VCOM 2017 Annual Report

inspired by innovation

Internally Funded Research

VIRGINIA Terry Hrubec, DVM, PhD

respiratory syncytial virus . Renee Prater, DVM, PhD, is co-principal investigator on this project, and this work is in collaboration with colleagues at VMCVM.

Dr. Hrubec is an associate professor for anatomical sciences at VCOM–Virginia. She has an active research program investigating how environmental contaminants in the work place and in water can adversely affect health, reproduction, and development. Dr. Hrubec is the principal investigator on two projects funded through VCOM award mechanisms: • VCOM REAP: Synergistic action of tap water contaminants: Potential health risks . Susan Meacham, PhD, RN, is an investigator on this project. • VCOM and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) One Health Research Center: Effects of quaternary ammonium disinfectants on gut microbial and development of immune function . Dr. Hrubec is co-principal investigator on this project, in collaboration with colleagues at the Virginia- Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMVCM). Teresa Johnson, PhD Dr. Johnson is an assistant professor for microbiology and immunology at VCOM–Virginia. She maintains an active research program in novel vaccine development, involving both academic and biotech industry partners. Her internally-funded projects include: • VCOM REAP: Vaccine development for the prevention of gram negative bacterial infections . • VCOM and VMCVM One Health Research Center: Establishment of the lamb model of

Renee Prater, DVM, PhD Dr. Prater is the associate dean for curriculum, assessment and medical education at VCOM–Virginia. She is co-principal investigator on two grants in partnership with researchers at VMCVM: • VCOM and VMCVM One Health Research Center: Nanoparticles to deliver antisense nucleic acid constructs as therapeutics for intracellular bacterial infections . • VCOM and VMCVM One Health Research Center: Establishment of the lamb model of respiratory syncytial virus . Teresa Johnson, PhD, is co-principal investigator on this project.

Beverly Rzigalinski, PhD Dr. Rzigalinski is a professor for pharmacology at VCOM–Virginia. Her research interests are in

biomedical research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neurodegenerative disease, examining the biochemical pathways damaged by injury. She is also investigating the use of novel nanopharmaceutical, cerium oxide nanoparticles, in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Rziaglinski’s internally-funded projects are: • VCOM REAP: Cerium oxide nanoparticles in the treatment of blast neurotrauma . • VCOM and VMCVM One Health Research

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