ACVS Foundation Research Grant Recipients

In keeping with the objectives of the Constitution of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, whereby ACVS encourages its members to pursue original investigations and to contribute to the veterinary literature, the ACVS Foundation has established research grant award programs. The current ACVS Foundation Research Grant Programs include: Surgery Resident Research and Diplomate Research. Applications are received annually and reviewed by the ACVS Research Committee. View more information on ACVS Foundation Research Grant Programs.

2024 Research Grants Recipients

For the Surgery Resident Research Grant Program, seven applications were funded:

Microbiome characterization of normal and septic synovial fluid from neonatal and juvenile foals. Hannah E. Chenail, Texas Tech University
General anesthesia affects the biochemical and cellular composition of platelet rich plasma. Ana Beatriz Mourato Dias, University of Georgia
Evaluation of equine peritoneal creatine kinase for identifying inflammatory gastrointestinal lesions. Alexandra Fielding, North Carolina State University
Incidence of hypercoagulability and thromboembolism in dogs with surgically treated primary hepatocellular and adrenal neoplasia. Gabrielle Stevena Fontes, The Ohio State University
Rate of radiation exposure and methods of radiation protection of equine surgeons during fluoroscopic and digital radiography-guided fracture fixation of the distal limb. Julia Linda Gaida, Oregon State University
Microbiome characterization of the normal and degenerative canine stifle joint. Timothy Vernier, University of Georgia
Investigation of dorsal cervical articular process joint fixation in the horse: biomechanical comparison to conventional ventral cervical stabilization. Machiel Paul Ysebaert, Jr., Colorado State University

For the Diplomate Research Grant Program, five applications were funded:

Identifying biomarkers of osteoarthritis: a longitudinal study of the synovial fluid proteome in horses with induced meniscal injuries. Aimee Carol Colbath, Cornell University
Equine allogeneic MSC antibody cross-reaction and isolation of the MHC-antigen loci. Lacy Kamm, Oregon State University
The effect of one-lung ventilation on diffusion of indocyanine green in lung parenchyma used to identify sentinel lymph nodes in dogs. Sarah Marvel, Colorado State University
A new and cost-effective minimally invasive foraminotomy approach in horses for treatment of cervical spinal nerve root compression. Bradley Nelson, Colorado State University
Initial investigation into the effects of clinically used antiadhesive tenosynovitis therapies on tenocytes in vitro using three-dimensional (3D) culture models. Lauren V. Schnabel, North Carolina State University

2023 Research Grants Recipients

For the Surgery Resident Research Grant Program, six applications were funded:

Effect of corticosteroids on equine osteoclast activity in vitro. Gwladys Malek, Université de Montréal
Single nuclei RNA sequencing to identify differences between equine sarcoid and normal skin tissue. Kira J. Noordwijk, Auburn University
Evaluation of optimal dosing of intravenous indocyanine green for near infrared fluorescence imaging of canine parathyroid glands. Caroline Schlaeppi Fisher, North Carolina State University
Comparison of a novel bone fastener and buttress thread screw design. Heath Madison Manning, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Comparing two methods of hoof immobilization for stabilization of type III distal phalanx fractures in the horse: a cadaveric study. Avery Frances Loyd, Auburn University
Comparison of a modified double pelvic osteotomy of the ilium and ischium to double pelvic osteotomy of the ilium and pubis. Rachael Marie Cunningham, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

For the Diplomate Research Grant Program, five applications were funded:

Preclinical evaluation of equine neotissue to accelerate tendon healing. Mandi J. Lopez, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Evaluation of fluorescent cholangiography with direct injection of indocyanine green (ICG) into the gallbladder for confirming patency of the common bile duct and major duodenal papilla. Nicole J. Buote, Cornell University
In vivo toxicity and anti-bacterial efficacy of locally delivered silver nanoparticles in rodents. Marije Risselada, Purdue University
Postoperative peritoneal fluid analysis in horses following exploratory celiotomy for strangulating gastrointestinal lesions. Jenna Marie Young, Regents of the University of Minnesota
A prospective clinical trial comparing alcohol-based and chlorhexidine-based antisepsis for surgical site preparation in horses undergoing tarsocrural joint arthroscopy. Yvonne A. Elce, UPEI

2022 Research Grants Recipients

For the Surgery Resident Research Grant Program, eight applications were funded:

Investigating Mitovesicles in a Model of Equine Osteoarthritis. Brenna Pugliese, Cornell University
An ex vivo biomechanical comparison of two palmar tension band techniques for equine metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Stefanie Hansen, Purdue University
Ultrasonic scalpel versus monopolar electrosurgery for limb amputations in the dog. Rachel Rivenburg, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Evaluation of feasibility safety, and dose optimization of aerosolized indocyanine green for intra-operative near-infrared fluorescence imaging of pulmonary parenchyma in dogs. Jourdan McPhetridge, North Carolina State University
The efficacy and elution properties of premixed calcium sulfate antibiotic beads. Emily Hartman, Purdue University
The effects of subconjunctival ropivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine on corneal sensitivity in healthy horses. Gabriel Gonzalez, Mississippi State University
Tenoscopic-guided resection of the manica flexoria utilizing radiofrequency energy. Charlotte Barton, Colorado State University
Use of cervical epidural catheter to provide analgesia in a model of carpal synovitis in the horse. Veronica Edwards, University of Georgia-Athens

For the Diplomate Clinical Research Grant Program, one application was funded:

A proteomics-inspired investigation of equine joint inflammation. Heidi Reesink, Cornell University

2021 Research Grants Recipients

For the Surgeon-in-Training Research Grant Program, five applications were funded:

Comparison of the Osteocentric bone-screw-fastener to the AO buttress screw in an ex vivo model of equine midbody proximal sesamoid bone fracture repair. Thomas J. O’Brien, Colorado State University
Concentration-dependent effects of botulinum neurotoxin A on equine articular cartilage in vitro. Meghan McCarthy, Oregon State University
Effect of subcutaneous lavage on bacterial contamination in dogs and cats undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Brittney Byer, University of Missouri
Prospective evaluation of thoracoscopic placement of ameroid ring constrictors for attenuation of portoazygous shunts in dogs. Kenneth A. Carroll, North Carolina State University
Assessing gastrointestinal viability in canine gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) with real-time near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) quantification. Kaitlyn Mullen, University of Florida

For the Diplomate Clinical Research Grant Program, four applications were funded:

The effects of clodronate disodium on normal and inflamed equine joint tissues. Aimee Colbath, Michigan State University
In vitro evaluation of an equine laparoscopic biopsy technique. Amelia Munsterman, Michigan State University
Objective evaluation of increase in airway size, improvement in exercise tolerance, and improvement in arterial blood gas after two different palatoplasty techniques in the treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Janet Grimes, University of Georgia
Computed tomography versus radiographic guidance for internal fixation of central tarsal bone factures in non-racing horses. Laurie Goodrich, Colorado State University

2020 Research Grant Recipients

For the Surgeon-in-Training Research Grant program, five applications were funded:

Near-Infrared Fluorescence (NIRF) Cholangiography in Dogs; a Pilot Study. Philippe Chagnon Larose, Ontario Veterinary College
The effect of concurrent and non-concurrent administration of mepivacaine hydrochloride and triamcinolone acetonide on inflamed equine osteochondral and synovial explants in co-culture. Sophie Boorman, Auburn University Large Animal Teaching Hospital
Microvesicles from Bone Marrow MSCs as a Novel Therapy for Navicular Disease. Vivian Gay Quam, Ohio State University
Equine Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Produce Extracellular Vesicles with Anti-inflammatory Effects on Equine Neutrophils In Vitro. Emily Martin, University of Georgia
Targeted therapy of feline tumors with carboplatin-impregnated calcium sulfate hemihydrate beads and radiation. Jacqueline Cavalcanti, University of Illinois

For the Diplomate Clinical Research Grant program, three applications were funded:

Generation of Neotissue Implants for Equine Tendon Healing. Mandi Lopez, Louisiana State University
Evaluation of High Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (H-FIRE) for treatment of canine insulinoma. Joanne Tuohy, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Large Colon Volvulus: Bacterial Translocation & Bacteraemia. Etienne O’Brien, Troytown Greyabbey Equine Hospital

For the Zoetis Dual Training Research Grant Program, one application was funded:

Immunomodulatory function of equine MSCs encapsulated in hydrogel microspheres. Claudia Reyner, Auburn University Large Animal Teaching Hospital

2019 Research Grant Recipients

For the Surgeon-in-Training Research Grant program, five applications were funded:

Biomechanical Comparison of a Self-Tapping Bone Screw Fastener and Self-Tapping AO/ASIF Cortical Bone Screw for Fixation of a Simulated Slab Fracture in Cadaveric Adult Equine Third Carpal Bone. Jannah Louise Pye. University of California, Davis
Does Intra-Operative Glove Exchange Present a Risk of Bacterial Contamination during Clean Surgery? Deepinder Sidhu, University of Missouri
Bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension as analgesia following limb amputation in dogs. Alena Strelchik, University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center
Ex vivo comparison of bursting strength of ventral midline celiotomy covered by two standard abdominal bandages for support in the horse. Kathleen Marie Weatherall, Auburn University
Comparison of 3D printed guides vs conventional techniques to approach the distal sesamoid bone and navicular bursa in the equine foot. Erik Eduardo Perez Jimenez, University of Florida

For the Diplomate Clinical Research Grant program, three applications were funded:

Ex vivo determination of platelet activation via flow cytometry and growth factor production in synovial fluid from osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic joints of horses. Britta S. Leise, Louisiana State University and A&M College
Ex-vivo evaluation of a percutaneous looped thread technique for transection of a normal palmar/plantar annular ligament in horses. Diego De Gasperi, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Evaluation of 3D Printed Cutting Guides. Jason Bleedorn, University of Wisconsin-Madison

For the Zoetis Dual Training Research Grant Program, one application was funded:

Collagen orientation and tensile strength of equine proximal sesamoid bones. Jesus A Hermida, Purdue University

2018 Research Grant Recipients

For the Surgeon-in-Training Research Grant program, three applications were funded:

Ex vivo biomechanical comparison of 2.7 mm string-of-pearl plate versus screw/wire/polymethylmethacrylate composite fixation and 2.7 mm veterinary acetabular plate for repair of simulated canine acetabular fractures. Jonathan A. Blakely, Mississippi State University
Mechanical comparison of two small interlocking nail systems using a previously validated feline bone model surrogate. Danielle M Marturello, Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
In-vitro elution and killing profile of penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, tulathromycin, and florfenicol from plaster of paris beads. Paul Thomas Merkatoris, Iowa State University

For the Diplomate Clinical Research Grant program, four applications were funded:

Electromyographic evaluation and response to electrical stimulation of the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle in dogs with acquired laryngeal paralysis. Robert Hardie, University of Wisconsin
Acute-phase protein concentrations following uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty in dogs. Stanley Kim, University of Florida
Ex vivo biomechanical properties of digital cushion and horn capsule in healthy and ulcerated bovine claws. Emma Marchionatti, Université de Montréal
Comparison of compressive forces in simulated medial condylar fractures of the equine third metacarpus using 4.5 mm, 4.5 mm self-tapping and 5.5 mm cortical screws. Laura M. Riggs, Louisiana State University

For the Zoetis Dual Training Research Grant Program, two applications were funded:

Antimicrobial properties of tlr ligand activated equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells: an approach to cure multidrug resistant infections. Lynn Pezzanite, Colorado State University
Development and imaging optimization of a translational in vivo ovine model of bone marrow lesions. Holly L. Stewart, Colorado State University