Dickson Varner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT (a specialist in reproduction), is a self-described "renegade" when it comes to presenting papers at veterinary gatherings. He is known for his irreverent humor, poetry, and clever turn of phrase. That being said, Varner is also a leading researcher in equine reproduction and has helped propel Texas A&M University into a leadership role in that field.

He was chosen to present the Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) convention held in December 2007. The lecture and award were named in honor of Frank Milne, the late and longtime editor of the annual AAEP Convention Proceedings. The lecture is designed to present in-depth information on a particular subject.

Varner lectured on the topic: "From a Sperm’s Eye View–Revisiting our Perception of This Intriguing Cell."

Varner said the lecture was not a compilation of his work, but a presentation of the work from a great many scientists through the years. As if to prove that point, his paper published in the Proceedings contained more than 1,000 references