The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has announced Dr. Alonso Guedes as its next associate dean of research. 

Guedes, a professor of comparative anesthesia and pain medicine in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has served as interim associate dean of research since July 2023. 

“Dr. Guedes understands the demands of the clinician-scientist and has diverse clinical experiences, says CVM Dean Dr. Laura Molgaard. “He has built a strong, independent research program with a track record of successful scholarly activity and collaborations.”

A faculty member since 2015, Guedes says he sees the College of Veterinary Medicine as a global leader in advancing education, health, and research at the interface of animals, humans, and the environment. Last year, UMN CVM research teams received $31,658,508 in competitively awarded external funding. 

“I am excited to be able to give back to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine,” Dr. Guedes says. “I both earned my PhD and completed my residency here, and I feel like this college changed my life. I am looking forward to doing what I can to help our faculty, staff, and students succeed while fulfilling their dreams, aspirations, and goals. Our people and talent are our greatest strength.” 

In his new permanent role, Guedes will continue to support research efforts at the College, which includes strategically investing in CVM research and researchers, increasing extramural research funding, and enhancing the visibility of CVM research programs. 

Prior to joining CVM, Guedes was service chief of the Section of Anesthesia in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences at the University of California, Davis. 

Guedes current research is centered on developing strategies to mitigate opioid use, including the development of non-opioid technologies for the treatment of chronic pain in veterinary and human medicine and strategies to lessen the burden of opioid use disorder in humans. For this and other research efforts, he was named the winner of the College’s 2023 Mark of Excellence Award, which recognizes a faculty member with outstanding contributions to generating and sharing new knowledge related to the veterinary profession.

“My personal mission and vision is to make a better world for animals and people by generating, applying, and disseminating scientific knowledge, and I look forward to helping others do the same,” Guedes says.