PVM Family Program Series Introduces Kids to Inner Workings of the Brain

Make a Gift
Support the College

Dr. Tiffany Lyle observes as PVM Family Program Series participants use microscopes to look at slides of muscle, brain, skin, and liver tissue.

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the third Family Program Series for the year on Thursday, March 1, entitled “Breaking through Barriers in the Brain,” featuring a presentation by Dr. Tiffany Lyle, assistant professor of veterinary anatomic pathology in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology. The PVM Family Program series is designed for families with young children who are interested in learning more about the veterinary profession.

Dr. Lyle made an entrance wearing her white lab coat and stethoscope. She later removed the stethoscope, to show that not all veterinarians use stethoscopes, but still get to work with animals and make a difference in the world of veterinary science. About 50 attendees participated in several engaging pathology-related activities including: a snowflake demonstration that illustrated how no two diseases are exactly the same; a cheese demonstration that helped children think outside the box as they examined the physical properties of a disease; a “brain dissection” performed with a tangerine; and hands-on learning with microscope slides of muscles, parts of the brain, skin, and liver. At the end of the program, attendees were given a free book and veterinary trading cards to take home.

The next Family Program Series event will take place Thursday, April 5, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Veterinary Technology Program Director Bianca Zenor will present, “Animals Have Nurses, Too,” sharing how veterinary technicians help pets, their families, and veterinarians.

Writer(s): Helen Thimlar, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu