Interview with Alvin F. Weber

Abstract

Alvin F. Weber begins by discussing the influence of his rural upbringing on his decision to pursue veterinary medicine through college, at the University of Wisconsin, veterinary school, at the University of Iowa, and graduate studies, again at the University of Wisconsin. He discusses his close brush with military service and his move to the University of Minnesota in 1949. He comments on the impact of the electron microscope and his work on the International Nomenclature Committee. He then recounts his international research during sabbaticals working on cattle leukemia. He discusses his relationships with other faculty members like William Boyd, Bill Thorp, and Sid Ewing. He talks about the 1985 affiliation of the College with the AHC and about running the diagnostics facility at the University of Minnesota. He describes building, both structurally and programmatically, the Veterinary College, funding struggles, increasing numbers of female students over the years, technological and medical advances, and the development of small animal medicine. He also recounts his chromosomal research in cattle.