The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) is pleased to recognize Dr. Dennis Makau as the recipient of the Boehringer Ingelheim Graduate Advisor of the Year Award.
This award recognizes a faculty member who excels in teaching, training, and sharing their knowledge with students pursuing advanced degrees in research at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Recipients are active advisors to CEM master’s or doctoral students and have shown excellence in graduate advising and mentorship.
Dr. Makau brings an impressive international background in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, and research to his work with graduate students. He earned his veterinary degree and master’s degree in veterinary epidemiology and economics from the University of Nairobi, followed by a PhD in epidemiology from the University of Prince Edward Island. He completed postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota before joining UTCVM’s Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences as an assistant professor in 2024.
At UTCVM, Dr. Makau teaches graduate courses in descriptive and applied epidemiology and coordinates coursework on vector-borne, bacterial and viral zoonotic diseases.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Makau serves as a major advisor and graduate committee member for UT students and has mentored trainees across multiple institutions. His research program in infectious disease epidemiology, animal health, One Health, and disease transmission gives students meaningful opportunities to grow as scientists, collaborators, and professionals.
“Dr. Makau’s dedication to sharing his expertise, supporting graduate education, and helping students grow in both their research and careers makes him highly deserving of this recognition,” said Dr. David Anderson, associate dean for research and graduate studies at the veterinary college.
Dr. Makau says the goal of mentorship is not to carry someone through the journey, but to prepare them to complete it. “Success is measured by the confidence, independence, and sense of belonging that enable mentees to become collaborators, contributors, colleagues, and ultimately mentors themselves.”
Congratulations, Dr. Makau, and thank you for your outstanding commitment to our graduate students and the future of veterinary medicine.
