Don Ely is a Professor and Instruction Coordinator at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment , University of Kentucky. His work focuses on sheep production systems and livestock management. Research Interests include: Sheep breeding and reproductive management Livestock nutrition optimization Toxin mitigation in forage systems Economic viability of feeding strategies Body condition scoring methodologies Recent Publications analyze practical challenges in sheep husbandry, grazing systems, and feed efficiency across various breeds and environments.
Tami Brown-Brandl is Professor and holder of the Dr. William E. and Eleanor L. Splinter Chair in Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she conducts pioneering research at the intersection of agricultural engineering and animal science. Her research program focuses on: Computer vision systems for animal behavior monitoring Vibration-based vital signs detection in livestock Digital twin development for agricultural buildings RFID and sensor fusion for precision livestock farming Swine and beef cattle production optimization Individual animal identification using deep learning Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward real-time, non-invasive monitoring systems using multi-modal sensor fusion. Her work integrates computer vision with ambient vibration analysis for piglet nursing behavior assessment, develops depth-image-based posture classifiers for sows, and creates digital twin frameworks that harness real-time data for precision livestock management. These innovations address critical challenges in animal welfare assessment and production efficiency through advanced engineering solutions. Dr. Brown-Brandl's leadership in precision livestock farming is evidenced by her extensive publication record on sensor systems development, with particular emphasis on practical applications for swine production systems including shoulder lesion detection, feeding behavior monitoring, and farrowing pen optimization.
Jennifer Rudd is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology at Oklahoma State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. A fully licensed veterinarian with specialization in infectious diseases, she earned her DVM from Oklahoma State University in 2011, practiced small animal medicine for several years, then returned to complete her PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences in 2018 with emphasis on innate immune responses to pandemic influenzas and bacterial coinfections. She became an Assistant Professor in 2021 after serving as a Lecturer from 2018-2021. Dr. Rudd's research interests focus on translational animal models of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, innate immune response and dysfunction after viral pneumonia, influenza pneumonias and bacterial coinfection, Johne's Disease in small ruminants, bovine respiratory disease complex, and scholarship of teaching and learning. Her work demonstrates expertise in veterinary bacteriology, immunology, and virology, with particular emphasis on neutrophil responses to viral infections. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on SARS-CoV-2 research using feline models, with particular attention to variant-specific immune responses, neutrophil dynamics, and metabolic changes during infection. Her work spans virology, immunology, and comparative medicine, consistently emphasizing translational applications for human and animal health. Class of 2023 Outstanding Class Teaching Award (2021) Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award (2021) Class of 2022 Outstanding Class Teaching Award (2020) Class of 2021 Outstanding Class Teaching Award (2019) OSU Graduate Commencement Marshal (2018) Distinguished Graduate Fellowship recipient (2017-2018) Dr. Rudd actively supervises graduate students through PhD Research and Dissertation courses and teaches Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology to veterinary students. She serves on multiple committees including the OSU CVM Curriculum Revision Committee and Instructional Resources Committee. Her research is supported by significant funding including NIH grants for the Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases and projects on Johne's Disease diagnostics in small ruminants.
Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna is a Professor and Managing Director at the Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine within the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Free University of Berlin. His leadership position at this prominent research institute places him at the forefront of veterinary parasitology research in Europe. His research interests span multiple critical areas in veterinary parasitology: Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine Anthelmintic resistance mechanisms and monitoring Diagnostic methods for gastrointestinal nematodes Control strategies for helminth infections in livestock Zoonotic parasite transmission Analysis of his extensive publication record (spanning from 1996 to 2025 with over 250 PubMed-listed articles) reveals an evolving research trajectory from fundamental studies on drug resistance mechanisms toward more comprehensive approaches addressing sustainable parasite control in changing environmental and agricultural contexts. His recent work demonstrates particular focus on molecular diagnostic techniques, resistance monitoring in ruminants, and adapting control strategies to climate change impacts. As Managing Director of the Institute, he oversees both research activities and diagnostic services for veterinary parasites, as evidenced by the institute's fee schedule for diagnostic services. The institute also participates in international humanitarian initiatives such as the 'Scholars at risk' program, which supports researchers who must flee their home countries, indicating his commitment to global scientific collaboration and academic freedom.
Ivana Vučićević is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. She teaches courses including Veterinary Pathology, Introduction to Veterinary Laboratory Practice, General Pathology, and Special Pathology. Her academic career is centered on comparative pathology with particular expertise in veterinary histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Her research interests focus on veterinary pathology , with special emphasis on comparative oncology (particularly canine mast cell tumors), avian diseases (including psittacine beak and feather disease and avian influenza), neuropathology (cerebral amyloid angiopathy in dogs, distemper in foxes), and infectious disease pathology . Her work frequently employs advanced histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques to characterize disease processes across multiple species including dogs, birds, swine, and wildlife. Her publication record shows consistent research output with 15+ peer-reviewed articles in the past five years (2016-2021), primarily in veterinary pathology journals including Acta Veterinaria-Beograd, Journal of Comparative Pathology, and Veterinary Quarterly. Her research demonstrates methodological diversity spanning molecular diagnostics (qPCR for scrapie resistance), histopathological characterization of novel disease presentations, and comparative studies of disease across species. Her scientific contributions cover diverse areas including: Canine tumor pathology (mast cell tumors, nerve sheath tumors) Avian disease pathology (PBFD, avian influenza, air sac adenocarcinoma) Neuropathology (encephalitis, syringomyelia, cerebral amyloid angiopathy) Wildlife disease surveillance (distemper in foxes, gastric volvulus in bears) Parasitology (Ascaridia galli in poultry) Food safety implications of porcine respiratory disease She has co-authored a pathology practical manual for veterinary students and completed both her Master's thesis (2007) and Doctoral dissertation (2014) at the University of Belgrade, with research focusing on zeolite applications and mast cell tumor grading in dogs respectively.
Professor Sarah Cleaveland is a Professor of Comparative Epidemiology (Infectious Disease Ecology) at the University of Glasgow, based at the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. As a veterinary epidemiologist, she conducts interdisciplinary research focused on livestock and zoonotic diseases primarily in Africa, with particular attention to wildlife-protected areas and diverse agro-ecological systems. Her research interests span veterinary epidemiology, zoonotic disease ecology, and infectious disease dynamics in tropical settings, with a strong emphasis on practical disease control strategies. Professor Cleaveland employs interdisciplinary One Health approaches that integrate human, animal, and ecosystem health perspectives to address complex disease challenges. Her work includes extensive field research in Tanzania and other African countries, investigating diseases such as rabies, Rift Valley fever, brucellosis, and other zoonotic pathogens. Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on disease dynamics, transmission modeling, vaccine implementation, and surveillance systems for zoonotic diseases in African settings. Her work often bridges veterinary science, public health, and ecological approaches, with particular attention to practical disease control interventions that can be implemented in resource-limited settings. Among her notable scientific achievements is being elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, recognizing her significant contributions to veterinary epidemiology and zoonotic disease research. Professor Cleaveland is actively involved in graduate training initiatives with African partner institutions, contributing to capacity building in disease surveillance and control across the continent. Her research demonstrates a strong commitment to translating scientific findings into practical disease control measures that improve both animal and human health outcomes in tropical regions.
Professor Steve Walkden-Brown is a Professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences at the University of New England (UNE), affiliated with the School of Environmental and Rural Science within the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law. His career spans academic and fieldwork, including prior government veterinary roles in Fiji and major international projects in India, Laos, and Vietnam. He specializes in disease control in livestock systems, with a focus on integrated parasite management in small ruminants and molecular diagnostics for poultry diseases like Marek’s disease. Qualifications include a BVSc (Hons 1) and PhD from Queensland. His teaching encompasses veterinary epidemiology, parasitology, microbiology, and small ruminant production, emphasizing practical applications such as seasonal reproduction strategies and livestock productivity improvements. Research interests include: Evolution of Marek’s disease virus virulence and control strategies Sustainable management of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep Poultry dust as a diagnostic tool for infectious diseases Booroola fecundity gene application in Indian sheep breeds With over 400 publications and 140+ peer-reviewed papers, he leads an active research group and has supervised 33 PhD, 11 MSc, and 23 honours students. External profiles include Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and LinkedIn.
Ermias Kebreab is a Professor and Sesnon Endowed Chair in the Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis (UC Davis). He serves as Associate Dean for Global Engagement in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Director of the World Food Center. His roles involve advancing the college’s international goals through partnerships and addressing global food systems challenges. Kebreab holds a B.S. in Biology (University of Asmara), M.S. in Integrative Biology, and Ph.D. in Ecological Modeling (University of Reading, UK). His research focuses on developing feed additives to reduce livestock methane emissions, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications. He chairs the UN FAO Technical Working Group on Feed Additives and serves on NAS committees for methane emissions and dairy cattle nutrition. His work contributes to IPCC guidelines and climate policy. Kebreab has held leadership roles including Associate Vice Provost for Academic Programs in Global Affairs and Deputy Director of UC Davis’ Agricultural Sustainability Institute. His expertise spans sustainable agriculture, livestock environmental impacts, and climate-smart technologies. His global engagement includes collaborations in Egypt and beyond through USAID-funded projects. Key areas of focus include methane mitigation strategies, feed additive efficacy, and modeling livestock emissions. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable food systems, combining nutrition science, environmental modeling, and policy advocacy.
John Milton is an Associate Professor Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, where he has been actively engaged since 1991. With expertise spanning ruminant nutrition and reproductive physiology, his work focuses on developing sustainable Clean, Green and Ethical (CGE) animal production systems. His academic journey began with honors in Agricultural Science from the University of Queensland in 1974, followed by a PhD in ruminant nutrition in 1984. His research interests center on nutritional and reproductive management in farm animals, with particular emphasis on meat and wool sheep production, beef and dairy cattle systems, and small ruminant management. Milton's work integrates fundamental understanding of ruminant physiology with practical applications to enhance sustainable production. His fingerprint analysis shows strong expertise in Merino sheep (100%), lamb production (81%), breed comparisons (70%), colostrum management (50%), lupin utilization (45%), Dorper sheep (42%), Australian livestock systems (36%), and supplementation strategies (34%). Over his career, Milton has secured five major research grants, including projects on beef production systems, nitrate-rich shrubs to reduce methane, cashmere production, focus feeding techniques, and wool improvement. His work contributes significantly to Sustainable Development Goals related to zero hunger, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. Milton currently co-supervises two PhD students and teaches Animal Science & Technology 3306. His extension work connects academic research with practical farming applications, helping producers implement evidence-based practices. His research extends beyond traditional livestock to include goats for fiber and meat production and alpacas for fiber development.
Mario de Haro Martí is an Extension Educator at the University of Idaho Extension, serving Gooding County and the broader Magic Valley region. He is affiliated with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and works within the University of Idaho Extension department, delivering applied research and educational programs focused on sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Science, University of Idaho, 2018 M.S. in Environmental Science, University of Idaho, 2007 B.S. in Environmental Studies, National University of Comahue, Argentina, 1996 Mario de Haro Martí's research and extension interests center on improving the sustainability of dairy and livestock operations. His work emphasizes agricultural nutrient and waste management , air and water quality , dairy and livestock sustainability , and bilingual workforce education . He develops practical solutions for reducing environmental impacts while enhancing productivity. His programs cover manure and compost management, vermicomposting, cover crops, and community environmental science education. His recent publications reflect a strong focus on sustainable livestock systems, including nutrient utilization, air emissions reduction (especially ammonia), alternative feedstuffs, climate resilience in agriculture, and the socio-economic challenges facing small dairy farms. The research integrates environmental science, animal nutrition, and community engagement, particularly with Hispanic dairy workers. Scientific Awards and Honors: National Association of County Agricultural Agents Distinguished Service Award (National Winner, 2022) Health Heroes Award (Hispanic Coalition and EXCITE program, 2022) University of Idaho Extension Diversity Award (2020) Xi Sigma Pi (International Natural Resources Honor Society, 2018) Gamma Sigma Delta (Honor Society of Agriculture, 2009) National Finalist, Communication Award (2009) Western Region Extension Education Poster Winner (2009) Golden Key International Honour Society (Top 15% of 2007 graduates) Mario de Haro Martí actively advises and trains dairy producers and their workforce, developing bilingual educational materials on farm safety, immunization, and dairy management. His work is supported by extension grants and collaborative programs like the EXCITE initiative, which integrates farm safety with immunization education. He has been with the University of Idaho Extension since 2007, conducting on-farm research and outreach. He leads and participates in multidisciplinary teams focused on agricultural sustainability, environmental quality, and community health. His work includes stakeholder-driven projects on climate change adaptation and rural development in the Upper Snake River Basin.
Gabor Meszaros is an Associate Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) , affiliated with the Institute of Livestock Sciences . His career spans roles as a researcher, project leader, and educator, focusing on genetics, animal breeding, and genomics. 2018 - Present: Associate Professor, BOKU 2014-2018: Assistant Professor, BOKU 2008-2013: Researcher, BOKU 2005-2008: PhD Student, Nitra, Slovakia Meszáros's research interests include genetic diversity analysis , population genetics , genomic selection , and bioinformatics tools for livestock breeding . His work addresses challenges in climate adaptation , inbreeding depression , and sustainable utilization of local breeds . His recent publications highlight advancements in genomic diversity studies across species like sheep, goats, pigs, and argali, with a focus on effective population size estimation , GWAS applications , and balancing selection markers . Collaborative projects span Austria, Mongolia, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso. Meszáros actively contributes to academia by supervising 20+ theses at BOKU and serves as a reviewer for journals like Genomics and Small Ruminant Research . He participates in international symposia, including the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production and Animal Science Days , and contributes to the Gregor Mendel Society as a managing board member.
Prof. Dr. Emre ŞİRİN is a faculty member at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology . He holds a PhD in Animal Science from Gaziosmanpaşa University (2010), Master's in Animal Science from Ondokuz Mayıs University (2004), and Bachelor's in Animal Science from Ondokuz Mayıs University (2001). PhD: Animal Science, Gaziosmanpaşa University (2005-2010) Master's: Animal Science (Thesis), Ondokuz Mayıs University (2001-2004) Bachelor's: Animal Science, Ondokuz Mayıs University (1997-2001) His research areas focus on Small Ruminant Breeding and Improvement and Animal Biotechnology. His work explores genetic parameters, placental characteristics, muscle fiber analysis, reproductive physiology, and nutritional impacts on sheep and goat production. His scientific articles (2016-2025) examine gene expression (Myf5, Myf6, IGFs), estrus synchronization methods, maternal nutrition effects on fetal development, and muscle fiber characterization across Turkish native breeds. His publications appear in SCI/SSCI journals like Animal , Small Ruminant Research , and Tropical Animal Health and Production . Supervised 6 theses (2016-2024) at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Participated in 29 scientific projects (2005-2023) including EU/UNESCO and TÜBİTAK-funded studies Collaborated extensively with researchers like Uğur Şen (68 joint works), Mehmet Kuran (55), Zafer Ulutaş (48), and Yüksel Aksoy (44) Editorial contributions to 10 national/international journals
Todd Riley Callaway is a Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. He also holds courtesy faculty positions in the Department of Poultry Science and serves as Graduate Program Faculty. Dr. Callaway has extensive experience in ruminant microbiology, having previously served as National Program Leader for Food Safety for USDA-ARS and as a research microbiologist in the Food and Feed Safety Research Unit at the Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center. Dr. Callaway's educational background includes: B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of Georgia (1993) M.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of Georgia (1996) Ph.D. in Microbiology from Cornell University (1999) Dr. Callaway's research focuses on the gastrointestinal microbiome of food animals and its impact on animal performance, health, and food safety. His work centers on understanding how the ruminal microbes can be manipulated to improve cattle nutrition and reduce foodborne pathogens. He has published over 200 refereed journal articles, 25 book chapters, and two books titled "Direct Fed Microbials" and "On-Farm Strategies to Control Foodborne Pathogens". His research has been supported by major agricultural organizations including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Dairy Board, National Pork Board, and U.S. Poultry and Egg Foundation. Analysis of Dr. Callaway's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on gastrointestinal microbial ecology, particularly examining how diet and environmental factors influence microbial populations in ruminants and other food animals. His work spans diverse areas including pathogen control, feed efficiency, alternative feed sources, and the development of non-antibiotic interventions to enhance animal health and food safety. The publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across animal science, microbiology, food safety, and veterinary medicine. Dr. Callaway has received numerous prestigious awards including the American Feed Industry Association Award in Ruminant Nutrition Research (2023), multiple Research.com Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Leader Awards (2022-2025), and the USDA/ARS Early Career Scientist of the Year Award (2007). He currently serves as Editor in Chief of Foodborne Pathogens and Disease (2022-2027) and has held leadership positions in the American Dairy Science Association. His grant portfolio demonstrates significant research funding, with current projects focused on understanding the microbiome's role in beef production efficiency, food safety, and sustainability. Recent projects include "Bridging the Feedlot Gap: Educating Young Professionals for the Future of Georgia's Beef Industry" and "Enhancing Food Safety in Georgia's Beef Cattle Sector: Understanding E. coli and Microbiome Dynamics". Dr. Callaway teaches several courses including ADSC 4250-Microbiology and Immunology in Domestic Animal Health, ADSC 4360/6360-Ruminant Nutrition, ADSC 8150-Gastrointestinal Microbial Ecology of the Ruminant, and ADSC 8885-Current literature in ruminant nutrition and microbiology.
Suhail Ashraf is a researcher at the University of Bielefeld, affiliated with both the Faculty of Biology and the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec). His primary research unit is the Plant Genetics and Genomics Group, where he investigates plant-microbe interactions and develops biological solutions for agricultural challenges. Based in office UHG G0-107, he maintains active research collaborations across multiple disciplines. Dr. Ashraf's research spans several critical areas in plant science and agricultural biotechnology. His work demonstrates expertise in both experimental and computational approaches to solving agricultural problems. He has made significant contributions to understanding plant-pathogen interactions, developing biological control agents, and applying genomic techniques to crop improvement. His research shows particular strength in integrating laboratory findings with computational modeling to develop practical agricultural solutions, especially for banana cultivation and other economically important crops. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong focus on utilizing beneficial microorganisms like Bacillus species for crop protection. His work spans nematode management, antifungal compound discovery, viral resistance in plants, and pesticide biodegradation. The interdisciplinary nature of his research connects microbiology, genomics, computational biology, and agricultural science to address real-world farming challenges while promoting sustainable practices. Dr. Ashraf maintains active collaborations within the University of Bielefeld's research ecosystem, particularly with the Center for Biotechnology which serves as a hub for interdisciplinary life science research. His work contributes to Bielefeld's strategic focus areas that bridge fundamental research with practical applications in agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Mustafa Issi is a Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary, Firat University, Turkey, focusing on veterinary medicine with emphasis on bovine and small ruminant health. His research spans clinical biochemistry, toxicology, and nutritional disorders in livestock. University: Firat University School: Faculty of Veterinary Academic Rank: Professor His work primarily investigates vitamin deficiencies (e.g., A, B12), mineral imbalances , and toxicological exposures in cattle, goats, and sheep. Key areas include: Bovine metabolic disorders (ketosis, tongue rolling syndrome) Trace element analysis (cobalt, vitamin B12) Toxin-related pathologies (nitrate poisoning, aflatoxicosis) Infectious diseases (viral diarrhoea, poxvirus) Hematological and biochemical markers in disease states Recent publications highlight trends in animal nutrition , inflammatory biomarkers , and environmental stressors affecting livestock. His studies frequently employ interdisciplinary approaches combining clinical observations, biochemical assays, and pathological analysis.
