Avian Grand Opening

A new avian health complex formally opened Aug. 13 at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), which hosts one of the top avian medicine programs in the nation. The new climate-controlled aviary, which is located at 701 Farm Service Road in College Station, will provide a comfortable and safe environment for a variety of birds in various conditions, CVM officials note. The original complex was founded in 1987 with an endowment established by the late Richard M. Schubot and matching funds provided by the university. This commitment to avian medicine demonstrates Texas A&M’s understanding of the important role birds play in ecosystems and disease transmission across all species. Containing approximately 11,000 square feet of floor space, the state-of-the-art complex includes a functional hospital, receiving area with quarantine capabilities, three isolation rooms, a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory for infectious disease research and separate areas for infected and healthy birds, along with teaching, classroom and office space.

Texas A&M One Health Travels to Nicaragua

Five students and three faculty members from Texas A&M University and a student from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine recently returned from a month-long research and service trip to Ometepe, Nicaragua. The students assisted a local doctor in three independent clinics on the island during each week, planted one medicinal and two vegetable gardens, held two human and animal health fairs, trained nurses and local women in CPR, and cooked a healthy meal for all the children in a community.

DVM First Year Student Orientation

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) held its orientation program for the incoming class of 2019 on August 19-21, 2015.

Students were welcomed and participated in three days of scheduled activities and events to help integrate them into the CVM family, including meetings with their mentors, introduction to the faculty, wellness activities, and tours of the facility.

“We really look forward to First Year Orientation every year,” said Dr. Kenita Rogers, Associate Dean for the Professional Program. “We get to meet our new students, share the college with them, develop mentoring relationships, and start them on their professional path.  We are truly excited about the Class of 2019 and cannot wait to start this extraordinary journey with them.”   

BIMS Begins Classes

The Biomedical Sciences Undergraduate Program (BIMS) welcomed approximately 2,100 students for the fall semester’s enrollment, with over 800 incoming freshmen.

Staff Awards

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) recognized 11 staff members for their dedication and excellence at its annual Staff Awards Ceremony. Dr. David Nelson, Interim Director of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor, emceed the award ceremony where each recipient was featured as a rock star in personalized music videos.

Avian Vaccine Developed at Texas A&M

Researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) have developed a highly effective vaccine against a lethal virus disease of captive parrots. The disease, called Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), results in blindness, heart failure, or intestinal blockage. It is caused by a virus called Avian Bornavirus. Use of the vaccine against this virus prevented the development of disease in captive birds with no obvious adverse effects.

Convocation

New Student Convocation, the official welcome of incoming new students to Texas A&M University, was held Sunday, August 30. Our Biomedical Sciences program was well represented with Dr. Elizabeth Crouch, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education serving as a member of the stage party. The gonfalon for our college was carried by Madison Bartock.

Dr. Juan Carlos Robles to be Honored at Silver Taps Ceremony

As many of you know, Silver Taps is a cherished tradition at Texas A&M University. On September 8, 2015, at 10:30 PM, Dr. Juan Carlos Robles will be among those honored in a Silver Taps ceremony. All are welcome to attend and support the family and friends of one of our own.

The White House Receives a Global Message from Texas A&M One Health

Texas A&M One Health Initiative was a co-signer of a recent letter to President Barack Obama urging the creation of One Health platforms both in the United States and the United Nations.

PEER Happenings

The Partnership for Environmental Education and Rural Health (PEER) created a series of One Health K-12 videoconference recordings that included “My Path to Vet School: A Veterinary Student Q&A Panel” by Nikki Lejeune, Clarissa Root, and Chanel Berns and “The Vet School Experience: What is vet school really like?” by Nikki Lejeune, Emily Burkhart, and Dr. Anton Hoffman, D.V.M. Each live webcast was viewed by several K-12 groups signed up from various states. Schools asked questions at the end, and a website was given for students at all 38 participating sites to submit questions during the presentations.

Stress Symposium

The Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society (TIGSS) will hold its inaugural symposium, “Evolution of Stress: From the Genome to Disease,” Oct. 8–9, 2015. The “fight-or-flight” response—the reaction to real or perceived threats—no doubt saved many of our ancestors from harm. This instinct, seen in humans and animals, evolved to deal with the stress arising from dangerous situations, such as being chased by a lion. However, when this increased level of stress continues for an extended period of time—as it often does in modern culture—it can lead to long-term damage to the body in the form of disease and chronic disorders.

Follow the Progess of the VBEC Online

You can view the latest state of the new Veterinary & Biomedical Education Complex online. The webpage allows for a time-lapse video of construction.