ESCHERICHIA COLI O157: CATTLE COLONIZATION, THE NUTRITIONAL BASIS OF COLONIZATION, AND DIAGNOSTIC PROBE DEVELOPMENT

appreciate Dr. Clinkenbeard’s emphases on clear scientific communication and proper experimentation, as well as his broader career emphasis on the importance of well-trained veterinarians in the biomedical research community. I wish to thank the additional members of my doctoral advisory committee: To Dr. Jerry Malayer for his encouragement and his expertise in molecular biology; to Dr. Jean Clarke, for her industry perspective on applications of diagnostic probes and her expertise in bacteriology; to Dr. Ulrich Melcher, for his expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology, his teaching ability, and his participation as a committee member external to the veterinary college; and to Dr. Ritchey, for his input on these projects and his encouragement and assistance throughout my doctoral program as well as preparations for veterinary pathology board certification. I further wish to thank Drs. Tony Confer and Charlotte Ownby for their advice and input on my graduate studies and for accommodating my studies while concurrently employed as a member of the temporary faculty. ii