Biological and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
Cornell Clinical Fellow - Faculty Mentors
Selection of a Faculty Mentor
Cornell Clinical Fellows must identify a specific laboratory in which the research will be conducted. The following faculty mentors have agreed to host a Cornell Clinical Fellow in their laboratory. (Faculty web sites can be accessed by clicking on their photo).
 Dr. Doug Antczak dfa1@cornell.edu (607)-256-5633 |
1) Use of interspecies (horse x donkey) hybrids to study genomic imprinting. This is an ongoing collaboration with Dr Andy Clark of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. 2) Study of the mechanisms that prevent maternal immunological recognition and destruction of the developing mammalian fetus. This project has been funded by the NIH nearly continuously since 1981 and focuses on the equine endometrial cups. 3) Studies of the equine Major Histocompatibility Complex, specifically the role of MHC genes in conferring susceptibility or resistance to the equine sarcoid skin tumor. |
 Dr. Rodrigo Bicalho rcb28@cornell.edu (607-253-3140 |
1) Lameness is one of the greatest challenges facing the dairy industry because of the obvious suffering that is imposed in affected animals and the economic consequences of its occurrence. My previous and current lameness research interests are to understand the pathophysiology of claw horn disruption lesions, to evaluate preventive strategies, to investigate the microbial etiology of digital dermatitis, and to develop and test suitable vaccines against digital dermatitis. 2) Postpartum uterine diseases of cows—specifically puerperal metritis, clinical endometritis and subclinical endometritis—are important from both animal welfare and economic considerations because they contribute to cow discomfort and elimination from the herd, and have a profound negative effect on reproductive performance. Our metritis work is geared towards unraveling the dynamic bacterial pathogenesis of uterine diseases and the development of novel treatment and preventive strategies. 3) Bacteriophage therapy. There are approximately 106 phages per milliliter of water in the world’s oceans and lakes and 109 phages per gram of sediment and topsoil. Bacteriophages can be considered the perfect antimicrobial agents; they are highly specific to few bacterial species or even strains; they are non-toxic to mammals; they grow in exponential scale while precisely killing targeted bacteria5. Our research group is particularly interested in the prospect of replacing the use of antibiotics for the treatment of high incidence bovine diseases such as metritis, mastitis, and pneumonia. |
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The Rory J. Todhunter/Marta Castelhano and Adam Boyko laboratories are focusing on animal medical genetics. These two laboratories form the nucleus of the Cornell Biobank, which was established in 2006. The Cornell Biobank archives DNA and limited relevant tissue collected from animals admitted to the Cornell University for Animals. It currently houses DNA and phenotypes on over 9,000 animals. The predominant species represented is the dog. We are currently genotyping over 4,000 pure breed dogs to map complex traits and diseases related to the orthopedics, oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology, morphology, hepatology, and gastroenterology. We are also pursuing markers for upper airway disease in horses and acquiring resources to undertake genetic mapping of production related traits in dairy cattle. Tools currently used include linkage mapping, GWAS, resequencing, whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and gene expression. In parallel with the molecular genetic research, we maintain a clinical presence for medical genetic consultation and phenotype screening of control dogs in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. |
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The Rory J. Todhunter/Marta Castelhano and Adam Boyko laboratories are focusing on animal medical genetics. These two laboratories form the nucleus of the Cornell Biobank, which was established in 2006. The Cornell Biobank archives DNA and limited relevant tissue collected from animals admitted to the Cornell University for Animals. It currently houses DNA and phenotypes on over 9,000 animals. The predominant species represented is the dog. We are currently genotyping over 4,000 pure breed dogs to map complex traits and diseases related to the orthopedics, oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology, morphology, hepatology, and gastroenterology. We are also pursuing markers for upper airway disease in horses and acquiring resources to undertake genetic mapping of production related traits in dairy cattle. Tools currently used include linkage mapping, GWAS, resequencing, whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and gene expression. In parallel with the molecular genetic research, we maintain a clinical presence for medical genetic consultation and phenotype screening of control dogs in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals |
 Dr.Yung-Fu Chang yc42@cornell.edu (607)-253-3675 |
To advance the understanding of mechanisms of C. difficile pathogenesis. The specific aims are: 1) Compare in vivo and in vitro transcriptome profiles of divergent strains. 2) Compare the transcriptome and proteome of different strains. 3) Provide experimental annotations for CDS and pathways of C. difficile strains and construct and characterize C. diffile mutants. |
 Dr. Jon Cheetham jc485@cornell.edu (607)-253-3100 |
Laryngeal paralysis reduces airflow in the upper airway of canine, equine and human patients. This leads to a variety of outcomes including life threatening airway obstruction requiring tracheostomy. We are developing a range of microsurgical and tissue engineering techniques to restore function in patients with laryngeal paralysis. The clinical fellow will receive microsurgical training at Columbia University and training in tissue engineering techniques at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. |
 Dr. Scott Coonrod sac269@cornell.edu (607)-256-5657 |
Pepptidylarginine deiminase (PADI) enzymes convert protein arginine residue to citrulline. Elevated PADI activity (termed citrullination) is increasingly being associated with a range of chronic inflammatory diseases such as RA, Alzheimers, and COPD. We have recently found that PADI expression and activity is also elevated in specific subtypes of breast cancer and a current goal of our lab is to test the hypothesis that PADI-mediated inflammation is playing a role in mammary tumor progression. Possible research projects would likely involve making use of our existing human breast cancer cell lines (with depleted or overexpressed PADIs), mouse models of cancer, and samples of spontaneous mammary tumors in dogs and cats to try to strengthen links between PADIs, inflammation and tumor progression. Experiments could include testing whether depletion of PADI2 from breast cancer cells, tumor spheroids or tumor xenografts affects inflammatory marker expression. Further, correlations between PADI expression, tumor grade, and inflammatory marker expression in dog and cat mammary tumors could also be investigated. |
 Dr.Julia Felippe mbf6@cornell.edu (607)-253-3100 |
My laboratory studies the immune system of the horse, particularly immunodeficiencies and developmental immunology. We also provide immunologic testing for horses for the diagnosis of immunodeficiencies. Currently, our program investigates the regulatory mechanisms of equine B cell differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells, using cell culture, flow cytometry, quantitative RT-PCR, transcriptome and methylation assays. |
 Dr. Alan Nixon ajn1@cornell.edu (607)-253-3224 |
Use of stem cells for musculoskeletal repair allows autologous cells to be harvested and used for connective tissue lineage specific application in cartilage, tendon, and bone repair. Our laboratory and preclinical studies focus on gene-based manipulation of lineage and target cell function for enhanced repair. Combination of cell therapy and RNA silencing approaches to control catabolic processes afford better opportunity to regenerate cartilage, bone, or tendon, rather than simply repairing existing damage. |
 Dr. Daryl Nydam dvn2@cornell.edu (607)-253-4391 |
I am a dairy cattle veterinarian using integrative epidemiologic approaches to dairy cattle well-being, production efficiency, and farm sustainability. My research group endeavors to illuminate the constraints mammals face as they transition from late gestation to early lactation (milking cows) and from life in utero to neonates (calves), so that cattle are healthy and thus contribute to efficient, profitable, and environmentally sound production of safe foods. These time frames are critical to the foundations of health in neonates and mature cows setting subsequent productive and reproductive performance. Recent research efforts in our group have demonstrated the large negative consequences of mobilizing too much adipose tissue as non-esterified fatty acids and ketones on health, milk production, and reproductive performance. In addition, we have investigated the impact zoonotic pathogens have on calf health and performance. We are currently working to identify nutritional, management, and pharmacologic strategies to help these transitions. |
 Dr. John Parker jsp7@cornell.edu (607)-256-5626 |
The Parker lab studies the interactions of Feline calicivirus (FCV) with its cellular receptor, feline Junctional Adhesion Molecule A (fJAM-A) with the goal of identifying molecular determinants responsible for virus tropism. We hypothesize that FCV-fJAM-A interactions are critical determinants of the efficiency of virus infection and spread and hence, are likely critical factors in determining the pathogenesis of FCV disease. |
 Dr. Colin Parrish crp3@cornell.edu (607)-256-5649 |
The programs in my laboratory concern the analysis of viral host range and identifying the ways in which those can change so that viruses gain the abilities to bind and infect cells of various hosts. We are primarily examining the models of feline parvovirus transferring into dogs to create canine parvovirus, and the equine influenza virus transferring into dogs, to give rise to canine influenza virus. There are many opportunities to work on basic, applied, and clinical aspects of those model systems. |
 Dr. John Schimenti jcs92@cornell.edu (607)-253-3636 |
Proper control and execution of DNA replication is critical for faithful transmission of the genome. Replication stress, whether exogenous or genetically induced, can cause genom Mcm4. This mutation, named Chaos3 (Chromosome aberrations occurring spontaneously 3), caused exclusively mammary adenocarcinomas in homozygous nulliparous females in the C3H strain background, and other tumor types in different strain backgrounds. Current projects concentrate on defining genomic alterations that occur in Chaos3 cells to drive cancer, to identify how genetic background modulates tumor type, and to develop molecular mechanisms of neoplastic transformation in replication-stressed cells. |
 Dr. Ynte Schukken yhs2@cornell.edu (607)-255-8202 |
My research interest is in milk quality and endemic infections diseases on dairy farms. The two research focuses are on the epidemiology and clinical immunology of mastitis and Paratuberculosis in dairy cows. Research projects include clinical trials and observational studies, challenge studies in our experimental facilities at Cornell and epidemiological modeling studies, often using data collected from field studies. |
 Dr. Kenneth Simpson kws5@cornell.edu (607)-253-3251 |
My research is focused on resolving the complex interactions between genetic susceptibility, bacteria and inflammatory responses in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas). This involves the application of contemporary methodologies such as 16S rDNA pyrosequencing, Fluorescence in situ hybridization for bacteria, genome-wide analysis (SNP), and metabolic profiling to dogs, cats, people, and experimental models. |
 Dr. Tracy Stokol ts23@cornell.edu (607)-253-3255 |
I am studying mechanisms of cancer metastasis in animals and humans, particularly the role of tissue factor in this process, focusing on tumor-endothelial and tumor-stromal cell interactions at metastatic sites. I also study mechanisms of thrombosis in animals, secondary to inflammation, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and viral infections (specifically equine herpes virus type 1). |
 Dr. Susan Suarez sss7@cornell.edu (607)-253-3589 |
The main goal of our work is to understand how the interactions of sperm with the female reproductive tract enable sperm to reach and fertilize eggs. The applications of our research include improving evaluations of fertility, diagnosing and treating infertility, improving the reproductive success of endangered species, and developing improved methods of contraception for humans, domestic pets, and pests. We are currently focused on movement of sperm through the oviduct (uterine tube). We investigate how sperm are held in and released from a storage reservoir, and how sperm may be guided toward the site of fertilization after release. We work primarily with cattle and collaborate with Genex/CRI artificial insemination cooperative, but we also use mice because we can actually watch the behavior of sperm within the mouse oviduct. The techniques we use include sperm and tissue preparation and incubation, video microscopy, image analysis, sperm motility analysis, protein gel electrophoresis and western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. |
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The Rory J. Todhunter/Marta Castelhano and Adam Boyko laboratories are focusing on animal medical genetics. These two laboratories form the nucleus of the Cornell Biobank, which was established in 2006. The Cornell Biobank archives DNA and limited relevant tissue collected from animals admitted to the Cornell University for Animals. It currently houses DNA and phenotypes on over 9,000 animals. The predominant species represented is the dog. We are currently genotyping over 4,000 pure breed dogs to map complex traits and diseases related to the orthopedics, oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology, morphology, hepatology, and gastroenterology. We are also pursuing markers for upper airway disease in horses and acquiring resources to undertake genetic mapping of production related traits in dairy cattle. Tools currently used include linkage mapping, GWAS, resequencing, whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, and gene expression. In parallel with the molecular genetic research, we maintain a clinical presence for medical genetic consultation and phenotype screening of control dogs in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals |
 Dr. Robert Weiss rsw26@cornell.edu (607)-253-4443 |
The overall focus of my laboratory centers on mouse models for understanding how DNA damage response mechanisms and other regulatory pathways influence the origins and therapeutic sensitivity of cancers. Potential projects for Clinical Fellows include but are not limited to:1) Roles for the DNA damage checkpoint protein Hus1 in tumorigenesis, including investigation of how Hus1 impairment sensitizes cancers to both spontaneous replication stress and chemotherapy-induced DNA damage. 2) requirements for the Sirtuin family of regulatory enzymes during tumor initiation and progression using knockout mice and small molecule pharmacological inhibitors. 3) Novel mouse models for understanding the initiating events in testicular germ cell tumor formation as well as the unique therapeutic sensitivity of these cancers. |
 Dr. Gary Whittaker grw7@cornell.edu (607)-253-4019 |
Our current research on Feline Coronavirus is focused on identifying and characterizing the mutation(s) responsible for the transition from FECV to FIPV. This involves molecular techniques such as cloning, viral pseudotyping, and DNA sequencing, as well as biochemical techniques. There are are opportunities to work with archived samples from novel outbreaks of FIP and to perform techniques such as immunohistochemistry through our collaboration with faculty in Cornell’s Pathology Department. Our hope is to develop better diagnostics and treatments for FIP. There are also opportunities to study Canine Coronaviruses, including novel high path isolates, in collaboration with Cornell’s Diagnostic and Pathology laboratories. |
