LSU veterinary school researchers receive awards

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine highlighted its research and bestowed awards at a research reception on February 28. Joseph Francis, BVSc, MVSc, PhD, associate dean for research and graduate education, served as master of ceremonies. Michael Graziano, MS (LSU 1981), PhD, vice president of Drug Safety Evaluation at Bristol-Myers Squibb, was the featured speaker.

Zoetis Award for Research Excellence

Alexandra Noël, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences (CBS), received the Zoetis Award for Research Excellence. Zoetis presents an honorarium and inscribed plaque to a faculty member who has excelled in veterinary medical research during the past two years. Dr. Noel’s research focuses on the production and characterization of aerosols, as well as inhalation and developmental toxicology. This includes the study of engineered nanoparticles, second-hand smoke, electronic cigarette vapor, hookah smoke, and a multi-pollutant approach to simulate real-life exposure scenarios.

School of Veterinary Medicine Faculty Distinguished Scholar Award

Shisheng Li, PhD, professor in CBS, received the School of Veterinary Medicine Faculty Distinguished Scholar Award. An honorarium and inscribed plaque are presented to a faculty member who has made significant contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine through research and/ or scholarly activities. Dr. Li’s research focuses on the mechanisms of DNA damage repair and mutagenesis.

Andrew Lackner Mentoring Award

Andrew Lewin, BVM&S, DACVO, assistant professor of veterinary ophthalmology, received the Andrew Lackner Mentoring Award. This mentoring award honors the memory of Andrew Lackner, DVM, Ph.D., former director of the Tulane National Primate Research Center, and his dedication to the training of DVM scientists. Dr. Lackner was known as a strong supporter of veterinary research and a dedicated mentor to a number of DVM students, graduate students, and junior faculty. The Mentoring Award recognizes outstanding research mentors to DVM students who participate in the Summer Scholar’s Program and is presented to the faculty mentor at the annual Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day, which highlights the Summer Scholar research. Dr. Lewin’s research focuses on ocular infectious disease, next-generation sequencing, and clinical veterinary ophthalmology. He mentors veterinary students, interns, and residents in the LSU Vet Med Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 32 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. The LSU SVM is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.