Ching-Yun Hsu is fascinated by the world of veterinary forensic pathology and is advancing her investigative and diagnostic skills using a One Health approach.
As we celebrate Graduate Student Appreciation Week, meet Ching-Yun Hsu who is in our innovative Ph.D. in One Health Sciences program. Her passion in veterinary forensic pathology is making a difference in human, animal and ecosystem health. Let’s get to know Ching more through a series of questions.
What are you passionate about in research and One Health?
My passion for research lies in veterinary forensic pathology, where I apply pathological knowledge to uncover causes and manners of death through logical reasoning. As a true crime and mystery enthusiast, I am drawn to the investigative nature of forensic science. My fascination with pathology and forensic science prompted me to pursue a master's degree in science at the Lab of Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Comparative Pathology at National Taiwan University. During my graduate study, I participated in forensic necropsies on animals that died from roadkill, negative inter-animal interaction (e.g., dog bite), infectious diseases, and animal cruelty, which highlighted the interconnection between all kinds of life within an ecosystem and reinforced my understanding of how veterinary pathology intersects with One Health.
The interdisciplinary nature of One Health connects the health of humans, animals, and the ecosystem as one. It’s fascinating to me how everything is all interconnected in a way that sometimes we don’t even realize. This interconnection demonstrates both risks (e.g., the transmission of zoonotic disease and the circulation of pollutants in the ecosystem) and opportunities for us to play a role in creating a better world through intervention. In the One Health framework, forensic science plays an important part in animal welfare, serving justice in animal cruelty cases, which are often linked to domestic violence and social issues. Investigating the death of carcasses for zoonotic diseases also helps identify the risk of disease transmission within the ecosystem. Recognizing the impact of being a veterinary pathologist motivates me to contribute my passion and knowledge to research that advances the health and welfare of humans, animals, and the environment.
What inspired you to pursue research?
I have been curious about natural science and biology since I was a kid. I enjoyed reading science books for children, asking questions about how things worked, and conducting simple experiments with household items at home. Through hands-on engagement, I cultivated logical thinking, patience, and a problem-solving ability. The sense of achievement from conquering challenges and finding answers always made me fulfilled. The passion for knowledge expansion and exploring the unknown still stays with me to this day.
As I progressed through my academic journey, I realized my passion for identifying critical problems and seeking answers through rigorous scientific research. The evidence-based approach of research satisfies my intellectual curiosity and reinforces my commitment to a career dedicated to expanding knowledge and solving real-world challenges.
What is your research?
My research focuses on the estimation of the Postmortem Interval (PMI) in dogs using biomolecular methods. The determination of the PMI, the time interval between the occurrence of death and the discovery of the body, is crucial in forensic investigations. Traditional methods like assessing the stiffening of the body (rigor mortis) or the decrease of the body temperature after death are often not reliable or accurate enough.
In recent years, forensic scientists have explored the degradation of nucleic acids after death for their quantifiability, longer observation timeframe, and higher accuracy. However, research on this topic remains limited in dogs, human’s best furry friends and the most common victims of animal cruelty worldwide. Thus, I aim to gain more understanding of the postmortem degradation patterns of nucleic acids in dogs, with the ultimate goal of applying the analysis to field practices with validated mathematical models to strengthen the power of evidence in forensic canine cases. My project will soon start this summer, and I’m really excited about it!
What opportunities have helped you advance your research?
Although my research project is still in its early stages, I have had several opportunities to enhance my knowledge and skills in forensic pathology. I greatly value the opportunities to participate in necropsies and weekly pathology gross rounds with our pathologists and veterinary students. Growing up in an urban area in Taiwan, I have very limited experience working with horses or farm animals. Here at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, I get to expand my understanding of these species, enriching my pathology knowledge and diagnostic skills, which is invaluable for my professional development.
Additionally, my advisor, Dr. Nanny Wenzlow, has provided an open and supportive research environment and connected me with amazing professionals working in veterinary forensics. Through these connections, I have gained valuable insights into veterinary forensic pathology as a career pathway. The program’s multidisciplinary research environment also allows for access to experts from various scientific disciplines, fostering discussion and potential collaborations that will be beneficial for advancing my research project and broadening my scientific perspective.
Why did you choose Texas Tech to pursue your Ph.D. in One Health Sciences?
After obtaining my Master of Science degree, I want to advance my academic journey further for personal fulfillment and career opportunities. Texas Tech’s School of Veterinary Medicine’s Ph.D. in One Health Sciences program offers an ideal medium to integrate my passion for veterinary pathology with interdisciplinary research. The program emphasizes bridging human, animal, and ecosystem health, which aligns with my career aspirations to translate my knowledge to enhance One Health.
Furthermore, the opportunity to work with Dr. Wenzlow, whose expertise in veterinary forensics and research interests closely match mine, played a significant role in this decision. The anatomic pathology residency program that is underway also attracted me as an excellent opportunity for my professional growth.
What do you like most about the One Health Sciences Program?
I appreciate the program’s diversity in both professional backgrounds and cultural perspectives. The presence of students from various disciplines fosters dynamic communications, discussions, and collaborations, offering valuable insights into different problem-solving approaches. Despite our differences, we all share a common commitment to One Health and are dedicated to scientific research. Additionally, the program’s inclusive and supportive environment encourages intellectual growth, facilitating interdisciplinary connections that drive impactful research.
How has the school helped you become a better researcher?
Texas Tech provides an enriching learning environment with access to valuable resources for research and professional development, including well-equipped necropsy facilities and access to advanced diagnostic tools. Through necropsy sessions and pathology gross rounds, I gain hands-on experience and learn directly from pathologists and rotating veterinary students. These valuable experiences enhance my diagnostic and analytical skills, helping me develop into a competent pathologist.
Furthermore, the school fosters a research-driven culture and hosts many academic events like Research Day and Seminars to facilitate discussion and collaboration, helping me to develop critical thinking and presentation skills that are crucial for the dissemination of One Health research.
What do you hope to do after graduating?
Although I am still early in my Ph.D. journey, I aspire to pursue a career in veterinary pathology or forensic science after graduation. My goal is to apply my knowledge and skills in a practical setting, and work as a veterinary forensic pathologist to investigate animal cruelty cases, dedicate my passion to pathology, and contribute to One Health.
With that being said, life is like a box of chocolates, and you never know what you're going to get. I am open to unexpected opportunities, and I will stay curious to continue embracing new challenges and expanding my expertise in veterinary pathology.