Science was the hot topic at the 2012 Research Day.

The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences hosted its 13th Annual CVMBS Research Day on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Hilton Hotel in Fort Collins. The College is consistently ranked nationally in extramural research funding among colleges of veterinary medicine and Research Day showcases the student research that is an important part of the College’s tradition in research excellence.

This year, students, residents, and post-docs presented 88 posters and 36 oral presentations; 230 attendants signed in at the registration desk; and staff estimates that between 250 and 300 people attended.

“We had a very successful research day thanks to the efforts of so many of our faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Lance Perryman, Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Drs. Susan VandeWoude and Dawn Duval did an excellent job in spearheading this event. I’d also like to give special thanks to the 56 judges and 12 moderators who volunteered their time. Research Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate our students’ achievements in research and discovery, as well as show the diversity of science happening daily in our laboratories.”

In addition to highlighting cutting-edge research and innovative research approaches, the symposium provided an opportunity for local researchers and scientists to connect, enhancing collaborations and communication between basic and clinical researchers alike.

The symposium began at noon with a keynote speech from Pfizer Research Award recipient, Dr. Shane Hentges, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Poster and oral presentations in basic and clinical sciences by graduate and veterinary students, veterinary residents, and interns followed the Pfizer addresses.

An evening reception and awards ceremony ended the day’s activities. The Golden Pipette Award, based on the average scores for each department, was awarded to the Department of Biomedical Sciences. This year’s award winners, listed with presenting authors in bold, are listed below:

Outstanding Oral Presentation - Clinical Research

First Place- Kathleen M. Brandes, Laura V. Ashton, Luke Wittenburg, Francisco Olea-Popelka, and Lutz S. Goehring, Department of Clinical Sciences: “Anti-inflammatory drugs will decrease the rate of endothelial cell infection with equine herpesvirus-1 in vitro.”

Second Place - David M. Wilson and Ross H. Palmer, Department of Clinical Sciences: “Arthroscopic Biceps Ulnar Release Procedure (BURP): Assessment of regional damage and completeness of release.”

Outstanding Oral Presentation - Basic Science

First Place- Alexa M. Dickson, Carolina M. López, Jerome E. Lee, Jeffrey Wilusz, Carol J. Wilusz, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology: “CELF1-mediated mRNA decay regulates protein secretion and myogenesis and may be impaired in myotonic dystrophy.”

Second Place - Brendan K. Podell, David F. Ackart, Natalie M. Kirk, Sarah Eck, Marcela Henao-Tamayo, Elizabeth Creissen, Diane Ordway, Randall J. Basaraba, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology: “Alterations in the immunopathogenesis of tuberculosis associated with dietary-induced formation of advanced glycation end products.”

Outstanding Poster Presentation

First Place- Bridget A. Schuler, Jon Faford, Jenny G. Powers, Terry R. Spraker, and Colleen G. Duncan, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: “Potential effects of volcanic emissions on respiratory health of free-ranging Mouflon Sheep.”

Second Place - Kimberly M. Tarvis, Phillip H. Purdy, James K. Graham, Department of Biomedical Sciences; and USDA-ARS-NCGRP National Animal Germplasm Program: “Improving rooster sperm cryopreservation: effects of alternative cryoprotectants, diluent and straw size on cryosurvival.”

Third Place - Britta A. Wood, Ryan M. Troyer and Sue VandeWoude, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology: “Development of microsphere immunoassays for the detection of domestic cat antibodies.”