MIP Newsletter

Volume 8, Issue 8, August 2011

Spotlight

Gregg DeanWelcome From the New DH

While it was reported in the July newsletter that Ed was taking his foot off the MIP accelerator pedal, the trick has been to change drivers without losing speed. This could be a hazardous maneuver if it were not for the staff and associate department heads that have steadied the steering wheel.

My learning curve has been steep but also a pleasure. The outreach from all in the department is helping me to fully appreciate the enormous scope and volume of DMIP activity. I have had the opportunity to meet with several CSU upper administrators including the president, provost, and vice president of research and their enthusiasm toward our department is obvious and speaks to the prominence of DMIP at CSU. As I settle in, my goal is to spend less time in a reactive mode and more time in a proactive mode. The DMIP faculty and students have ambitious goals and the staff and I look forward to facilitating achievement of these goals.


Sandra Quackenbush

Congratulations to Dr. Sandra Quackenbush for receiving the SUNY Delhi Alumni Association's highest honor, the Alumni of Distinction Award. Dr. Quackenbush received this honor for her dedicated, continued and outstanding contributions to the biomedical field, as well as to the community. Read the entire SUNY Delhi News Release.


Dr. Terry Spraker Selected to participate in 100 Year Fur Seal Treaty Anniversary

Terry Spraker

For the past 26 years, Dr. Terry Spraker has been spending his summers in the Pribilof Islands of Alaska studying Fur Seals. Over this time, he has earned the respect and full acceptance of the native Aleut community. This summer Terry was honored by the native community when he was selected to participate in the celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the North Pacific Fur Seal Treaty (the first international agreement ever to address the issue of wildlife preservation). Terry was one of 3 people selected for the unveiling of the future bronze statues commemorating the treaty. Pictured above is Terry and Ludy, a Russian woman thought to be the oldest seal harvester, next to mock-ups of the future bronzes. Congratulations Terry!


Bacteriologists Sign

Mary Jackson and Brad Borlee sign on the bottom line....

We are extremely happy to announce that Bacteriologists Dr. Mary Jackson and Dr. Brad Borlee will both be joining the MIP Department Faculty! Mary Jackson will start on September 1 and Brad Borlee on October 1.


MIP Research Funding once again surpasses $30 million

According to the CSU Sponsored Programs database, extramural funding for MIP research activities was almost $32 million ($31,854,414 to be exact) for the fiscal year that ended June 30th. This represents a whopping 30% increase over last year’s total and 59% of our college’s total grant awards. The MIP department brought in 147 individual awards last fiscal year and currently houses over $163 million worth of active research projects. To put $31 million in perspective, that is the amount the sequel to the Hangover movie took in on its first day. Hats off to all MIP researchers – despite these tough fiscal times, you’re sure continuing shine!


Ian at the Gates

On August 2nd, Ian Orme chaired a meeting at the brand spanking new Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Facility in Seattle, which consisted of several international experts who share a common concern regarding the current direction of the TB Vaccine field. This meeting will be followed by an open meeting on this topic, planned for May next year in Orlando.


In the News...

• The recent paper by Tim Kurt et al (full citation can be found below in the MIPubs) was highlighted by the Editors of Journal of Virology in the ‘Spotlight’ section of the Journal. Check it out.

Ian Orme was highlighted in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise for his involvement with the New Mountaineers Rugby Club. See the article...

Ian Orme

Defense

Ashley K. McGrew, BS, presented her PhD defense entitled, "Spatial trends of total mercury (THg) exposure, and the role of intestinal helminths on its distribution within piscivorous mammalian hosts" on August 12. Her advisors are Dr. Lora Ballweber and Dr. Mo D. Salman.


pub highlight

Biosecurity and Bird Movement Practices in Upland Game Bird Facilities in the US

Katharine Slota, Ashley Hill, Tom Keefe, Dick Bowen and Kristy Pabilonia

Avian Diseases 55: 180-186, July 2011

Most of us have pondered from time to time that age old question of why did the chicken cross the road. However how many of you have wondered what happens when the pheasant, partridge or quail take a road trip? All feeble attempts at joking aside, this is an important question (often to the tune of billions of dollars) in terms of the spread of avian diseases such as Newcastle Disease virus and the universally feared avian H5N1 influenza virus by upland game birds.

What Kathy et al set out to do was provide folks who have permits to raise upland game birds in 36 states with a 61 question survey to get an idea of how they raise their birds, how often/where they move them and the biosecurity practices they use to reduce the threat of disease transmission. The survey achieved a 44% response rate – which isn’t perfect but still ain’t too shabby – and led to three potentially important observations. First, most upland game birders in this country don’t breed their own fowl but buy them from others. This fact, along with the observation that many of their workers also routinely handle birds outside their own facility, is a clear indication of the potential for the spread of infectious diseases among this segment of the poultry industry. Finally, standard biosecurity practices to limit the spread of disease, such as routine washing and disinfection of equipment, are not regularly used. Do you smell trouble waiting to happen with all of these poultry in motion?

So why did we pick this fowl-tempered article as our coveted MIPub of the Month®? First, the survey brings to light several issues that may have huge public health and agricultural implications in terms of infectious disease management. Until we come up with that elusive but plausible universal flu vaccine (e.g. check out the Ekiert et al paper that was recently e-published in Science), frankly the more we can do to prevent influenza spread, the better. Second, the paper highlights the great poultry work that Kristy and coworkers are doing on both the local and national fronts. Finally, not being able to pass up the opportunity for another bad pun, you gotta admit that the paper is rather ‘eggceptional’.


MIP Publications Late July 2011 - Early August 2011

Akkina R, Berges BK, Palmer BE, Remling L, Neff CP, Kuruvilla J, Connick E, Folkvord J, Gagliardi K, Kassu A, Akkina SR.  Humanized Rag1-/- γc-/- mice support multilineage hematopoiesis and are susceptible to HIV-1 infection via systemic and vaginal routes.  PLoS One. 2011;6(6):e20169.

Neff CP, Kurisu T, Ndolo T, Fox K, Akkina R.  A topical microbicide gel formulation of CCR5 antagonist maraviroc prevents HIV-1 vaginal transmission in humanized RAG-hu mice.  PLoS One. 2011;6(6):e20209.

Evans VA, Lal L, Akkina R, Solomon A, Wright E, Lewin SR, Cameron PU.  Thymic plasmacytoid dendritic cells are susceptible to productive HIV-1 infection and efficiently transfer R5 HIV-1 to thymocytes in vitro.  Retrovirology. 2011 Jun 3;8:43.

Carlson JC, Linz GM, Ballweber LR, Elmore SA, Pettit SE, Franklin AB.  The role of European starlings in the spread of coccidia within concentrated animal feeding operations.  Vet Parasitol. 2011 Aug 25;180(3-4):340-3.

Stavri H, Ulea I, Radu DL, Branaru MG, Moldovan O, Bogdan MA, Tudose C, Raileanu M, Duiculescu D, Ene L, Olar V, Ionita C, Popa GL, Popa MI, Brennan PJ.  Serodiagnosis of environmental mycobacterial infections.  J Microbiol Methods. 2011 Sep;86(3):283-90.

Black WC 4th, Alphey L, James AA.  Why RIDL is not SIT.  Trends Parasitol. 2011 Aug;27(8):362-70.

Ordway DJ, Orme IM.  Animal models of mycobacteria infection.  Curr Protoc Immunol. 2011 Aug;Chapter 19:Unit19.5.

Slota KE, Hill AE, Keefe TJ, Bowen RA, Pabilonia KL.  Biosecurity and bird movement practices in upland game bird facilities in the United States.  Avian Dis. 2011 Jun;55(2):180-6.

Lyons ET, Spraker TR, De Long RL, Ionita M, Melin SR, Nadler SA, Tolliver SC.  Review of research on hookworms (Uncinaria lucasi Stiles, 1901) in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus Linnaeus, 1758).  Parasitol Res. 2011 Aug;109(2):257-65.

Weng XM, Li K, Wen Y, Xing Y, Liu J, Hong BH, Li HY, Vissa V.  Study on the factors influencing steady transmission of leprosy in Qiubei county, China].  Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi. 2011 Jun;32(6):559-64. Chinese.

Kurt TD, Seelig DM, Schneider JR, Johnson CJ, Telling GC, Heisey DM, Hoover EAAlteration of the chronic wasting disease species barrier by in vitro prion amplification.  J Virol. 2011 Sep;85(17):8528-37.

Happenings

Meet the Telling Lab Telling Lab

Pictured Left to Right: Glenn Telling, Vadim Khaychuk, Eri Saijo, Sehun Kim, Hea Eun Kang, Jifeng Bian

Glenn Telling - As a Welsh-American and committed hedonist, GT feels fortunate to relocate to an environment which has the highest number of microbreweries per capita. His proficiency on the electric bass guitar made him a legendary figure at O'Neil's Bar Wednesday open mike night, at least in his own mind. As a young person, GT was a member of the Beatles Fan Club, and as a university student was the second best door-to-door salesman in the UK for the company Betterwear.

Vadim Khaychuk - I was born in Kiev, Ukraine, a radioactive paradise and a gem of eastern Europe. I immigrated to the United States in 1991, right before the Soviet Union fell apart. Moved to another industrial paradise in Brooklyn, NY. In college (Rochester Institute of Technology(RIT)), I majored in biotechnology and minored in professional writing. Started my graduate career in biomedical sciences at University of Rochester, and through many twists and turns ended up being adopted by Glenn at the University of Kentucky, where I am finishing my PhD in Prion biology. In my free time, I like to stay active by lifting weights, walking my man-eating dog and drinking wholesome beer.....all to stay fit :) Due to high exposure to radioactivity as a child, I now glow in the dark which makes it easier for me to be seen at night........and safer!

Eri Saijo - I'm from Tokyo, Japan. I'm so excited to be here in Fort Collins exploring all kinds of outdoor sports all year around, biking, kayaking, hiking, fly fishing, skiing, and so many!!

Sehun Kim - I came from South Korea three years ago. I like Fort Collins because of beautiful scenes. Every weekend, I enjoy riding a bicycle and taking photos. Before I came here, I worked at the Zoo as a vet and now I work with white mouse.

Hae Eun Kang - My name is Hae-Eun Kang and I came from South Korea. I’m so happy to move in Fort Collins. I have never seen such a beautiful sky here. I also enjoy riding my bicycle out. Fort Collins has some great scenery, and I enjoy watching the full Moon, while having a tea in my patio.

Jifeng Bian - Hi, MIPeople, I am Jifeng Bian, you can call me Bian. I am working with Dr. Telling since 2005. I got my D.M.D and Ph.D in Shandong University in China. We moved here from Kentucky a month ago, it feels like home already. I am very excited to join the prion research team in DMIP of CSU to continue the research on chronic wasting disease. I like outdoor activities like skiing, running and fishing.


Welcome New Graduate Students
Nunya Chotiwan

Nunya Chotiwan

Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Nunya received her BSc in Faculty of Science, Biology at Mahidol University. She is interested in Molecular Virology (Flavivirus) and Biotechnology. Nunya's interests/activities include hiking, music, science, and dancing.

Clinton Dawson

Clinton Dawson

Clinton received his BS in Microbiology from the University of New Hampshire, but is originally from York, PA. He is interested in studying Bacterial Pathogenesis and formation of sessile cells. When not studying, Clinton enjoys biking, skiing, and hiking.

 
Bryna Fitzgerald

Bryna Fitzgerald

Originally from Lafayette, CA, Bryna received her BS in Microbiology from the University of California, Davis. She is interested in studying Bacteriology. Bryna enjoys running, reading, baking and cooking during her free time.

 
Alex Griffith

Alex Griffith

Alex received his BS in Microbiology from Colorado State University and his AS in Biology from Colorado Mountain College, but is originally from Richamond, VA He is interested in studying the transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease in natural settings and wildlife diseases in general. His personal interests and activities, in no particular order, include making major scientific advancements, playing guitar in a rock 'n roll band, and quaffing ales from Odells.

 
Ben Krajacich

Ben Krajacich

Originally from Great Falls, MT, Ben received his BS in Biochemistry from Montana State University. He is interested in studying vector-borne infectious diseases. When not studying, Ben enjoys rock climbing, skiing, and hiking.

 
Linnell Randall

Linnell Randall

Originally from Honeoye, NY, Linnell received her BS in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Rochester. She is interested in studying bacterial genetics. Linnell is interested in spending her free time snowboarding, whitewater kayaking, and learning to mountain bike.

 
Amber Rico

Amber Rico

Amber received her BS in Biology from Ripon College, but she is originally from Alamogordo, NM. She is interested in studying virology and spending her free time playing soccer, lacrosse and studying history.

 
Pao Rotcheewaphan

Suwatchpareeporn ( aka: Pao) Rotcheewaphan

Originally from Thailand, Pao received her medical doctor degree from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. She is interested in studying bacteria, specifically M. tuberculosis. Pao plans to spend her free time participating in outdoor activities, hiking and camping in particular.

 
Mia Smith

Mia Smith

Mia is originally from Texas, but she has lived in Denver the past 6 years. She received her BS in Mathematics and Philosophy from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. Mia plans to study immunology while at CSU and will spend her free time enjoying cooking, gardening and hiking.

 
Shanna Williams

Shanna Williams

Originally from Karval, CO, Shanna received her BS in Microbiology and minor in Biomedical Sciences, and her MS in Food Safety, from Colorado State University. She is interested in studying vector-borne infectious diseases, specifically Yersinia pestis. When not studying, Shanna enjoys running, cycling, and hiking.


Welcome New Employees
Kimberly Mashek

Hi, my name is Kimberly Mashek, the new accounting technician in Microbiology. I ventured over here from the CSU Extension Office. I have been with CSU for just about 2 years now. I moved here from Sidney, NE for a part-time job with the Provost office and quickly found my way into full-time employment. This was a great feeling for me since I had been laid off work for almost 10-months by this point. I graduated with a BA in Accounting from Chadron State College. I absolutely love living in Fort Collins as I am an avid hiker and do it every chance I get. I’m very active and love the outdoors; as well, I am very family oriented and am a very sociable person. So, hello to you all and thank you for inviting me into your family.

 
Christine Bartholomew

Hi! I am Chris Bartholomew, the new HR Administrative Assistant for MIP. I have lived many places but most of my life has been spent in Fort Collins. I feel very lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place. Growing up, it felt like CSU was my own backyard so it seemed natural to join the campus community where I have been serving the past 14 years. I have two lovely daughters and lots of family nearby that I enjoy spending time with. I like to read, take pictures and do all kinds of outdoor activities but my real passion is travelling. I love learning about new cultures, seeing new places and meeting new people. Anyplace, anytime!


Thank you

"Thank you" to the department for all the mentoring and support over the last five years. Because of my professors and colleagues, I will be starting this August as an Assistant Professor of Biology at North Park University teaching General Microbiology. I will miss MIP and Fort Collins but look forward to my future as an undergraduate educator. Thanks for everything and take care.
~Drew Rholl

 


RM ASM Fall Meeting

Mark your calendars

The Fall meeting of the Rocky Mtn Branch of the ASM will take place October 7-8 at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.


Rocky Mountain Virology Annual Meeting

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
SEPTEMBER 23-25, 2011
Pingree Park Campus

This year's keynote speaker is our incoming Dept Head Dr. Gregg Dean. Gregg will be speaking about his research on lentiviruses (HIV and FIV), innate immunity, and the generation of effective mucosal and systemic immune responses through oral immunization. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet our new colleague in the relaxed environs of the Pingree campus. This year's meeting also coincides with peak aspen viewing and will feature the Saturday evening barbecue and, of course, a generous contribution from the New Belgium Brewery. So save up your best data and plan on breaking in those new hiking boots this September!


Baby Congrats

Congratulations to Tach Costello on the birth of her first grandchild!

Kiha

Kiha Maria Louise Tippman
Born August 3rd at 2:37am
6lb 13oz and 19 1/2 inches

MIP Bits

Quote of the Month

Did you know America ranks the lowest in education but the highest in drug use? It's nice to be number one, but we can fix that. All we need to do is start the war on education. If it's anywhere near as successful as our war on drugs, in no time we'll all be hooked on phonics.
~Leighann Lord



Ian Orme and Crystal Shanley

Ian Orme and Crystal Shanley clown around on a recent trip

    Alternative Captions:
  1. Ignoring his broker’s advice to move into bonds and annuities, Ian is paying the price these days for staying in stocks
  2. Animals take their revenge on their oppressors in this sneak preview of the upcoming flick ‘Rise of the Planet of the Guinea Pigs’
  3. The new MIP Dept Head goes medieval on folks who don’t respond promptly to emails
  4. What happens to folks who don’t chuckle at MIPnews photo captions
  5. Submit your own.

MIPuzzle
Questions for MIPuzzle #68
MIPuzzle #68 Answers
MIPuzzle 68

Zabel Lab Rafting

The Avery (Anne, Tekla and Emma), Zabel (Mark, Kathy Z. and Brady M) and Telling (Glenn and Eri Saijo) labs enjoyed a rafting trip down the Poudre River this summer.

Want to experience what it is like in the raft? Check out the video Mark Zabel took during part of the trip through "The Squeeze":


NIH Happenings
  • NIAID to announce interim FY2012 paylines on September

    Anyone care to place a wager on the limbo-esque question of ‘how low can they go’??

  • Any comments on the changes proposed by HHS regarding human subjects research regulations?

    You have until September 26 to have your voice heard. Check out ANPRM for Revision to Common Rule. For more details


Ed Hoover

Dr. Hoover’s lab celebrates his return to full time scientist status

    Alternative Captions:
  1. Uttering an oath under his breadth, "In brightest day, in blackest night, No evil shall escape my sight Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power ... Green Lantern's light!" Dr. Hoover takes on his new position as defender of the galaxy
  2. While most Cubs fans choose to wear a bag over their head, Ed selects a more fashionable disguise.
  3. What three years as MIP Dept. Head will do to you
  4. Look at that spread – grapes, strawberries, cherries and a nut!
  5. Submit your own

New Grant Awards

Barry Beaty, "Molecular Mosquitocides:Deveopment ofan innovative and Robust Platform-based approach for Sustainable insecticial control", Foundation for the National Institude of

Karen Dobos, "Mycobacterium spp. Research Reagent Replenishment", American Type Culture Collection.

Edward Hoover, "Advanced In Vitro Assay for CWD Infection Based on Saliva, Blood and Urine", Morris Animal Foundation

Edward Hoover, "Integrate and Develop Field and Lab Research Programs on Chronic Wasting Disease", National Park Service

Becky Rivoire, "NextGen Cell Bank Development ", Allergan, Inc.


Carol Blair

Carol Blair at the Roman Agora, Athens,(with the Acropolis in the background) while attending the 5th International Meeting on Molecular and Population Biology of Mosquitos, Kolimbari, Crete, Greece, July 25 - 29, 2011


AUGUST 2011
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri
1
Gregg Dean Starts!
2 3 4 5
8 9 10 11 12
15
MIP Grad Student Orientation 9am Path 107
16 17 18 19
22
Fall Semester Begins!
23 24
Dept Seminar 9am, Path 103
25  26 
29 30 31    

 

SEPTEMBER 2011
Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri
      1 2
5
Univ Offices Closed
6 7 8 9
12 13 14 15 16
19 20 21  22  23
RMV Meeting, Pingree Park
26 27 28 29 30

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MIP Newsletter Volume 8, Issue 8, August 2011
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