|
|
|
|
|
|
 Whether they're in Super Bowl games, presidential primaries, or academics, winners have something in common: they identify their goal and pursue it with passion.
The recent successes of the reproductive biology program in our Department of Veterinary Biosciences show how this strategy pays off. Over the past several months, their program has received:
- a five-year, $3 million NIH grant;
- five-year, $8 million NIH funding for a new Center for Reproduction and Infertility Research;
- an NIH K02 Independent Scientist Award; and
- recognition by the prestigious Society for the Study of Reproduction with a New Investigator Award and research awards for three graduate students.
These successes can be traced to a strategic decision by the department to make reproductive biology an area of scholarly focus. When faculty positions opened, they recruited candidates to add depth in this area. They have now established an international reputation for excellence in reproductive biology.
The strategic planning process implemented at the university, campus, and college level over the past few years draws from the same playbook. Our College has identified its top priorities, and we are focusing time and resources on them.
At the top of our list: ensuring the excellence of the DVM program, in particular through curricular revision; fostering translational biomedical research; and creating the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Veterinary Medicine.
The rewards for pursuing these goals with intense focus are already in sight. We anticipate opening the Chicago center early next year and implementing a revised curriculum within the next 2 years.
Kudos to the reproductive biology program for the success of their team! And thank you to everyone within and beyond our College who is helping us pursue our key goals. You are part of a winning team.--Herb
|
<| |
Yao to Receive Young Investigator Award
 Humphrey Yao, assistant professor of veterinary biosciences, will receive the 2008 New Investigator Award at the annual meeting for the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR) in May 2008. One of Dr. Yao's recent projects has centered on locating the gene that spurs development of the epididymis, an organ essential for male fertility. Read the full article on Yao's award.
Banned Chemicals Still Showing Up in Chicago Heron Offspring
University of Illinois veterinary biosciences scientist Jeff Levengood led a study showing that chemicals banned 30 years ago for their deleterious effects on wildlife are still showing up in the offspring of black-crowned night-herons in a Chicago wetland. Levengood is a wildlife toxicologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey. Read the full article on Dr. Levengood's study.
The Advisory Council of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has approved funding to support a Center for Reproduction and Infertility Research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The center will support research aimed at expanding the science underlying the success or failure of human reproduction with the goal of improving human reproductive health.
The College of Veterinary Medicine scientists who will lead synergistic research projects at the center are Indrani Bagchi, professor of veterinary biosciences, and Paul Cooke, professor of veterinary biosciences and Billie Alexander Field Chair in reproductive biology. Read more about the Reproduction and Infertility Research Center.
|
FROM THE TEACHING HOSPITAL: Spotlight on Ginger Passalacqua |
 Referring clients to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital has never been easier, thanks to Ginger Passalacqua. In her new role as senior coordinator of client services and communications, Passalacqua is the friendly voice of the new direct phone service for referring veterinarians.
Having one primary contact will improve communication and "help eliminate steps," says Passalacqua, who can schedule appointments and help relay test results faster.
With six years of client services experience under her belt, Passalacqua sees her new position as a chance to "help the people who help our clients," and looks forward to getting to know referring veterinarians.
Her former client services duties will now be split between Richard Rebman, large animal program administive assistant, and Holly Jayne, who will begin as small animal client coordinator specialist next month.
The direct line for referring veterinarians is 217/333-5311.
|
|
| RESOURCES FROM VETERINARY EXTENSION: For you & your clients |
Recent Pet Columns
 Pet Blood Donation: Pets Saving Pets
Need a New Elbow?
Sizing Up the Dog Food Aisle
Pet columns are archived on the Web where you can also subscribe to receive them by email as they are issued.
Listen to Pet Columns podcasts.
2008 Continuing Education Programs
- Horseman's Clinic, February 16, Urbana, Ill.
Visit
ww.cvm.uiuc.edu/ope/horseclinic/ for more information or to register.
- Illinois Camelid Health Conference, March 1, Urbana, Ill. Visit www.cvm.uiuc.edu/ope/camelid/ for more information or to register.
- Veterinary Technician Conference, March 28-29, Urbana, Ill.
Visit www.cvm.uiuc.edu/ope/ for details.
- New and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Conference, April 17-18.
More information coming soon at www.cvm.uiuc.edu/ope/.
- Intensive Toxicology Short Course: Common Small Animal Toxicoses, May 15-16. Visit www.cvm.uiuc.edu/ope/ for details.
- Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Conference, Urbana, Ill. Rescheduled for August 20-21. More information coming soon at www.cvm.uiuc.edu/ope/beefrepro/.
Mark Your Calendars: The annual Fall Conference for Veterinarians is scheduled for September 11-12.
|
ALUMNI NEWS |
We're Heading West, Alumni!
Western Veterinary Conference Alumni Reception, February 18, Las Vegas, Nev. E-mail advancement@cvm.uuc.edu or call 217/333-2761 for details.
 Featured Practice: Dr. Mark Sturdy, Rochester Veterinary Clinic
Get to know Dr. Mark Sturdy, his Rochester, Ill. practice and see how he and his family proudly display their Orange & Blue Illini Room.
Welcome New Vet Med Alumni Association Board President, Dr. Karen Blakeley!
Dr. Karen Blakeley (DVM IL, '97; MPH '01) was elected president at the January 25 meeting of the University of Illinois Veterinary Medical Alumni Association. Dr. Blakeley
practiced at a mixed animal veterinary clinic in Carlinville, Ill.
for 4 years before joining All Pets Veterinary Clinic in Macomb, Ill., in 2001. She has a special interest
in dermatology, infectious diseases, zoonosis/public health, and endoscopy.
Donate to the Doodle: Auction Items Needed
Help support the Wildlife Medical Clinic by donating an item or service for our silent or live auction. Previous donations have ranged from pet dental services to vacation packages. For more information, call 217-333-2761 or e-mail advancement@cvm.uiuc.edu.
|
| CALENDAR |
-
The Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome: How Tent Catepillars Cost Kentucky Breeders $330 million in Spring 2001, presented by Dr. Thomas Tobin, Department of Veterinary Science & Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, February 11, 12 noon in 80 Small Animal Clinic, College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Ill.
-
Applying Proteomics in Biomedical Research, presented by Dr. Peter Yau, Director of Proteomics Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois, February 18, 12 noon in 80 Small Animal Clinic, College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Ill.
 Veterinary Medicine Open House, April 5, Urbana, Ill.
- Awards & Scholarships Recognition Program, April 12, Champaign, Ill.
- Doodle for Wildlife, April 19, Champaign, Ill.
- Graduation, May 11, Urbana, Ill.
|
View our calendar for other events.
|
comments or questions? contact advancement@vetmed.illinois.edu
The College of Veterinary Medicine is located at 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Ill. 61802
|
