LSU Vet Med announces Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day Award Recipients

On February 28, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine hosted its annual Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day—a day established to

promote research in schools of veterinary medicine, to recognize research conducted by veterinary students, House Officers (residents and interns), graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty, and to encourage veterinary students to pursue careers in research. 

Phi Zeta is the national veterinary honor society, which recognizes and furthers scholarship and research in matters pertaining to the welfare and diseases of animals. The importance of this day to LSU Vet Med is underlined by the fact that the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is closed except for emergencies to allow all students and House Officers to participate.

Phi Zeta Day provides an opportunity for national experts to speak to students on current research in various fields and to present a picture of global veterinary research. This year’s speaker was Natasha Olby, VetMB, PhD, DACVIM, professor of neurology and neurosurgery at North Caroline State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Olby runs the Canine Neuro-Aging Program and the Spinal Cord Injury Program at NCSU. She was awarded the Dr. Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson Distinguished Chair in Gerontology and is the author or co-author of more than 200 scientific publications. She is also the co-editor of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology. In 2023, she received the American Veterinary Medical Association Career Achievement in Canine Research.

Veterinary, undergraduate, and graduate students, House Officers, faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and staff presented current biomedical research that is relevant to diseases of people and animals. Students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty presented a total of 68 posters that were judged by a panel of scientists for monetary prizes in seven categories: (1) post-doctoral researchers, (2) dissertation (PhD) students, (3) Master’s students, (4) House Officers/Residents (non-PhD/non-Master’s), (5) veterinary students, (6) undergraduate students, (7) care reports, and (8) faculty/others (non-competition category).

Veterinary students who participate in LSU Vet Med’s Summer Scholars Program enter their research projects for consideration on Phi Zeta Emphasis Day. Each year, veterinary students apply to participate in the Summer Scholars Program, in which they develop research proposals with the guidance of a faculty member and conduct research throughout the summer.

Winner in the Post-doctoral category was as follows:

First place went to Chandika Gamage, PhD in Pathobiological Sciences. His project was entitled “Development and immunogenicity of a vaccinia-vectored vaccine against equine rotavirus A” and his faculty mentor is Mariano Carossino, DVM, PhD, assistant professor of veterinary pathology. 

Winners in the PhD category were as follows:

First place went to Yathushigan Kulatheepan, PhD student in Pathobiological Sciences. His project was entitled “Role of AIM2 Inflammasome in Pulmonary Host Defense Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced Pneumonia” and his faculty mentor was Samithamby Jeyaseelan, DVM, MPhil, PhD, professor. 

Second place went to John Le, PhD student in Pathobiological Sciences. His project was entitled “The NLRP10 Inflammasome Modulates Host Defense During Gram-Positive Bacteria-Induced Pneumonia.” His faculty mentor is Samithamby Jeyaseelan, DVM, MPhil, PhD, professor. 

There was a tie for third place, which went to Melanie Wilson and Sabrina Cousseau. Wilson is a PhD student in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and her project was entitled “Early Developmental Exposure to Lead (Pb), A Risk Factor for Stress Related Disorders Investigated in Larval Zebrafish (Danio Rerio).” Her faculty mentor is Ahmed Abdelmoneim, PhD, assistant professor. Cousseau is a PhD student in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and her project was entitled “Effects of a Pre-maturation Treatment on Markers of Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Maturation of Equine Cumulus-Oocyte-Complexes.” Her faculty mentors were Mark Mitchell, DVM, PhD (LSU 2001), DECZM, professor of zoological medicine; and Carlos Pinto, DVM, PhD, former professor of theriogenology.

Winner in the Master’s degree category was as follows:     

First place went to Nadia Kelly-Richmond, Master’s degree student and clinical pathology resident in Veterinary Clinical Sciences , and her project was entitled “Transgelin, Desmin, and Galectin-1 Expression in Canine Hepatobiliary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.” Her faculty mentor is Andrea Johnston, DVM, DACVIM, associate professor of small animal internal medicine in Veterinary Clinical Sciences. 

Winners in the House Officer category were as follows:

There was a tie for first place, which went to Michael St. Blanc, DVM (LSU 2017), equine surgery resident; and Alaina Kuehr, DVM, anesthesia resident. Dr. St. Blanc’s project was entitled “Ex Vivo Comparison of One-Layer vs. Two-Layer Closures in End-to-End Anastomoses in Normal Equine Descending Colon,” and his faculty mentor was Britta Leise, DVM (LSU 2002), PhD, DACVS, associate dean for faculty and staff advancement and associate professor of equine surgery in Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Dr. Kuehr’s project was entitled “Evaluation of the Sedative and Cardiopulmonary Effects of Zenalpha in Sheep and Goats,” and her faculty mentor was Jeannette Cremer, DVM, Dr.med.vet., DACVAA, associate professor of veterinary anesthesiology in Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

Winners in the Veterinary Students category were as follows:

First place went to Táina Rodríguez, DVM Class of 2025, and her project was entitled “Characterization of Post-mortem Trauma After Fall from Height in Dogs and Cats.” Her faculty mentor was Nanny Wenzlow, Dr.vet.med, PhD, DACVP, former assistant professor of veterinary forensic pathology in Pathobiological Sciences.

Second place went to Jon LaCour, DVM Class of 2025, and his project was entitled “Lactobacillus Supplementation Effects on Maternal-Fetal Outcomes of the BPH/5 Preeclamptic Mouse Model.” His faculty mentor was Jennifer Sones, DVM (2008), PhD, DACT, former associate professor of theriogenology in Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

Third place went to Dalia Badamo, DVM Class of 2024, and her project was entitled, “Range, Caliber, and Firearm Effects on Gunshot Wound Characteristics in Canine Integument.” Her faculty mentor was Nanny Wenzlow, Dr.vet.med, PhD, DACVP, former assistant professor of veterinary forensic pathology in Pathobiological Sciences.

Fourth place went to Patrik Rollefson, DVM Class of 2025, and his project was entitled “Comparing the developmental and behavioral effects of exposure to PFAS-containing aquous film forming foam to proposed PFAS-free alternatives using the zebrafish model.” His faculty mentor was Ahmed Abdelmoneim, PhD, assistant professor in Comparative Biomedical Sciences.

Fifth place went to Phillip Saint Martin, DVM Class of 2025, and his project was entitled “SK2 expression of the motor thalamus in normal motor function, and their dysregulation in Parkinson’s disease.” His faculty mentor was Olaleken Ogundele, PhD, associate professor in Comparative Biomedical Sciences.

Winner in the Undergraduate category was as follows:

First place went to Kennedy Trahan, undergraduate student in the LSU College of Science and her project was entitled “Development of Small Molecule-based Intervention to Combat the Infection Caused by the Superbug Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.” Her faculty mentor was Samithamby Jeyaseelan, DVM, MPhil, PhD, professor. 

Winner in the Case Report category was as follows:

First Place went to Luis Tondo, DVM, anatomic pathology resident, and his project was entitled, “Asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation in a dog – case report.” His faculty mentor was Nanny Wenzlow, Dr.vet.med, PhD, DACVP, former assistant professor of veterinary forensic pathology in Pathobiological Sciences.

Phi Zeta would like to take this opportunity to thank the poster judges:

• Basel Abuaita, PhD, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases, PBS
• Amira Ahmed, MSc, PhD, BVMS, Instructor of Parasitology PBS
• Ethan Anderson, PhD, Assistant Professor, CBS
• Frank Andrews, DVM, DACVIM, Head, Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department; Director, Equine Health Studies Program; Professor of Equine Medicine, VCS
• William Beavers, MS, PhD, Assistant Professor PBS
• Pilar Camacho, LV, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology VCS
• Renee Carter, DVM (LSU 2000), DACVO, Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology, VCS
• Gabriel Castro, MS, DVM, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia VCS
• Ann Chapman, DVM, (LSU 2001), MS (LSU 2006), DACVIM (Large Animal), Associate Professor of Equine Medicine, VCS
• Jonuel Cruz, DVM, MS, Assistant Professor of Equine Surgery VCS
• Shannon Dehghanpir, DVM (LSU 2013), DACVP, VCS
• Fabio Del Piero, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Professor of Anatomic Pathology, VCS
• Levent Dirikolu, DVM, MVSc, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology, Comparative Biomedical Sciences CBS
• Frederic Gaschen, Dr.med.vet, Dr.habil, Professor of Small Animal Medicine VCS
• Antonieta Guerrera-Plata, BSc, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor, PBS
• Ky Hoang, DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor (Research), PBS
• Weishan Huang, PhD, Associate Professor, PBS
• Duane Jeansonne, PhD, Assistant Professor (Research), PBS
• Tomislav Jelesijevic, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVP, Assistant Professor, CBS
• Seetharama Jois, MS, PhD, Professor PBS
• Charles Lee, PhD, Associate Professor, CBS
• Jeongha Lee, DVM, MS, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pathology PBS
• Britta Leise, MS, DVM (LSU 2002), PhD, DACVS, Associate Dean for Student and Faculty Advancement; Associate Professor of Equine Surgery, VCS
• Juan Martinez, PhD, Director of Graduate Education, Professor, PBS 
• Jose Cesar Menk, MV, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pathology, PBS
• Colin Mitchell, BVMS, MS, DACVS, Director, Large Animal Services, Veterinary Teaching Hospital; Professor of Equine Surgery, VCS
• Michelle Osborn, PhD, Associate Professor, CBS
• Patricia Queiroz-Williams, DVM, Professor of Anesthesiology, VCS
• Jeremy Redmond, DVM, Director of Clinical Skills, Assistant Professor of Equine Medicine, VCS
• Laura Riggs, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor of Equine Surgery, VCS
• Ryan Smith, DVM, Assistant Professor of Emergency and Critical Care, VCS
• Brent Stanfield, PhD, Assistant Professor (Research), PBS
• Rhett Stout, DVM (LSU 1994), PhD (LSU 2003), DACLAM, Interim Director, Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine; Associate Professor, PBS
• Thomas Tully, DVM (LSU 1986), DABVP, DECZIM, Professor of Zoological Medicine, VCS
• Nancy Welborn, DVM (LSU 1990), Associate Professor of Community Practice, VCS
• Shaomian Yao, PhD, Associate Professor, CBS
• Masami Yoshimura, BSc, MSc, DSc, Associate Professor, CBS.

Sponsors

This day would not be possible without the support of Alliance Animal Health, Amerivet, Banfield, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chi University, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health, NAVE Veterinary Group, Nikon, NVA, Royal Canin, the LSU Vet Med Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), and Zoetis.

Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day is sponsored by the Tau Chapter of the Society of Phi Zeta, which was established on March 30, 1977, with Dr. C.W. Titkemeyer as Chapter President. Phi Zeta is the abbreviation of the Greek word Philozoi, which means “love of animals.” 

The 2024 Phi Zeta Committee members are as follows:

• Emi Sasaki, DVM, DACVP, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pathology, PBS
• eanette Cremer, Dr.med.vet, DVM, DACVAA, Associate Professor of Veterinary Anesthesiology, VCS
• Olalekan Michael Ogundele, MS, PhD, Associate Professor, CBS
• Andrea Johnston, DVM, DACVIM, Assistant Professor of Small Animal Medicine, VCS
• Ann Chapman, DVM, (LSU 2001), MS (LSU 2006), DACVIM (Large Animal), Associate Professor of Equine Medicine, VCS
• Fabio Del Piero, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Professor, PBS
• Tammy Dugas, PhD, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education
• Oliver A. Garden, BVetMed, PhD, FHEA, FCPP, FRCVS, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, Kenneth Burns Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine and Dean
• Britta Leise, DVM, MS, PhD, Associate Dean for Staff and Faculty Advancement, Associate Professor of Equine Surgery, VCS
• Colin Mitchell, BVMS, MS, DACVS, Director, Large Animal Services, Veterinary Teaching Hospital; Professor of Equine Surgery, VCS
• Cherie Pucheu-Haston, DVM (LSU 1992), PhD, DACVD, Associate Dean for Clinical Services and Professor of Veterinary Dermatology, VCS
• Alexa Boudreaux, Dean’s Events and Logistics Manager
• Dustin Brewster, Dean’s Coordinator
• Bonnie Brocato, Facilities Manager
• Stacey Carr, Business Office Coordinator
• Philip Ebenezer, PhD, Grants Manager
• Chelsey Gonzales, Director of Industry Engagement
• Victoria Gravois, Business Office Coordinator
• Ginger Guttner, APR, Communications Manager
• Sarah Keeton, Research Associate
• Whittney Lathan, PBS Coordinator
• Thomas Rooney, Assistant Dean for Strategic Communications
• Alex Sheets, Data Processing Analyst
• Sophie Stine, PBS Student Worker
• Qingxia Wang, Research Associate
• Stephanie Willis, Registrar

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. LSU Vet Med is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.

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