Awards given for top research at UF veterinary college

Research into aspects of diseases that affect species including cattle, dogs, tortoises and even humans was honored this spring during Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Key awards were given to five graduate students and four faculty members, who received cash prizes and plaques.

The Charles F. Simpson Memorial Scholarship Award went to Maria Kallberg, D.V.M., who is pursuing her Ph.D. in the department of small animal clinical sciences. Her research focuses on the pathogenesis (development) of canine glaucoma.

Patrick Meeus, D.V.M., Ph.D., received the Veterinary Auxiliary Achievement Award in Graduate Studies. Meeus studies the mechanisms of persistent infection by the agent that causes anaplasmosis, a potentially life-threatening disease of cattle and other livestock. Meeus also received the Excellence in Basic Science Research Award for his research.

The Excellence in Clinical Science Research Award went to Pedro Melendez, D.V.M., who is working to complete his Ph.D. in the department of large animal clinical sciences. His research focuses on dairy cattle nutrition.

The Excellence in Doctoral Studies Award went to Chris Sanchez, D.V.M., who is completing her Ph.D. in the department of large animal clinical sciences. Sanchez is investigating pig colitis as an animal disease model for the study of irritable bowel syndrome in humans.

Eduardo Gabarino, D.V.M., received the Excellence in Master’s Studies Award. Gabarino is completing his master’s degree in the department of large animal clinical sciences. His work focuses on the effect of lameness on ovarian activity in dairy cows.

This year’s four faculty research awards went to Michael Schaer, D.V.M., Julie Levy, D.V.M., Ph.D., Linda Hayward, Ph.D., and Mary Brown, Ph.D.

Schaer, a professor of small animal medicine, received the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs’ Clinical Investigator Award for his contributions to canine medicine and surgery.

Levy is an assistant professor of small animal medicine. Her research focuses on feline infectious diseases, feral cat issues and feline reproduction control. She received the Florida Veterinary Medical Association’s Clinical Investigator Award for her many contributions in those areas.

The C.E. Cornelius Young Investigator Award is given to a young faculty member for contributions to an area of biomedical research. This year’s recipient is Hayward, a cardiovascular physiologist who studies how the brain regulates blood pressure.

Brown, a professor of pathobiology, won the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence. Her research of mycoplasmal diseases of animals and humans has resulted in the highest number of extramural grants — $4.6 million currently in effect — awarded to any UF veterinary faculty member in the past five years.