The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has named Robert L. Gillette, D.V.M., as director of the Animal Health Performance Program (AHPP).  AHPP includes the Canine Detection Research Institute (CDRI) and the Veterinary Sports Medicine Program.

"I am confident Dr. Gillette will provide excellent leadership for this important program," said Timothy R. Boosinger, dean of Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Gillette had previously served as director of the Richard G. and Dorothy A. Metcalf Veterinary Sports Medicine Program in the college’s Department of Clinical Sciences.  Established in 1991, the Veterinary Sports Medicine Program studies injuries, diseases, nutritional factors, and physiologic functions of dogs and horses involved in field sports and working endeavors.

Established in 1989, Auburn University’s Canine Detection Research Institute conducts research activities encompassing canine detection and the process of canine olfaction, or sense of smell.  Auburn’s CDRI is the largest dedicated canine detection research program in the United States and its associated Canine Detection Training Center is one of the largest outside the federal government.

A graduate of Kansas State University, Gillette received his doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1988 and a Master of Science in Education in biomechanics in 1998.  His research interests include orthopedics, biomechanics, and muscle physiology of the canine and equine athlete.  His specific concentrations are in the areas of injury prevention, lameness, rehabilitation, muscle conditioning, and performance.

Auburn is one of 32 colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States and Canada, enrolling nearly 380 students in its doctor of veterinary medicine degree program, as well as more than 90 graduate students in its graduate biomedical science program.

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