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The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center is dedicated to improving the lives of dogs, helping them lead longer, healthier and happier lives. We do this through research, outreach and engagement.

Research

Cornell has a long history of game-changing contributions in canine health. From vaccine development, to genomic research addressing diseases such as blindness, to exploring the continuum of basic foundational research through to clinical application, all under one roof. For example, more than half of the vaccines routinely administered by veterinarians for dogs were developed at Cornell. Over the years, these discoveries have saved the lives of millions of our canine companions.

We continue to build on that foundation of addressing diseases in dogs, as we develop new breakthroughs that will improve canine health.

Engagement

We seek to engage with dog owners and enthusiasts by making researchers more accessible, research more relatable and more actionable. We will work with you to identify ways that you can be involved from participating in clinical trials to citizen scientist initiatives.

Outreach

Through our efforts, the Riney Canine Health Center will be the most-trusted and frequently consulted resource for high quality, up-to-date information regarding canine health in the world.

History

The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center grew out of a shared goal among faculty, staff and donors of the College of Veterinary Medicine — including those at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, formerly known as the Cornell Research Institute for the Diseases of Dogs — to support research to advance canine health. The guidance provided by the college and Baker Institute Advisory Councils, along with a gift in 2020 from founding donors, Don and Rita Powell, helped build momentum for the development of a canine health center at Cornell.

Through the visionary support from the Riney Family Foundation in 2021, the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center will dramatically accelerate the college’s efforts to help canine health research become more relatable, researchers more accessible, and canine health information and programming more responsive to the needs of dogs and those who care for them.

Canine health has been the focus of research at the College of Veterinary Medicine for decades, and the list of accomplishments that have improved the lives and well-being of dogs is extensive. The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center will build on these achievements by supporting scientific discovery that enables our canine companions to live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Meet our team

The Riney Canine Health Center is a network of faculty and staff within the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine working together to promote the health of dogs around the world. The center is supported by a team of over 50 researchers, joined across six academic departments, the Baker Institute for Animal Health, two large veterinary medical centers and the Animal Health Diagnostic Center.

We are also excited to leverage the center to build interdisciplinary connections with other colleges across the Cornell campus, Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Tech to create truly innovative solutions.

Faculty

Kate Anderson headshot
I am an assistant professor of clinical sciences at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior. I I graduated from CVM in 2008 and have worked in both private practice and industry with a variety of species, including dogs, cats, ruminants and horses. While I always had a wide range of interests, I realized I specifically wanted to do more to alleviate the suffering of animals with behavioral disorders and learn more about how to apply knowledge of animal behavior to all aspects of veterinary medicine. I primarily want to continue to support the human-animal bond and improve the welfare of animals under our care. More research is desperately needed in how to prevent, diagnose and treat problem behaviors. The development of unwanted behavior, whether normal or pathological, can lead to devastating outcomes for many animals — including relinquishment or euthanasia.
Kate Anderson
DVM, DACVB
Bio for Dr. Anderson
Joaquin Araos, MV, PhD, DACVAA

I am a scientist and clinician with board-specialization in anesthesiology and a Ph.D. in medical sciences. I work mainly in the area of respiratory physiology, with a focus on mechanical ventilation during health and pathology. I am currently focused in the use of different imaging methods to evaluate the lung function of different animals (including dogs) subjected to mechanical ventilation. We use techniques such as biomechanical analyses from CT scans and functional electric impedance tomography, together with advanced respiratory mechanics.

Joaquin Araos
MV, PhD, DACVAA
Bio for Dr. Araos
Cheryl Balkman headshot
I am a clinical professor and the chief of the Section of Oncology in the Department of Clinical Sciences. I am also a diplomate at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. My primary research interests are examining chemotherapy drug resistance in cancer patients and hematopoietic malignancies. After receiving my D.V.M. from Cornell in 1998, I stayed on to complete residencies in small animal internal medicine and medical oncology before transitioning to my current position.
Cheryl Balkman
DVM
Bio for Dr. Balkman
Parminder Basran, PhD, FCCPM

I am an Associate Research Professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. I am a Medical Physicist combining expertise in physics and medicine to help and people and animals. I have published in a variety of fields, including safety and quality improvement in human oncology, machine learning methods from medical images and medical image processing, and am currently exploring the use of AI with medical images in the veterinary setting, including detecting diseases in cats and dairy cows, and preventing injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Parminder Basran
PhD, FCCPM
Bio for Dr. Basran
Erica Belhing-Kelly headshot
I am an associate professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences. My research interests involve using lipoproteins as markers and modulators of disease in domestic species, vascular biology, hemostasis and thrombosis, and molecular determinants of aggressive biological behavior in neoplastic cells. As a clinical pathologist, I am interested in advancing our understanding of disease processes, as well as improving our ability to diagnose disease. My laboratory currently focuses on determining the pathogenic potential and diagnostic utility of serum lipoproteins in domestic species. In two of our on-going projects, we are investigating lipoproteins in the dog, relative to their ability to promote thrombosis in hyperlipidemic diseases (such as hyperadrencorticism) and the progression of renal disease. Another active project is investigating the role of the erythrocyte and hemolysis in promoting thrombosis in the dog.
Erica Belhing-Kelly
DVM, PhD, DACVP
Bio for Dr. Belhing-Kelly
Jordyn Boesch, DVM, PhD, DACVAA

I am a senior lecturer in the Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. My research interest is pain management in all species (with strong focus on dogs) — particularly severe, chronic pain and interventional pain medicine. I often collaborate with Sports Medicine/Rehab Service. 

Jordyn Boesch
DVM, PhD, DACVAA
Bio for Dr. Boesch
Dwight Bowman headshot
My interests are soil transmitted parasites, parasites of wildlife, visceral larva migrans, host response to soil transmitted pathogens and detection of soil transmitted parasites. More broadly, my research spans a wide range of issues that affect both animals and humans, from avian flu virus to Crohn’s disease. My goal is to understand how bacteria, parasites and viruses interact with their environment and move between hosts. This work ultimately advances the health of companion animals, wildlife and people.
Dwight Bowman
PhD
Bio for Dr. Bowman
Adam Boyko Photo

I am an Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the fields of Genetics, Genomics and Development, Biomedical & Biological Sciences, and Computational Biology. I am also co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Embark Veterinary, a dog DNA testing company founded in 2015 and incubated at the Cornell McGovern Center, as well as a trustee for the Morris Animal Foundation. My research focuses on complex trait mapping, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, inference of evolutionary forces and demographic history from genomic data, and understanding the evolutionary process of domestication and rapid adaptation.

Prior to joining the faculty at Cornell, I received undergraduate degrees in computer science and evolutionary ecology from the University of Illinois as well as a masters in Computer Science and doctorate in Biology at Purdue. I also worked as a postdoc and research associate at Cornell and Stanford studying population genomics before focusing my research on canine genomics. My family includes three kids, three ducks and a dog, Penny (http://embk.me/penny2848).

Adam Boyko
PhD
Bio for Dr. Boyko
Marjory Brooks, DVM, DACVIM

I am a veterinarian and internal medicine specialist whose career has focused on diagnosis and treatment of coagulation disorders. My laboratory is a central site for diagnosing bleeding disorders in dogs, and our research aims to gain understanding of the genetic and environmental factors that cause these diseases. In addition to disease diagnosis, our laboratory works with other veterinary researchers in multi-institution studies to  design evidence-based treatment regimens for dogs receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, and to develop new and effective blood products for transfusion and regenerative medicine.

Recent/ongoing canine projects include:

  • Platelet studies- immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, comparative proteomics
  • Anticoagulant therapy- pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies of new oral drugs
  • Transfusion therapy- investigation of lyophilized platelet concentrates, plasma replacement for anticoagulant toxicities


 

Marjory Brooks
DVM, DACVIM
Bio for Dr. Brooks
Nicole Buote, DVM, DACVS

I received my DVM from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. I then completed a rotating internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston and a surgical internship at the Dallas Veterinary Surgery Center. I then completed a surgery residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. After residency, I worked in private practice for 11 years in southern California, as a staff surgeon and then the Chief of the surgery department for 6 years. I established the Minimally Invasive and Interventional Radiology department while at that practice. I then joined Cornell University in 2020 as an Associate Professor of Soft Tissue Surgery in the Department of Clinical Sciences. My previous research efforts have been focused on clinical studies over a broad subject matter including orthopedic and soft tissue diseases (biliary re-routing procedures, TPLO, vacuum assisted open abdomen techniques, leech therapy for reconstructive techniques and intestinal surgery).  My current research focuses on minimally invasive surgery for animals and interventional radiologic techniques. I am a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the founder of the Association of Women Veterinary Surgeons. I have spoken at multiple national and international conferences during the past decade and have been elected to the executive board of the Veterinary Endoscopy Society.

Nicole Buote
DVM, DACVS
Bio for Dr. Buote
Patrick Carney, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAID)

My training is as an internal medicine specialist with a special interest in infectious disease and as an epidemiologist; most of my time is spent in the Small Animal Community Practice guiding veterinary students through primary care cases. I am originally from New Hampshire, obtained my DVM from Cornell, did an internship at the University of Pennsylvania, spent a year in general practice in Oregon, completed a residency in small animal internal medicine at Oregon State University, and obtained a PhD in epidemiology from Boston University School of Public Health while working as an internist for Tufts VETS in Massachusetts. My research focuses on exploring the evidence base behind common primary care recommendations, the effective use of diagnostic/screening tests, and training of veterinary students. I also serve as a resource for other clinician-scientists in designing and analyzing clinical studies.

Patrick Carney
DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAID)
Bio for Dr. Carney
Marta Castelhano headshot
I'm the director of the Cornell Veterinary Biobank, as well as an associate research professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. My research interests relate to biospecimen science and the impact that the quality of these specimens have on biomedical research. I map the genes that cause or contribute to inherited diseases and traits in domestic animals. As an expert in veterinary biobanking and medical genetics, I manage the collections and allocation of samples for ongoing and future research projects — both for projects at Cornell and in collaboration with other institutions.
Marta Castelhano
DVM, MVSc
Bio for Dr. Castelhano
Casey Cazer, DVM, PhD

My research interests are broadly in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases, evidence-based medicine, and One-Health. Recently, I have been developing methods to improve antimicrobial resistance surveillance and track multidrug resistance.

Casey Cazer
DVM, PhD
Bio for Dr. Cazer
Jonathan Cheetham, VetMB, PhD, DACVS

I am a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.  Together with Dr. Martin- Flores, I work on the early diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis in dogs and regenerative medicine therapies to improve outcomes in these challenging cases.

We have developed a technique that allows use to test the function of the larynx under a short anesthetic and detect small early dysfunctions in the opening of the larynx.  We have also developed a technique that allows us to perform an enhanced, more regenerative nerve graft to restore function to the larynx after nerve injury.

Jonathan Cheetham
VetMB, PhD, DACVS
Bio for Dr. Cheetham
DVM, DACVD

I am a Board Certified Veterinary Dermatologist® and received my DVM from Louisiana State University in 2009. I completed a small animal rotating internship at MSPCA Angell Animal Medical Center in 2010 and a residency in Veterinary Dermatology at Cornell University in 2012. I then worked in private practice at a busy multi-specialty hospital before returning to Cornell in 2019 as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology. I appreciate the relationships developed with my patients and owners during the course of managing chronic skin conditions. I have a clinical interest in otology and enjoy teaching veterinary students and training Dermatology interns and residents. My current research includes trialing novel antipruritic and antimicrobial therapies for canine patients and comparative dermatohistopathology. I am interested in researching canine epitheliotropic lymphoma in the hopes of developing better prognostic and therapeutic tools for this condition.

Mitzi Clark
DVM, DACVD
Bio for Dr. Clark
Roy Cohen headshot
I'm an assistant research professor at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, where I focus on tiny biological machines like calcium channels and enzymes. Calcium channels are responsive tunnels that shuttle calcium in and out of cells — triggering bigger chains of events in the body. One of my current projects involves looking for ways to manage and improve diabetes care by studying calcium channels in the pancreas that can affect insulin release. In my work with enzymes, I am developing the tools to detect markers in the bloodstream that indicate a head injury, cancer, infection or other conditions in both humans and animals. My goal is to ultimately put these tools in the hands of veterinary and medical professionals to improve healthcare. Once these tools are perfected, their fine-tuned sensors will improve the speed and accuracy of diagnostics, especially during emergency scenarios, and they will also help track the overall progress of patients' recovery.
Roy Cohen
PhD
Bio for Dr. Cohen
Scott Coonrod, PhD

For the last few years, my lab has been studying gene expression patterns in canine hemangiosarcoma tumor tissue, with the goal of identifying molecular factors and pathways that are overactive in these cancers. We then hope to develop these factors as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Scott Coonrod
PhD
Bio for Dr. Coonrod
DVM, PhD

I am an Associate Professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences.  I received my DVM in 1996 and Ph.D. (Epidemiology) in 2010, both from Cornell University.  

My Ph.D. research focused on the epidemiology and public health implications of salmonellosis in dairy cattle. From 2011–2017, I served as an Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. My primary research interest is the application of epidemiologic approaches to investigate the ecology and transmission of Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens among domestic and wildlife hosts.  I also have extensive experience teaching veterinary, graduate, and undergraduate students, on topics ranging from epidemiologic methods to veterinary public health.  I strive to find creative, dynamic ways to engage students as active participants in the learning process.

Kevin Cummings
DVM, PhD
Bio for Dr. Cummings
Charles Danko headshot

I am interested in how DNA — the basic blueprint for all living things — is interpreted by cells to produce living, breathing organisms. I also explore how diseases, like cancer, change these interpretations and affect the health of animals and humans.

My two research goals are the following:

  • Understanding how evolution determines human and animal differences — The genes of humans, chimps, rhesus macaques, mice and rats aren’t all that different, considering how diverse these creatures are. My lab and our collaborators are studying the roles of “gene enhancers” in evolution. These are small parts of the genome that can increase or decrease the number of times that a gene is transcribed into RNA, and then ultimately translated into the proteins that make up the functional differences between the animals.
  • How cancer cells use genes differently — Glioblastoma cancer cells make up many serious brain tumors. To determine how to specifically target those cancers, my team has studied the ways these cells turn their genetic instructions into action, in comparison with normal, healthy cells. We have identified several proteins called “transcription factors” that drive the out-of-control growth of cancer cells. This information can be used to design cancer therapies specific to each type of cell and its associated cancers.
Charles Danko
PhD
Bio for Dr. Danko
Jacquelyn Evans headshot

My research program focuses on improving the health of dogs by identifying genetic risk factors for disease — leading to genetic tests to reduce disease frequency, earlier disease detection and potentially improved therapies. Many canine diseases have human counterparts often caused by the same mutation or mutations in the same genes/pathways. Thus, the information we learn from the dog model may also inform human disease research.

Jacquelyn Evans
PhD
Bio for Dr. Evans
Jethro Forbes, DVM, DACVECC

 I have worked with extracorporeal therapies (ECT) in cats and dogs for more than 10 years. I have developed programs in private practice and will be establishing the first program of this kind at Cornell. Applications include renal replacement therapy in dogs with acute kidney injury from infections or toxins; extracorporeal toxin removal using standard hemodialysis, charcoal hemoperfusion and therapeutic plasma exchange; and treatment of immune mediated conditions and sepsis with therapeutic plasma exchange. Advanced cytapheresis techniques is a potential future direction. There is a wealth of opportunity for establishing evidence-based models for these applications, while improving clinical outcomes in our canine patients.

Jethro Forbes
DVM, DACVECC
Bio for Dr. Forbes
Chris Frye headshot
I am the section chief of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, as well as an assistant clinical professor at Cornell CVM. I'm also a diplomate at the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. My main interests revolve around sporting and working dogs, lameness and objective gait analysis, regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal ultrasound and advanced musculoskeletal imaging, canine exercise physiology, interventional pain management, osteoarthritis, rehabilitation, conditioning of canine athletes, nutrition and supplementation of canine athletes, animal prosthetics, orthotics and other assistive devices.
Chris Frye
DVM, DACVSMR
Bio for Dr. Frye
Susan Fubini, DVM

I am a 1980 graduate of the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine.  I completed a rotating large animal internship and surgical residency at Cornell University. I am currently a professor of large animal surgery and a senior associate dean for academic affairs at the College of Veterinary Medicine, and I am a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. My clinical expertise is in large animal soft tissue procedures.  

Susan Fubini
DVM
Bio for Dr. Fubini
Robin Gleed headshot

I am the senior associate chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences, where I'm also a professor in the Section of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. My research focuses on respiratory physiology, as well as the development and validation of methods for how to measure fluid flow. I work with both large and small animals as an anesthesiologist, and I have helped lead collaborations between the College of Veterinary Medicine and external veterinary clinics — including the Rosamund Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, and The Belize Zoo, located outside of Belize City.

Robin Gleed
BVSc, MRCVS
Bio for Dr. Gleed
Robert Goggs, BVSc, PhD, DACVECC, DECVECC

I am a small animal emergency and critical care specialist. My research employs laboratory investigations and clinical trials and focuses on diagnosis and management of thrombosis, use of biomarkers for diagnosis and management of sepsis, and the treatment of canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

Robert Goggs
BVSc, PhD, DACVECC, DECVECC
Bio for Dr. Goggs
Anthony Gonzalez, DVM, DACVECC

I am a graduate of Cornell University and received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Tuskegee University. Following an internship, I completed a residency in Emergency & Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania. I am a board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.  I have expertise in both emergency care and in managing critical patients. My special clinical interests are focused on pulmonary medicine, inhalation therapy, and trauma. I also enjoy teaching and plays an active role in the clinical training of residents and mentoring of nurses. I believe strongly in practicing the highest level of medicine, going above and beyond for his patients. Warm approachability and authentic connections with my patients’ families ensures that these families are engaged in the care of their pets every step of the way.

Anthony Gonzalez
DVM, DACVECC
Bio for Dr. Gonzalez
Laura Goodman, PhD

The Goodman Lab leverages genomic technology to study canine infectious diseases in a One Health framework. Thematic research areas include pathogen discovery, antimicrobial resistance and tick-borne disease. We aim to fill knowledge gaps in animal health while informing public health policy.

Laura Goodman
PhD
Bio for Dr. Goodman
DVM, PhD

I am a canine orthopedic surgeon with advanced skills in fracture repair, joint reconstruction, and pediatric orthopedics. Special focus in pathogenesis based approach to surgical joint disease, canine sports injuries, congenital deformities in puppies, and shelter trauma cases.

Kei Hayashi
DVM, PhD
Bio for Dr. Hayashi
Jess Hayward holds a young golden retriever
I am a senior research associate in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and affiliated with the Cornell Veterinary Biobank. My primary research interest is canine genetics and genomics. I am interested in using liquid biopsies as a biomarker for canine cancer, to develop earlier detection tests and improve outcomes. I also work with clinicians in analyzing data to understand the genetics underlying complex diseases, such as hip dysplasia and granulomatous colitis. The overarching goal of my research is to improve the health of our canine companions.
Jess Hayward
PhD
Bio for Dr. Hayward
Erin Henry headshot
I am an assistant clinical professor of shelter medicine in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences. My research interests are infectious disease and shelter animal behavior. As part of Cornell University's Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, I perform consultations with a wide range of clients, and I travel to various local and regional shelters to provide consultation on different topics as requested. We are one of the few schools offering a robust shelter medicine program that not only teaches classes, but has a rotation for students in their clinical years and is dedicated to training new shelter veterinarians through an intensive one-year internship that I help manage and supervise.
Erin Henry
VMD, DACVPM
Bio for Dr. Henry
Katherine Houpt headshot
I am the James Law Professor Emeritus of Behavior Medicine in the Department of Clinical Sciences. My research and clinical interests lie in the field of domestic animal welfare, and I'm a regular contributor to DogWatch newsletter, where I help answer owner's concerns about their pets' behavior.
Katherine Houpt
VMD, PhD
Bio for Dr. Houpt
Kelly R. Hume, DVM, DACVIM

I received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University.  I then completed a residency in medical oncology at North Carolina State University in 2008 and a research fellowship in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cornell University in 2010.  I am currently an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Cornell University. My research can be grouped into 3 broad categories: i) defining the role of DNA damage response mechanisms (DDR) in tumorigenesis and chemosensitivity as a means to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets, ii) repurposing of drugs to find low-cost anti-cancer therapeutics, and iii) evaluating the response of normal tissues to anti-cancer therapeutics and examining the clinical progression of cancers in veterinary species.

Kelly Hume
DVM, DACVIM
Bio for Dr. Hume
Heather Huson

My research focuses uses modern genomic technology and bioinformatics to determine genetic variants in association with and causing phenotypes of interest and to explore population dynamics. I have a particular interest in identifying the effects of natural and artificial selection on populations and applying genomic information to improve the heath, well-being, and management of animals. I have worked across a variety of species with a main focus on dairy cattle and working dog genetics. My research commonly relies on extensive phenotyping to better understand genetic mechanisms influencing complex behavior, health, and physiological traits.

Heather Huson
Ph.D.
Bio for Dr. Huson
Pip Johnson, BVSc, CertVDI, DipECVDI, MSc, MRCVS

My research at The Johnson Lab is focused primarily on developing advanced neuroimaging methods in veterinary science. We apply cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in the evaluation of the canine brain in order to advance our knowledge of neuroanatomy and neuropathology. In doing so, we aim to improve diagnosis and understanding of brain and spinal cord disease in the dog.

Pip Johnson
BVSc, CertVDI, DipECVDI, MSc, MRCVS
Bio for Dr. Johnson
Leni Kaplan headshot
I am a clinician and a senior lecturer for the Small Animal Community Practice. As a veterinarian, I have worked in private practice and emergency medicine for more than 20 years.
Leni Kaplan
DVM, MS
Bio for Dr. Kaplan
Toshi Kawate headshot
Extracellular signaling plays a central role in cell-cell communication for all multicellular organisms, orchestrating various life processes from body formation to brain function. This diverse and important signaling is exquisitely controlled by a variety of membrane-spanning proteins, including transporters and ion channels. My lab's research interest focuses on understanding how these dynamic and fine-tuned proteins are built, how they release and receive signals, and how they integrate and convey these signals across the cell membrane. In particular, we are interested in the ion channels that regulate extracellular ATP-mediated signaling, a newly emerging field in cell-cell communication throughout the human body.
Toshi Kawate
PhD
Bio for Dr. Kawate
Bruce Kornreich, DVM, PhD

I graduated from the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992, then spend a year in a private veterinary practice in metropolitan New jersey before returning to Cornell as its first veterinary cardiology resident in 1993. I was board certified in veterinary cardiology in 1997, and completed a PhD in pharmacology here at Cornell in 2005. I was the associate director of the Cornell Feline Heath Center from 2012-2019, and have been its director since 2019.

I have been a lifelong dog and cat owner, and I feel honored to be able to help dogs, cats, and and a number of other species of animals live happy, healthy lives by diagnosing and treating their cardiovascular diseases. In addition to my work in the clinic, I am dedicated to helping owners understand and advocate for the well-being of their pets through the provision of validated information and support.

Bruce Kornreich
DVM, PhD
Bio for Dr. Kornreich
DVM, DACVS

I am a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and have worked at Cornell since 2004. My publications include multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed articles on the surgical management and treatment of orthopedic diseases, including elbow dysplasia and cranial cruciate disease.

I have dedicated my career to the investigation of surgical methods for the treatment of orthopedic disorders and the objective evaluation of their efficacy using force plate gait analysis.

Ursula Krotscheck
DVM, DACVS
Bio for Dr. Krotscheck
Eric Ledbetter, DVM

I am a Professor of Comparative Ophthalmology at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. After graduating from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, I completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and a comparative ophthalmology residency at Cornell University, where I joined the faculty in 2006.

My research program focuses on ocular infectious diseases and non-invasive advanced in vivo imaging techniques of the eye. I have a specific interesting in canine infectious keratitis, including canine herpesvirus-1 ocular surface diseases. My research involves canine herpesvirus-1 includes investigations into host-pathogen interactions, mechanisms responsible for latent virus reactivation, and novel therapeutic strategies for ocular canine herpesvirus-1 infections.

Eric Ledbetter
DVM
Bio for Dr. Ledbetter
John Loftus, PhD, DVM, DACVIM (SAIC)

I am an assistant professor in the Section of Small Animal Internal Medicine. I was raised in Massachusetts and attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where I earned a B.S. in animal science and Ph.D. in animal biotechnology and biomedical science, with a focus in immunology. I moved to Ithaca in 2008 to attend Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating with my D.V.M. degree in 2012. I completed a small animal rotating internship, residency in clinical nutrition and residency in small animal internal medicine at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. I am board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. My research interests include immunology and metabolic/nutritionally-responsive diseases.

John Loftus
PhD, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)
Bio for Dr. Loftus
DVM, DACVS

I am a small animal surgeon who currently works in both orthopedic and soft tissue surgery at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. My research interests include evidence based medicine and the causes of orthopedic diseases.

Daniel Lopez
DVM, DACVS
Bio for Dr. Lopez
Margaret C. McEntee, DVM

I am a medical and radiation oncologist primarily engaged in clinical radiation oncology.  I have a significant administrative role that will be ending soon with increased opportunities for engagement in research. 

Margaret McEntee
DVM
Bio for Dr. McEntee
Andrew Miller, DVM, DACVP

I am an associate professor in the Section of Anatomic Pathology. My research is aimed at better understanding the pathologic underpinnings of intracranial neoplasia (namely glioma and meningioma) and soft tissue sarcoma via the integration of advanced molecular studies with basic histology.

Andrew Miller
DVM, DACVP
Bio for Dr. Miller
Allison Miller headshot
I am a lecturer in both the Department of Biomedical Sciences and the Section of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in the Department of Clinical Sciences. I received my doctorate in veterinary medicine from Cornell University in 2007 and returned in 2013 for a teaching role, after spending six years in clinical practice. I pursued further training to become a certified veterinary acupuncturist and to become a certified canine rehab practitioner. In addition to teaching in the preclinical and clinical curriculum, I have interests in both conditioning and maintaining competitive dogs at peak performance, as well as managing small animal geriatric patients. I have an earnest interest in developing new teaching modalities to help students better connect preclinical content with clinical applications.
Allison Miller
DVM, CVA, CCRP
Bio for Dr. Miller
Shana Mintz headshot

I am an assistant professor of cardiology in the Department of Clinical Sciences. After receiving both my B.S. and D.V.M. from Cornell, I completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center, followed by a one-year cardiology research fellowship at NYU School of Medicine. I then returned to Cornell for residency in Cardiology (2017-2020), and upon completion I returned to NYU School of Medicine for a post-doctoral research fellowship (2020-2022).

My area of expertise is called cardiac electrophysiology, and I study electrical signals in the heart to learn how they can misfire and cause arrhythmias. I hope to use my research to foster a greater understanding of the normal workings of the cardiac conduction system, and the ways in which dysfunction of this system can lead to disease. My hope is for this research to influence the ways that arrhythmias are understood and ultimately treated, saving animals and people from their often-severe consequences.

Shana Mintz
DVM
Bio for Dr. Mintz
Romain Pariaut, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA

I have been practicing veterinary cardiology since 2002. I received my DVM from the National School of Veterinary Medicine (ENVL) in Lyon, France. After a small animal rotating Internship, I continued as an Instructor in Emergency and Critical Care. I completed a residency in Veterinary Cardiology at Cornell in 2005. Before coming back to Cornell in 2015, I was an Associate Professor and Service Chief of Cardiology at Louisiana State University. I have also been an Associate Editor of the Journal of Veterinary Cardiology for the last 15 years. I am currently working on building a cardiac electrophysiology laboratory to diagnose and treat arrhythmia via radiofrequency catheter ablation. My research includes the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the management of arrhythmias in dogs.

Romain Pariaut
DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA
Bio for Dr. Pariaut
Colin Parrish, PhD

I am professor of virology, and I study canine viruses and immune responses to them. My lab's main areas of study include canine parvovirus and canine H3N2 and H3N8 influenza viruses.

Colin Parrish
PhD
Bio for Dr. Parrish
Santiago Peralta, DVM, DAVDC

As a clinical expert in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery, I routinely diagnose and treat oral cancer in dogs. As a surgeon, I have the responsibility of helping clients make informed decisions regarding the best treatment options for their pets. Unfortunately, the treatment options currently available have remained unchanged for decades and are all associated with significant complications and side-effects. Novel rational therapies are expected to complement or replace current standards of care, but will require a deep understanding of the etiopathogenic mechanisms involved. An important part of my research focuses on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of the most common oral tumors in dogs. For this, I have established teams of investigators from different fields including molecular genetics and genomics, medical oncology, veterinary pathology, laboratory animal medicine and biochemistry. Our goal is to generate knowledge that can ultimately be translated to clinical practice.

Santiago Peralta
DVM, DAVDC
Bio for Dr. Peralta
Pamela Perry headshot
I am a behavior resident at the College of Veterinary Medicine, where I also received my D.V.M. in 1989. I also have a Ph.D. in shelter animal behavior and welfare. I contribute regularly to DogWatch newsletter and work with the public to consult on issues concerning pet behavior.
Pamela Perry
DVM, PhD
Bio for Dr. Perry
Ned Place, PhD, MD

I am the director of the AHDC Diagnostic Endocrinology Laboratory, and the Endo Lab was the first lab to perform canine testing for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to distinguish between spayed and intact females, and this was later expanded to test for ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS). The AMH assay is also used to test for cryptorchidism and testicular remnants. Anti-Müllerian hormone is commonly used in human medicine to estimate the size of the ovarian reserve of oocytes and to titrate the dose of gonadotropins as part ovarian stimulation protocols in the context of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). As the uses of ARTs in dogs advance, AMH testing has the potential to serve the same roles in dogs as it does in women. Seeing as Cornell University is currently a leader in the field of canine AMH testing for ORS and cryptorchidism, I would like the Endo Lab to be positioned to be the leader in the field of AMH testing in the context of canine ARTs, and being affiliated with the Canine Health Center will be mutually beneficial in this regard.

Ned Place
PhD, MD
Bio for Dr. Place
Heidi Reesink headshot

I'm currently an associate professor of large animal surgery in the Department of Clinical Sciences, and I first came to Cornell in 2008 for a large animal surgery residency. Afterwards, I worked part-time as an emergency surgeon while completing my Ph.D. in comparative biomedical sciences.

My research focuses on pathophysiology, epidemiology and the treatment of orthopedic diseases. I am especially interested in translational orthopedics across multiple species — including dogs, horses and humans. Some of my lab's recent work has focused on cranial cruciate ligament ruptures and osteoarthritic changes. By better understanding these kinds of diseases and injuries, we will ultimately improve our ability to assess individuals' risk and to develop more effective therapeutics.

Heidi Reesink
VMD, PhD, DACVS-LA
Bio for Dr. Reesink
Luis Schang, MV, PhD

My lab is interested in broad spectrum antivirals, which can be used to treat a number of viral canine infections. (For example, canine herpesvirus and canine influenza, or less likely, canine distemper or canine parvovirus — against which we have excellent vaccines).

Luis Schang
MV, PhD
Bio for Dr. Schang
Erin Scott headshot

I am a veterinary ophthalmologist and an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. As a veterinary ophthalmologist, my professional interests are broadened by the wide variety of clinically relevant ocular conditions encountered in our patients. This includes advancements in the treatment of cataracts and glaucoma, comparative ocular pathology, and the ocular surface microbiome in health and disease.

Little is known about the ocular surface microbiome and its impact on disease. My work is the first in our field to investigate the temporal stability of the ocular surface microbiome before and after topical antibiotic administration in cats, dogs and horses.

By linking the clinical features of disease with their associated microbial community and pathologic changes, I provide a unique perspective in the interpretation and understanding of ocular disease processes in veterinary patients and their relevance to comparable human disorders.

Erin Scott
DVM
Bio for Dr. Scott
Praveen_200x200.png

Praveen is Chair of Biomedical Sciences, Professor of Physiological Genomics, and Director of the Center for Vertebrate Genomics at Cornell University, where he leads a research lab focused on genomic approaches to understand physiology and human disease.  He received his BA degree from Cornell University and his PhD in Genomics from the University of Pennsylvania.  After completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Human Genome Research Institute under the mentorship of NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins, he moved in 2011 to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics.  The same year he was selected by Genome Technology as one of the nation’s top 25 rising young investigators in genomics.  In 2017, he returned to Cornell University as an Associate Professor. Praveen has authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals such as PNAS, Cell and Science and has served as a reviewer for over 50 different journals.  Honors include a faculty merit award for outstanding teaching and mentoring, the prestigious American Diabetes Association Pathway To Stop Diabetes Research Accelerator (which is awarded to only three people per year), and the inaugural Boehringer Ingelheim Award for Excellence in Summer Research Mentorship.  Praveen is also dedicated to improving science communication and has served on the advisory board for the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion. Praveen’s laboratory is located on the 7th floor of the Research Tower on Tower Road.

Praveen Sethupathy
PhD
Bio for Dr. Sethupathy
Kenny Simpson outside with dog Poppy
I am a clinician-scientist, with clinical specialization in small animal internal medicine and gastroenterology, and research training in gastrointestinal and pancreatic physiology (Ph.D.), host-pathogen response and molecular microbiology (K08-mentored clinical scientist). I teach veterinary students and train interns and residents in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, and supervise undergraduate and post-graduate researchers in my laboratory. My interest in gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology across species is long-standing, and has evolved from studying pancreatic function and dysfunction and cobalamin absorption in dogs and cats, to a sustained emphasis on interactions between the enteric microenvironment (microbial, dietary and chemical) and the GI tract in health and disease (inflammation and IBD), and the application of culture-independent methods to detect bacteria in clinical samples.
Kenneth Simpson
BVM&S, PhD
Bio for Dr. Simpson
Tracy Stokol headshot
I am a veterinary clinical pathologist with roles in teaching, professional service and research. As a clinical pathologist, I teach veterinary students, interns and residents in clinical pathologic-related topics, and also participate in many continuing education seminars. I perform professional diagnostic service for the Cornell University Hospital for Animals and Animal Health Diagnostic Center. As a researcher, I conduct my own clinical applied and basic research and collaborate with other clinicians and researchers at Cornell and other universities. My main area of research is the role of tissue factor (coagulation factor III) in hemostasis (particularly thrombotic disorders) and cancer metastasis. I am dedicated to performing high-quality diagnostic service to benefit animal patients, in educating current and future veterinarians, and in conducting research that has direct applicability to animal health. My philosophy is "Do good work, take responsibility for yourself, and enjoy your life in every way - there is more to life than work!"
Tracy Stokol
BVSc, PhD, DACVP
Bio for Dr. Stokol
Lindsay Thalheim headshot
I am a staff oncologist with Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, based in Stamford, Connecticut, and I am also an adjunct assistant clinical professor of oncology at the College of Veterinary Medicine. I am particularly interested in translational medicine and comparative oncology, specifically involving hematopoietic and lymphoid cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. My research has included immuno-phenotyping canine lymphoma, and I have also worked at the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute, where I was involved in research on human pediatric osteosarcoma ( — the most common primary bone cancer in dogs). It is important to me to stay in involved in clinical research and keep looking for ways to improve cancer outcomes in dogs (and humans). On the clinical side, my goal is to try to improve the length and quality of life of each of my patients. The relationships that I develop with my patients and clients allow me to provide the best possible care for both the patient and their family, and I work to renew hope in the face of what can often appear to be a difficult or hopeless diagnosis. I love these relationships. For me, this is the heart of being an oncologist.
Lindsday Thalheim
VMD, DACVIM
Bio for Dr. Thalheim
Alexander Travis, VMD, PhD

I am interested in preserving threatened and endangered wild canid species both through our studies of assisted reproduction, and through work in developing nations that conserves wildlife by sustainably overcoming poverty and hunger. The same technologies of assisted reproduction can be used to help prevent genetic disease in domestic dog breeds.

Alexander Travis
VMD, PhD
Bio for Dr. Travis
Gerlinde Van de Walle, DVM, PhD

My research focuses on new avenues towards therapeutic intervention by better understanding the pathogenesis of diseases important to veterinary and human medicine. Stem cell biology and viral pathogenesis are the 2 main focus areas in the lab.

Gerlinde Van de Walle
DVM, PhD
Bio for Dr. Van de Walle
Joe Wakshlag headshot
I first came to Cornell in 1994 to pursue a doctorate in veterinary medicine. I went on to complete residencies in both pathology and clinical nutrition, and then earned my doctorate in pharmacology before joining the Cornell faculty in 2006. More recently, I have became a charter member of the American College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. My research interests include obesity management and nutritional intervention for the canine athlete.
Joe Wakshlag
DVM, PhD
Bio for Dr. Wakshlag
Robert Weiss, PhD

I'm a molecular biologist who investigates genomic instability and metabolic dysfunction in cancer. We use a comparative approach to study fundamental mechanisms of relevance to both human and canine malignancies, and have interests in translating our basic discoveries to improve clinical outcomes.

Robert Weiss
PhD
Bio for Dr. Weiss
Gary Whittaker, PhD

My research focuses on the structure and function of viral envelope proteins — how genomic mutations lead to changes in the envelope proteins and control viral pathogenesis in influenza viruses and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and 2, MERS-CoV and feline coronaviruses. This work supports novel vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic test development. 

Gary Whittaker
PhD
Bio for Dr. Whittaker
Caroline Yancey headshot

I am the associate dean of international programs at the College of Veterinary Medicine and also an associate professor of practice in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health. Before joining Cornell, I worked as a clinical veterinarian for more than 10 years before transitioning my career toward research and academia. With my background in public health, I also spent three years working as the epidemiology and clinical training lead for the Cooperative Biological Engagement Program in Azerbaijan, as part of the U.S. Department of Defense.

My current research interests include the surveillance of infectious diseases, the epidemiology of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, and international capacity building.

Caroline Yancey
DVM, MPH
Bio for Dr. Yancey

Staff

Aly Cohen headshot
Dr. Aly Cohen is an extension veterinarian for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center and a clinical instructor for Cornell’s Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program. She also serves as the contract veterinarian for the Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton, New York. Dr. Cohen graduated from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and her veterinary interests include surgery and emergency medicine. She has two Pomeranians named Mishka and Java.
Aly Cohen
Extension Associate
Bio for Dr. Cohen
asc354@cornell.edu
Brian Collins with three dogs
Dr. Brian Collins, D.V.M. '94, is an extension veterinarian for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center and a senior lecturer of community practice service in the Department of Clinical Sciences. He is also a veterinarian at Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York and provides consultations for the Cornell Feline Health Center, focusing on animal wellness, preventative care and the human-animal bond. His animal family includes dogs Dottie, Speck and Iris; cat Quinoa; and chicken Gladys.
Brian Collins
Senior Lecturer
Bio for Dr. Collins
bgc2@cornell.edu
Jamie A. Dibble
Assistant to the Director
jaw6@cornell.edu
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John Enright
Digital Marketing Specialist
jme242@cornell.edu
Teresa Griffin
Teresa Griffin
Assistant Director for Engagement, Relations and Operations
tag24@cornell.edu
Heather Hughes
Heather Hughes
Assistant Director for Communications & Marketing
hh522@cornell.edu
Junelle King
JUNELLE KING
Marketing and Social Media Specialist
jk2857@cornell.edu
David Lee photo with his dog

Dr. David Lee has joined the CVM leadership as faculty and associate dean for external programs. Dr. Lee will provide oversight of the Center for Veterinary Business and Entrepreneurship (CVBE) and in the continued development of the Canine Health Center. He will also contribute to teaching and expanding the CVBE’s course offerings for veterinary students, other degree programs and for external audiences.

Most recently, Dr. Lee comes from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where he had served as hospital director of one of the nation’s largest veterinary teaching   hospitals since 2006. He held a faculty position as associate professor of veterinary practice management and served as director of career development. In 2018, Dr. Lee was inducted into the UMN Academic Health Center’s Academy for Excellence for Health Care Practice for the successful design and implementation of pet wellness plans in a teaching hospital setting. At Minnesota, Dr. Lee also served as interim chair of their Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. From 2003 to 2006, Dr. Lee served as hospital director at Colorado State University.

Dr. Lee received his B.S. degree in animal science (’88) and his D.V.M. (’94) from Cornell University. He was a small animal general practitioner in Portland, ME before returning to Cornell as an instructor and extension veterinary for the college’s endocrinology laboratory. He received his MBA degree from the Johnson School in 1999 and stayed on at the CVM as director of external relations and marketing until 2003.

David Lee
Associate Dean for External Programs
Bio for Dr. Lee
Headshot of Ashley McLean
Ashley McLean
Events Coordinator
aam294@cornell.edu
Marisa Paradise headshot
Marisa Paradise
Administrative Assistant
mjp352@cornell.edu
Mark Schmitz
Mark Schmitz
Associate Director for Finance and Administration
mhs285@cornell.edu
Rory Todhunter BVSc, MS, PhD, DACVS

Meet our Director

As a translational orthopedic researcher who practices small animal orthopedic surgery, my main research interest has been in genetics and complex trait mapping. My research has relied at a fundamental level on leveraging natural inherited disease in our veterinary clinical population to discover the genetic factors predisposing to complex trait inheritance. The Cornell Veterinary Biobank is the first biobank to achieve accreditation by the International Standards Organization (ISO 203807). I am convinced that properly processed and archived biological samples, with a clear chain of attribution, are critical to valid preclinical and basic research. Using these samples, I am interested in reducing the severity of complex orthopedic traits in dogs especially hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (ACL in humans), and Legg Calve Perthes disease using genetic and genomic tools. The goal is to develop a tool kit of genetic strategies to identify breeding dogs with good orthopedic genetic quality to predict and prevent and introduce novel therapies for orthopedic disease. As a surgeon, I am concerned about surgically-related orthopedic infection in dogs and how to better surveil these infections in our teaching hospital to reduce and prevent them using epidemiological, genomic and metabolomic tools.

Rory Todhunter
Director
Bio for Dr. Todhunter
Sue Williams, Membership Coordinator
Sue Williams
Membership Coordinator
smw23@cornell.edu
Jackie Wright, Office Administrator
Jackie Wright
Office Administrator
jw335@cornell.edu