MSTPets: Part 3
by Rachel Brown (M2)
An ode to our furry friends who help us study for anatomy practicals, keep us company while we write our papers and thesis dissertations, and welcome us home after a long shift on surgery.
MSTPets: Sam (Doberman-Great Pyrenees mixed breed dog) and Wilbur (Dalmatian-Longhaired Dachshund-Harrier mixed breed dog)
Ages: 1 year old (7 dog years old) and 3 years old (21 dog years old)
MSTParents: Jean-Nicolas Gallant (G3) and Jessica Gallant (Nissan Engineer)
Areas of Research: Effects of Canine Vocalization on Aves (Sam) and Effects of Salivation on Testicular Regeneration (Wilbur)
Fun Fact 1: Sam sleeps on his back with all four paws in the air.
Fun Fact 2: Wilbur pees with all 4 legs on the ground.
MSTPet: Nimdah
Age: 5 years old
MSTParents: Dr. Megan Williams (MSTP Assistant Director) and Dr. Jon Williams
Field of Study: Somnology (Study of Sleep)
Fun Fact: I got Nimdah in the middle of grad school when my P.I.’s neighbor’s cat had kittens. Since the lab studied glutamatergic transmission in the brain, I proudly named him after the NMDA Receptor. True to his name, Nimdah loves helping with science, whether it’s studying for a qualifying exam or writing a dissertation.
MSTPet: Buffy Brown (Guinea Pig)
Age: 1.5 years old
MSTParent: Rachel Brown (M2)
Research Interests: Effects of Basil Overconsumption on Tummy Circumference
Fun Fact: Buffy’s favorite artery is the basilar artery.
MSTPets: Maxwell and Brandy Harris
Ages: 7 years old and 3 years old
MSTParents: Nick Harris (G3) and Kelly Harris (Pediatrics Resident)
Research Interests: Molecular Gastronomy (Maxwell) and Neural Correlates of Cuddling (Brandy)
Fun Fact 1: Both Maxwell and Brandy are “Couch to 5K” and “5K to 10K” graduates.
Fun Fact 2: Although they may look like twins and are currently inseparable, genetic testing showed that Brandy and Maxwell only have one great-grandparent (a Dachshund) in common.
MSTPet: Felix
Age: 1 year old
MSTParent: Merla Hubler (G4)
Research Question: Is Felis catus box-sitting dependent on the ratio of fluff to will?
Felix Says: “I'm shy, but I have very quick reflexes.”
MSTPet: Sep
Age: 1 year old
MSTParent: Merla Hubler (G4)
Area of Research: Effects of Meowing on Owner Irritation Between 5 and 7 am
Sep Says: “I will literally eat anything, because I'm always starving since my mom never feeds me!”
MSTPet: Sadie (Yellow Labrador – British)
Age: 2.5 years old
MSTParents: Dr. Lourdes Estrada (MSTP Associate Director), DJ Chesnut (teenager who plays but doesn't feed), Larry Chesnut (teaches me manners)
Field of Study: Kinesiology and dreaming to play for MLB
Fun Fact: Sadie loves her blanket as much as Linus van Pelt (Peanuts: Happiness Is a Warm Blanket)
MSTPet: Louigi Brown
MSTParents: Benjamin Brown (M2) and Family
Age: 10 years old
First Publication: Effects of Various Ingested Materials on the Adhesive Properties of Saliva (Nature 2014)
Fun Fact: Loui’s head is the same size as our French bulldog’s (Lola’s) entire body, but he still lets her win at tug-of-war.
MSTPets: Quinoa and Chia
Age: 5 months
MSTParents: Kelsey McNew (MSTP M2) and Catie Havemann (VMS1)
Research Interests: Anal Gas Evacuation and the Colonic Microbiome (Chia) and Hanging out in the mouse room (Quinoa)
MSTPets: Chiquita and Reba
Ages: 1.5 years old and 7 years old
MSTParent: Andy Hale (M2)
Research Interest: Effects of Treats on Reward Circuitry and Feeding Behavior