Critical animal infectious disease research is making great strides at WSU thanks to alumnae Dr. G. Caroline Engle (’67 DVM), whose planned gift created the Caroline Engle Distinguished Professor in Research on Infectious Diseases. Her gift supports a permanent faculty member with an established research program about the cause and treatment of infectious diseases in animals.
Caroline retained an active interest in research and small animal medicine even after she formally retired from her veterinary practice. Her gift expressed her appreciation for the opportunities provided by WSU, including accepting her to the program later in life.
“WSU accepted me into veterinary school when it had been eight years since I had graduated from college,” said Caroline, who applied to pursue her love for animals and her interest in science and medicine.
She earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at WSU in 1967 and credits professor Roger Spencer in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology for providing the tools that helped her successfully compete for a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Studying under a grant from the National Cancer Institute, Caroline’s research into the cause of cancer in animals led to the discovery that mammary tumors in rats were caused by viruses. Her subsequent research project on Feline Leukemia formed the foundation for a cats-only clinical practice she owned in Vancouver, Washington.
Caroline Engle Distinguished Professor in Research on Infectious Diseases recipients:
- Dana Shaw, 2022-present
- Devendra H. Shah, 2021-2022
- Anthony V. Nicola, 2017-2021
- Santanu Bose, 2015-2017
- Robert H. Mealey, 2013-2015
- Douglas R. Call, 2009-2013