The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine’s swine group was well represented at the 2026 AASV Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, with students, faculty, and alumni coming together to celebrate accomplishments, reconnect, and represent the program with distinction.
The weekend kicked off with the always-anticipated UMN CVM Alumni Reception on Saturday evening. Faculty, current students, and graduates from across the swine industry gathered around Goldy to share a meal and swap stories — a reminder of the tight-knit community that defines the UMN CVM’s swine medicine program.
Dr. Marcello Melini during his presentation 
Dr Rafael Medeiros de Avila Melo received 2nd place in the graduate student presentation 
Dr. Lucas Ferreira presented his research data on the contamination of trailers at a slaughter facility. 
Dr. Amanda Wzorek received funding from the AASV Foundation for her research project. 
Drs. Perle Zhitnitskiy and Montse Torremorell with Goldy at the UMN alumni reception 
UMN CVM alumni and DVM students during the reception. 
The UMN CVM alumni reception gathered a large of Gophers. 
On our way to the airport, Las Vegas style
On the academic side, the UMN contingent had an outstanding showing across multiple competitions. Four DVM students — Rachel Kontz, Timothy Magdall, Seth Reicks, and Aleah Vetter — each earned scholarships through the student poster competition, recognized not only for the quality of their work but for their professionalism throughout the event. Congratulations to all four.
The Paploski Lab also had a standout meeting, earning two notable recognitions. Dr. Rafael Medeiros de Avila Melo took second place in the graduate student oral competition for his presentation “Assessing viral environmental contamination in and around mortality handling structures in wean-to-finish farms” — important work with real implications for biosecurity and farm management. Master’s student Dr. Amanda Wzorek received a $31,593 research grant for her proposal to optimize molecular detection of PRRSV and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using a sample concentrator, a methodology with meaningful potential to improve diagnostic sensitivity in the field.
Seeing UMN students and researchers recognized at a national stage reflects the caliber of training and mentorship happening within our program. Well done team!