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Student Spotlight

Giselle Carter

A recent BSc graduate in Biological Science who is currently enrolled in the DVM program is actively seeking opportunities to enhance her experience in the field of One Health.

Learn more about Giselle Carter

Giselle Carter, a passionate advocate for One Health, is bridging the gap between animal and human well-being. Having recently graduated from the Biological Science program at the University, Giselle has now started an exciting journey in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the Ontario Veterinary College, where she has previously worked in Dr. Adronie Verbrugghe’s pet nutrition lab, in the Department of Clinical Studies. 🐶🐱

Obesity is one of the largest health and welfare concerns in domestic animals, and Giselle has been an integral part of Dr. Verbrugghe’s pet nutrition lab, where research is being conducted on the obesity epidemic. Exploring the factors driving obesity in companion animals, the lab’s work goes beyond nutrition – it delves into the broader environment shaping their health. “From indoor confinement and food accessibility, there are findings in companion animals that may shed light on obesity in humans, as there may be a positive correlation between obesity in pets and their owners” Giselle shares. The lab recognizes the multi-faceted aspects contributing to this issue, and this correlation between pet and owner obesity opens a window into understanding human obesity.

During her fourth year of the undergraduate program, Giselle completed her fourth-year project (ANSC4700/ANSC4710) with the pet nutrition lab under PhD candidate Hannah Godfrey. Her role consisted of monitoring study participants with care and contributing to feeding, enrichment, and data analysis. She also worked on writing literature reviews, and manuscripts, and documenting the lab’s findings. With the research she gathered during her project, Giselle then presented her work at two poster conferences.

Giselle is excited to incorporate the One Health approach in her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. She values protecting the health and safety of animals, which in turn helps protect humans and the environment.

Alex McGinn

A BAS student in Psychology and Neuroscience working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Jen Murray, Department of Psychology, where she is working towards introducing the One Health approach into her work.

Learn more about Alex McGinn

Alex McGinn is a passionate student working towards her Bachelor’s in Arts and Science, in Psychology and Neuroscience. As an Undergraduate Research Assistant under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Jen Murray, Department of Psychology, Alex is looking further into introducing the One Health approach into her work. 🧠

Within the Murray AIM lab, Alex is looking into the intersection of drug use and behaviour. The lab’s research spans a spectrum of disciplines, encompassing psychology, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and biomedical sciences. With opioids as a focal point, the lab is interested in finding the impacts of drug use on behaviour, health, and even genetic expression. This research extends to areas like polysubstance abuse, neuroplasticity, and drug-seeking behaviour, carrying implications for social programs, medical interventions, and policy shaping.

Alex is currently working on the project: “Moral Punishment: Impacts of Punishment Contingency on Morphine Self-administration in Rats,” which gives her the opportunity] to dive into the intricate connections between morphine’s pain-relief properties, euphoria effects, and the body’s stress response. Using rat models, Alex takes on a range of responsibilities, from caring for the rats to overseeing operant chambers, all the while carefully monitoring behaviours and ensuring the well-being of the rodents. 🐀

“The research I am a part of has practical implications for social programs, medical and therapeutic interventions, as well as policy,” Alex shares. She is dedicated to advancing comprehension of the human mind, and this work serves as a testament to the blend of art and science, highlighting the power of interdisciplinary research.

Michele Bergevin

PhD candidate in epidemiology, investigating Cache Valley Virus (CVV) – a mosquito-borne zoonosis that infects both humans and animals and is most often reported in sheep. Bergevin is supervised by Drs. Katie Clow and Vicky Ng.

Simon Jeeves

MSc student in Pathobiology and One Health studying wildlife disease ecology, specifically, zoonotic diseases in native rodent populations under the supervision of Dr. Claire Jardine.

Nikola May

MSc student in Pathobiology and One Health studying plasmid transfer in Salmonella to better understand what drives antimicrobial resistance under the supervision of Dr. Nicole Ricker.

Cyril Akwo

PhD Candidate in Epidemiology and One Health developing a One Health framework for tick and tick-borne disease surveillance under the supervision of Dr. Katie Clow.

Jamie Goltz

MSc student in Epidemiology and One Health reviewing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pathways in human health settings under the supervision of Dr. Jane Parmley.

David Borish

PhD graduate in Public Health and International Development documenting the intimate relationship between Inuit and caribou in Labrador.

Emily Robinson

Master’s student in Epidemiology and One Health studying Black-legged ticks and their spread in Ontario under the supervision of Dr. Katie Clow.

Grace Nichol

Master’s student in Epidemiology and One Health studying Dermacentor ticks and pathogen spread under the supervision of Dr. Katie Clow.

Sophie Neumann

Master of Public Health candidate under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Papadopoulos through the department of Population Medicine (OVC) at the University of Guelph. Sophie is completing her summer practicum at the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO).

Sydney Pearce

Ph.D. candidate studying Epidemiology with a collaborative specialization in One Health under the supervision of two One Health researchers; Dr. David Kelton and Dr. Jane Parmley.

René Sahba Shahmohamadloo

Ph.D. candidate pursuing a Doctorate in Aquatic Toxicology under the supervision of Dr. Paul Sibley through the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph.

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