1. BEASLEY NAMED ANIMAL PLANET ANIMAL HERO OF THE YEAR
Jean Beasley, Director of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail Beach, NC, and long time supporter and collaborator with the EMC has been named the Animal Planet Hero of 2007. The selection process was an eight-month process, beginning with online and public nominations, followed by a review by a panel of judges who determined ten finalists. Finally, the voting returned to the public forum as Animal Planet viewers visited animalplanet.com to vote on their favorite finalist. Jean was nominated by Martha Eggleston for her work as founder and director of The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center.
As the 2007 Hero of the Year, Jean receives a trip for two to Hawaii and the animal welfare organization of her choice will receive a $10,000 donation provided by the makers of Fresh Step® Litter. It isn’t hard to predict that the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center opened in 1997, in memory of her daughter's efforts to assure survival of sea turtles will be the beneficiary. Jean devotes countless hours to the rescue and care of sea turtles. As a retired teacher, she has developed an extensive program to involve people of all ages. Junior interns are accepted at age 13. College students work year-round receiving class credit. Twelve-week summer internship candidates are selected from applications from the U.S. and other countries. And of course there is also the Sea Turtle Medicine senior block for NCSU DVM students that Dr. Craig Harms teaches at the Center. Thousands visit the center each year to see the turtles. The center's all-volunteer group receives no state or federal funding and operates on a modest budget based on fundraising/donations. Twelve to 20 recovered turtles are released each year. You can read about the Animal Planet Hero programs at
http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/hero_of_the_year/nominees/2007/winner.html/
or to learn more about the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, go to http://www.seaturtlehospital.org/
2. FALL RAPTOR LAB A SUCCESS
October is the traditional time for the weekend WAAZM raptor labs taught by Dr. Laurel Degernes. This year 35 first, second and third year DVM students participated in the afternoon and morning laboratory exercises that emphasize handling, physical examination and routine management of raptor health problems utilizing non-releasable hawks, and owls from the Carolina Raptor Center. DVM students with previous experience with the labs help in the teaching. This year DVM students Katie Berman, Barbie Carver, Katherine Ratzlaff, Riki Evans, and Lauren Job were able assistants to Dr. Degernes and Drs. Sathya Chinnadurai (Res ’09), Karen Wolf (Res ’08) and Rattapan (Tom) Pattanarangsan (FWS PhD student) in the conduct of the labs.
3. NEW ELEPHANTS JOIN THE ZOO COLLECTION
The NC Zoo has made a major investment in new facilities to manage a larger elephant herd with the hopes of making a positive impact on breeding African elephant. The first of the new NC Zoo elephants have made their way to North Carolina and are now being processed through routine quarantine by the zoo veterinarians. During quarantine the new animals are carefully examined and any health problems found are corrected. A young female elephant with a fractured tusk was the beneficiary of NC elephant dentistry talents. Dr. Mike Loomis, directed anesthesia of the patient with Drs. Sathya Chinnadura and Karen Wolf and NCSU anesthesiology residents providing able assistance along with the able technical staff of the zoo hospital and DVM student JB Minter. Dr. Gary Spodnick and Dr. William Krug performed the dental procedure, a vital pulpotomy with amputation of the distal end of the fractured tusk. The patient, was up and about quickly after the procedure, no worse of wear with her tusk protected from infection.
4. MORRIS ANIMAL VET STUDENT GRANT PROPOSALS DUE FEB. 1, 2008
This program provides veterinary students an opportunity to become involved in veterinary research targeted at enhancing the health and welfare of companion animals (dogs, cats, horses, and llama/alpaca) and wildlife or special species. Funding donor restricted gifts intended to introduce veterinary students to research that promotes animal health and welfare. Grants are open to all first through third year veterinary students from an accredited college or school of veterinary medicine. The MAF VSS program will award $4,000 stipends to students who wish to participate in clinical or basic veterinary research. Applicants must devote a minimum of 50% of their time to the project for the equivalent of a 10-12 week period. While most of these research projects are anticipated to occur during summer months, projects that occur at other times may also be considered for funding. Students must be in good academic standing and must be paired with a responsible mentor to be eligible. Students are not eligible if they are enrolled in another program that provides them with stipend support or are enrolled in a combined DVM, Ph.D. degree program. All research projects must comply with MAF's Health Study Guidelines, and have Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval if live animals (including client-owned) are involved in the project. Two companion animal and two wildlife applications can be submitted from NCSU CVM. The selection of these proposals will be made by an NCSU faculty review panel and then forwarded to MAF for reviews conducted by MAF staff and scientific advisors. Award recipients will be notified no later than March 1, 2008. For further information of the details of proposal assembly and submission, contact Dr. Sam Jones or Dr. Jodie Gookin about companion animal proposals, and for wildlife proposals contact Dr. Suzanne Kennedy-Stoskopf.
5. CRISSEY SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION DEADLINE DRAWS NEAR
The Crissey Symposium is rapidly approaching as is the deadline for abstract submission. This year’s program will feature Dr. Sara M. Rutzky as the key note speaker. In the tradition of taking comparative nutrition to the edge of the paradigm Dr. Rutzky will be speaking on Dinosaur Nutrition based on her PhD research looking at Primary Productivity and Forage Quality of Ginkgobiloba in the Mid-Mesozoic using stable isotope analyses. Special sessions on reptile and amphibian nutrition will complement sessions on the effects of nutrition on growth and development, the relations between natural history and captive nutrition, nutritional impacts on reproduction and a session on management issues in diet delivery. Registration is very inexpensive, particularly for students and the symposium is always informative and stimulating. This will be the 4th Crissey Symposium honoring the work of our colleague Sue Crissey, reknown zoological nutritionist. Register for this educational experience at http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/conted/zoonutrition/
ALUMNI NEWS:
6. GOVETT AND HAULENA PASS ACZM BOARDS
Major kudos are due to Drs. Pam Govett (Aq. Res. ’04?) and Marty Haulena (faculty) who both successfully completed their ACZM board examinations in October. The new diplomates in the American College of Zoological Medicine expressed their joy and relief in having this major hurdle behind them. Congratulations on your success and our wishes for continued success.
7. TRANSITION FROM GORILLA WORK FEATURED IN THE NEWS
Dr. Felicia Nutter (Wildl. Res ‘9x, PhD ’06) and Dr. Chris Whittier (PhD candidate) were recently featured in an article in the Marin. Independent Journal. The article explores Dr. Nutter’s new role as a veterinarian for the Marine Mammal Center and the transition from her work in Rwanda working with mountain gorilla. You can check out the article yourself at http://www.marinij.com/lifestyles/ci_7190812
8. ZEGRE-CANNON STARTS LAB ANIMAL RESIDENCY
Congratulations to Coralie Zegre-Cannon, DVM (’07) who has accepted a residency position in laboratory animal medicine at NIEHS in RTP. The program is conducted in collaboration with UNC-Chapel Hill where Coralie will receive all of her didactic training. She is very excited about the opportunity to follow up on her true passion of working with primates by spending part of her training at a primate center. EMC’ers will remember her work on marmoset training in laboratory settings. You can keep in contact Coralie through email at cazvet@yahoo.com
EMC WEBSITE
RECENT FUNDING AND PUBLICATIONS
Henson-Ramsey H, Kennedy-Stoskopf S, Shea D, Taylor SK, Stoskopf MK. A comparison of two exposure systems to apply malathion to Lumbricus terrestis. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol (2007) 78:427–431
The 25 papers presented by EMCers at the recent AAZV and AAWV conference in Knoxville, TN are being compiled and will be presented in the next EMC News.
Submit your publications and grant awards to Dr. Stoskopf so they can be included in the EMC NEWS
OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities for jobs have become so numerous that it is difficult to keep the listings current. To help with that, the following links take you to listings of job opportunities that might be of interest to EMC’ers. Positions not appearing on these lists are noted individually below.
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians
National Wildlife Health Center
National Wildlife Research Center
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
American Zoo and Aquarium Association
More Opportunities
PHD FELLOWSHIP IN AQUACULTURAL GENOMICS - The Department of Zoology at North Carolina State University announces the availability of a Fellowship beginning in 2008 for PhD studies of Genomic Sciences in Aquaculture. This fellowship will involve interdisciplinary study and result in a scientist who is broadly trained in applying genomic science to research and development of technologies for advancing aquaculture. It will provide a stipend of $24,000, tuition, health insurance and research support. The fellow will join two other fellows in this program who work in the laboratories of internationally recognized faculty members who have been pioneers in applying the methodologies of genomic sciences to the reproduction, growth and rearing of fish. Research for this particular fellowship will be focused on Molecular Mechanisms of Immunity to Fish Pathogens. For details about the research focus, see: www.cvm.ncsu.edu/cbs/noga_ed.htm
Review of applications for this fellowship will begin on 15 December 2007 and will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. The chosen applicant will be expected to begin the fellowship no later than 15 May 2008. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applicants should submit a brief résumé, a statement of research interests and goals, copies of previous transcripts and GRE scores, and 3 letters of recommendation. Please send applications to the Department of Zoology graduate program (http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/zoology/graduate.html). Address all enquiries to Edward J. Noga, Professor of Aquatic Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606 (ed_noga@ncsu.edu). North Carolina State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin. Funded by the National Needs Fellowship Program of the US Department of Agriculture.
AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE INTERNSHIP - the Department of Animal Health of Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, is sponsoring a one-year internship/research opportunity in aquatic animal medicine. Applicants for the internship should be graduates of an AVMA accredited veterinary college or ECFVG certified. Preference will be given to applicants with graduate degrees and/or postgraduate clinical experience in a practice or internship setting. Entry level familiarity with ultrasound, radiology, and endoscopy systems is expected. The stipend for the position is expected to be > $26,000 per annum plus benefits. The successful applicant will assist the veterinary, research, and husbandry staffs in the diagnosis and treatment of medical cases from the Aquarium's extensive collection of invertebrates, fresh and saltwater fishes, reptiles, amphibians, penguins, seals, sea lions, and beluga whales. In addition the intern will participate in our rescue, rehabilitation, and release program for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Collateral opportunities at cooperating area academic, government, and private industry laboratories are possible and encouraged. The intern may have an opportunity to develop teaching skills by his/her involvement in the Aquarium's veterinary externship program and at informal seminars. The intern will be expected to pursue one or more clinical or research interests and to prepare the results for presentation to our staff and at an appropriate professional meeting as well as for publication in the peer reviewed literature. Past interns have gone on to acceptance into well-recognized graduate/residency programs or employment in the field of aquatic, comparative, or zoological medicine.
Applicants should submit the following material to: DR. ALLISON D. TUTTLE, STAFF VETERINARIAN, MYSTIC AQUARIUM, 55 COOGAN BLVD., MYSTIC, CT 06355. Submit a current transcript from the veterinary school and any post baccalaureate program which he/she has attended; Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic performance and his/her potential in the clinical and research arenas; A statement reflecting the applicant's goals in the area of aquatic animal medicine and research; and a current curriculum vitae or resume. Potential applicants who will be in the southern New England area are encouraged to contact us for a tour of our facilities and a chance to meet with our staff. All application materials must be received prior to 01 January 2008. The successful applicant will be chosen and notified by 10 Jan 2008 and must commit to the position within 72 hours. The internship period will extend ~ from 1 June 2008 through ~15 June 2009. With prior agreement by both parties an additional year in the program may be possible. Additional information may be obtained by calling Dr. Tuttle at 860-572-5955, or by e-mail at <Atuttle@MYSTICAQUARIUM.ORG>. A general orientation to our facility and programs can be obtained by viewing our web page http://www.mysticaquarium.org. Mystic Aquarium is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer.
WILDLIFE HUMAN DIMENSIONS PHD ASSISTANTSHIP - A Ph.D. research assistantship is available in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University to a motivated student concerned with integration of biological and human dimensions of wildlife management. Preference is for a student who has interest or experience in wildlife health management, and interest or experience in the application of social science research to conservation. Agency or post-graduate experience is also desirable. The student will be part of a multi-disciplinary team supported by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to improve capacity of state resource agencies in implementation of a National Fish and Wildlife Health Initiative. Send letter of interest and purpose, CV, transcripts (unofficial acceptable), and GRE scores if you have them to: Dr. Shawn J. Riley; Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; 13 Natural Resources Building, MSU; East Lansing, MI 48824. e-mail: rileysh2@msu.edu web site at : www.fw.msu.edu/people/riley/
FISH IMMUNOLOGY GRADUATE POSITIONS
Two graduate positions leading to MS or PhD degree available for the study of vaccination, immunology and diseases of aquacultured fish. Funding for both position start January 2008. Desired credentials of applicant should include undergraduate course work in molecular biology or immunology, and an interest in fish health and/or aquatic animal husbandry. Individuals with a DVM degree are preferred. Contact Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Aquatic Medicine Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Phase II, Duck Pond Drive, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0442. Telephone (540)-231-5131, FAX (540)-231-6033, or E-mail stsmith7@vt.edu.
FISHERIES GRADUATE STUDENT POSITION
Department of Microbiology or Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon is seeking a graduate student to conduct research on the effects of a myxozoan parasite (Ceratomyxa shasta) on salmonids in the Klamath River, OR/CA. The student will work closely with State, Federal, and Tribal agencies on strategies for reducing mortality caused by this parasite in juvenile Chinook and coho salmon. Research will involve field monitoring, laboratory studies and molecular diagnostics.
The student is expected to assist in writing reports and to develop a dissertation and publish results in high quality journals. Must have a B.S. in Microbiology, Fisheries, or a closely related field. The student must have a strong interest in Fish Health, Disease Ecology or Epidemiology research, a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores are required and will be considered. Eligibility requires admission into Microbiology or Fisheries science graduate degree programs and applicants must apply to the Graduate School through the OSU Graduate Admissions Office: Salary: $21,000 plus full tuition and 75% subsidy toward graduate-assistant health insurance premium. Contact: Send CV (please include GPA and GRE scores) and letter of interest to Jerri Bartholomew, Department of Microbiology, Nash Hall 220, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; or Email: bartholj@science.oregonstate.edu
Phone: (541) 737-1856.
Website or this link.
DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
St. Matthew’s University, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Job website: www.stmatthews.edu St. Matthew’s SVM is an AVMA listed school, whose charter class began in September, 2005. Students spend 7 semesters on Grand Cayman Island, then move to the United States for the clinical year at one of several AVMA-accredited veterinary schools.
At present, the school is noteworthy for high faculty-to-student ratio, for excellent living conditions on Grand Cayman Island, and for rewarding teaching opportunities. The addition of a new, 5500 square foot clinical teaching facility adds greatly to the potential for development of the hands-on aspect of the preclinical program. Applicants must have a D.V.M, M.D. and/or a Ph.D.degree (or equivalent), demonstrated excellence in scholarly activity and research; experience in teaching and mentoring students; and must meet the University requirements for appointment as a full professor. Administrative experience is highly desirable. Contact: Human REsources, Orlando, FL, St. Matthew’s University, Cayman Islands email: HR@stmatthews.edu.
DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL HEALTH
The New England Aquarium is seeking an energetic and experienced veterinarian to provide direction for its Animal Health and Rescue/Rehabilitation programs.The Director will be responsible for setting strategic priorities; managing staff and budget; and collaborating with research, conservation, and education programs. The director will also share emergency clinical coverage with staff veterinarians. The Director of Animal Health position requires a minimum of seven years of veterinary practice experience, including a minimum of five years in an aquarium or zoo, and a minimum of five years in a management position. A strong science background, including peer reviewed publications and an advanced degree in biological sciences is desirable. Salary is commensurate with experience; excellent fringe benefit package. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: Director of Human Resources, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3399. No phone calls please. Qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.
ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/FULL PROFESSOR OF EXOTIC PETS AND ZOOLOGICAL MEDICINE
The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is seeking applicants for a tenure track or clinical track faculty position in exotic pets and zoological medicine. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. A DVM degree or equivalent is required. Completion of clinical residency training and board certification (or eligibility) by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Avian Practice) or the American College of Zoological Medicine is required. Eligibility for faculty licensure in the state of Oklahoma is required. Duties will include: clinical service and teaching including oversight of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Zoo, Exotic and Wildlife service, instruction in the didactic portion of the pre-clinical veterinary medical curriculum, and Scholarly work. Collaboration with established research faculty within the College and University is encouraged. Application review will begin as they are received and the position will remain open until filled. Applications should include a letter of intent with statement of professional goals, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three references. Inquiries or applications should be sent to: Dr. Charles MacAllister, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-2042, (405) 744-8472, FAX (405) 744-6265, email: cmacall@okstate.edu.
Support the EMC through Amazon.com and IGIVE.COM
Amazon.com:
Amazon.com is now supporting the EMC by donating a percentage of the cost of each purchase made by anyone who shops at their online mega store by entering through a special link on the EMC WEBSITE. So, if Amazon.com is part of your life, you can help support the great programs of the EMC everytime you shop. But remember, it only counts if you enter through the web portal on our own website at www.friendsofemc.org.
iGive:
If you shop online for anything at all, consider joining igive.com and shopping through them. If you register your preference to help the Environmental Medicine Consortium, a small percentage of the amount of each of your purchases is returned to the Environmental Medicine operating fund. Even the little purchases add up, and it is relatively painless. The cost of your purchase is the same. Participating stores simply make donations based on your purchase amounts.
If you join iGive.com and make a purchase within 45 days from one of 642 or so participating stores, iGive.com will donate an additional $5 FREE to the EMC.
HOW IT WORKS
- Join to Support Environmental Medicine Consortium by going to the iGive site.
- Shop the Mall at iGive.com