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Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine has a robust research program that spans basic biomedical sciences in infectious (viral, bacterial, and parasitic) and non-infectious (immune-mediated and oncologic) diseases to veterinary clinical research to translational to public health. The program's overall goal is to apply our research to improve the lives of pets and people.
Basic biomedical sciences include the use of appropriate animal models for diseases to better understand the disease process, a prerequisite for the development of better preventive and therapeutic strategies.
With a focus on One Health, our program brings together veterinarians, physicians, and other scientists to address public health threats affecting both people and animals.
Our translational research approach aims to take laboratory findings directly to clients in a clinical setting.
Ongoing clinical trials in our hospitals test research discoveries to develop better methods of disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Our faculty, students, staff, and research partners are committed to discovery, service, and training future researchers and veterinarians.
Centers
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Center for One Health Research , articleThe Center for One Health Research (COHR) gathers faculty, staff, and students from VA-MD Vet Med and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine who have a shared interest in cooperative research and scholarship related to infectious diseases. This collaboration is founded on the two schools’ One Health philosophy, which is based on the understanding that animal health, human health, and the environment are inextricably linked; consequently, professionals from these fields must work together to protect, promote, and improve overall health. The center coordinates research, instruction, and outreach activities related to understanding the disease processes that affect both animal and human health, and supports the continued advancement of the science and technology of disease-intervention strategies.
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(Meta)Genomics-Based Pathogen Identification Center for Animal and Plant Disease Diagnostics, Biosecurity, and Pandemic Prevention , articleToday’s growing destruction of ecosystems, worldwide trade of plant and animals, and human travel exasperate the risk of plant and animal disease emergence and spread. Early detection, precise identification, and thorough characterization of emerging pathogens using agnostic genomic and metagenomic sequencing could lead to faster interventions to lower the chances that a local disease outbreak turns into an epidemic or pandemic. Therefore, at Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Animal Laboratory Services and the Virginia Tech Plant Disease Clinic joined forces to establish a (meta)genomics-based pathogen identification service center for animal and plant disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and pandemic prevention.
Signature Research Programs
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Comparative, Translational, and Veterinary Research , articleResearch themes include clinical veterinary medicine research and translational medicine from laboratory animals to clinical veterinary and human patients; stem cell biology and its application; clinical trials management; and human-animal bond/interactions.
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Immune-mediated / Inflammatory Diseases Research , articleResearch themes include animal models for immune-mediated diseases, and understanding the mechanisms of such as autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases (eg. inflammatory bowel disease). Specific interests include role of epigenetics, microbiome, and environmental hormonal factors on these diseases; transition of inflammation leading to cancer; induction of immunity in oncologic conditions; and translational research.
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Neuropathobiology Research , articleResearch themes include animal models for neurodevelopment and traumatic injury, neurovascularization, neuroinflammation, and neuro-oncology; and translational research.
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Pathogenic Microbiology / Infectious Diseases Research , articleResearch themes include animal models for human and veterinary infectious diseases; and understanding the pathogenesis of the diseases, immunity to infectious and its prevention: development of vaccines and drugs, mechanisms of drug resistance, and translational research.
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Public Health Research , articleResearch focused on infectious diseases epidemiology and public health education that addresses the individual, social, and ecological determinants of health, reflects the human-animal-environment One Health interface, promotes health equity, and builds healthy communities.
Laboratories
Research Training Programs
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Latest News
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Interactive 3D models expand veterinary learning , articleDigital technology and models of horse dental specimens give students and educators expanded access to an important teaching collection.
Date: Jul 22, 2026 - -
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For 20 years, this program has been turning veterinarians into biomedical researchers , articleMitchell Caudill's new job as a lab director is the latest proof it works. The program's federal funding was just renewed for another five years.
Date: Jul 15, 2026 - -
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The brain has a brake against seizures. A parasite turns it off , articleThe National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke awarded Ira Blader a five-year grant to answer why a dormant parasite in the brain can suddenly activate and cause seizures.
Date: Jul 09, 2026 - -
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Nine faculty members receive Fulbright Scholar Awards , articleOver the coming year with their Fulbright awards, the nine will conduct research in aerospace materials, artificial intelligence, environmental health, water resources, plastic pollution, sustainable design, agriculture, and next-generation wireless communications.
Date: Jul 07, 2026 - -
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Graduate student pursues potential therapy for deadly lung disease , articleAn American Heart Association fellowship recognizes Dilruba Yeasmen’s research into an essential signal control that has the potential to inhibit lung scarring.
Date: Jun 29, 2026 - -
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Researchers test noninvasive cancer treatment to trigger body's immune defenses , articleImmunotherapy combined with histotripsy may offer new hope for both dogs and people with osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer.
Date: May 28, 2026 - -
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Ivermectin could help beat malaria, veterinary college researcher finds in running the numbers , articleIvermectin has been used in veterinary medicine for decades. Cassidy Rist has produced the first real-world economic analysis showing it could be a cost-effective tool against malaria — if the funding holds.
Date: May 21, 2026 - -
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Busy as a bee: Insect researcher Brad Ohlinger becomes new grants specialist at veterinary college , articleThe challenge of writing grant proposals is a puzzle that intrigues Ohlinger in his new role assisting researchers seeking funds to support their work.
Date: May 19, 2026 -