RCVS Fellows Day 2018
...by Owen Fletcher
Becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is an accolade for those who have made a myriad of admirable contributions to our future profession. Inviting students to present their research to the esteemed crowd, the RCVS’ latest initiative offers an unrivalled opportunity for you to share your own intellectual curiosities. Whether you choose to present your third-year dissertation or a summer research project, a more positive reception couldn’t be assured.
- 9:30 – You arrive at the magnificent Royal Institute, Mayfair for registration and light refreshments.
- 10:00 – Introduction and welcome
- 10:10 – Presentation of new RCVS Fellowships. It was inspiring to see the University of Liverpool being so well represented in these prestigious awards. A huge congratulations to Eithne Comerford, Alex German, Rob Pettit and honorary lecturer, Sarah Heath.
- 10:40 – Guest speaker: (This year) Christine Middlemiss, UK CVO on “The Future of the UK Veterinary Profession”.
- 11:15 – Fellows of the Future! Six students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, give a brief insight into the research they’ve been involved with. The warmth and genuine interest from the audience soon allows you to relax and enjoy your moment.
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 13:10 – Fellows in Focus. A variety of stimulating talks from current fellows, portraying areas of their own interest. This year:
- Dr Luke Gamble (CEO and Founder of WVS and Mission Rabies) – “International Vet Work – Methods, Mayhem and Madness.”
- Professor Gayle Hallowell – “Is the art of the physical exam dying?”
- Professor Jacqui Matthews – “Dealing with the worm that turned…”
- Professor Peter Muir – “Complexity of common diseases”.
- Dr Gigi Kay – “Why 99% of the world’s equine vets treat only 10% of the world’s equines. How can we start to redress this imbalance?”
- Dr Poly Taylor – “Whose best interest?”
- Dr Simon Wheeler – “Leadership – observations and learnings during clinical, academic and commercial career”
- 14:30 – Keynote Address – Professor Jim Al-Khalili, speaking about the influence of artificial intelligence and importance of public engagement.
- 15:30 – Closing remarks
- 15:40 – Drinks reception
...by Nicola Seechurn
I did a research project looking at the resting habitats of Culicoides biting midges which are vectors of Bluetongue virus and Schmallenberg virus. This involved putting midge traps around Leahurst campus and collecting and recording the samples to see which areas of the campus the midges preferred. As part of the project, I got to go to The Pirbright Institute – it was great to see what sort of research goes on beyond university walls! I was also selected to present my work at The RCVS Fellowship Day. Whilst this way a daunting experience, it was truly inspiring to be in the same room as some of the UK leaders in the veterinary profession. I would highly recommend submitting an abstract for this competition as it was an amazing day and a great opportunity to see how varied the profession actually is.
Ella's EMS placement at Knowsley Safari Park
This summer, I was lucky enough to have the chance to do a 2 week EMS placement at Knowsley Safari Park which is just outside of Liverpool! It was an amazing pre-clinical placement & would highly recommend to any students (especially those interested in conservation work!)
Some of my favourite moments were: feeding the lions, being up close to the rhinos aswell as training with the giraffes! The keepers and the on-site vet allowed me to be really hands-on, which was great as it allowed me to learn so much!
If you are keen to do a placement like this, make sure that you book early as it’s very popular (as I’m sure you can imagine… who wouldn’t want to do it!?)
Some of my favourite moments were: feeding the lions, being up close to the rhinos aswell as training with the giraffes! The keepers and the on-site vet allowed me to be really hands-on, which was great as it allowed me to learn so much!
If you are keen to do a placement like this, make sure that you book early as it’s very popular (as I’m sure you can imagine… who wouldn’t want to do it!?)
AWF funded-projects & Discussion Forum
Two of our students, Bethany Griffiths and Charlotte Norman, completed AWF funded research projects which then resulted with them presenting at the AWF discussion forum. See below to read about their projects and their experiences of presenting at the forum!
Charlotte Norman
What you did your project on?
Imported Rescue Dogs: Reasons, Methods and Welfare
Why you choose to do your project?
I have a background in UK rescue dogs and wanted to understand more about the phenomenon of importing rescue dogs. It also counted as EMS, I got paid and I got the opportunity to be based at Leahurst and meet other students doing projects.
What you found out from your project?
We had a huge response and found that most imported dogs are actually imported illegally (under the wrong import laws). We also found behaviour was better than expected but that the imported dogs had a high apparent prevalence of Leishmania.
How the AWF were involved?
The AWF funded my project, providing a stipend (basically wages) and covering the cost of presenting and publishing the paper.
How you found the AWF Discussion Forum?
There were some fascinating talks and debates and interaction was encouraged, making it a lively day. People are very open to conversation so it’s a great way to know people in the industry and other students.
Presenting was a little nerve wracking, but I’ve found presenting my research to be a great way to develop my public speaking ability, as nobody knows the research better than I do! This was my first 3-minute presentation and I actually prefer speaking for longer as I found I could settle into it. We had an alarm light show if we went over the 3 minutes, so the pressure was on to do it in time, overcome the nerves, speak well and get the message across. It was a great experience and I would recommend throwing yourself into these situations, it’s the best time to learn to speak to anyone and practice public speaking. Everyone wants to help students!
Imported Rescue Dogs: Reasons, Methods and Welfare
Why you choose to do your project?
I have a background in UK rescue dogs and wanted to understand more about the phenomenon of importing rescue dogs. It also counted as EMS, I got paid and I got the opportunity to be based at Leahurst and meet other students doing projects.
What you found out from your project?
We had a huge response and found that most imported dogs are actually imported illegally (under the wrong import laws). We also found behaviour was better than expected but that the imported dogs had a high apparent prevalence of Leishmania.
How the AWF were involved?
The AWF funded my project, providing a stipend (basically wages) and covering the cost of presenting and publishing the paper.
How you found the AWF Discussion Forum?
There were some fascinating talks and debates and interaction was encouraged, making it a lively day. People are very open to conversation so it’s a great way to know people in the industry and other students.
Presenting was a little nerve wracking, but I’ve found presenting my research to be a great way to develop my public speaking ability, as nobody knows the research better than I do! This was my first 3-minute presentation and I actually prefer speaking for longer as I found I could settle into it. We had an alarm light show if we went over the 3 minutes, so the pressure was on to do it in time, overcome the nerves, speak well and get the message across. It was a great experience and I would recommend throwing yourself into these situations, it’s the best time to learn to speak to anyone and practice public speaking. Everyone wants to help students!
Bethany Griffiths
I intercalated between my third and fourth year of vet school, undertaking a Masters of Research in Clinical Science (Veterinary Science). I intercalated as I really enjoyed my third year research project investigating the prevalence of lameness within English and Welsh dairy farms and its associated herd level risk factors, and I wanted to keep working on it, whilst developing new skills. I was presented with an opportunity when on my intercalation year to undertake an extra research project, working together with Veysel Bay, a PhD student within the Institute of Infection and Global Health. This is when I approached the Animal Welfare Foundation to fund and support the project through their student research grants.
The project examined the microbiome of complicated claw horn disruption lesions and interdigital hyperplasia, and the results of this study (due to be published in springer nature this year) found these lesions to be polymicrobial in nature with opportunistic anaerobes the predominant bacteria. Healthy skin samples displayed increased microbial diversity compared to those samples obtained from lesions. Furthermore complicated claw horn disruption lesions displayed significantly different microbiota profiles compared to healthy skin samples, whilst interdigital hyperplasia and infected interdigital hyperplasia were not significantly different. Complicated claw horn disruption lesions and interdigital phlegmon (foul in the foot) display similar microbiota profiles, such sharing of taxa suggests that these lesions are populated by many infectious agents acting opportunistically. Fastidiosipilia spp., a pathogen not previously associated with lameness causing lesions in cattle, showed a noteworthy presence in toe necrosis, sole ulcers and white line disease lesions, an exciting finding with it having been previously associated with osteitis in human patients.
I found presenting at the forum really enjoyable, if incredibly nerve-wracking when presenting in front of a room full of future peers. However when given the opportunity to discuss lameness in dairy cattle everyone that knows me can vouch for the fact that when I start talking about lameness it is very difficult for me to stop as it is an issue that I am incredibly passionate about! The rest of the forum was thoroughly enjoyable and really thought provoking, from discussing whether pet insurance is a positive force for animal welfare to motivational interviewing (something I am very keen to learn more about!).
The project examined the microbiome of complicated claw horn disruption lesions and interdigital hyperplasia, and the results of this study (due to be published in springer nature this year) found these lesions to be polymicrobial in nature with opportunistic anaerobes the predominant bacteria. Healthy skin samples displayed increased microbial diversity compared to those samples obtained from lesions. Furthermore complicated claw horn disruption lesions displayed significantly different microbiota profiles compared to healthy skin samples, whilst interdigital hyperplasia and infected interdigital hyperplasia were not significantly different. Complicated claw horn disruption lesions and interdigital phlegmon (foul in the foot) display similar microbiota profiles, such sharing of taxa suggests that these lesions are populated by many infectious agents acting opportunistically. Fastidiosipilia spp., a pathogen not previously associated with lameness causing lesions in cattle, showed a noteworthy presence in toe necrosis, sole ulcers and white line disease lesions, an exciting finding with it having been previously associated with osteitis in human patients.
I found presenting at the forum really enjoyable, if incredibly nerve-wracking when presenting in front of a room full of future peers. However when given the opportunity to discuss lameness in dairy cattle everyone that knows me can vouch for the fact that when I start talking about lameness it is very difficult for me to stop as it is an issue that I am incredibly passionate about! The rest of the forum was thoroughly enjoyable and really thought provoking, from discussing whether pet insurance is a positive force for animal welfare to motivational interviewing (something I am very keen to learn more about!).
ULVAA Final Year Student Award winner!
Congratulations to Katie Burden who has been awarded the inaugural University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association (ULVAA) Final Year Student Award.
This new award is intended to recognise outstanding contributions, of a final year student to life at the Veterinary Institute in Liverpool, by providing help and support to fellow undergraduates; for example through participating in student politics and organisation of events that benefit the students.
Katie was nominated for this award by her fellow students. Over her five years at vet school she organised countless academic and social events as Third Year Rep, Fifth Year Rep and also LUVS President. As AVS Treasurer she represented the interests of students externally, and as SEVA Vice President she organised a fantastic SEVA Congress at Liverpool. She also found time to play rugby, netball and sing in the Leahurst Choir.
Katie should be a huge inspiration to the rest of the student body. The Alumni Association is proud to recognise her valuable achievements and look forward to receiving nominations in future years. A call for nominations for next year’s award will be announced in 2019.
This new award is intended to recognise outstanding contributions, of a final year student to life at the Veterinary Institute in Liverpool, by providing help and support to fellow undergraduates; for example through participating in student politics and organisation of events that benefit the students.
Katie was nominated for this award by her fellow students. Over her five years at vet school she organised countless academic and social events as Third Year Rep, Fifth Year Rep and also LUVS President. As AVS Treasurer she represented the interests of students externally, and as SEVA Vice President she organised a fantastic SEVA Congress at Liverpool. She also found time to play rugby, netball and sing in the Leahurst Choir.
Katie should be a huge inspiration to the rest of the student body. The Alumni Association is proud to recognise her valuable achievements and look forward to receiving nominations in future years. A call for nominations for next year’s award will be announced in 2019.
RCVS Fellowship Day 2017
The RCVS kindly invited 25 vet students to attend the Fellowship day, among them were 6 4th year Liverpool students who all found the day very inspirational.
We would like to give a huge congratulations to Professor Debra Archer and Dr Jo Dukes McEwan on receiving their RCVS Fellowship by Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice.
We would like to give a huge congratulations to Professor Debra Archer and Dr Jo Dukes McEwan on receiving their RCVS Fellowship by Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice.
Summer Studentship 2017- Our experience
"An investigation into the effects of Bradykinin on contractility in the Pregnant Uterus" by Katy Peat (4th Year)
Funded by: The Wellcome Trust / Veterinary Institute
How you found out about the project?
I first found there were summer projects available to vet students through an email that was sent out to our year. There were a list of projects that students could apply for; I think the One Health Initiative is a fantastic idea so working at the Liverpool Women’s hospital on both human and animal tissue to investigate preterm births really caught my eye. https://www.harris-wellbeingptbcentre.co.uk/research/
Where were you based and what did you learn?
I was based at The Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre at the Liverpool Women's Hospital. I learnt that bradykinin effects contractility in the pregnant uterus! - something which very little work has been carried out on. Hopefully the data I have gathered will be investigated further and used by the lab to develop our understanding of why women go into labour early with the potential of further developing drugs to either induce or delay labour.
Did you enjoy it and would you recommend it?
I really enjoyed my time working at The Women’s; I learnt a lot and the people at the centre were very helpful and gave good guidance. Importantly they all work as a team- It’s uter-us not uter-I!
I would recommend applying for a summer studentship to anybody who wants to know more about research. It provides you with the opportunity to consider a career in this area by experiencing what it is like to work in a research environment and developing your practical lab skills. Plus, it looks great on your CV and you can count 6 weeks as funded EMS!
“Effect of exercise on the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition of rat tendons and ligaments" by Eleanor Allchorne (4th year)
Funded by: Wellcome Trust & Veterinary Institute.
How you found out about the project?
I found out about the project through an email from the university which mentioned the studentships and possible projects to apply for. The title of my project jumped out at me particular as I always had a particular interest in musculoskeletal biology, especially when combined with sports and exercise being an avid gym goer myself! I had always considered research as a possible career option further to fully qualifying as a vet, but had so little experience in the field it seemed the perfect opportunity to get stuck in and see what was involved. I was incredibly surprised and excited when I was told I would receive funding for this as I was aware funding was competitive.
Where were you based and what did you learn?
I was based in the William Henry Ducan building on the Liverpool campus. 8 weeks flew past, I was able to learn so many new techniques - we really fit a lot in to the short timescale! After lots of frustration regarding dodgy western blots finally my luck changed in the last week when I was able to validate that exercise induced an increase in the protein actin in exercised rat ACL, this was exciting as this was something never discovered before.
Did you enjoy it and would you recommend it?
I would definitely recommend applying for the studentship if you are interested in research, I never imagined I'd learn as much as I did. The million dollar question- am I going to go into research? I'm still not sure... as I always change my mind what I want to do! Although I feel I have a much greater understanding of what is involved now and it was really good fun.
“Imported rescue dogs: reasons, methods and welfare" by Charlotte Norman (4th year)
Funded by: Animal Welfare Foundation.
How you found out about the project?
Between my 1st and 2nd year, I helped on a research project based at Leahurst and got to know my current supervisor. We chatted about possible areas for new research and popular trends. After choosing to do something else for my 3rd year project, my superior approached me and suggested I do a summer project. I jumped at the chance of 6 weeks CEMS and a full 8 weeks of pay! I applied for funding from the AWF and thankfully they agreed to fund the project, including an 8 week stipend, conference fees and publication fees.
Where were you based and what did you learn?
I was based at Leahurst alongside several other students who were also doing summer projects. I was the primary investigator and having done an extended literature review in 3rd year, I had a lot to learn. I designed the questionnaire, cleaned and analysed the data and am still in the process of writing the results. I have learnt how long research takes!
Did you enjoy it and would you recommend it?
I really enjoyed doing the project and am very exited to present the results. I am would recommend a summer studentship to anyone as you learn so much, not only the research but communication and presenting, you also meet lots of staff and students, have a set summer income and its great to have on your CV!
Funded by: The Wellcome Trust / Veterinary Institute
How you found out about the project?
I first found there were summer projects available to vet students through an email that was sent out to our year. There were a list of projects that students could apply for; I think the One Health Initiative is a fantastic idea so working at the Liverpool Women’s hospital on both human and animal tissue to investigate preterm births really caught my eye. https://www.harris-wellbeingptbcentre.co.uk/research/
Where were you based and what did you learn?
I was based at The Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre at the Liverpool Women's Hospital. I learnt that bradykinin effects contractility in the pregnant uterus! - something which very little work has been carried out on. Hopefully the data I have gathered will be investigated further and used by the lab to develop our understanding of why women go into labour early with the potential of further developing drugs to either induce or delay labour.
Did you enjoy it and would you recommend it?
I really enjoyed my time working at The Women’s; I learnt a lot and the people at the centre were very helpful and gave good guidance. Importantly they all work as a team- It’s uter-us not uter-I!
I would recommend applying for a summer studentship to anybody who wants to know more about research. It provides you with the opportunity to consider a career in this area by experiencing what it is like to work in a research environment and developing your practical lab skills. Plus, it looks great on your CV and you can count 6 weeks as funded EMS!
“Effect of exercise on the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition of rat tendons and ligaments" by Eleanor Allchorne (4th year)
Funded by: Wellcome Trust & Veterinary Institute.
How you found out about the project?
I found out about the project through an email from the university which mentioned the studentships and possible projects to apply for. The title of my project jumped out at me particular as I always had a particular interest in musculoskeletal biology, especially when combined with sports and exercise being an avid gym goer myself! I had always considered research as a possible career option further to fully qualifying as a vet, but had so little experience in the field it seemed the perfect opportunity to get stuck in and see what was involved. I was incredibly surprised and excited when I was told I would receive funding for this as I was aware funding was competitive.
Where were you based and what did you learn?
I was based in the William Henry Ducan building on the Liverpool campus. 8 weeks flew past, I was able to learn so many new techniques - we really fit a lot in to the short timescale! After lots of frustration regarding dodgy western blots finally my luck changed in the last week when I was able to validate that exercise induced an increase in the protein actin in exercised rat ACL, this was exciting as this was something never discovered before.
Did you enjoy it and would you recommend it?
I would definitely recommend applying for the studentship if you are interested in research, I never imagined I'd learn as much as I did. The million dollar question- am I going to go into research? I'm still not sure... as I always change my mind what I want to do! Although I feel I have a much greater understanding of what is involved now and it was really good fun.
“Imported rescue dogs: reasons, methods and welfare" by Charlotte Norman (4th year)
Funded by: Animal Welfare Foundation.
How you found out about the project?
Between my 1st and 2nd year, I helped on a research project based at Leahurst and got to know my current supervisor. We chatted about possible areas for new research and popular trends. After choosing to do something else for my 3rd year project, my superior approached me and suggested I do a summer project. I jumped at the chance of 6 weeks CEMS and a full 8 weeks of pay! I applied for funding from the AWF and thankfully they agreed to fund the project, including an 8 week stipend, conference fees and publication fees.
Where were you based and what did you learn?
I was based at Leahurst alongside several other students who were also doing summer projects. I was the primary investigator and having done an extended literature review in 3rd year, I had a lot to learn. I designed the questionnaire, cleaned and analysed the data and am still in the process of writing the results. I have learnt how long research takes!
Did you enjoy it and would you recommend it?
I really enjoyed doing the project and am very exited to present the results. I am would recommend a summer studentship to anyone as you learn so much, not only the research but communication and presenting, you also meet lots of staff and students, have a set summer income and its great to have on your CV!
Harriet returns to 4th year after Intercalating at the RVC & Sri Lanka!
We asked Harriet about her experiences with Intercalation and here is what she said "I am returning to start my 4th year in Liverpool after intercalating for a year. I had heard about the opportunity to intercalate before starting vet school and it had always interested me. When I started 3rd year I began reading about courses available to intercalating students, I had some experience with vets’ roles in public health and was interested to explore this more. I also learnt about the University of Liverpool Veterinary School Clinical Veterinary Research Training Bursary that is available to intercalating students and thought I’d go for it!
I was very fortunate to be awarded the bursary and gain a place on the One Health Master of Science course at the Royal Veterinary College and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It was a great opportunity for me to have a break from vet school, study somewhere different and learn about One Health approaches to combating zoonotic disease and other global issues. We had fascinating lectures from experts across so many fields. As part of the Masters I also spent three months living in Sri Lanka carrying out a research project!
Although it has been hard seeing my friends continuing on to final year ahead of me, I still get to see them and I know plenty of people in the year I am joining. Overall it has been a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering intercalating!"
Congratulations Harriet and welcome back to Liverpool!!
Third year student receives 'Inspiration Award'
Harriet Davenport won the Undergraduate Student Inspiration Award, worth £5000, from the Kennel club charitable trust. Harriet will use this money to fund a summer studentship looking into how papillomaviruses can cause oral tumours in dogs, with a focus on canine throat cancer.
Congratulations Harriet, we look forward to your results!
Congratulations Harriet, we look forward to your results!
Sir Ian McKellen visits campus to discus LGBT Issued with LUVS LGBT+ Society
Left to Right: Mat Hennessy, Sir Ian McKellen, Joe Simon.
Joe Simon, a third year vet student who started the LUVS LGBT+ society, invited Sir Ian Mckellen to the university to talk about LGBT issues. The event was a huge success with an audience of over 300 students.
Sir Ian Mckellen spoke about the hardships he faced as a gay man and he praised organisations such as LUVS LGBT+ society and the British Vets LGBT society. Mat Hennessy, president of the British Vets LGBT+ also spoke about the issues of the LGBT+ people within the veterinary community.
The event also raises £780 from the audience for the Michael Causer Foundation, a Liverpool charity, hoping to support the LGBT+ community throughout the city.
Moral of this event- You don't get if you don't ask!
Well done Joe Simon for making this happen!!
Sir Ian Mckellen spoke about the hardships he faced as a gay man and he praised organisations such as LUVS LGBT+ society and the British Vets LGBT society. Mat Hennessy, president of the British Vets LGBT+ also spoke about the issues of the LGBT+ people within the veterinary community.
The event also raises £780 from the audience for the Michael Causer Foundation, a Liverpool charity, hoping to support the LGBT+ community throughout the city.
Moral of this event- You don't get if you don't ask!
Well done Joe Simon for making this happen!!
LUVS volunteer as teachers for the day!
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This February, we were asked by a local school teacher in Neston if there were any LUVS students who would be interested in going to their school and talking to their Year 1 and 2 children about the basics needs of animals and how to look after them. We were thrilled at the opportunity and six 4th year students volunteered for the job; Ellie Richardson, Beth Dixon, Zoe Morphew, Nicole Whittell, Becky Sedman and myself, Katie Burden. Each of us had our own 'topic' to teach and the children rotated round in each practical session. These included: match the baby to the mummy animal, what do you call a mummy and a daddy animal, how to care for injured wildlife such as hedgehogs and chicks, how to handle and feed small furries, what animals are endangered and what products come from which farm animals. The day was a great success with lots of fun had by teachers, pupils and vet students alike. We think its a brilliant initiative to start childrens education on animals early in schools and it's something our dedicated 'EdVet' team are working on to ensure people of all ages know exactly what us vets are here for!
Picture below are our lovely volunteers with their teaching props! |
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