Dr. Knickelbein Receives 2020 Wilson Award

Ophthalmology resident Dr. Kelly Knickelbein received the 2020 James M. Wilson Award. Her Equine Veterinary Journal publication, “A missense mutation in damage-specific DNA binding protein 2 is a genetic risk factor for ocular squamous cell carcinoma in Belgian horses,” was chosen as the year’s most outstanding research report. She completed the work under the mentorship of Drs. Mary Lassaline and Rebecca Bellone.

“Dr. Knickelbein personifies a combination of compassionate, knowledgeable, skilled veterinarian and intellectually curious, logical, meticulous researcher: a true clinician scientist,” said Lassaline, professor emeritus. “We look forward to seeing where she will take our field.”

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common equine eye cancer. Knickelbein’s research revealed that a variant in the gene previously associated with ocular SCC in Haflingers is also associated with the disease in Belgian horses.

“It has been a pleasure to get the opportunity to work with and mentor Dr. Knickelbein,” said Bellone, director of the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL). “She has substantially contributed to several projects investigating how genetics influences ocular disorders in horses.”

A genetic test for ocular SCC is available through the VGL that allows owners of high-risk horses to tailor management practices to decrease cancer risk and enable early detection and treatment.

“I am honored to receive the James M. Wilson Award,” said Knickelbein. “The opportunity to perform research that may improve the health of horses has been a highlight of my residency, and I am grateful to my supportive mentors. Thank you to the Center for Equine Health for providing funding opportunities for resident research.”

Read the full story here.