Bluma Lesch is an Associate Professor of Genetics and of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University. She earned her B.S. from Yale (2003), Ph.D. from Rockefeller University (2010), and M.D. from Weill Cornell (2011). Her postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute (2011–2017) focused on epigenetic mechanisms in germ cells. She joined Yale faculty in 2017, receiving notable awards like the Pew Biomedical Scholar (2021) and Searle Scholar (2019) recognitions. Lesch’s research integrates genetics, epigenetics, and evolutionary biology to study transcriptional regulation in germ cells and its implications for development and disease. Key areas include gene regulatory evolution, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, and chromatin dynamics in spermatogenesis. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with organismal and evolutionary scales, leveraging both experimental and computational approaches. Recent publications highlight studies on mastitis hub genes, cattle DGAT gene families, and myelin-microbe interactions in multiple sclerosis. She collaborates with researchers like Gunter Wagner and Stephanie Halene, advancing interdisciplinary projects in reproductive and developmental genomics. Lesch holds grants including the Burroughs Wellcome Career Award (2015) and leads the Whisk Cup Streamline Lab at Yale, focusing on epigenetic and chromatin regulation in germ cell biology. Her lab explores evolutionary innovations in germline biology and human-specific epigenomic states, contributing to our understanding of transgenerational inheritance and disease mechanisms.
Amélie Desvars-Larrive is an Associate Professor in Infection Epidemiology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and a Faculty Member at the Complexity Science Hub (CSH) in Vienna, Austria. Her work bridges veterinary medicine, public health, and data science, with a strong emphasis on the One Health approach to understanding zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the National Veterinary School of Toulouse, France, with a specialization in tropical diseases and epidemiology, and earned her PhD in epidemiology from the University of Saint-Denis, La Réunion, in 2013. Her professional journey includes eight years as a field epidemiologist and veterinary research engineer in the Indian Ocean region, focusing on livestock and wildlife diseases. She completed postdoctoral research at Umeå University, Sweden, on tularemia modeling, followed by work at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna on urban brown rats and their role in zoonotic disease transmission and antimicrobial resistance. Her research interests include infectious disease epidemiology, zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, disease modeling, antimicrobial resistance, and the application of data science to animal and human health. She has led and contributed to major open data initiatives, such as the SARS-ANI dataset on SARS-CoV-2 in animals and the CSH’s global dataset on governmental pandemic responses. The most recent articles highlight a strong trend in One Health research, integrating veterinary, environmental, and public health data. Key themes include zoonotic pathogen surveillance (e.g., Leptospira, SARS-CoV-2, E. coli), network modeling of animal trade, biosecurity assessments, and policy analysis of national One Health strategies. The work spans diverse systems—from urban rats in Vienna to dairy cows in Rwanda—demonstrating a global and interdisciplinary approach to disease prevention. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Her work on national One Health strategic plans was featured as an Editors' monthly favorite on the Cell Press Sustainability Hub. Her research on SARS-CoV-2 in animals has been widely covered in international media, including the San Francisco Chronicle and Kurier. She co-developed the CSH’s COVID-19 Control Strategies List (CCCSL), one of the largest datasets of governmental pandemic interventions. Advising and Grants: While specific advisees are not listed, she collaborates extensively with multidisciplinary teams across institutions. She has secured funding for data-driven projects in One Health, including those supported by the Complexity Science Hub. Her work on SARS-ANI and zoonotic web visualization reflects strong grant-supported research initiatives. She actively mentors early-career researchers, as seen from her involvement in the CSH PostDoc Program. Labs and Research Teams: She is a key member of the Health Across Species research group at the Complexity Science Hub, which focuses on zoonotic disease dynamics. She also leads research within the Unit of Conservation Medicine and the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Her team employs data science, network analysis, and field epidemiology to study urban wildlife, livestock, and pathogen transmission.
Scott Wells is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota, with an adjunct appointment in Environmental Health Sciences. His work focuses on veterinary epidemiology, biosecurity practices, and One Health initiatives, particularly in cervid herds and dairy farming systems. DVM from Michigan State University PhD in Veterinary Medicine (Population Medicine) with a minor in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota BS in Veterinary Science from Michigan State University His research addresses critical gaps in understanding disease transmission dynamics, with a focus on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in cervid populations and mastitis in dairy cattle. He develops biosecurity protocols and risk assessment frameworks to mitigate disease spread. Recent publications highlight his work on CWD prevention strategies, slaughterhouse contamination analysis, and bedding hygiene in dairy farms. Key keywords include Veterinary Medicine , Biosecurity , Chronic Wasting Disease , and One Health .
Dr. Göktürk ÖZTÜRK serves as an Assistant Professor in the Food Processing Department at Kaman Vocational School, Kirsehir Ahi Evran University, Turkey. He has been a full-time academic staff member since 2023, following his previous role as an Instructor at the same institution from 2007 to 2018. Since 2022, he has also held the position of Department Head at Kirsehir Ahi Evran University, demonstrating both academic and administrative leadership. His educational background includes: PhD in Food Engineering from Erciyes University (2012-2018) Master's Degree in Food Engineering from Erciyes University (2009-2012) Bachelor's Degree in Food Engineering from Selçuk University (2001-2006) Associate Degree in Theology from Anadolu University (2017-2020) Bachelor's Degree in Theology Completion Program from Ondokuz Mayıs University (2024) Dr. ÖZTÜRK's research centers on Food Chemistry and Food Technologies, with particular emphasis on bioactive compounds in food systems, sustainable utilization of agricultural byproducts, and functional food development. His work investigates the physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties of diverse food products including traditional Turkish foods, dairy products, and nut-based formulations. He has made significant contributions to understanding extraction methods for valuable compounds from food waste materials. His publication record reveals a consistent scholarly trajectory focused on food science and technology, with increasing emphasis on sustainable approaches to food processing. Recent work demonstrates sophisticated methodological approaches including PCA, Taguchi method, TOPSIS, and response surface methodology for optimizing food processes and product development. His research shows a clear progression from fundamental studies to applied research with practical implications for the food industry. Dr. ÖZTÜRK has participated as a researcher in two significant projects: 'Production of Phenolic Compound-Rich Extract from Hazelnut Husk Waste and Investigation of Its Potential Use in Food Technology' (2015-2018) and 'Examination of the Physical, Chemical, Functional and Rheological Aspects of Using Certain Vegetable Juices in Ice Milk Production' (2010-2011). He serves on the editorial board of European Food Science and Engineering journal and has performed numerous peer reviews for international scientific publications.
Professor Don Kulasiri is a distinguished academic at Lincoln University in New Zealand, holding the position of Professor in the Department of Wine Food & Molecular Biosciences. He serves as the Head of the Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS) and has previously held leadership roles as Head of Department in both the Wine Food & Molecular Biosciences and Computing Group. Professor Kulasiri maintains numerous international affiliations including Visiting Professor positions at Oxford University's Mathematical Institute, Princeton University, and adjunct positions at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. His research spans computational and mathematical systems biology, with a particular focus on understanding the mathematical basis for biological and environmental phenomena through physics-based modeling. Professor Kulasiri has developed models related to memory formation and impairment in the brain, focusing on computational modeling of biochemical pathways related to synaptic plasticity and Alzheimer's disease. He also works extensively on stochastic mathematics applied to environmental systems, having developed a mechanistic and stochastic theory for understanding solute transport in underground aquifers. Professor Kulasiri's recent publications reveal a strong trend toward computational neuroscience and Alzheimer's disease research, with over half of his most recent work focusing on synaptic plasticity, memory formation mechanisms, and calcium signaling dysregulation in neurodegenerative conditions. His work consistently integrates mathematical modeling with biological experimentation, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach that bridges physics, mathematics, and life sciences. Fellow of Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand World Class Research rankings (A grade) by PBRF panel, New Zealand government (2012, 2018) Sigma Xi honorary membership for outstanding PhD thesis (1990) Lincoln Vice Chancellor commendations (2004-2008, 2013) Member of European Physical Society (EPS) With an impressive record of supervising 60 PhD students and 19 masters students over 33 years, Professor Kulasiri currently mentors 10 PhD students at Lincoln University. He has served as Principal Investigator for significant government-funded research programs including a NZ government (MBIE) funded national research program to improve wine quality and yield (2017-2022), and as Co-PI for the reimagine urban agriculture research programme funded by the National University of Singapore (2020-2023). Professor Kulasiri leads the Centre for Advanced Computational Solutions (C-fACS) and is instrumental in the Complex Systems, Big Data and Informatics Initiative at Lincoln University. His research team develops innovative computational approaches including WaphHound® technology for odor detection using wasps, and applies machine learning and AI to solve complex problems in agriculture, environmental science, and neuroscience.
David Wilson is a Professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University, where he specializes in dairy cattle health and epidemiology. His work focuses on bovine mastitis, Johne's disease, and various aspects of dairy herd health management. He serves as an Extension Dairy Veterinarian and Epidemiologist for the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Dr. Wilson's research interests center on bovine mastitis and udder health, bovine Johne's disease, and dairy cattle epidemiology. His work spans diagnostic methods for mastitis pathogens, dairy herd disease management, and the economic impacts of various bovine diseases. He has made significant contributions to understanding Mycoplasma infections in dairy herds, Bovine Viral Diarrhea, and mastitis prevention and treatment strategies, with research consistently addressing practical applications for dairy producers. Dr. Wilson has received multiple prestigious awards for his research: 2013 Award for Excellence in Multistate Research (NE-1048, Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors) 2009 Award for Excellence in Multistate Research (NE-1028, Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors) American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine Board Certification (1992) As an educator, Dr. Wilson has mentored graduate students including Justine Britten (2014-2019) and Anne Justice-Allen (2007-2010). He teaches Epidemiology (VM 7585) each spring semester and has taught Dairy and Beef Production Medicine (ADVS 2080). His extension work has been instrumental in statewide surveillance projects for diseases like Mycoplasma mastitis and Johne's disease, directly impacting Utah's dairy industry through practical recommendations and educational outreach. Dr. Wilson leads research initiatives focused on dairy herd health monitoring, disease surveillance, and developing improved diagnostic methods for bovine diseases. His work with the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has established critical baseline data for disease prevalence in the Intermountain West region, helping dairy producers implement more effective prevention and control strategies.
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick is an Honorary Professor in the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on bovine health, mastitis, veterinary epidemiology, and animal welfare. She has contributed to studies on vaccine optimization, infectious disease management, and clinical diagnostics in livestock. Her work integrates proteomics, genetic factors, and epidemiological methods to address challenges in dairy herd health and veterinary medicine. Key research areas include the pathogenesis of bovine mastitis, acute phase protein analysis in milk, and the optimization of respiratory virus vaccines. She has investigated risk factors for clinical mastitis, somatic cell counts, and the application of PCR for detecting tick-borne pathogens. Her studies often emphasize translational outcomes for improving livestock welfare and production systems. Publications between 2001–2013 highlight her contributions to understanding bovine respiratory disease, clinical metrics for mastitis severity, and the evaluation of veterinary clinical curricula. Her work frequently involves interdisciplinary collaborations, reflecting the 'One Health' approach central to her academic affiliation.
Sharif Aly is a Professor at the Department of Vet Med Population Health & Reproduction, University of California, Davis. His research focuses on cattle health, including calf mortality prevention, adult cattle infectious diseases, and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli. He specializes in statistical methods like mixed models, survey sampling, and reliability studies. Aly holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from UC Davis (2009). Education: PhD in Epidemiology, UC Davis (2009) His work bridges veterinary epidemiology and biostatistics, addressing critical issues like antimicrobial resistance in dairy cattle, bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and farm management practices. Recent studies investigate antibiotic use patterns, pathogen transmission dynamics, and environmental factors influencing cattle health. Key areas of focus include: BRD prevention and diagnostic methods Antimicrobial stewardship in dairies Microbiome analysis in postpartum infections Environmental impacts on calf welfare Aly has collaborated on projects like the BRD 10K study, evaluating BRD-related costs and prevention efficacy. His research emphasizes evidence-based strategies for sustainable dairy practices and public health.
Matthias Wieland is a veterinary clinician-scientist at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine , serving as the Robert Hovey Udall Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences. His work bridges clinical practice and research to advance dairy cattle health and sustainability. PhD, Cornell University (2021) Diplomate, European College of Bovine Health Management (2014) Dissertation, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2010) Veterinary Degree, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2007) Agricultural Apprenticeship, Biberach, Germany (2001) Dr. Wieland's research focuses on three interconnected domains: optimizing milk harvesting processes through automation, implementing evidence-based cattle management practices via epidemiological studies, and advancing automation in cow health monitoring using machine learning and computer vision systems. His work addresses critical challenges in udder health, antimicrobial reduction, and dairy farm profitability. As an active member of the American Dairy Science Association , European College of Bovine Health Management , and National Mastitis Council , he collaborates across academia and industry to translate findings into practical solutions for commercial dairy farms. 2024 Robert Hovey Udall Assistant Professorship 2017 Outstanding Educator, Cornell University 2015 Clinical Fellow, Cornell University 2013 Teacher of the Year, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Dr. Wieland's career spans clinical roles in Germany, residency at Cornell, and progressive academic appointments since 2013. His methodological approach combines controlled campus research with large-scale field studies, emphasizing stakeholder-driven solutions for sustainable dairy production systems.
Dr. Ramiro Corujeira Valentim is a faculty member at Instituto Politécnico de Bragança , focusing on reproductive biology and veterinary science in small ruminants. His career spans over three decades, with extensive work on artificial insemination , estrus synchronization , and breeding management in breeds like Serrana goats and Churra Galega Bragançana sheep. He has contributed to understanding how nutrition , hormonal treatments , and environmental factors influence reproductive efficiency. Education: PhD thesis (2004) on sexual seasonality in Ghurra Galega Bragançana rams; earlier thesis (1994) on puberty age in Churra Galega Bragançana lambs. Key Research Areas: Reproductive control via hormonal and natural methods Impact of vaginal lubrication and semen deposition on fertility Lentivirus infection epidemiology in small ruminants Milk quality assessment via somatic cell counts Caprine and ovine mastitis diagnostics Low-cost veterinary training tools Recent Publications (2022–2024) emphasize optimizing fixed-time AI protocols , diagnosing small ruminant lentivirus , and enhancing udder health monitoring . His work also integrates ecography and seroprevalence studies in mountainous regions. Notable Contributions: Developed practical manuals for veterinary nursing and paraveterinary training in Guinea-Bissau. Studied testicular growth and male effect on reproductive cycles. Collaborated on implantable microsystems for estrus detection in dairy cows. Investigated perinatal mortality and subclinical mastitis in Trás-os-Montes.
N.E.M. Hopman is a researcher at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , affiliated with the Biomolecular Health Sciences department. Her work focuses on Antimicrobial Stewardship , Antimicrobial Resistance , and Veterinary Medicine , particularly in companion animal clinics. PhD in Veterinary Science (Utrecht University, 2019) Doctoral thesis: Antimicrobial Stewardship and Pets: Evaluating and optimising antimicrobial use in Dutch companion animal clinics Her research spans Dutch veterinary practices , companion animal health , and One Health approaches to mitigate antimicrobial resistance. Key contributions include stepped-wedge intervention studies , ESBL selection models , and interactive stewardship education platforms . Notable scientific awards include the EVC Research Award for the ASAP project. She has delivered invited talks on antimicrobial stewardship at conferences such as the ECCMID and BSAVA Congress .
Drago Nedić serves as a Full Professor in the Department of Economics and Statistics at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade. His academic focus bridges veterinary science with economic and statistical methodologies, particularly in animal health management and veterinary business operations. Key affiliations include extensive collaboration with veterinary diagnostic laboratories across Bosnia and Herzegovina and involvement in national disease control programs. His research spans veterinary economics, animal health management, and food safety regulation. Nedić has pioneered studies on statistical applications in veterinary productivity assessment, disease control economics, and diagnostic laboratory capacity evaluation. Recent work emphasizes molecular diagnostics for bovine mastitis, emerging parasitic threats in livestock, and ICT systems for wildlife monitoring, reflecting a strategic shift toward technology-integrated veterinary public health solutions. Analysis of his publication trends reveals consistent expertise in veterinary economics since 2011, with accelerating focus on food safety regulation (2017-2018) and molecular pathogen detection (2022-2023). His work demonstrates strong regional impact across Balkan veterinary systems, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina's laboratory accreditation frameworks and Serbia's swine fever eradication programs. Nedić has authored three major textbooks including Economics of Veterinary Medicine (2015), Practicum in Veterinary Economics (2013), and Management of Veterinary Practice (2011), establishing foundational curricula for veterinary business education in Southeast Europe. His collaborative research spans veterinary diagnostic laboratories, wildlife conservation initiatives, and national disease control programs. Significant contributions include developing management protocols for classical swine fever eradication in Serbia and establishing accreditation standards for veterinary diagnostic facilities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Juan J Loor is a Professor in the Departments of Animal Sciences and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois. He is affiliated with the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and holds an ORCID identifier: 0000-0003-1586-4365 . His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic and inflammatory processes in dairy animals, particularly related to lipid metabolism, ketosis, and reproductive health. Key research interests include gene regulation in bovine systems, nutrient signaling pathways, and the interplay between diet and cellular stress responses. He explores topics like fatty acid-induced cellular damage, autophagy mechanisms, and the role of metabolites in livestock health. His recent work highlights advancements in understanding how dietary interventions affect ruminal microbiota, milk composition, and overall animal productivity. He has also contributed to identifying genetic factors influencing seasonal reproduction in dairy goats and mitigation strategies for metabolic disorders. Scientific Awards: AFIA - ASAS Award in Ruminant Nutrition Research (2018) Animal Growth and Development Award (2019) Bouffault International Animal Agriculture Award (2025) College Faculty Award for Excellence in Research (2010) Elanco Award for Excellence in Dairy Science (2016) Dr. Loor’s research group collaborates internationally, focusing on metabolic and immune mechanisms in dairy cows, goats, and other ruminants. His work bridges basic science with practical applications in sustainable livestock management.
Joanne Conington is Professor and Head of Department at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), specializing in applied livestock genetics. She holds affiliations with the University of Edinburgh through the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security and teaches courses including BSc Animal Science, BSc Agriculture, and MSc Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis. Education includes: PhD in Animal Breeding, University of Edinburgh (1999) MSc in Livestock Production Science, University of Aberdeen (1990) BSc in Agriculture and Food Marketing, Newcastle University (1984) Her research focuses on genetic/genomic applications in sustainable livestock systems, with expertise in: Sheep/goat production genetics Greenhouse gas mitigation strategies Disease resistance breeding Maternal trait optimization Genomic selection methodologies Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on genome-wide association studies for health, productivity and environmental traits in sheep, with methodological innovations in genetic evaluation and methane reduction strategies dominating her research output since 2022. Leadership roles include: President, Sheep and Goat Commission (EAAP) Chair, ICAR Expert Advisory Group for Small Ruminants Animal Breeding Workstream Leader, Farm Animal Welfare Committee (2008-2018) She leads multiple research consortia including EU projects on sustainable sheep production and coordinates the genetic components of national initiatives to reduce agricultural emissions.
Prof. Dr. Abdulbaki AKSAKAL is a Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Adıyaman University. He holds a PhD in Veterinary Microbiology from Selçuk University (2003) and a Veterinary Medicine degree from Selçuk University (1991). His career includes roles at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University and Adıyaman University, where he has served as an Associate Professor (2011–2017) and Professor since 2017. He specializes in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and Epidemiology with a focus on zoonotic pathogens and molecular diagnostics. Education: Bachelor's in Veterinary Medicine (1986–1991), Selçuk University PhD in Veterinary Microbiology (1996–2003), Selçuk University Health Sciences Institute Professional Experience: Research Assistant, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University (1993–1995) Associate Professor, Veterinary Microbiology (2004–2017) Professor, Pharmaceutical Microbiology (2017–present) His research emphasizes bacterial pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and diagnostic methodologies. Notable projects include studies on avian influenza, Brucella, and Staphylococcus species. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles, contributed to international textbooks, and served in academic leadership roles such as Department Head and Dean’s Office at Adıyaman University. Publications span antimicrobial activity studies, molecular diagnostics, and zoonotic disease surveillance. He is a member of professional societies like the Turkish Microbiology Society and Ankara Microbiology Association, with English proficiency at C-level (UEMS/KPDS).
