Remembering an innovator, Dr. Gerald Van Hoosier
(Posted 11/18/2020)
Dr. Gerald Van Hoosier, a pioneer in the field of Comparative Medicine, passed away on November 18, 2020. Following graduation from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M, in 1957, Jerry began his career at NIH focused on the development and safety evaluation of polio vaccines. He moved on to the faculty at Baylor and then Washington State University where he was a faculty member and directed the WSU Laboratory Animal Resources program from 1969 to 1975. In 1975, he became the founding Chair of the Department of Comparative Medicine at the University of Washington, a role he retained until becoming an emeritus professor in 1995. Jerry was a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM), served on their board of directors and as president in 1968. He also served as president of the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) in 1992 and was on the governing board of the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS) from 1995-1999. He published over 100 scientific papers, and was co-editor of Laboratory Hamsters and of the Handbook of Laboratory Animal Science-Volumes II and III. He was the recipient of numerous awards including the Griffin Award from AALAS, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M, and the Nathan R. Brewer Lifetime Achievement Award from ACLAM. Dr. Van Hoosier was a “Mentor’s mentor”. He will be remembered as a kind, thoughtful, caring leader and role model for hundreds of today’s laboratory animal veterinarians.
Remembering Dr. Margaret Alanna Ruddell
(Posted 8-25-20)
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Margaret “Alanna” Ruddell. Dr. Ruddell was a valuable faculty member in the Department of Comparative Medicine where she did cancer research as well as taught and mentored undergraduate students, graduate students, and Post-doctoral Fellows.
The Ruddell laboratory studied the architecture of lymph nodes and made seminal contributions to the understanding of the roles of immune cells, lymph nodes, and lymphatics in cancer metastasis. Alanna was one of the first to make the surprising observation that immune cells can contribute to cancer metastasis by inducing lymphatic vessel growth. She was internationally recognized for her expertise and was a standing member of NIH Study Sections reviewing grant applications on cancer metastasis.
Alanna’s enthusiasm was infectious and her outstanding mentorship resulted in numerous awards for her trainees, many whom have gone on to Faculty positions, Medical School, and Biotechnology positions. She will be missed.
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Comparative Medicine at the University of Washington is to foster knowledge and improve the health and well being of humans and animals by advancing research and training in comparative medicine and biology. For the greater community this is accomplished by provision of diverse and accomplished service including the promotion of excellent and humane care and collegial sharing of specialized expertise. An overarching goal is to ensure a collaborative working environment based on integrity and trust.
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