Dr. Thomas Waltzek was presented the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence, largely for his research in emerging aquatic animal pathogens and fish health, during the 27th annual College of Veterinary Medicine Research Symposium.
Since 1985, high-profile research faculty in the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine have been recognized with the annual honor for their advancements in the veterinary field. Outstanding professional students and undergraduates are also recognized for their research.
Waltzek joined the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology at Washington State University in 2023. He credits his department colleagues who have always supported and motivated him to get to this point, but urges now more than ever, it is time to collaboratively address aquatic health threats in Washington and beyond.
“As a land-grant institution, we are stewards of our aquatic industries and ecosystems — the iconic fisheries and waters that define our region. Our mission is to protect them so future generations can prosper and enjoy them as we have. It sounds simple in idea, but its implementation is anything but. It will take everyone working together — through regional thinking and inclusive collaboration — to truly sustain these vital resources,” Waltzek said.
Dr. Bonnie Gunn, an assistant professor and viral immunologist in the college’s Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, was the recipient of the Dean’s Outstanding Junior Faculty Research Award.
Sponsored by the dean, the award is designed to recognize outstanding junior faculty who are already establishing themselves as innovators and leaders in their chosen fields. Faculty who are pre-tenure or clinical track faculty within six years of starting their independent research careers are eligible.
Awards were also distributed to student researchers from five categories: undergraduate student, graduate student, postdoctoral researcher, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student/intern and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine resident.
Out of all undergraduate researchers, Danika Dalvi received first place in the undergraduate student category for her poster, and Gitano Hobson and Taylor Page tied for second place in the undergraduate research category.
Sinem Ulusan received first place in the graduate student category, and Tryssa de Ruyter received second place in the category. Sammuel Shahzad topped the post-doctoral researchers’ category, and Cody Lis received second place. Tiffany Lin and Emma Schneider tied for first place in the veterinary student/intern pool. In the DVM resident category, Saeed Lariab received first place.