Faculty and Staff
USask alumnus Dr. Hugh Townsend to be inducted into equine hall of fame
A lifetime of working to enhance the health and welfare of horses across Canada has earned a place of honour in the Saskatchewan Horse Federation’s (SHF) Hall of Fame for University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumnus and professor emeritus Dr. Hugh Townsend.
WCVM employee honoured for dedication to USask graduate students
When University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate students first enter the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Department of Veterinary Microbiology, one of the first to greet them is Linda Nemeth — the department’s graduate programs co-ordinator and assistant.
USask honours faculty members named distinguished professors
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) honours professors from across campus for their exceptional achievements in research, scholarly or artistic work.
USask team plans unique facility to develop, test alternative fish food
A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team is partnering with an array of industry groups to establish a “globally unique” facility on campus to develop and test plant- and insect-derived proteins to replace the fishmeal that has no great substitute in aquaculture feed today.
ATIM MASKIHKIY exhibit shares ‘dog medicine’ with community
Veterinary researcher Dr. Jordan Woodsworth (DVM) has taken a novel approach to presenting her research findings — engaging with the communities she’s working with through art.
Veterinarians and students team up to support community health
Veterinarian Dr. Dayle Borchardt (DVM) has seen firsthand how pet ownership can change lives.
USask academics channel ‘content creators’ to enhance student learning
Microbiologist, librarians and — YouTubers?
Healing a ‘heart horse’
The stallion wasn’t perfect. He was small, thought Laura Martin, with small feet.
WCVM hires pollinator health research chair
A new University of Saskatchewan (USask) research chair position at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will focus on the health of pollinators that play an integral role in global food production and agricultural sustainability.
WCVM faculty receive federal research funds
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers in diverse disciplines were recently awarded over $7 million in federal government grant funding. Faculty members at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will receive $682,500 in research funds as part of this announcement.
Five questions with Dr. Candace Lowe
For Candace Lowe, DVM, MVetSci., Dipl. AVDC, hard work, determination, and a life-long adoration of animals were all essential to the foundation of her career in veterinary dentistry.
WCVM PRIDE club creates space for community
When Madlyn Lung sent an email message to the entire Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) community asking about interest in a Pride club, she was overwhelmed by the response.
USask honours Wastewater Surveillance Team for public engagement
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Wastewater Surveillance Team, which responded swiftly to the arrival of COVID-19 by developing a monitoring program that provides reliable forecasts of infection outbreaks in communities, is being recognized with USask’s 2022 Publicly Engaged Scholarship Team Award.
WCVM faculty earn awards for their international efforts
Two faculty members at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have received international awards from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in recognition of their exceptional efforts to improve the lives of people and animals around the world.
Provost’s awards show strengths of WCVM’s teaching community
Faculty and staff from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) are at the top of the teaching class at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Loewen’s efforts inspire new generation of veterinarians
Much like in human medicine, veterinary emergency and critical care is a busy, high-stakes discipline. Decisions must be made rapidly, and it can be difficult to teach students while working quickly to save lives.
Ching’s ‘can-do’ attitude earns recognition
Dr. John Ching (PhD) is someone who goes out of his way to assist students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) — whether it’s during the college’s laboratory courses or outside of class.
The tops in teachers
Dr. Elemir Simko (DVM, DVSc,) believes that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
Rubin’s creative teaching goes far beyond ‘bugs and drugs’
Dr. Joe Rubin (DVM, PhD) is driven by a need to instill not just an understanding of veterinary microbiology, but a love of the subject in his veterinary students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Equine vet brings world-class sports medicine expertise to WCVM
As a new clinical associate with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Nathalie Reisbig is ready to round out the range of horse health expertise available at the college’s Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) with her world-class knowledge of equine sports medicine.
USask researchers track multi-species transmission in world first
A team of University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have cracked a multi-species mystery, documenting the flow of a common canine pathogen from a dog to a human.
What’s the best approach to boosting calves’ immune response?
A Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) study co-led by Drs. Nathan Erickson and John Ellis is investigating whether different vaccine prime-boost approaches can help calves develop a better immune response against pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease.
USask veterinarian’s vision revives German anatomy textbook
When Dr. Monique Mayer (DVM) began studying the dog’s lymphatic system as part of her work as a cancer researcher, she relied on an unlikely assistant: her mother.
Wobeser receives Provost’s award for inspired teaching
The Provost’s College Awards for Outstanding Teaching recognized Dr. Bruce Wobeser for teaching excellence at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Health information in the veterinary world
When you think of health information, you likely picture medical settings like hospitals and clinics. But health information isn’t just limited to humans; it’s easy to forget that animals have health information that requires managing, too.
MacKay driven by helping horses
Dr. Angela MacKay was given a choice between braces and horses as a teenager. It was no contest on which option she chose.
Dean steps down from USask veterinary college
Dr. Douglas Freeman, dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), will step down on June 30 and go on administrative leave from the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Hospital's triage service offers stress relief
An innovative triage program at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) is providing timely information and guidance to anxious owners who are seeking emergency help for their pets.
Shmon recognized for outstanding teaching
Veterinary surgeon Dr. Cindy Shmon hopes to help her students see grey in a world that isn’t just black and white.
Dowling masters the art of change
It may seem unusual to walk away questioning your own judgments and biases after a conversation with a veterinary pharmacologist, but this is exactly the type of deep thinking Dr. Trish Dowling inspires.
Potentially toxic chemicals from LCDs in nearly half of household dust samples tested: USask-led study
Chemicals commonly used in smartphone, television, and computer displays were found to be potentially toxic and present in nearly half of dozens of samples of household dust collected by a team of toxicologists led by the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Sights set on genetic test for eye disease
Researchers hope to extend the golden years for beloved pets by addressing a condition causing blindness in senior dogs.
Blanket exercise builds understanding at the WCVM
Two hours can make a big difference in one’s understanding of the role all Canadians play in building reconciliation with Indigenous people in Canada.
2019 Fall Convocation award recipients
More than 900 degrees, diplomas and certificates will be awarded to University of Saskatchewan (USask) students at the annual Fall Convocation ceremonies on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Merlis Belsher Place.
Celebrating RVT month at the WCVM
October is national Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technician (RVT) month in Canada.
Cow-calf survey shows successful move to spring calving
Results of the Western Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network study led by researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have shown producers are increasingly moving to a later calving season as a means of expanding herds.
A researcher's curiosity
The Green & White asked three top USask researchers to recall that special eureka moment when they knew where their career path was taking them.
Chris Clark: The recipe for teaching success
Teaching was not a profession that Dr. Chris Clark (MVetSc) envisioned for himself when he first came to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) as an intern.
Autumn awards celebrate excellence
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) honoured outstanding students and faculty at its annual fall awards banquet on Sept. 20.
WCVM researchers part of polar report
A federal science report describing field research in Canada’s Arctic features the work of veterinary parasitologist Dr. Emily Jenkins, a professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher.
WCVM internship primes vet for large animal practice
Dr. Robin (Rob) Stevens had been a practicing physiotherapist for several years when he decided to adopt Cola, a rescue dog from Taiwan. Although Stevens knew he could provide a better life for Cola, he had no idea that his new pet would ultimately lead him to a new path in life as well.
Researcher inspired by memory of beloved horse
Samantha Steinke is a biomedical engineering master’s student, but her love for horses is what led her to apply her expertise to a research project at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
Watching for wild carriers of avian influenza
Most people who see a flock of wild ducks flying over a lake don’t automatically think about the diseases these birds could be carrying, but for many chicken and turkey producers, the threat of wild birds spreading disease to their flocks is all too real.
Ecologist’s work targets what makes Lyme disease tick
Dr. Maarten Voordouw and his wife Anne enjoy being outdoors, especially with their young daughters, Naia and Margot. But after any outing, particularly if the girls have been playing in the grass or leaves, the couple are diligent about checking for ticks.
WCVM researchers receive $5.6-million for advanced diagnostics research
The future of diagnostic testing for livestock disease could fit into the palm of your hand.
USask researcher recognized for work on predator-prey relationships
It’s a life she hadn’t imagined when she was a young student.
Veterinarian looking at ways to manage TB in northern bison herd
A Parks Canada scientist is conducting research on bovine tuberculosis in bison to improve diagnosis of the disease and to develop better vaccines. This research is conducted in collaboration with the University of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Bison Association.
Does Fido really need that antibiotic?
Most people know the dangers of taking antibiotic drugs for a flu or cold that doesn’t require treatment, but do pet owners understand that the same rules apply for their beloved dogs and cats?
Want your pet to go vegetarian? Be cautious, warns USask expert
As more vegetarian kibble shows up in pet stores, switching Fido and Fluffy to plant-based nutrition may seem like a good idea.
Dipping into mare’s milk
Milk samples are providing vital information about iodine levels in western Canadian brood mares — the focus of a recent study led by theriogenology specialist Dr. Claire Card of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
WCVM scientists awarded nearly $1.5 million in research funding
Researchers linked to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) have been awarded $1,495,000 to address a wide range of issues including preventing pregnancy loss in horses, evaluating tick-borne diseases, and protecting pigs from influenza A infection.
Therapy may reduce muscle atrophy in spinal cord injury patients
A team of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is investigating a therapy for spinal cord injuries that could potentially increase patients’ motor function and decrease muscle atrophy at the same time.
USask researchers awarded nearly $11 M in natural sciences, engineering grants
University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have been awarded nearly $11 million to tackle wide-ranging and critically important issues including cannabis, water quality, and swine flu.
Turning the tide for the bigmouth buffalo fish
The bigmouth buffalo fish, or Ictiobus cyprinellus, is one of 67 fish species found in Saskatchewan waters, but it is also one of the six fish species currently at risk of extirpation (gone from a once-populated area) in the province.
$1.25M awarded to innovative USask early career researchers
Five University of Saskatchewan early career researchers have each been awarded $250,000 over two years by the New Frontiers in Research Fund, a new federal fund designed to promote exploratory research that crosses disciplinary boundaries and enables researchers to take risks and be innovative.
USask ecologist receives prestigious Steacie Fellowship
Maud Ferrari, an exceptional University of Saskatchewan (USask) behavioural ecologist who studies predator-prey interactions, has received one of Canada’s most prestigious awards for young scientists.
USask community honoured with Saskatchewan Order of Merit
Several members of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) community are set to receive the province's highest honour.
WCVM: The animal side of critical care
One early Monday morning last October, the clinical team at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) was preparing for rounds when an emergency patient was brought in to the hospital.
WCVM grad returns as emergency and critical care specialist
Becoming a veterinarian was never a question for Dr. Jennifer Loewen, who had her career planned out since she was attending elementary school in her hometown of Winnipeg, Man.
RVT Month highlights ‘behind-the-scenes’ profession
Registered veterinary technologists or technicians (RVTs) have been an integral part of animal health care for over 50 years, but their profession is still a mystery for many people.
From brain teasers to brain specialist
Dr. Danielle Zwueste has been hooked on veterinary medicine since she was a teenager, but it was her affinity for solving puzzles that inspired her to become a veterinary neurologist.
Stressed bats can increase spread of deadly viruses
Bats are responding to stress from such things as habitat destruction, lack of nutrition and infections by increasing the production and shedding of viruses that cause serious and often fatal diseases in humans and other animals.
WCVM practicum highlights animal side of social work
Veterinary social work is a relatively new field in Canada, but Erin Wasson has made it a staple at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM).
U of S researchers awarded $8M to tackle social, climate issues
University of Saskatchewan (U of S) researchers have been awarded more than $8 million for projects ranging from designing videogames that promote social bonding to safeguarding Indigenous people from the northward spread of a nasty parasite, to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the cattle industry.
WCVM awards night honours high achievers
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) paid tribute to nearly 60 of the college’s outstanding students, faculty and staff during its annual fall awards evening on September 21.
Ferrari earns spot in Royal Society of Canada college
University of Saskatchewan veterinary biomedical scientist Dr. Maud Ferrari has earned a spot in the prestigious Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, which celebrates research excellence at an early career stage.
A life infused with horses
Dr. Steve Manning has enjoyed being around horses since he was a kid riding with the local Pony Club branch in his southern Ontario hometown. That interest prompted him to apply for a summer job with a local equine veterinarian – a move that led to his career choice.
One very determined dentist
Dr. Candace Lowe, a member of the Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba, is a role model on many fronts: she’s female, Indigenous and an example of what’s possible when a person finds her passion.
Hamilton selected as FEI official for Games
Dr. Don Hamilton, professor emeritus of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), is one of four Canadians who have been selected as officials for the 2018 Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) World Equestrian Games this fall.
Understanding bacteria’s “blueprint” could improve women’s health
The bacterial population or microbiome of the human vagina could provide answers to some important questions about women’s health, and researchers are exploring the genetic material within one specific type of bacteria in order to determine some of these answers.
Scientist searches for best behaviour in bacteria
What do a colony of fungus-farming ants and a herd of milk-producing cows have in common? In Tony Ruzzini’s eyes, both have much to teach us about the behaviour of bacteria — and how it may be turned to good use.
Lungs prove to be elusive subject for imaging chair
The eyes may be the window to the soul, but for Dr. Gurpreet Aulakh, the lungs are the window to disease. What happens inside these spongy, air-filled organs may be key to unravelling the mysteries of a wide array of illnesses.
Moya targets better welfare, productivity balance for beef cattle
In early January, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) welcomed its new beef cattle ethologist — Dr. Diego Moya — to the college’s team of large animal specialists.