Investing in the future: The power of resident research at CVM
How a generous gift is fueling the next generation of clinician-scientists
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For the veterinarians on the front lines of animal health, the search for answers usually begins at a patient’s bedside. But for a resident, the opportunity to step into the role of investigator allows them to take those bedside observations and turn them into systemic solutions for animal and public health.
At the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), resident research is a vital training ground where the specialists of tomorrow learn to solve the complex challenges of today. However, finding the resources and funding to launch a rigorous study while balancing demanding clinical duties can be a significant hurdle. Thanks to the visionary support of James and Debra Andrews, that hurdle has been cleared for nine promising researchers.
By funding resident research from across the College, the Andrews family is not only supporting individual studies; they are investing in the long-term ecosystem of the veterinary profession.
"One of the most rewarding ways we expand our research community is by investing in the next generation of clinician-scientists," says Alonso Guedes, CVM associate dean for research. "While these projects aim to solve pressing clinical problems today, their true impact lies in capacity building. Our residents are sharpening the investigative skills needed to solve the complex problems of tomorrow, no matter where their careers take them."
For James and Debra Andrews, the decision to support these nine residents was rooted in the idea of the "multiplier effect"—how one well-trained scientist can go on to impact thousands of lives throughout their career.
"Debra and I have always believed that the best investment you can make is in a person with a question and the drive to answer it," says James Andrews. "By providing these residents with the resources they need now, we are helping them carry the torch of the profession forward. We want to ensure that the next generation of veterinarians is equipped to both practice medicine and advance it."
Read about the projects made possible by the Andrews family's gift below.
Harmonizing the languages of veterinary data
Resident: Gabrielle Beckford and Michelle Schultze | Program: Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine | Research mentors: Melinda Wilkins and Lauren Bernstein
Currently, veterinary clinics and diagnostic labs often use different "languages" or coding systems to record medical data. This fragmentation makes it difficult to share information across the animal and human health sectors. Residents Gabrielle Beckford and Michelle Schultze are conducting a statewide assessment to see how ready Minnesota’s veterinary stakeholders are to adopt standardized clinical terminologies. By bridging these data gaps, their work lays the foundation for a more connected One Health approach to disease surveillance.
Mapping the spread of tick-borne threats in Minnesota
Resident: Michelle Schultze | Program: Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine | Research mentor: Melinda Wilkins
As tick populations shift and new species like the Lone Star tick move into Minnesota, the risk of emerging diseases is climbing. In her second funded project, resident Michelle Schultze is launching a spatial analysis to track these threats. Shultze will combine retrospective data with new PCR testing of ticks found at local parks, creating a detailed map of pathogen hotspots. Her work will provide vital tools to help veterinarians and the public understand exactly where the risks are highest.
Protecting the integrity of pre-clinical research
Resident: Ian Hubbard | Program: Clinical Pathology | Research mentor: Jill Schappa
Responsible research requires a deep commitment to animal stewardship. To further improve the care provided to sheep involved in surgical studies, resident Ian Hubbard is evaluating the impact of Mycoplasma ovis, a bacterium that can lead to anemia. By tracking the prevalence of this infection before and after procedures, Hubbard is helping to inform future diagnostic protocols for research involving sheep as an animal model. His work ensures that any underlying health issues are identified and addressed, prioritizing animal welfare as a foundational element of sound scientific inquiry.
Identifying microscopic messengers in joint disease
Resident: Montana Loveday | Program: Small Animal Internal Medicine | Research mentor: Kelly Makielski
Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is a painful condition that currently requires joint fluid sampling for diagnosis and adequate monitoring. Relapses are common and current biomarkers lack specificity. Resident Montana Loveday is exploring a more advanced solution: extracellular vesicles (EVs). These tiny "packages" are released by cells into the blood and other bodily fluids, carrying important information. By studying these vesicles, Loveday aims to identify specific genetic signatures that can distinguish IMPA from other conditions like osteoarthritis, leading to simpler blood-based diagnostics and helping guide clinical decisions when monitoring the disease.
Mapping equity in veterinary care
Resident: Sarah Neuser | Program: Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine | Research mentors: Lauren Bernstein and Melinda Wilkins
Where a pet owner lives can influence their ability to access veterinary care. Resident Sarah Neuser is developing a GIS-based mapping tool to better understand how factors such as location and transportation create barriers to care. The project focuses on a pilot in the Twin Cities, integrating data on clinic locations, transit networks, and community characteristics to identify underserved neighborhoods. While the tool itself is specific to this region, the project will also document a framework that other communities could use to conduct similar analyses in their own settings.
Global fieldwork, local impact
Resident: Sarah Neuser | Program: Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine | Research mentor: Melinda Wilkins
In her second funded project, Sarah Neuser will travel to Oaxaca, Mexico, to continue a UMN collaboration with the Mazunte Project on a One Health initiative addressing environmental and zoonotic disease risks in coastal communities. Her work focuses on measuring parasite contamination in beach environments and assessing infection risk in local dogs, helping to better understand how animal health and environmental exposure intersect to impact human health. By generating locally relevant data, this project supports ongoing community efforts to reduce zoonotic disease risk while protecting the coastal ecosystem, including critical sea turtle nesting areas. The findings will also help inform future veterinary and public health interventions in the region, including the development of sustainable training and infrastructure.
Strengthening the global shield against superbugs
Resident: George Ondieki | Program: Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine | Research mentors: Maria Perez Aguirreburualde and Melinda Wilkins
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a borderless threat that respects no geographic boundary, making global surveillance a critical component of local biosecurity. Resident George Ondieki is leveraging the University of Minnesota’s international reach to map the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of veterinarians and para-veterinarians in East Africa towards antimicrobial stewardship, with the aim of identifying gaps and highlighting weak links relevant to AMR surveillance and control. The findings are expected to support the development of more targeted training and policy efforts to strengthen AMR mitigation in the region and worldwide. By strengthening these international systems, Ondieki is helping to monitor and mitigate the spread of drug-resistant pathogens before they reach our own borders.
Improving survival rates in equine emergency surgery
Resident: Savannah Urquhart | Program: Comparative Anesthesia | Research mentor: Caitlin Tearney
Horses undergoing emergency surgery for colic face some of the highest risks for anesthetic-related mortality, often due to increased pressure in the abdomen that restricts blood flow. Resident Savannah Urquhart is leading a study to identify better ways to manage fluids for these critical patients. By investigating how abdominal pressure impacts blood flow, we will be able to fine-tune fluid treatments during surgery. This deeper understanding helps hospital teams safely manage the most complex and life-threatening equine cases.
Precision under pressure: Monitoring brachycephalic dogs
Resident: Josephine Sindorf | Program: Comparative Anesthesia | Research mentors: Caitlin Tearney and Colleen Hickey
French bulldogs and pugs have unique anatomy that makes routine blood pressure monitoring during surgery surprisingly difficult. Standard blood pressure cuffs often provide unreliable readings in these breeds, which can lead to complications under anesthesia. Resident Josephine Sindorf is conducting a study to compare standard readings against the gold-standard invasive method. By validating the accuracy of these tools, her research will ensure these high-risk patients remain safe and stable during their procedures.
You can help us drive the future of veterinary medicine
The College of Veterinary Medicine is improving the health of animals, people and the environment every day. Research is a key component of that work, and you can share in our success. Gifts to research provide vital support that fuels discovery. Contact the CVM Development Team at [email protected] to learn more about how you can make an impact with a gift.
