LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Awards Four Advanced Degrees in Summer 2026

The Summer 2026 graduates include:

- Samantha Clark, Ph.D., from Monroe, La., who earned her degree in Pathobiological Sciences for her dissertation, “Orthobunyavirus Characterization to Support Emergence Preparedness,” under the supervision of Rebecca Christofferson, Ph.D. Dr. Clark will continue at LSU Vet Med to complete her DVM degree.

- Wellesley Dittmar, Ph.D., from Baton Rouge, La., also graduated in Pathobiological Sciences with her dissertation titled “Host-Associated Evolution of SARS-CoV-2: Molecular and Virological Effects of Spike Protein Mutations Arising in North American White-Tailed Deer,” advised by Mariano Carossino, DVM, Ph.D. She will remain at LSU Vet Med to finish her DVM.

- Demetrius McAtee, from Bossier City, La., received his Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences for his dissertation, “Uncovering Arsenic-Mediated Stress Behavioral Alterations and the Role of Glucocorticoid Signaling.” His advisor was Ahmed Abdelmoneim, Ph.D. Dr. McAtee has accepted a post-doctoral research position at Oregon State University.

In addition, Hugo Gonzalez Jassi, MVZ, from Puebla, Mexico, earned a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences. His thesis focused on “The Effects of Anesthesia Circuits and Buprenorphine on Body Temperature of Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona Ventralis),” supervised by Thomas Tully, DVM. Dr. Gonzalez is currently exploring academic job opportunities.

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, one of 33 veterinary schools in the United States and the only one in Louisiana, emphasizes education, research, and community service to enhance the lives of animals and humans alike.