phi Zeta was established at Learn more at the Phi Zeta Web site: |
 Dr. Chanran Ganta, right, explains his research on nanoparticles to Dr. Patricia Payne at Phi Zeta Research Day 2008. |
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Web site gets facelift: new features add functionality As of the middle of January, visitors to the CVM Web site may have noticed some big changes. The Web site now has a new look. Joe Nisil, computer information specialist, is responsible for the changes as the webmaster.
“Technology has changed since the last redesign of our Web site,” Joe
said. “We wanted to incorporate more technology and make our site more
in line with the While making changes to the site, Joe consulted with the CVM’s Web advisory committee. “The site is more than halfway finished with reformatting,” Joe said. “It’s very time consuming. Our biggest priority is getting course materials to students. We’ve been working with the departments and units, who have been very enthusiastic and helpful in transitioning to the new design.” In addition to a new look, there are some new features.
“We have a new search engine that is integrated and indexed with the
*Editor’s note: RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication,” which is a format for distributing and gathering content from sources across the Web, including newspapers, magazines, and blogs. Web publishers use RSS to easily create and distribute news feeds that include links, headlines, and summaries. |
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Development officer joins CVM team Meet Chris Stephens: From Herefords to veterinary medicine
There’s a new face in the development office in Trotter Hall. Chris Stephens has been hired by the KSU Foundation as a development officer for the CVM. Prior to joining the CVM, Chris served as the director of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and director for youth activities for the National Junior Hereford Association in Kansas City, Mo. In this position, Chris coordinated fundraising efforts for the foundation and provided day-to-day management for the 3,000-member junior association. Chris also previously worked for Bader Rutter and Associates in Lincoln, Neb., as a public relations specialist and account manager for Dow AgroSciences. A native of Wesson, Miss., Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences and natural resources and agricultural communications in 2002 from Oklahoma State University. Chris will be responsible for assisting with the direction and implementation of a comprehensive development program for raising private support for the CVM. |
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*bonus
story Blood Drive exceeds expectations Editor's note: The following e-mail was sent to Gail Eyestone in the dean's office. We were asked to share this congratulations with the rest of the CVM. The Blood Drive was held Jan. 26, and the next drive will be held March 30. Hi Gail!! I just wanted to say Thank You SO MUCH for having such an AWESOME blood drive yesterday! I don't know if the staff told you before they left but you exceeded your goal of 22 to by 2 pints of blood!! You had 24 pints of blood collected at your drive!! This is ALWAYS a wonderful thing, but is especially GREAT news today! As you may have already heard that all 77 counties in Oklahoma have been declared at a state of emergency and I've been told that they are not holding any blood drives today! Undoubtedly they will be asking us to help supply their hospitals in need, and your drive yesterday can help us to ensure that not only will our hospitals in KS be well stocked, but also that we can help our neighbors to the south!
Thanks So much!! Kristi Ingalls | Donor Recruitment Representative |
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photo North American Veterinary Conference brings alumni together "I always like to go to the K-State evening because we get to reunite with those special people who journeyed through the academic life to become a veterinarian. Generally, we visit, reminisce and tell each other the latest events in life. The older we get the more meaningful are these reunions." - Barbara Keene (married to Dr. Bruce Keene, class of 1965) |
 Members of the class of 1965 meet at the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando in January. These were the three married couples of this class while the husbands earned their veterinary degrees. Standing, left to right: Dr. Bruce Little, Barbara Keene, Dr. Bruce Keene. Seated: Nancy Little, Nina Derks and Dr. Edwin Derks. |
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Campus Life
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Check it out at the
Library Gina Scott: Microsoft Office Specialist written by Carol Elmore
Gina Scott, a member of the Veterinary Medical Library DISC Services, is well-versed in computer skills and applications. She is certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist in PowerPoint and Word as well as being certified in computing fundamentals by the Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification program. Acquiring these certifications has been due to Gina’s attendance at workshops and classes as well as her spending time on self-study and researching computer related questions. The first part of Gina’s Certiport exam tested her on computer fundamentals such as computer hardware, computer software, and using an operating system. She was also tested in key applications that included word processing and spreadsheet functions and common program functions. The final part of the exam tested her knowledge of networks, the Internet, electronic mail and the impact of computing on society. For her Microsoft exams Gina had to demonstrate her proficiency in PowerPoint and Word. Gina uses the skills that she has been tested on in her daily DISC Services work because she is the person responsible for answering questions for the faculty, staff, and students in the CVM about various computer programs and applications. Gina gets our faculty started on their individual requests and answers the many questions that they encounter. Students, both veterinary and graduate, rely on Gina to help them with their class projects. For all groups, Gina provides both individual and group sessions and often has up to 15 students in her office area learning new computer applications. In addition to her training and problem solving skills, Gina maintains and checks out technology items for the library. She recently helped select the new technology tools purchased with the library’s most recent book sale funds. The library will now have a Garmin Nuvi 255W GPS portable Navigator, a Targus mini 10 key keypad for use with a laptop when doing number input, a Targus laptop wireless presenter to advance slides with a laptop, and a 60 inch by 60 inch Tripod portable pull up projection screen available soon. The library has many other technology items as well as a blood pressure cuff and heart monitor that can be checked out. Remember February is national heart month so our health monitoring equipment can help in your health maintenance efforts. |
 Gina Scott, right, answers a question from Jennifer Sutton, during an instruction class on OneNote for the Class of 2011, while Melanie Summers follows along.
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2009 Alumni Fellow, Dr. Joe Mauderly, arrives in February
All-college Lecture Thursday, Feb. 26, 12:15 Frick Auditorium Meet Dr. Joe Mauderly, vice president and a senior scientist of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in Albuquerque, N.M., director of the National Environmental Respiratory Center, and an adjunct professor in the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. |
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Under the Microscope: Jenny Cain, Administrative Assistant, Department of Anatomy and Physiology
Place of birth: Jackson, Miss. Family Information: My husband, Russell Cain (class of 2011) and I have two sons: Meelan, 5, and Brennon, 3. Pets: We have three dogs: Meatball (basset hound); Tater (rat terrier); and Buddy (Chihuahua), and a cat, Booga Bear. What is your favorite or least favorite memory of Valentine’s Day? My husband and I were married on Valentine’s Day. That is definitely my favorite memory. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose and who would you take with you? Disney World with my family. We need more quality time with the kids.
If you had to be a crayon for one day, what color would you be and why would you be that color? Turquoise, it makes me feel optimistic. What did you want to be when you were a child? I wanted to be a veterinarian but I guess I will be married to one instead. Maybe one day it will be my turn. |
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Memo from CVM facilities custodial services
On the positive side, you may have noticed we installed new hands-free towel dispensers to help reduce waste. If these are not in your area, they will be soon. The dispensers were provided at a discount by the vendors, and towels are comparable in price to the previous towels. We ask you bear with us and understand the custodians are doing the best job possible. Please contact Noel with questions at 532-0808. |
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| Personal Notes | Presenters and speakers | ||||||||
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Congratulations to Dr. Judilee Marrow, exotic animal intern, who was selected for a residency at the National Zoo at Washington D.C. |
In January, Dr. James W. Carpenter presented a variety of presentations on exotic animal medicine to the 7th semester lass at Ross University’s School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts. He also presented “Patagonian Wildlife ... with Emphasis on the Reintroduction of the Andean Condor” to their Exotic Animal, Zoo and Wildlife Club. On Jan. 28 & 29, Dr. Dan Thomson presented two papers in Phoenix: "The Impact of Slaughter Checks for Looking at Management Practices in the Feedlot” and “Feeding a First World Country: Science, Politics, & Media.” On Jan. 26, Dr. Hans Coetzee lectured at Iowa State University about clinical pharmacokinetics. |
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New Arrivals |
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Dr. Cheryl Herman - A&P |
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Recent Departures |
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Christine Ellis - DM/P |
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Lifelines is published each month by the Development and Alumni Office at the College of Veterinary Medicine Editors are Joe Montgomery, jmontgom@vet.k-state.edu, and Brandee M. Werth, bwerth@vet.k-state.edu.
Note: Files are in
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format
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I just wanted to let you know what a huge impact your drive had on
our region yesterday and for the weeks to come!
Due to K-State’s current budget situation, CVM’s facilities office
has been unable to fill vacant custodial positions. We are trying our
best to keep everyone's areas clean. We have had to make some cutbacks
on certain services, such as trash pickup possibly only being done three
days a week, depending on staffing levels. Vacuuming floors will also
have to be reduced. It is not our intention to miss your area, however
it may occur from time to time. If you have areas needing attention, we
will do so as soon as we can get to it. Please understand our
frustration as well. We are obligated to clean the restrooms and public
areas daily.
