Researchers at the University of Minnesota (UMN) College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) are advancing animal and human health through science, and that impact was on full display at the 2025 Research, Innovation, Discovery, and Education (RIDE) Summit.

Held July 16 in the Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine Building, the daylong event brought together students, staff, faculty, and alumni from across the College and beyond to share discoveries, celebrate achievements, and reflect on the evolving role of research in a changing world.

The summit opened with a timely panel conversation titled “Keep Calm and Carry On: Adapting with purpose in uncertain times,” featuring UMN Regent Penny Wheeler, Professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) Mike Osterholm, and retired Air Force Captain Keith Wolf. Moderated by CVM Dean Laura Molgaard, the discussion offered perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the power of long-term thinking.

“You have to have a mindset in these times of being more of an explorer than a settler—how can we do things in a different way in uncertain times?” Wheeler noted in her opening remarks to the panel. All three panelists spoke to the value of balancing brave and novel thinking with a reliance on experience, intuition, and relationships.

Drawing on experiences from national crises to personal tragedy, the panelists shared stories that grounded their leadership philosophies in lived reality and left the audience with much to reflect on.

Recognizing research excellence

As part of the event, four awards were presented to CVM community members whose research exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and impact. 
 

• Declan Schroeder received the 2025 Mark of Excellence Award, recognizing faculty who generate and share knowledge in support of the veterinary profession.
• Noelle Noyes received the 2025 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence, honoring significant scientific contributions to veterinary medicine.
• Xiaomei Yue was named the inaugural Research Staff Excellence Award winner for her vital contributions to the lab and broader research enterprise.
• Joseph Bartges (’93 PhD) was recognized as the 2025 Distinguished Research Alum in honor of his enduring contributions to veterinary medicine and education.

This year marked the first presentation of the Research Staff Excellence Award. In accepting the award, Yue spoke movingly about the role of mentorship in her career, highlighting CVM professor Cesar Corzo’s support as both pivotal and deeply meaningful.

In his keynote RIDE Seminar, “Livin’, Learnin’, Lovin’: What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been,” Bartges used classic rock tracks to frame the story of his career—offering memorable research highlights and life lessons with humor, humility, and heartfelt advice.

Among the many takeaways: “Think and look outside of the box, otherwise you become Schrödinger’s cat,” he quipped. “Stress isn’t bad, as long as it isn’t distress.” And perhaps most memorably from a veterinary urologist: “Urine—God made it gold for a reason.”

Showcasing student scholarship

Throughout the day, CVM trainees showcased their work and honed their research communication skills through 3-Minute Thesis presentations, a poster session, and resident oral talks. These competitive sessions give emerging scientists a platform to practice translating complex science into compelling stories. 

Read more about trainees' contributions to the Summit.

The summit concluded with refreshments and conversation between the Distinguished Research Alum and current trainees, an annual tradition that connects generations of CVM researchers and reminds participants of the college’s long-standing commitment to mentorship and scientific excellence.

As the day came to a close, Molgaard reflected on the ideas woven throughout the RIDE Summit—insights that also shape the CVM community every day. 

“Relationships are paramount. Our sense of purpose evolves over time. Anticipating potential challenges and outcomes is essential,” she said. “Growth can come through adversity. Think big: look for the ‘next best action’ to drive progress. Collective action is powerful and creates meaningful change. We may not be able to fix everything, but we can support one another. Practicing benefit finding and gratitude can transform our outlook.”

In many ways, her words echoed what attendees saw and heard across the day’s events: the strength of shared purpose, the energy of new ideas, and the power of showing up for one another, even in uncertain times.

Explore more event photos below.