Swine expert from Alexandria joins effort to find cure for diabetes

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A veterinarian from Alexandria has joined a non-profit group’s effort to find a cure for diabetes.

Scott A. Dee, DVM, PhD, a professor of veterinary population medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Minnesota, is the newest member of the Spring Point Project’s board of directors.

The Minneapolis-based organization was created to provide an unlimited source of pig islet (insulin-producing cells of the pancreas) cells to accelerate the availability and affordability of islet transplantation, which could cure diabetes.

Dee is from the Alexandria area. He was a swine practitioner in Morris for 12 years and his wife, Lisa Bell, is from Hancock.

Dee is a well-recognized authority in swine infectious diseases. He has numerous awards in the field and more than 100 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.

In addition to his ties to the university, Dee functions as a swine consultant in more than 30 U.S. states and 20 countries. He is also past president of the American Association of Swine Practitioners.

“Dee is not new to Spring Point Project though,” said Tom Cartier, president and chairman of the Spring Point Project board. “He was connected to the organization in its first years of existence, offering valuable advice on the design of our animal facilities.

“We are now pleased to have him contribute his expertise on the board,” Cartier added. “Given his knowledgeable background in swine infectious diseases and experience in disease transmission, Scott brings important skills and personal passion to Spring Point Project.”

Besides Dee’s scientific interest and technological expertise, he is personally motivated to serve on the Spring Point Project board of directors because a young child in his family was recently diagnosed with diabetes.

About the

Spring Point Project

Spring Point Project and the University of Minnesota work in partnership to provide the source and science needed to move toward a cure for diabetes.

The Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation (DRWF), a not-for-profit worldwide network based in Washington, D.C., has made a substantial contribution of $6.2 million to Spring Point Project.

In recognition of this significant donation, the Islet Resource Facility was named after the DRWF.

The Ryan Companies US, Inc., a leading national commercial real estate firm led by third-generation family members, is another major donor to Spring Point Project.

Pat and Ann Ryan and Jim and Colleen Ryan have contributed $3 million. Their donation included personal gifts and contributions through the company.

In addition, the company built the facility in which Spring Point Project’s research is conducted.

For more information about the Ryan Companies, visit www.ryancompanies.com.

To contact Spring Point Project, visit www.SpringPointProject.org.

To contact the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation, visit www.diabeteswellness.net.

To contact the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation, visit www.diabetesinstitute.org.

Tags: news, alexandria, diabetes, swine, cure, medical, insulin