Dr. Sue Piscopo with “Willie” one of the therapeutic riding horses from Touchstone Farm in Temple, NH
I am a veterinarian and a reproductive physiologist. While I no longer practice veterinary medicine, my experiences from practice influence everything I do in the classroom. I currently teach a variety of courses in the biology program, including Molecules and Cells, Evolution, Cells and Physiology and Reproductive Physiology. In the integrative studies program, I teach a course about zoonotic diseases called Mad Dog, Mad Cows and More, and a reproductive physiology course called The A.R.T. of Reproduction.
In addition to advising biology students, I advise students who are hoping to attend graduate school in one of the health-related professions, including medical, veterinary, and dental school. I am one of several faculty members involved with the Pre-Health Advising group, which meets with students each semester to assist them in preparing for admission to these graduate programs.
Nik Kokal (Class of 2011) collecting saliva from “Gretski”
I have a particular interest in the health and well being of working horses. I am currently working with students to evaluate the stress response in horses used in therapeutic riding programs. We are trying to determine if these horses experience an excessive level of stress, as indicated by increased levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. I am conducting this research in conjunction with Dr. Jim Kraly (Chemistry) and his research students, because we are working to develop a novel method for measuring cortisol in the saliva of horses using the technique of capillary electrophoresis. Ultimately, I hope to apply what we learn in the laboratory to improving the working conditions of therapeutic riding horses.