Vet Med Research Scholars Olivia Clapp (left) and Kahylin Nesbitt (right) pose for a photo after presenting their research conducted with the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security. (Photo by Beth Peterman)
By Laura Zseleczky
This summer, two Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine students gained hands-on experience in cutting-edge aquatic animal health research with the Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security (GCAHFS) as part of the college’s Vet Med Research Scholars Program.
Second-year DVM students Olivia Clapp and Kahylin Nesbitt spent their summer investigating health threats to bottlenose dolphins in the Mississippi Sound—an ecologically and economically important population along the Gulf Coast.
For Clapp, the experience was her first foray into scientific research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Lifang Yan, Dr. Kaylin McNulty, Dr. Mark Lawrence, and Dr. Beth Peterman, she focused on recent cases of bacterial infections of Brucella ceti in perinatal dolphins, or dolphin calves in their mothers’ wombs and shortly after birth.
“We used PCR, cloning, sequencing, and histopathology to assess these cases,” Clapp explained. “Our goal was to determine the sequence type and relationship between strains of the bacteria, as well as document associated lesions.”
The research team found that most of the recent cases were sequence type 27, and that two genes—omp2a and omp2b—were more effective in differentiating sequence types of Brucella ceti than other genes commonly used. The lesions they found were consistent with published pathology, though more data is needed to determine whether sequence type 27 strains cause more severe lesions than other sequence types in perinatal dolphins. These findings will help scientists more effectively track infections and understand their impacts to protect the dolphin population in the Mississippi Sound.
“Presenting my research for the first time was an experience that really stood out to me,” Clapp said. “It was rewarding to share what I had worked on all summer with my friends, family, and members of the CVM community.”
Meanwhile, Nesbitt worked in the lab of Dr. Mark Lawrence, collaborating closely with faculty mentors Dr. Beth Peterman and Dr. Basant Gomaa to explore potential bacterial contributors to the development of freshwater lesions in dolphins—a condition whose cause remains unknown.
“Our project aimed to see if Streptococcus and/or Aeromonas species play a role in the development of freshwater lesions,” Nesbitt said. “We used PCR, gel electrophoresis, gene sequencing, and phylogenetic trees to find that multiple Streptococcus strains may be involved in the development of these lesions.”
These results indicate the need for continued monitoring of the dolphin population and their environment to better understand and mitigate the lesions, which can be harmful after a prolonged period.
Nesbitt, who plans to pursue a career in marine medicine, said the program helped her see how research and veterinary practice intersect.
“Just being able to work in the lab by myself at times stood out to me,” she said. “I felt like I was getting to do some real hands-on work and was trusted to get it done.”
Both students emphasized the importance of mentorship throughout their research journeys.
“I enjoyed working with Dr. Gomaa as my primary mentor,” Nesbitt said. “She was able to break down complex topics into smaller pieces to help me understand not only what we were doing, but also why we were using certain methods in our project. She also taught me how sometimes research doesn't always go as planned and that sometimes you have to pivot.”
Clapp echoed that sentiment: “Dr. McNulty was supportive and encouraging throughout the entire program, answering all of my many questions with patience and expertise.”
This was the first time McNulty, an assistant clinical professor at MSU CVM and marine animal pathologist with GCAHFS, participated in the program.
“It was truly an honor to serve as one of Olivia’s mentors. She did an outstanding job, and it was incredibly rewarding to watch both students grow into confident researchers in such a short time,” said McNulty. “Their work not only advances our understanding of aquatic animal health, but also reflects the skills, curiosity, and dedication that will shape their future careers. These students are already emerging as stewards of animal health, and I am so excited to see the impact they will have in their communities and beyond.”
Both students presented at the program’s culminating research showcase as well as MSU CVM’s annual Research Day, where Clapp earned second place for oral presentations among Vet Med Research Scholars.
GCAHFS is one of several programs that provides opportunities through the Vet Med Research Scholars Program, building the next generation of veterinary and aquatic health researchers. By engaging students early in their careers, GCAHFS is helping to develop skilled professionals who will be key to solving global challenges in animal and environmental health.
The Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security works to reduce world hunger and improve aquatic animal health; it is affiliated with the College of Veterinary Medicine. To learn more about GCAHFS and the MSU Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab, go to www.gcahfs.msstate.edu.