April 24 & 25, 2025
Phi Zeta Annual Research & Celebration
The College of Veterinary Medicine's annual research spotlight included many poster presentations from our students, staff and faculty, a fascinating keynote presentation from guest speaker Dr. Mary Robinson, and the Top Dog and Best in Show oral competitions. CVM is, as always, committed to supporting our scientists in their various missions to understand and alleviate animal ailments.

Top Dog Awards
fIRST PLACE AWARDED TO
Emily Erdman
For her research into the Regional Differences in Thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing in Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)
Second place awarded to
Roman Mirra
For his research into Human Over-the-Counter Urine Test Detects Kratom Alkaloids and Metabolites in Canine Urine
Best in Show Awards
First place awarded to
Qaim Mehdi
For his research Elucidating the Maternal Transfer Potential of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Sharks from Florida Coastal Waters
second place awarded to
Samuel Devine
For his research into  In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Retinaldehyde Against Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius and Malassezia Pachydermatis
third place awarded to
Ana Beatriz Montevecchio Bernardino
For her research into the Welfare Implications of Mastitis: Strategies to Mitigate Sickness Behavior
Phi Zeta Student Awards
plaque + $700
Excellence in Clinical Research- Won by ANA MONTEVECCHIO
This award is given in recognition of excellent scholarship of a CVM graduate student either nearing completion or having completed a MS or PhD degree within the past year that involves a research topic having significant clinical relevance.
plaque + $700
Excellence in Basic Research- Won by NIMRA KHALID
This award is given in recognition of excellent scholarship of a CVM graduate student either nearing completion or having completed a MS or PhD degree within the past year that involves a research topic in basic science.
plaque + $700
Excellence in Master’s Studies- Won by ANNELLIE MILLER
This award is given in recognition of excellent scholarship of a CVM graduate student either nearing completion or having completed a MS degree within the past year.
plaque + $700
Excellence in Doctoral Studies- Won by ELIZABETH BRAMMER-ROBBINS
This award is given in recognition of excellent scholarship of a CVM graduate student either nearing completion or having completed a PhD degree within the past year.
Plaque + $1,000
Charles F. Simpson Memorial Scholarship- Won by ALEXANDRA BURNE
The award’s recipient should be in an area identified with Dr. Charlie Simpson- animal pathology, with special emphasis on hematoprotozoan/cardiovascular related diseases or hypertension, but other areas of research will be considered. Current and recently graduated (within 1 year) PhD and MS students are eligible.
Phi Zeta Faculty Awards
Plaque + $500
FVMA Clinical Investigator Award- Won by DR. ALINE RODRIGUES HOFFMAN
This award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions of an established investigator to the advancement of knowledge in an area of clinical veterinary medicine.
Plaque + $1,000
Zoetis Veterinary Research Excellence Award- Won by DR. KLIBS GALVAO
This award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions of an established investigator to the advancement of knowledge in an area of veterinary biomedical research.
Plaque + $1,000
C. E. Cornelius Young Investigator Award- Won by DR. ELIZABETH MAXWELL
This award is given in recognition of the contributions of a young faculty member to the advancement of knowledge in an area of biomedical research; established to honor our founding Dean.