Published March, 2015

Name: Igor Canisso

From: Brazil

Degrees and institute where received:

• DVM, Federal University of Parana, Brazil;
• MSc, Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil
• Dipl. ACT, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
• Dipl. ECAR, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
• PhD, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky (UK)

Igor Canisso, DVM, PhD, MSc, Dipl. ACT, ECAR, an assistant professor of equine theriogenology in the department of veterinary clinical medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign campus, graduated with a PhD in equine reproduction from the UK Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center in 2014.

During his time at the Gluck center, Canisso was advised by Barry Ball, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT, professor and Albert G. Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction at UK's Gluck Equine Research Center. Canisso’s primary research project focused on equine placentitis, which is a major cause of late-term pregnancy loss in broodmares.

Canisso said he chose UK because it has the world’s leading program in equine research, and the reproduction lab where he earned his doctoral degree is an excellent facility.

“I obtained my PhD education from the world’s best equine reproduction scientists, so it was an easy decision to join the group at the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center," he said. "Being awarded with a fellowship by the Geoffrey Hughes Foundation through the Department of Veterinary Science certainly gave me the peace of mind that I could complete my graduate work without worrying about stipends."

Canisso said his time studying equine placentitis was rewarding because of the advances that his group has made in the breeding segment of the “horse capitol of the world.” During his time at the Gluck Center, Canisso had the opportunity to collaborate on research with colleagues in and out of the reproduction laboratory.

“I learned how to become an independent researcher and obtained my PhD training in the center of the horse industry. (It) certainly gave me a differentiated perspective into my career as an equine reproduction scientist and clinician,” Canisso said.

Just before his PhD defense, Canisso started as an equine theriogenologist and tenure track faculty member at the University of Illinois. He expressed gratitude for the advancements made in equine science, which could not have happened without funding from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

“The experiences, education, and connections with the horse industry acquired while working in the bluegrass has certainly helped me in my new endeavors and journey as a clinician and scientist,” Canisso said.

Hannah Forte is a communication intern with the UK Ag Equine Programs and Gluck Equine Research Center and undergraduate student majoring in community and leadership development at UK.