Head of School, Professor Lloyd Reeve-Johnson has announced that the School of Veterinary Science has appointed two new Professors bringing the total to three since he was appointed in March last year.
"It is vital to recruit the top talent to lead the School into the future, a strong School Executive will help us to more rapidly reposition our School as a national and international leader."
Professor Jim Rothwell will join the School in February, 2006 as Chair of Pathology, Infectious Disease and Biosecurity.
He brings with him 25 years of experience in research, veterinary pathology, parasitology and the commercial development of veterinary chemicals.
He will lead a group of veterinary pathologists and infectious disease academics to embrace emerging needs in infectious diseases, biosecurity and training.
"I see my group as critical to supporting the three clinical sections in the School of Veterinary Science, providing post graduate training in the general area of pathology and collaborating widely with researchers in biomedical sciences in other parts of the University and externally," Professor Rothwell said.
Professor Gail Anderson will join the School in early March, 2006 as Chair of Companion Animal Surgery.
She was the first Australian woman to gain American College of Veterinary Surgery Board certification after completing her postgraduate surgery training in Canada.
Having gained her PhD at the University of Toronto in bone cell biology, her research work examines bone biomaterials interactions both in vivo and in tissue culture, especially loosening of joint replacements.
Another focus has been how bone cells sense their mechanical environment.
“My previous medical faculty appointments have allowed me the opportunity to collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams including biomedical engineers, physicians and basic scientists.
"These projects, using animal models, have benefits for both veterinary and human patients. The UQ environment provides me a great opportunity for new collaborations which I believe will add strength to this work.
"My research goal will continue to be the improvement of implant design and longevity, ” added Professor Anderson.
Professor Michael McGowan returned to the School in May 2005 after a period of 4 years in the United Kingdom to lead the Veterinary Population Medicine section.
"The School of Veterinary Science has long established expertise in rural production animal medicine, working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and commercial partners.
"There is a clear opportunity for growth in this area. The area of animal reproduction is also an area where we would hope to reaffirm a reputation of excellence."
"This is an exciting time for our School, we are planning to move to new facilities at the end of 2008 and hiring top talent in preparation for this.
"Having the right people working in good facilities will positively impact our research and teaching output and quality.
"Our challenge is to ensure that the new School facilities are world class and that we manage to relocate within the desired timeframe.
"It is a question of setting clear objectives and focusing on implementation," concluded Professor Reeve-Johnson.
Media: Professor Reeve-Johnson (07 3365 2784, hosvetsci@uq.edu.au)
