Nicholas J Haley

Nicholas J Haley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Midwestern University's College of Veterinary Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. His expertise spans prion diseases, particularly chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids, as well as zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. Dr. Haley teaches courses in veterinary bacteriology, virology, and foreign animal diseases across multiple programs including the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, and Integrated Basic Sciences programs.

Dr. Haley's academic background includes:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology from Colorado State University (2010)
• Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) from Cornell University (2004)

Dr. Haley's research primarily focuses on chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease affecting deer, elk, and other cervid species. His work centers on developing sensitive diagnostic methods using RT-QuIC (Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion) for antemortem detection of CWD. He investigates genetic resistance to CWD through PRNP gene variants in farmed deer populations across North America, exploring how these variants affect disease susceptibility, progression, and diagnosis. His research also extends to hemoparasite surveillance in birds, respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens in shelter animals, and Marek's disease in backyard poultry in the Phoenix area.

Analysis of Dr. Haley's publication record reveals a strong focus on prion diseases, particularly chronic wasting disease. His research spans diagnostic development, genetic resistance studies, transmission mechanisms, and disease management strategies. The publications demonstrate expertise in RT-QuIC technology, PRNP gene variants, and cervid disease ecology, with significant contributions to understanding CWD transmission through bodily fluids and environmental contamination. His work bridges laboratory research with practical applications for wildlife management and farmed cervid operations.

Dr. Haley has received significant research funding through:

• NIH T32 grant during his PhD training at Colorado State University
• NIH K01 award for post-doctoral research at Kansas State University's Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (CEEZAD)

Dr. Haley has been actively involved in collaborative research with state and federal agencies in the US and Canada, as well as with deer and elk farmers. His work on African Swine Fever vaccine development was conducted in collaboration with researchers at Kansas State University's CEEZAD. He has mentored numerous students and researchers in prion disease diagnostics and management, though specific student names are not mentioned in the available materials. His laboratory work focuses on prion detection techniques and genetic studies of cervid populations.