Martha Larson, professor of radiology in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emerita title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1986, Larson made significant contributions to veterinary radiology through her work focusing on small animal ultrasonography. She was the principal or co-principal investigator on 33 grants researching all imaging modalities and characteristic changes related to specific diseases.

Larson was the author or co-author on more than 70 peer-reviewed journal articles and 24 book chapters. She held leadership positions in professional organizations, including the American College of Veterinary Radiology as president, exam review committee member, constitution committee member, executive council member, and foundation committee member.

In the classroom, Larson taught a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate courses. She advised and supported numerous students on master’s degree dissertations and helped them develop successful careers in both academic and industrial settings.

At Virginia Tech, Larson has been honored with the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award, the college’s Teaching Excellence Award, the Thompson Professorial Award, her department’s Outstanding Faculty Award, the Outstanding Faculty Alumni Award, and twice the Merck Agvet Award for Creativity in Teaching.

A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology, Larson completed undergraduate degrees from the University of Montana and the University of Georgia and received her DVM and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University.

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