Summer Scholars Faculty Mentor Summaries

Dr. Payal Agarwal: Exploration of different immunotherapy modalities in osteosarcoma.
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive and metastatic bone malignancy that primarily affects children and young adults. The survival rates for patients with OS have not improved significantly over the past 20 years, especially for those with metastatic disease. Cancer Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating various cancers and is a potential avenue for treating osteosarcoma. Immunotherapy reshapes the tumor microenvironment from immunologically ‘cold’ to immunologically ‘hot.’ In this study, we are exploring immunotherapies, individually, such as oncolytic virus armed with anti-PD1 anti-PDL1 sdAb and CAR T cell therapy against B7-H3 and also in combination to ascertain the advantages over using individual therapies. Anti-B7H3 CAR T cell therapy and anti-PD1 sdAbs will enhance the existing anti-tumor immunity. Oncolytic viruses will trigger immunity against tumor cells in primary as well as secondary sites. We have developed a next-generation canine adenovirus (CAV2-AU-M3) that infects and lyse tumor cells and secretes anti-PD1 sdAbs in cell vicinity. Our next step is to evaluate these oncolytic viruses for induction of cell lysis and functionality of anti-PD-1 sdAbs in vitro, in 2D and 3D canine OS cell cultures, and in vivo, in a murine xenograft model using canine OS cells. We will also assay the immunogenic cell death-inducing effects of CAV2-AU-M3 by assaying cytokine, chemokine, and DAMP (damage-associated molecular patterns) profiles in OS cells in response to oncolytic virotherapy. We will also explore and characterize the CAR T cells against B7-H3 surface antigen. CAR T cells will be assessed for their functionality (cell killing and cytokine secretion) in vitro, in 2D and 3D canine OS cell cultures, and in vivo, in a murine xenograft model of canine OS.

Dr. Benson Akingbemi: Action of xenostrogens in the male gonad and neuroendocrine axis. Our long-term research goal is to understand how developmental exposure to environmental chemicals predispose to adult-onset disease related to male infertility. The increasing incidence of testicular disorders in the population was associated with exposure to chemicals which have the capacity to mimic and/or antagonize hormone action. Of interest, there is increasing public concern that exposures to chemical mixtures may cause unpredictable effects not seen with individual compounds. However, studies on the safety profile of chemicals commonly encountered in the environment are limited. The present study is focused on chemicals which are present in consumer products, including phthalates, bisphenols, 17α-ethinyl estradiol, and soy isoflavones. We hypothesize that exposures to combinations of chemicals intensify disruption of male reproductive function due to their single counterparts. Following exposure of male rats to test chemicals, we will analyze testicular steroid hormone secretion, androgen-stimulated germ cell development, sperm function, and identify mechanisms of chemical disruption of the pituitary-hypothalamus axis.  The results will address whether chemical combinations cause additive effects in reproductive tract tissues, describe gene networks mediating chemical action, and inform development of screening protocols for risk assessment of the population. Students will be involved in executing the experimental protocol, sample analyses, data preparation, and presentation of results at scientific meetings.

Dr. Brendan Bergquist: Shelter and Community Medicine. An interested student may choose from the following two projects: assessing and understanding reasons for pet relinquishment to animal shelters or comparing the canine subtotal ovariohysterectomy (SOHE) and the canine ovariohysterectomy (OHE) surgical sterilization procedures with regard to safety and efficiency. These two projects are very different, but both have significant impacts on shelter and community medicine. The first project already has a developed survey with IRB approval. A modification to this IRB will be needed with the participating student. This survey is intended to be administered to local animal shelters in Alabama and Georgia. The student must communicate with local shelters to coordinate the survey administration and data collection. For the second project, the student will be expected to formulate evaluation criteria for these surgical sterilization procedures and data collection. This project will also expose the student to the intricacies of high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter (HQHVSN), and the student will be required to gain a firm understanding of best practices. With both projects, a motivated student can continue this work, coordinate data analysis, and write up the paper with first authorship and hopeful publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Manuel F. Chamorro and Thomas Passler: Effect of colostral and vaccination induced total IgG and antibody responses on diagnostic testing for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). The timely intake of adequate volumes of high quality maternal colostrum after birth is critical for preventing failure in the transfer of passive immunity (FTPI), and ensuring calf survival and performance. Bovine viral diarrhea virus is an important cause of economic losses in US cattle operations due to its ability to cause a variety of clinical syndromes including respiratory disease and reproductive loss. Cattle persistently infected (PI) with BVDV are the most important source of infection to naïve cattle. Vaccination of dams before calving increases the transfer of BVDV-specific antibodies to calves through colostrum and transition milk. Although this provides clinical protection to newborn calves against acute BVDV infections it could also interfere with BVDV identification during routine testing for PI. Colostrum replacers provide an alternative to maternal colostrum to prevent FTPI in calves; however, the concentration of specific-BVDV antibodies present in maternal colostrum may vary. Vaccination of calves with BVDV vaccines at different stages of production may induce high levels of specific immunity that could interfere with identification of BVDV during routine testing for PI and especially when producers or veterinarians practice sampling pooling strategies. Through this project you will learn to perform radial immunodiffusion and virus neutralization tests for total IgG, and BVDV and BHV-1 respectively, in colostral samples and serum samples. Additionally, you will learn to perform antigen capture ELISA (ACE) and RT-PCR in ear notch samples, and participate in sample collection and pooling.

Miria F. Criado: Evaluation of Susceptibility and Resistance to Avian Influenza Virus Infection in Chicken. Are you passionate about understanding the impact of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) on animal health? Our lab provides a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of veterinary science, molecular biology, and public health. Avian influenza poses a significant threat to human health, poultry, and livestock worldwide. As a primary global source of meat and eggs, poultry has been severely affected by ongoing AIV outbreaks, underscoring the urgent need to investigate virus-host interactions, particularly in chickens, one of the most susceptible species. Our research aims to identify the outcomes of AIV infection in poultry, discover disease resistance targets, and explore the immune pathways involved in viral escape and evolution. We focus on the susceptibility and resistance of chickens to various low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) strains, including H1Nx, H3Nx, H4Nx, and H9Nx, to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis, immune evasion, and AIV evolution in avian species. To achieve these goals, we employ classical virology, cellular and molecular biology techniques, as well as in-vitro and in-ovo chicken models. By advancing our understanding of AIV-host interactions, our work contributes to the development of more effective control measures and preventive strategies against avian influenza, with direct implications for food security, as well as animal and public health.

Dr. Ryan Gibson: Seizure Therapies in the General Practice Setting. The goal of this summer experience is to develop a project, with the goal of publication focused around one of the following areas: improving seizure recognition and therapy in the non-referral settings, exploring spectrum of care approaches to seizure therapy in primary care, early-stage benchtop/literature review research on novel compounds targeting therapies around brain inflammation secondary to severe/prolonged seizures, and/or clinical research through the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) Lab, assessing seizure control and pharmacologic monitoring in veterinary patients. This immersive experience will provide hands-on training in research methodologies, data analysis, and clinical applications, fostering skills essential for and increasing the veterinary knowledge base surrounding evidence-based decision-making in practice.

Dr. James Gillespie and Dr. Laura Huber: Cross-kingdom equine polyclonal antibody therapy for multiple pathogen multidrug resistant infections. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat identified by the World Health Organization, responsible for 700,000 deaths annually, with projections estimating 10 million deaths per year and a $100 trillion economic loss by 2050. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens, such as Acinetobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida species, present high levels of resistance and pose serious risks, including being considered potential agents for biological warfare by the CDC. The development of new antimicrobial drugs has struggled to keep pace with the rise of AMR, creating a critical need for alternative treatments, particularly for intensive care unit (ICU) patients infected with MDR pathogens. One promising approach is immunotherapy offering cross-kingdom protection, particularly monoclonal antibodies targeting Hyr1, a protein expressed by Candida albicans, which has shown potential in combating MDR K. pneumoniae and Acinetobacter infections in vitro and in mice. This research proposes to develop polyclonal antibodies by immunizing horses with Hyr1 via phage-display, followed by antibody purification and characterization through established protocols. Antibody efficacy will be tested in mice infected with K. pneumoniae and Acinetobacter via intraperitoneal injections, with survival rates compared between treated and control groups. The goal is to produce polyclonal antibodies capable of protecting against pulmonary infections and providing an effective treatment for MDR infections. This approach holds great potential for large-scale commercialization as either a standalone therapy or an antimicrobial adjuvant for debilitated patients, with the long-term aim of advancing to human clinical trials and FDA approval, supported by the research team’s expertise in developing immunotherapies for disease prevention and treatment.

Dr. Emily Graff: Characterization of feline gait and behavior with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Even subtle changes in brain development can manifest in significant behavioral and gait abnormalities. Cats are a well-established translational model for neurodevelopmental diseases and disorders. In this study, we will establish normal developmental parameters for gait including stride length, cross over, and base-wide stance as well as investigate how memory, learning, and response to visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli change in normal cats as they grow and develop. We will also explore how these parameters change in cats with developmental and degenerative disease processes.  Our goal is to develop and test various methods for gait and behavior analysis in cats and develop references for future use in both clinical and research settings.

Dr. Kristine Griffett: Development of Novel Non-Opioid Compounds for Chronic Pain. This project focuses on the development of characterization of novel, non-opioid compounds targeting the nuclear receptor REV-ERB for analgesia.  The opioid crisis is a substantial concern worldwide, and new efficacious pain therapies are desperately needed to reduce use and abuse of opioids.  We have developed small molecule agonists for the REV-ERB nuclear receptors that appear to have analgesic properties in our preliminary testing.  We believe that the inhibitory effects on inflammation at the site of nerve damage is one path that REV-ERB elicits its analgesic properties.  The goal is to develop novel therapeutics that will be used for veterinary and human medicine, reducing our dependency on opioids, and reducing potential for abuse among patients, clients, and even providers.  Our current model of efficacy testing is in mice, using mechanical and thermal measures to evaluate efficacy of compounds.  This work will focus on evaluating animal tolerance to the compounds, efficacy testing, and evaluation of molecular and histological changes in sensory tissues.  Techniques including QPCR, behavioral analysis, RNA-seq, IF/IHC or others may be utilized for this work.  For more information regarding our work, please check out our website (www.griffettlab.wordpress.com).   

Dr. Megan Grobman: Evaluating the impact of Trazodone on metrics of swallowing in dogs undergoing videofluoroscopic swallow studies. Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), x-ray procedures that provide a direct and dynamic view of swallowing, are considered the gold standard for evaluation of swallow dysfunction in both people and dogs. During this procedure a patient is given various consistencies of food containing a contrast agent that allows swallowing to be evaluated in real-time.  In veterinary medicine these studies have historically been performed in lateral recumbency involving force feeding. This technique carries increased risk of aspiration and has led to several clinicians and scientists adopting techniques where the patient is standing upright and freely consuming food while collecting images. The expanded use of upright and free-feeding VFSS in veterinary patients has expanded our understanding of aerodigestive disease (i.e., the intersection of respiratory and GI disease) and has resulted in the identification of novel diseases and therapeutics. However, VFSS that rely on free-feeding may be limited by patient compliance. The stress of hospitalization may result in a reluctance to eat and therefore reduce the number of patients that may benefit from having a VFSS performed. Sedative medications such as Trazadone may reduce anxiety and improve patient compliance when performing VFSS. However, sedation may also impact objective metrics of swallowing which may lead to incorrect diagnoses. Investigating the impact of drugs such as Trazodone on VFSS is critical to determine whether attempts at improving patient compliance may influence the results of swallow studies potentially leading to an incorrect diagnosis in a clinical patient.
Through this project you will learn to interpret VFSS and improve your understanding of swallowing dysfunction in dogs. We hope you will join us in this exciting project that seeks to address this important and clinically relevant problem in assessing swallow and respiratory dysfunction in dogs.

Dr. Amanda Gross: Viral and non-viral therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Our laboratory uses viral (adeno-associated virus, AAV) gene therapies and non-viral lipid nanoparticles (polymersomes) to treat genetic neurodegenerative diseases, called GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis.  These diseases occur when a gene that produces an enzyme used in the lysosome to break down lipids, called gangliosides, is mutated.  Without the needed enzymes the gangliosides accumulate throughout the body, most detrimentally in the brain, and cause cell death.  We use AAV to deliver the functional gene so cells can start producing the enzymes they are missing.  We also use polymersomes to deliver functional enzyme to the cells as a standalone or additive therapy alongside AAV.  The Scott-Ritchey Research Center (SRRC), at the AU-CVM, has feline models of both GM1 and GM2 that we use to evaluate our treatments.  Throughout the lives of the cats, we take neurological, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), elastography (an ultrasound based method to determine the elasticity of tissues) measurements as well as collect blood and CSF for analysis of enzyme restoration.  Following necropsy, we measure enzyme activity and gene expression in tissues from the animals.  During this project, scholars will learn how to interpret MRI, MRS, and elastography data, as well as how to analyze samples for enzyme activity and gene expression.  There is also the opportunity to be involved in any veterinary procedures occurring in the SRRC cat and dog colonies when not actively engaged in the lab. The results from these studies will be published in peer-reviewed journals and scholars will have the opportunity to assist in manuscript preparation and publication.

Dr. Reid Hanson: Prognostic value of lactate to albumin ratio in horses with enterocolitis.
As part of this program, the student will be actively involved in a research project aimed at determining whether the lactate-to-albumin (L:A) ratio upon admission can serve as an accurate predictor of morbidity and mortality in horses diagnosed with enterocolitis. The hypothesis proposes that a higher L:A ratio correlates with an increased risk of euthanasia. The student will contribute to the project by engaging in subject review, developing materials and methods, collecting data, and assisting in manuscript composition. This study aims to provide valuable insights into early prognosis indicators, potentially aiding clinicians in making informed treatment decisions for equine patients suffering from this serious condition. 

Dr. Erik Hofmeister: Evidence-based decision making.  My work is aimed at finding answers to clinically relevant questions which practitioners can immediately apply to their clinical practice.  Topics vary considerably, including education, tools for researchers, and anesthesia.  Methods typically include case review, surveys, interviews, and/or direct observation.  There is no laboratory time.  Students will be expected to choose a project from a long list which interests them and follow it from inception to data collection during the summer.  If they continue with the work and write the paper, they will be first-author on a publication for a peer-reviewed journal.  A secondary project will also be chosen.  Students will work in their own time so a high degree of self-direction is essential.

Dr. Katie Horzmann: Developmental toxicity of trichloroethylene metabolites in the zebrafish model. I work with emerging and legacy environmental toxicants and study the effects of developmental exposure to these chemicals using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) biomedical model. One legacy contaminant is trichloroethylene (TCE), an industrial solvent and degreaser that contaminates over half of all Superfund sites, is a known carcinogen, and is linked to other adverse health outcomes including congenital cardiac defects and neurotoxicity. TCE is rapidly metabolized and the metabolites are thought to contribute to the overall toxicity. Our laboratory’s hypothesis is that the metabolites of TCE mediate aspects of developmental TCE toxicity. Student scholars would be able to join in a project investigating the developmental toxicity of TCE metabolites in embryonic and larval zebrafish. In addition to learning zebrafish husbandry and handling skills, scholars would evaluate embryonic mortality and hatching, embryonic behavior, larval behavior, and larval morphology in zebrafish with developmental exposure to TCE metabolites.

Dr. Jeba Jesudoss Chelladurai: An isothermal PCR for diagnosing Giardia spp. in dogs
Giardia is a protozoan parasite that causes enteritis in dogs. Several diagnostic modalities are available to veterinarians to diagnose infections. A recent introduction to the diagnostic landscape is a novel isothermal endpoint PCR, that we will test in this project. We will test >30 known Giardia positive and negative samples using the novel isothermal PCR and compare the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the novel test against the gold standard lateral flow ELISA, traditional zinc sulfate flotation and conventional PCR. Our findings will provide valuable insights into the best practices for Giardia diagnostics, ultimately improving the management and treatment of this common parasitic infection in canine patients. The veterinary student scholar will learn to extract DNA, perform conventional and isothermal PCRs, perform zinc sulfate flotations and lateral flow ELISAs. They will learn the principles behind the techniques and understand their use in veterinary diagnostics.

Dr. Aime Johnson: Pet overpopulation is a huge concern in our profession, especially in feral cats. This research involves using gene therapy and a GnRH vaccine for non-surgical sterilization in male and female cats. Students would be involved with animal work (semen collection, breeding trials, semen analysis, and necropsies) and laboratory work testing hormones and tissues. The student would have access to Scott Ritchey Research Center Feline colony and would shadow Dr. Johnson in SRRC and on the clinic floor when not involved with research.

Dr. Dana LeVine and Austin Viall (Clinical Pathologist at UC Davis): Where did all the platelets go?? Using a flow cytometric assay to investigate the role of platelet desialylation (aging) in canine immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) Co- Investigator(s): Liming Shen, Rie Watanabe, Marjory Brooks (Cornell), Rob Goggs (Cornell) Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common severe bleeding disorder of dogs in which anti-platelet antibodies cause platelet destruction.  The resulting thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) may cause fatal bleeding, leading to a mortality rate approaching 30%.  The immunosuppressive therapy needed to combat ITP can cause dangerous adverse side-effects; a novel therapy targeted at the underlying pathophysiology of ITP is sorely needed. Antiplatelet antibodies have traditionally been thought to target platelets for clearance by macrophages in the spleen, however, recent work in mice and humans has revealed that some autoantibodies cause desialylation, or removal of platelet surface glycoproteins (sugars).  Desialylated platelets resemble aged platelets and are prematurely cleared by the liver.  Human ITP patients with such autoantibodies are resistant to immunosuppression but respond to the desialylation (neuraminidase) inhibitor Tamiflu! While platelet desialylation in canine ITP has never been investigated, preventing desialylation could represent an easy, safe new therapeutic strategy for ITP dogs.
We have developed a new flow cytometry assay that measures platelet desialylation.  This summer we plan to enroll dogs with ITP (patients at Auburn VTH) and healthy control dogs in this study to measure their platelet desialylation to see if ITP dogs have increased platelet desialylation. Patient blood samples will also be sent in from co-investigators at UC Davis and Cornell.  We will also enroll dogs with thrombocytopenia of other causes to see if premature aging of platelets is important in other disease processes that cause thrombocytopenia.  Increased platelet desialylation has been documented in human infections like sepsis and dengue. 
This project will allow us to explore the pathophysiologic significance of platelet desialylation in canine ITP and other thrombocytopenic diseases and ultimately allow development of novel treatment strategies for this aggressive hematologic disorder.
Through this project you will learn to work with canine platelets and perform flow cytometry and analyze results from flow cytometry.  You will also be exposed to clinical cases of ITP and learn about appropriate diagnosis of ITP vs. other causes of thrombocytopenia.  You will have the opportunity to practice venipuncture skills, meet some of our wonderful blood donors who will serve as controls, and you will become an expert on canine ITP!
PS. Don’t be scared by the word desialylation – that is the hardest part of the project😊

Dr. Nancy Merner: Investigating genetics as a risk factor of disease. Dr. Merner is offering a summer research opportunity in genetics. Her research program focuses on the genetic risk factors for cancer in humans, as well as the genetic risk for cancer and other diseases in canines. Students will have the chance to learn laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction and PCR. Additionally, there is an opportunity to explore bioinformatics through whole genome sequencing, if interested. Dr. Merner is also looking to establish a canine genetic screening service, and assistance is needed to develop tests for specific diseases. This research opportunity is expansive and can be tailored to align with the student’s interests.

Dr. Mariano Mora-Pereira, Dr. Kara Lascola, and Dr. Serena Ceriotti:
Equine bronchial tissue will be harvested from horses euthanized for other reasons. Bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) will be isolated by tissue digestion and cells purified by selective culture and magnetic cell sorting. Cultured cells will be expanded and used for in vitro testing of anti-inflammatory agents including allogenic platelet lysate. Equine BECs will be exposed to different concentrations of: (1) equine platelet lysate (ePL) and (2) dexamethasone. Concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the supernatant will be determined by ELISA. Additionally, the student will be involved into a pilot clinical pharmacology study aiming to determine  acetaminophen-cysteine adducts (APAP-CYS) following acetaminophen multidose treatment in healthy horses. In this pilot study, we will try to validate a methodology and quantify APAP-CYS in the equine species, with the long-term goal of using it as a biomarker for hepatotoxicity in equine patients treated with acetaminophen (especially septic patients).
This research project will allow the student to learn techniques of clinical and bench top research. The student will be directly involved into every step of the clinical phase of the study, including study design, horse health screening, drug administration, blood sample collection, and horse monitoring during the study.  The student will learn laboratory techniques including cell isolation, cell culture, cell sorting, flow cytometry and ELISA. The purpose is also for the student to present the results at the AU Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day. The students will be also participating of the lab meetings held at the Equine Research Lab. Since APAP-CYS determination will be performed at the Auburn University College of Pharmacy, there could be an opportunity for the student to assist to LC/MS analysis, if interested. The student will be also directly involved in data analysis, including both pharmacokinetic and statistical analysis.

Dr. Kathryn Reif and Dr. Anastasia Cooper: Investigation of tick-borne pathogen infections in cattle. Endemic tick-borne diseases of cattle such as bovine anaplasmosis and emerging tick-borne diseases of cattle such as bovine theileriosis threaten the U.S. cattle industry. Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by the bacterial pathogen Anaplasma marginale, is endemic throughout much of the U.S. and is especially prevalent in southeastern and great plains states. Bovine theileriosis, caused by the protozoal pathogen Theileria orientalis, recently emerged in the U.S. along with it’s associated tick vector, Haemaphysalis longicornis (longhorned tick) and is predominantly found in the mid-Atlantic states but was also recently identified in Alabama cattle. Both tick-borne diseases have similar clinical presentations making it difficult to determine the causative agent based on clinical signs alone. Mapping the spread of bovine theileriosis is essential to make cattle producers and veterinarians aware of emerging risks to local cattle and prioritize management, diagnostic, and treatment strategies. In conjunction with collaborators, we are interested in investigating the emergence and spread of bovine theileriosis in the U.S. We also have a long-standing interest in the prevalence and genetic diversity of A. marginale in U.S. cattle herds. The present study seeks to determine the presence of T. orientalis from Tennessee cattle blood samples collected prior to the first report of T. orientalis in this state to determine if infection was circulating prior to initial discovery. These results will be compared with A. marginale infection results from this same sample set. As time allows, we will work with extension veterinarians to collect and test Alabama cattle samples for both tick-borne pathogens to provide risk information to Alabama cattle producers and veterinarians. This project will provide opportunities to work with laboratory samples, learn diagnostic techniques such as PCR, cELISA, and blood smears, and co-author a research article for publication in a scientific journal. Duties may include blood sample collection, performing DNA extraction, PCR, cELISA, blood smear preparation and evaluation, interactions with cattle producers and veterinarians, data collection and statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation.   

Dr. Kathryn Reif and Dr. Anastasia Cooper: Characterization of mosquito probing and ingestion behaviors on hands vs mice. A major knowledge gap exists regarding the details of blood-feeding behaviors performed by hematophagous arthropods (i.e., mosquitoes) because these behaviors are masked below the surface of the host’s skin. Our group is developing and using the electropenetrography (EPG) technique to elucidate these behaviors in mosquitoes and other blood-feeding arthropods. EPG is a non-invasive technique for indirectly visualizing and quantifying feeding behaviors that occur inside opaque host tissues by measuring changes in electrical signals during an arthropod bite. The present study seeks to compare the feeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes on human hands versus mice because host species often influence the feeding behaviors of phytophagous (plant-feeding) arthropods and transmission of vector-borne plant pathogens, yet murine models are often used to study the transmission of vector-borne pathogens affecting humans and domestic animals with the assumption that any plasticity in probing and ingestion behaviors are negligible. Our VRSP student will test this assumption by helping to determine if and how Ae. aegypti probing and ingestion behaviors differ on human hands and mice. This investigation will increase our understanding of how mosquito blood-feeding behaviors vary among hosts and shed new light on the relevancy of murine models for transmission studies of vector-borne pathogens. This project will provide opportunities to work with human, animal (mouse) and arthropod (mosquito) research subjects, learn EPG, collaborate closely with a postdoctoral researcher (Dr. Cooper), and co-author a research article for publication in a scientific journal. Duties may include animal monitoring & anesthesia, mosquito rearing & electrode attachment, scheduling & instruction of human research subjects, data collection & scoring, statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation. 

Dr. Maninder Sandey: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown unprecedented clinical activity in a wide range of malignancies. However, their efficacy remains limited in many malignancies due to primary or acquired resistance. Targeted therapies that activate tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) members, like OX40 & 4-1BB, are currently explored to augment the clinical efficacy of ICIs. In this study, we have constructed a novel-nanobody (Nb) based Agonist-Redirected Checkpoint (ARC) platform that consolidates immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and TNFRSF agonism in a single biologic. Our long-term goal is to utilize this Nb-based ARC platform to develop novel immunotherapeutics to treat canine and human cancer patients. In this project, we will: (Aim 1) assess the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of aPD1-Fc-OX40L; (Aim 2) conduct a phase II/III clinical trial of aPD1-Fc-OX40L in canine patients with oral melanoma (OM); and (Aim 3) assess the functional activities of aPD1-Fc-OX40L over monotherapies. We will perform clinical correlative studies (using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC)) on tumor and peripheral blood samples collected before and after administration of aPD1-Fc-OX40L to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that determine the antitumor immune response.

Dr. Melissa Singletary and Dr. Sarah Krichbaum: The detection canine is the most capable tool for the detection of many hazardous and other targeted substances. The Canine Performance Sciences (CPS) Program conducts research and development to enhance the technology of using dogs for detection of such substances. This effort includes research and development focused on health and welfare management of working dogs throughout all life stages from production to field operations and retirement. CPS summer scholar participants usually perform research that is at aimed toward direct application of working dog performance in a supportive partnership with the department of clinical sciences and services such as theriogenology which provide our summer scholars with an opportunity to become familiar with the production, clinical assessments, and health care of performance/working dogs. Throughout exposure and experience across the program, Summer Scholars at CPS will learn about the development, training, and application of detection dogs in addition to performing a chosen project examining metrics for working dog health, welfare and performance in behavioral/cognitive, physical fitness and olfactory-based tasks.

Dr. Stacy Sullivan Observation of Hunting Behaviors in Dachshunds Understanding the genetics of behavior is challenging from a scientific perspective but relevant to many subjects, ranging from human psychiatry to animal welfare to national security.  Our lab is studying hunting behavior in dachshunds, given the premise that hunting dachshunds do not undergo elaborate training.  This suggests their hunting behavior may have a stronger genetic basis in dachshunds than other more highly trained breeds like the labrador retriever.  In our project, we use a drone to obtain thermal imaging videos of dachshunds hunting rabbit in the field.  For this summer project, the student scholar will review thermal imaging videos and identify observed hunting behaviors in the context of the predatory sequence and their understanding of olfactory navigation in animals.    A literature review of the predatory sequence and readings on olfactory navigation will be a significant part of the scholar’s activities.
This project is part of a larger project to develop a scoring system for behaviors associated with rabbit hunting in dachshunds, with the eventual goal of studying the genetics of hunting behaviors in dachshunds.

1. Literature review on predatory sequence in large predators, especially canids
2. Read provided material on olfactory navigation
3. Observe thermal imaging videos of dachshunds hunting rabbit
4. Identify discrete behaviors in the context of the predatory sequence and olfactory navigation
5. Identify technical and other recording issues with the videos
6. Write a summary document that summarizes background information and the scholar’s lab findings (ie what was seen on the videos), and draws conclusions (suggestions and important considerations for developing a scoring system for the hunting behaviors in the future).

Dr. Chengming Wang: Development and Validation of a Multiplex Differential PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection and Discrimination of Mycobacterium Species Causing Tuberculosis, Johnes’ Disease, and other Zoonotic Infections.  Pathogenic Mycobacterium, including M. tuberculosis (human tuberculosis/TB), M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP; Johnes’ disease), M. avium subsp. avium (avian tuberculosis), M. avium subsp. hominissuis (opportunistic human infections), and M. bovis (zoonotic TB), pose significant threats to human and animal health. These pathogens cause chronic, hard-to-treat infections, with TB alone responsible for 1.6 million annual deaths. MAP devastates livestock industries, while M. avium subspecies complicate diagnostics due to overlapping hosts and clinical presentations. Current methods, such as culture or single-target PCR, are time-consuming, lack specificity, or fail to differentiate closely related subspecies, delaying effective interventions. This study establishes a multiplex differential PCR assay to simultaneously detect and discriminate major pathogenic Mycobacterium species and subspecies in a single reaction. The assay employs subspecies-specific primers targeting genomic markers unique to M. tuberculosis complex, MAP, M. avium subsp. avium /hominissuis, M. bovis, and other zoonotic strains. Validation involves testing DNA from pure isolates (reference strains) and diverse clinical specimens (feces, tissues) to assess sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reactivity. Performance is benchmarked against traditional culture and sequencing. By integrating detection of multiple high-impact pathogens, this method streamlines diagnostics, reduces costs, and enhances precision in identifying zoonotic vs. host-specific strains. Successful validation will support rapid, large-scale surveillance in clinical and veterinary settings, advancing One Health strategies to mitigate transmission of TB, Johnes’ disease, and emerging mycobacterial infections globally.

Dr. Rachel West Impact of prenatal cannabinoid exposure on uterine attachment and angiogenesis
Over the past decade, cannabis has become more available and general attitudes towards cannabis use has become more accepting, leading to increased consumption. Increased overall cannabis consumption has also led to increased cannabis use during pregnancy. This is partly caused by the inaccurate perception that regular cannabis consumption and prenatal cannabinoid exposure poses relatively no risk to the developing fetus. However, there are now several studies documenting a link between prenatal cannabinoid exposure and stillbirth, preterm birth, and small for gestational age infants. This project will assess the effects of chronic prenatal cannabinoid exposure on uterine embryo attachment and angiogenesis. Pregnant rats received daily vaporized doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from gestational day 5 to gestational day 19. On day 19, we performed fetectomies and collected placental and uterine tissue. Student scholars will isolate RNA and DNA from collected uterine tissue and quantify gene and protein expression of genes related to placental attachment and angiogenesis.

Dr. Robyn Wilborn: Canine theriogenology; exploring the normal physiology of pregnancy in the dog and investigating potential causes of pregnancy loss.  Canine pregnancy lasts 63 days (+/- 1) from the time of ovulation until the time of parturition.  During this time, progesterone must remain at levels >2 ng/ml in order for the pregnancy to be maintained.  Our group is investigating a unique condition known as hypoluteoidism, which results in insufficient progesterone production and unexpected pregnancy loss.  The student will experience clinical management of normal pregnancies by assisting with the hormonal timing of ovulation, breeding at the optimal time, diagnosing pregnancies via ultrasonography, performing pre-whelping assessments of pregnant dams, and assisting with puppy resuscitation following C-section (pending caseload).  Additionally, the student will be exposed to our primary investigation of hypoluteoidism and will assist with hormone analysis and manuscript preparation related to the topic of canine pregnancy.  This experience will be largely clinical in nature, but will also include exploration of the literature and exposure to laboratory methods and techniques.