A message from our dean

Dr. Dana Zimmel

Dr. Dana Zimmel

Greetings, fellow Gators!

What an eventful and inspiring couple of months it has been for our college community. The highlight, of course, was witnessing our exceptional Class of 2024 proudly receive their D.V.M. diplomas at commencement. As they celebrated this milestone achievement with loved ones, faculty, staff and mentors cheering them on, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. This resilient group began their veterinary journey in 2020, navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with remarkable fortitude. From pivoting to remote learning to grappling with new health concerns, they persevered through it all, emerging as passionate, strong-willed professionals poised to change the world.

Our exciting college news doesn’t stop there! I’m delighted to officially welcome Dr. Jada Lewis, a distinguished neuroscience researcher, as the new chair of our Department of Physiological Sciences. With her wealth of expertise and leadership experience from the McKnight Brain Institute, Dr. Lewis is a fantastic addition to our team.

In a remarkable development, our veterinary forensic pathology program, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Adam Stern, has received a staggering $7 million in private donations. This incredible support will fuel major expansions, providing invaluable resources for animal forensics partners across Florida and beyond. It’s a testament to Dr. Stern’s dedication and the program’s vital work.

Among our faculty making waves is Dr. Robin Bell, an equine sports medicine specialist at the UF Veterinary Hospital at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. This native Australian and lifelong show jumping enthusiast will soon embark on an exciting journey as a team veterinarian for Team Australia at the upcoming Paris Olympics. We couldn’t be prouder!

There’s so much more to celebrate within these pages, showcasing the remarkable achievements of our college community. I hope you enjoy learning about the inspiring stories and groundbreaking work happening right here at UF.

Take care, and Go Gators!

Sincerely,

Dana

Dana N. Zimmel, D.V.M.
Dean and Professor

 

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May-June 2024

Dr. Zimmel

A message from our dean

A message from the college’s dean, Dr. Dana Zimmel.

Dr. Jada Lewis

Neuroscience researcher named chair of physiological sciences

Dr. Jada Lewis was previously a professor of neuroscience in the UF College of Medicine and has served as deputy director of the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute of UF for the past five years.

Dr. Dinglasan in lab

UF awarded NIH Funding for new malaria research center

The cooperative agreement from NIAID will fund evidence-based strategies to support malaria eradication and elimination efforts.

Dr. Aria Eshraghi and Dr. Maite de Maria Mulet

Two from college inducted into national graduate honor society

The two were honored for their scholarly achievement and promotion of excellence among trainees from all walks of life.

Poster presentation

Top research recognized at Phi Zeta Days

Each year, the college acknowledges the top research being performed by D.V.M. students, graduate students, faculty, house officers and staff during its traditional Research and Phi Zeta Celebration.

Dr. Adam Stern explains how to excavate a clandestine animal grave in a forest to a group of veterinary students.

Over $7 million in private gifts will support expansion of college’s veterinary forensic pathology program

The veterinary forensics program is poised for its first major expansion in six years.

Dr. Helena Zomer

Faculty member wins poster competition at national conference

Dr. Helena Zomer presented her research at the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers annual meeting, held in Arlington, Virginia.

(From left) Dr. Elias Sayour, Chong Zhao and Arnav Barpujari discuss the mRNA cancer vaccine developed at the University of Florida.

UF-developed mRNA vaccine triggers fierce immune response to fight malignant brain tumor

Drs. Sheila Carrera-Justiz, Rowan Milner and Bikash Sahay of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine were all coauthors of the paper that appeared May 1 in the journal Cell, reporting the results.

Adam Stern

Faculty member honored by international veterinary forensics group

UF’s veterinary forensic pathologist was honored with award from international group.

The UF College of Veterinary Medicine’s 2024 Distinguished Winners from left to right, are: Dr. Stephen Rosenthal, Dr. Kendra Stauffer, Dr. Maureen Long, Dr. Stephanie Sabshin and Dr. Arnold Rosenthal. Not pictured is Dr. Jim Wellehan.

UF veterinary college names its 2024 Distinguished Award winners

The college’s 2024 Distinguished Award winners were honored during commencement on May 24.

Dr. Rhoel Dinglasan

Dinglasan receives UFRF professorship

The recognition goes to faculty who have a distinguished current record of research and a strong research agenda that is likely to lead to continuing distinction in their fields.

Dr. Robin Bell, an equine sports medicine specialist, is pictured with a horse at the UF Veterinary Hospital at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, where he is based.

UF professor heads for Paris this summer as team veterinarian for Team Australia’s equine athletes

The competition marks Dr. Robin Bell’s third tour on equestrian sport’s grandest stage, a journey that traces back to his youth.

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