CVM Faculty, Staff, Student and Alumni Accolades

Jeffrey Bryan, DVM, MS, PhD, and Charles Maitz, DVM, PhD, DACVR-Radiation Oncology, two oncology faculty members at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, are members of a research team that the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Physics awarded the Best Paper of 2023. The research, “Precision Dosimetry in yttrium-90 Radioembolization through CT Imaging of Radiopaque Microspheres in a Rabbit Liver Model,” was originally published in 2022 and featured in the EJNMMI Physics publication.

EJNMMI Physics is a journal that publishes new research in nuclear medicine physics and related matters. It addresses research in nuclear medicine physics, dosimetry, reconstruction and instrumentation. Through the European Association of Nuclear Medicine, EJNMMI Physics and other EJNMMI publications present awards to the best papers published in their respective journal, as chosen by the editors-in-chief. The awards will be presented at the EANM Annual Congress on Sept. 9-13 in Vienna, Austria.

The research team’s other members are E. Courtney Henry, Matthew Strugari, George Mawko, David Liu, Andrew C. Gordon, Robert Abraham, S. Cheenu Kappadath and Alasdair Syme.

By Nick Childress

Nishant Sinha, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and researcher in the One Health One Medicine Vision Research Program, was selected to participate in the Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats program as a CounterACT research trainee. Sinha, who was selected from among more than 60 applicants, presented his research at the 16^th annual CounterACT Network Research Symposium on Aug. 21-23 at the Natcher Conference Center on the National Institutes of Health Campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

The CounterACT program is part of the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program and is a trans-NIH initiative that involves partnerships with various national health organizations to execute the NIH Strategic Plan and Research Agenda for Medical Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats. The symposium brings together chemists, toxicologists, drug developers, pharmacists, clinicians, public health researchers and government and industry stakeholders from around the country to share knowledge that will further the goals of the program.

By Nick Childress

The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation recently presented the 2023 Asa Mays, DVM Excellence in Canine Health Research Award to Gary Johnson, DVM, PhD. Johnson is an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology and director of the Canine Molecular Genetics Laboratory at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Named after Dr. Asa Mays, a member of the inaugural CHF Board of Directors, the award is a biennial honor presented to a research investigator who demonstrates meritorious achievements in furthering the mission of identifying, characterizing and treating canine disease and ailments.

The award was presented to Johnson on Aug. 12 by Laura Liscum, PhD, CHF scientific review committee chair, and Carolyn Henry, DVM, MS, of the MU CVM, during the 2023 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference.

Johnson, who has been a faculty member at the CVM since 1980, has a research emphasis in using whole genome sequencing to identify the molecular genetic causes of heritable canine diseases. He has been searching for these disease-causing mutations since the early 1990s. In 2013, Johnson and his colleagues were among the first to use whole genome sequencing to identify mutations. The technology has been used to identify genetic causes for diseases such as degenerative myelopathy, neuronal storage diseases and glaucoma.

CHF Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Montgomery said, “Dr. Johnson’s pioneering research in canine genetics brought a new era to canine health. His groundbreaking career not only decoded genetics, it also deepened the connections we have with our canine companions.”

In November, the University of Missouri announced a $1.5 million gift from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to help fund a new director of the Canine Molecular Genetics Laboratory in the CVM. When Johnson retires, the gift from OFA will establish the Dr. E. A. Corley OFA Endowed Program in his honor to ensure the continuation of canine molecular genetic research at Mizzou.

By Nick Childress

Curt Coffman, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, a 1993 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently named to the dvm360 2023 Class of Veterinary Heroes in the category of dentistry. The Veterinary Heroes Recognition Program celebrates the achievements of outstanding veterinary professionals who are advancing the field and making a difference in animal care. Coffman was nominated by peers and selected for the recognition by a committee of veterinary professionals. Along with other recipients, he will be honored Aug. 24 prior to the Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City.

Since his graduation from the MU CVM in 1993, Coffman has worked at a private practice in Tempe, Arizona. He has been a member of the Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists for more than 20 years and became an American Veterinary Dental College board-certified veterinary dentist and a fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry.

Coffman is currently working on a new venture, serving as the national director for Thrive Pet Healthcare, leading its Dental Growth Program. This has allowed him to travel across the country educating doctors and technicians about oral health at Thrive hospitals. Coffman also serves as a consultant and dental instructor for several veterinary schools.

“When you get recognized by your own profession that means a lot to me,” Coffman said. “It’s your peers, and that’s one of the things that really hit home with me, so I am very thankful for an award like this.”

By Nick Childress

The Morris Animal Foundation recently selected Jainee Cowen, a VM4 at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, as a recipient of a Veterinary Student Scholar Program Grant. The $5,500 grant will go toward funding Cowen’s research, “Characterization of Serpentine Fecal Microbiota.”

Cowen’s mentors for the study, which is under way, are Craig Franklin, DVM, PhD, DACLAM, a professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathology at Mizzou, and David Penning, PhD, an associate professor of biology and environmental health at Missouri Southern State University.

The Morris Animal Foundation is a global leader in supporting studies to find solutions to serious health threats to animals and has donated nearly $150 million to improve the health and quality of life for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife since its founding in 1948. The Veterinary Student Scholar Program provides veterinary students with the opportunity to conduct mentored research to advance the health and well-being of animals.

“Receiving this award means so much to me,” said Cowen. “Not only will it help me conduct the research that I plan to publish in the future, but it also helps me with cost of living while in veterinary school. I want to thank the people that have helped me in the research setting, as well as the Morris Animal Foundation for this opportunity.”

By Nick Childress