A Message from the Dean

by Mark Stetter
April 09, 2024

Our last Synergy issue (Fall 2023) focused on translational research that has advanced clinical care for animals and even humans. This issue highlights the critical role of fundamental research. Those endeavors may not immediately cure cancer or prevent Alzheimer’s, but they form the foundation for future therapeutics that could, as you’ll read about here.

Fundamental research scientists are often the unsung heroes in veterinary medicine. They dedicate decades behind the scenes to extremely specialized areas of scholarship that steadily advance their field and benefit the next generation. In this article, you’ll meet two graduate students who are just launching their research careers and hear what keeps them motivated.

Advanced imaging has been the cornerstone of scientific discovery for centuries and makes for some beautiful imagery, as you saw on the cover (read more here). The school is fortunate to house a core campus Advanced Imaging Facility where researchers can study structure and function at the molecular, cellular and whole organism levels. Collaborators from the UC Davis School of Medicine and the Colleges of Engineering, Biological Sciences and Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have used the facility since 2015.

As the school sunsets its current strategic plan and develops a new five-year plan this fall in preparation for the re-accreditation process in 2025, we’ve developed four key Strategic Initiatives to bridge that transition. Thanks to the dedication and input of working groups comprised of more than 150 volunteers from across the school, we’ve identified the school’s top priorities: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; People First; Facilities; and Research. I’m excited about actions already underway on these initiatives that you can read more about here.

We’ve had an incredible year celebrating the school’s 75 years that will culminate with a fundraising Anniversary Gala on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 6 pm at the iconic Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento. You can find more information and purchase tickets here. I hope to see you there!