UW-Madison: School Of Veterinary Medicine Honors Faculty, Staff

CONTACT: Tania Banak, (608) 263-6914, banakt@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu

MADISON – Faculty and staff at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were honored for their teaching and research skills at an April 29 awards celebration.

Christopher Murphy, professor of comparative ophthalmology, received the Pfizer Animal Health Research Excellence Award, which recognizes a faculty member for outstanding research efforts and productivity. Murphy studies the effects of trophic (growth) factors on wound healing in the eye and how the nanosurface underlying cells influence how they attach to other surfaces, reproduce or orient themselves.

Lisa Forrest, associate professor in surgical services, received the Carl Norden-Pfizer Distinguished Teacher Award, which is selected based on nominations from veterinary medical students and departments for strength of character, leadership and teaching ability. Forrest teaches clinical radiology, radiographic anatomy, alternate imaging including ultrasound, CT, MRI and nuclear medicine. She has a strong background in radiation oncology and clinical translational research.

Melissa Schutten, resident in anatomical pathology, was chosen as Instructor of the Year by the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Class members nominate the instructor they believe exhibits distinguished teaching and exemplary contributions to students. Schutten helps teach pathology.

Betty Grotophorst, a certified veterinary technician (CVT) in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital’s Critical Care Unit, received the Distinguished Veterinary Technician Award. Students vote on the veterinary technician who demonstrates distinguished teaching and exemplary contributions to students.

Renee Carter, resident in ophthalmology at the teaching hospital, received this year’s Bayer Small-Animal Resident of the Year Award, based on a vote of the fourth-year class for an outstanding contribution of time and expertise as a teacher.

Keith Poulsen, resident in large-animal internal medicine at the teaching hospital, received the Bayer Large-Animal Resident of the Year Award, based on a vote of the fourth-year class for an outstanding contribution of time and expertise as a teacher.

Jon J. Vermeire, a graduate student in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, received the Richard F. Marsh Award for Outstanding Graduate Research. His research focused on the parasite Schistosoma mansoni, which is transmitted to humans by an intermediate snail host, Biomphalaria glabrata. His findings suggest that antioxidant molecules produced and secreted by the parasite protect it from its snail host.

Matthew Lemmons, resident in dentistry at the teaching hospital, received the John Sowers Memorial Veterinary Dental Resident Award for exceptional enthusiasm and performance in the residency program.