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Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has a robust research program that spans basic biomedical sciences in infectious (viral, bacterial, and parasitic) and non-infectious (immune-mediated and oncologic) diseases to veterinary clinical research to translational to public health. The program's overall goal is to apply our research to improve the lives of pets and people.
Basic biomedical sciences include the use of appropriate animal models for diseases to better understand the disease process, a prerequisite for the development of better preventive and therapeutic strategies.
With a focus on One Health, our program brings together veterinarians, physicians, and other scientists to address public health threats affecting both people and animals.
Our translational research approach aims to take laboratory findings directly to clients in a clinical setting.
Ongoing clinical trials in our hospitals test research discoveries to develop better methods of disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Our faculty, students, staff, and research partners are committed to discovery, service, and training future researchers and veterinarians.
Signature Research Programs
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Article ItemCenter for One Health Research , article
The Center for One Health Research (COHR) gathers faculty, staff, and students from VA-MD Vet Med and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine who have a shared interest in cooperative research and scholarship related to infectious diseases. This collaboration is founded on the two schools’ One Health philosophy, which is based on the understanding that animal health, human health, and the environment are inextricably linked; consequently, professionals from these fields must work together to protect, promote, and improve overall health. The center coordinates research, instruction, and outreach activities related to understanding the disease processes that affect both animal and human health, and supports the continued advancement of the science and technology of disease-intervention strategies.
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Article ItemComparative, Translational, and Veterinary Research , article
Research themes include clinical veterinary medicine research and translational medicine from laboratory animals to clinical veterinary and human patients; stem cell biology and its application; clinical trials management; and human-animal bond/interactions.
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Article ItemImmune-mediated / Inflammatory Diseases Research , article
Research themes include animal models for immune-mediated diseases, and understanding the mechanisms of such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases (eg. inflammatory bowel disease). Specific interests include role of epigenetics, microbiome, and environmental hormonal factors on these diseases; transition of inflammation leading to cancer; induction of immunity in oncologic conditions; and translational research.
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Article ItemNeuropathobiology Research , article
Research themes include animal models for neurodevelopment and traumatic injury, neurovascularization, neuroinflammation, and neuro-oncology; and translational research.
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Article ItemPathogenic Microbiology / Infectious Diseases Research , article
Research themes include animal models for human and veterinary infectious diseases; and understanding the pathogenesis of the diseases, immunity to infectious and its prevention: development of vaccines and drugs, mechanisms of drug resistance, and translational research.
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Article ItemPublic Health Research , article
Research focused on infectious diseases epidemiology and public health education that addresses the individual, social, and ecological determinants of health, reflects the human-animal-environment One Health interface, promotes health equity, and builds healthy communities.
Laboratories
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Research Training Programs
Latest News
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Article ItemNew technique could help treat aggressive brain tumors , article
Burst sine wave electroporation was found to cause less damage to cells and tissue but more disruption to the blood-brain barrier.
Date: Jul 16, 2024 -
Article ItemResearchers issue ‘call to action’ for data on more diverse range of dog owners , article
In a perspective piece for the journal Science, Virginia Tech’s Audrey Ruple and Courtney Sexton wrote that factors that affect dogs' end-of-life outcomes could be significant for the humans that share their environments.
Date: Jun 15, 2024 -
Article ItemResearch identifies possible new pathway to treatment of colorectal cancer , article
A recently published paper on a kinase and its importance in triggering cellular responses caps more than 12 years of research for the veterinary college's Coy Allen.
Date: Jun 14, 2024 -
Article ItemScholarship, creative activities, and innovation from across Virginia Tech spurs research growth , article
Virginia Tech reported a record $419 million in extramural research expenditures for fiscal year 2023, surpassing the university’s strategic plan goal of $410 million two years earlier than planned.
Date: Jun 11, 2024 -
Article ItemIlektra Athanasiadi finds rewards in using radiation therapy to treat pets with cancer , article
As a radiation oncologist, Athanasiadi is a core part of the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, one of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s three hospitals.
Date: Jun 05, 2024 -
Article ItemStudy considers human medicine for answers on common canine immune disease , article
Oakley, a 3-year-old Doberman pinscher from Beckley, West Virginia, recovers from a severe case of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) thanks to advanced treatment at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, where research into the disease could lead to breakthroughs in treatment for dogs.
Date: May 29, 2024 -
Article ItemResearchers use AI to study deadly hemorrhagic fever viruses , article
As part of a $3.25 million Department of Defense grant through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, researchers at the veterinary college, the University of Montreal, and SRI International are using artificial intelligence to study hemorrhagic fever viruses with the ultimate goal of identifying targets for therapeutics.
Date: May 23, 2024 -
Article ItemDogs play a key role in veterinary college’s brain cancer trial , article
A collaborative study explores an innovative therapy called histotripsy, harnessing the power of focused ultrasound to break down tumors with precision.
Date: May 21, 2024