Transforming Animal, Human, and Global Health
Inherent to the mission of Cummings School is advancing scientific knowledge to improve animal and human health through innovative research across more than 20 laboratories, in our seven veterinary hospitals and clinics, and in the field—on our Grafton, Massachusetts campus to locations around the world. Our research initiatives are rooted in curiosity about the natural world and compassion for animals and humans. Training future scientists and clinicians, disseminating our discoveries, and forging academic, corporate, and government partnerships to drive meaningful change are core elements of our work. We work tirelessly across the laboratory, clinic and in the field to develop breakthrough discoveries and solve complex problems that impact all species across our ever changing world.
DISCOVERY
Our faculty are leaders in advancing methods and approaches that uncover new knowledge and drive scientific innovation. We have a passion for finding unique solutions to complex problems and creating groundbreaking diagnostics, treatments, and preventatives for diseases that impact veterinary and human patients. Our breakthroughs help engineer new vaccines for infectious diseases, track global zoonoses from rats in Boston to primates in Peru, and explore the molecular and genetic basis of cancer, opioid addiction and parasites.
TRANSLATION
We create, validate, and improve laboratory-based and animal model systems necessary for the successful application of new diagnostics, treatments and devices. With support from the Clinical Research Shared Resource, we conduct studies across a diverse array of veterinary species and disease entities that generate knowledge critical for improving animal and human health. We work closely with academic and industry partners as well as human health stakeholders to ensure broad impact of our scientific discoveries.
LEARNING
A core tenet of Cummings School is training the next generation of innovators. Students, interns, and house officers play an integral role in our mission and threads of research are woven throughout the curriculum. Trainees have diverse opportunities to conduct clinical, laboratory, and field studies, and the Summer Research Training Program provides immersive mentored research exposure. Together, these experiences inspire continued exploration of unique careers that blend research and veterinary medicine.
Research News
Up-to-date research articles from Cummings School, Tufts Now, OVPR site, and external sources
Dr. Mauricio Solano, Section Head of Diagnostic Imaging at Foster Hospital, & Dr. Cynthia Smith, V99, CEO of National Marine Mammal Foundation & Tufts Trustee, co-hosted an interdisciplinary workshop on advancing pulmonary health assessment in dolphins.
Associate Research Professor Allen Rutberg talks about proposals to address the increasing deer population in Massachusetts.
Associate professor Felicia Nutter and School of Medicine assistant professor Jonathan Gass are quoted in HealthDay about the Nipah virus after cases have been reported in India and Bangladesh.
Professor Sam Telford appeared on WHDH-TV talking about Lyme disease and the "Mice Against Ticks" research project with MIT.
Associate Director, Collaborative for Shelter Dogs, Seana Dowling-Guyer is quoted by the Associated Press on the effects of music on dogs.
Scientist Wendy Puryear is quoted in Nature about broad surveillance of migratory birds for avian influenza as part of a One Health approach to mitigate spread of the disease.
