Yana Safonova is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science and Engineering at the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences , Pennsylvania State University. Her research bridges computational biology with immunogenomics. Immunoglobulin Gene Analysis Genome Assembly Methodology Antibody Diversity Bioinformatics Tool Development Her research focuses on immunoglobulin genetics , vertebrate genome assembly , and computational immunology . Recent work includes developing tools for IGH locus reconstruction and analyzing germline gene diversity in model organisms. Key publication trends reveal expertise in antibody engineering , genomic immunology , and bioinformatics pipeline development for immunosequencing and genome analysis .
Brett Jesmer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming (2018), an M.S. from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry (2006), and an A.A.S. from SUNY (2003). His research focuses on behavioral ecology, animal movement, and conservation of mammals. Key projects include studying white-tailed deer ecology in Belize and Virginia, wildlife habitat connectivity modeling, and leveraging animal tracking data to address global conservation challenges. Jesmer pioneered investigations into the cultural transmission of ungulate migration routes, demonstrating social learning mechanisms in translocated populations. Jesmer’s work integrates physiological, demographic, and ecological data to inform conservation strategies. He co-led the COVID-19 Biologging Initiative , analyzing how pandemic-induced human mobility changes affected wildlife behavior. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Science and Nature Ecology and Evolution . Teaching responsibilities include courses like Principles of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Movement Ecology. He advises graduate students exploring topics like ungulate migration dynamics and spatial personalities. Current projects emphasize advancing community ecology through animal tracking data and applying life history theory to detect resource limitations. Jesmer collaborates internationally on initiatives like the Convention on Migratory Species and the Biological Earth Observation Network (with animal sensors).
Professor Pip Beard is Head of the School of Life Sciences and Professor of Viral Pathology at Keele University. Her research focuses on poxviruses affecting livestock, including lumpy skin disease virus, sheeppox, and goatpox virus. With a veterinary background from the University of Sydney and PhD from the University of Edinburgh, she investigates viral pathogenesis and transmission dynamics. Her research program examines molecular virus-host interactions, insect-borne transmission, and pathological responses to poxvirus infections. Beard has developed improved disease management strategies including resistant crop varieties and pheromone-based monitoring systems. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on viral pathogenesis, disease control strategies, and host immune responses to poxvirus infections. Recent articles emphasize disease surveillance, transmission risks, and therapeutic interventions. Recognition includes Wellcome Trust Fellowship (2004), Speciality Research Medal (2014), and Journal of Comparative Pathology Medal (2018). She leads the DEFEND research consortium and mentors veterinary students through summer research programs.
Caroline Jacobson is Professor of Biochemistry and Nutrition and Head of the School of Agricultural Science at Murdoch University. With a background in veterinary science and livestock research, she leads initiatives to translate scientific innovation into practical farming solutions. Her research focuses on livestock disease impacts, production sustainability, and zoonotic disease control. Key research domains include gastrointestinal parasitology in ruminants and equines, reproductive disorders in sheep, antimicrobial resistance in livestock pathogens, and novel diagnostic development. Her work employs advanced molecular techniques and epidemiological approaches to address industry challenges. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on parasitic disease management in horses, reproductive wastage in sheep flocks, and development of evidence-based guidelines for livestock health. Research frequently involves multi-institutional collaborations and direct industry engagement.
Heather J Huson is an Associate Professor of Animal Genetics in the Department of Animal Science at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), with joint appointments in the College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Clinical Sciences and Department of Biomedical Sciences. Her research spans multiple species including working dogs, dairy cattle, musk ox, and small ruminants, focusing on genetic improvement, population structure, adaptation, and genomic tool development. Dr. Huson's educational background includes: Post-Doctoral Researcher at USDA-ARS, Bovine Functional Genomics, Beltsville, MD Doctorate in Molecular Genetics from University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK; National Institutes of Health Graduate Partnership Program, Bethesda, MD (2011) VTL, Alaska State Veterinary Technician License (2002) Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cornell University (1997) Associate of Science, Math and Science from Jefferson Community College, Watertown, NY (1995) Dr. Huson's research program uses genomic tools to investigate ancestry, relatedness, and genetic regulation of traits across domestic and wild species. Her primary focus areas include working dog genetics (particularly sled dogs), dairy cattle health traits, and musk ox conservation. She studies the genetics of athletic performance, behavior, health, and adaptation across species, with specific projects examining the human-canine bond and public perspectives on extreme conformation in dog breeds. In dairy cattle research, she investigates disease genetics, crossbreeding effects, and epigenetic inheritance related to disease and performance. Dr. Huson's recent publications reveal her expertise in comparative genomics across species, with particular emphasis on sled dog evolution, working dog performance genetics, and dairy cattle health traits. Her research bridges historical analysis with modern genomic techniques, identifying connections between genetic variants and phenotypic traits across diverse populations. Dr. Huson has received notable recognition for her work: 2022 CALS Rising Star Faculty Award for demonstrating extraordinary promise early in her career 2017 Atkinson Center Faculty Fellow As an educator and mentor, Dr. Huson directs the Cornell Raptor Program (CRP), which houses approximately 25 resident birds of prey. She teaches courses including ANSC 1130: Introduction to Captive Raptor Husbandry, ANSC 2210/5210: Principles of Animal Genetics, and ANSC 3310/6310: Applied Dairy Cattle Genetics. She mentors post-doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate researchers who learn laboratory techniques, animal handling, and genomic data analysis. Her team collaborates with guide, detection, and assistance dog groups, as well as dairy cattle producers. Dr. Huson leads the Odyssey DNA Lab, which supports her multi-species genomic research. Her background as a sled dog racer (25 years of experience, including professional racing in Alaska for six years) deeply informs her research on working dog genetics, connecting her personal experience with scientific inquiry.
Ramon Carreno is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio Wesleyan University, specializing in parasitology and wildlife diseases. He holds a B.S. from the University of Toronto, an M.S. from Lakehead University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Guelph. Dr. Carreno serves as OWU's pre-veterinary medicine program adviser and is fluent in French, German, and Spanish. Specializes in nematode systematics across mammals, birds, and arthropods Research combines microscopy and molecular techniques NSF-funded projects supporting electron microscopy infrastructure Research Focus : Wildlife parasitology with emphasis on taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics, and host-parasite dynamics. His lab investigates nematodes in diverse hosts including cockroaches, red deer, and endangered species like pampas deer, employing DNA barcoding and morphological analysis. Recent Publications cover nematode diversity in invertebrates, lungworms in ruminants, and zoonotic parasites. Collaborative work with students has led to new species descriptions and insights into parasite biogeography . Scientific Awards : Bishop Herbert Welch Award for Scholarly or Artistic Achievement (2025) Bishop Herbert Welch Meritorious Teaching Award Libuse L. Reed Endowed Professorship Sherwood Dodge Shankland Award for Encouragement of Teachers Student Engagement : Mentored 36 published researchers; provides field and lab experiences with opportunities for conference presentations. NSF grants facilitated advanced research infrastructure for student projects. Contact: racarren@owu.edu | Office: Schimmel/Conrades Science Center #344 | Phone: 740-368-3893
Rachel Allavena is a Professor and Deputy Head of School at the School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland . She specializes in veterinary pathology and comparative medicine , developing cancer immunotherapies using pet dogs with natural cancer as models for human oncology. Her work bridges veterinary and human medicine, focusing on translational research . She also leads forensic pathology investigations for Racing Queensland , Queensland Police , and RSPCA Queensland , advocating for animal cruelty prevention . PhD in Comparative Medicine (Cornell University) Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology (University of Guelph) Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Honours (University of Queensland) Her research spans comparative oncology (including canine brain cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, osteosarcoma ), koala conservation (co-developer of KoalaBASE database), and envenomation studies . She has trained ACVP board-certified pathologists and developed drug safety testing protocols in the UK pharmaceutical sector. Her immunotherapy trials have achieved 20% cure rates in terminal canine cancer patients. 2015 - Faculty of Science Teaching Excellence Award 2021 - UQ Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning As a media expert , she has featured in international outlets and delivered a TEDx talk on canine cancer therapy. She actively supervises PhD/MPhil students in projects like Canine Osteosarcoma Immunotherapy and Feline GI Lymphomas . Her team explores biometallic implants and forensic pathology applications.
Christine Elsik is a Professor at the University of Missouri, affiliated with the Divisions of Animal Sciences and Plant Science & Technology within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR). Her research focuses on computational genomics and bioinformatics, with expertise in genome annotation and database development for livestock, aquaculture, Hymenopteran insects, and maize. Key projects include the Bovine Genome Database, Hymenoptera Genome Database, and AquaMine. Dr. Elsik holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Texas A&M University. She teaches AN_SCI/PLNT_SCI 8430: Introduction to Bioinformatics Programming . Her work is supported by grants from the NSF, USDA, NIH, and the European Union, among others. Research highlights include telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies of livestock, FAANG data ecosystems, and tools like BovineMine and HymenopteraMine. The Elsik Lab collaborates globally to advance agricultural genomics, emphasizing data integration and functional annotation. Her contributions span genomic resources for cattle, honey bees, maize, and aquatic species, with a focus on translating genomic insights into practical applications for agriculture and animal health.
T.G. Nagaraja , University Distinguished Professor of Microbiology at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, has dedicated his career to Gut Microbiology with a focus on Rumen Metabolism and Preharvest Food Safety . His research addresses the role of gut microbes in cattle health, particularly Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) , Salmonella , and Antimicrobial Resistance in beef production systems. BVSc (1970), MVSc (1972) in Veterinary Microbiology from Mysore Veterinary College PhD (1977) in Microbiology from Kansas State University Nagaraja's work spans basic and applied studies on ruminal acidosis and liver abscesses , collaborating with experts in Epidemiology, Molecular Biology, and Ruminant Nutrition. His lab develops interventions to mitigate foodborne pathogens through dietary modifications and vaccine strategies. Key publications highlight advancements in STEC detection (2018), comparative genomics of non-O157 serogroups (2017), and multiplex PCR assays (2015). Recent articles focus on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and vaccine efficacy against liver abscesses. Scientific contributions include six US patents for Fusobacterium necrophorum vaccines and detection methods. Teaching responsibilities include Veterinary Bacteriology , Rumen Metabolism , and Rumen Microbiology graduate courses.
Claire E Terhune is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Anthropology within the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She joined the university in January 2014 and serves as the lead Scientific Advisor for the microCT Imaging Consortium for Research and Outreach (MICRO). Dr. Terhune received her educational training at: B.S. in Anthropology from the College of Charleston (2002) B.A. in Biology from the College of Charleston (2002) M.A. in Anthropology from Arizona State University (2005) Ph.D. in Anthropology from Arizona State University (2010) As a biological anthropologist, Dr. Terhune's research focuses on primate, human, and fossil hominin cranial anatomy and evolution. She employs advanced analytical and quantitative techniques including geometric morphometrics and microCT imaging. Her work spans three major areas: understanding the evolution and function of primate and hominin skull shapes; developing techniques for comparative morphometric analysis; and evaluating models of hominin migration into Europe and Asia during the early Pleistocene. She conducts ongoing field research in Romania, particularly in the Olteț River Valley. Dr. Terhune's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on primate biomechanics, craniofacial development, and the application of advanced imaging technologies. Her research on capuchin mandibles, dental remains, and jaw leverage reveals patterns of primate evolution and adaptation, while her work in Romania provides critical insights into early hominin dispersal patterns. She has developed innovative approaches to microCT imaging that have broad applications across anthropology, paleontology, and biomedical research. Dr. Terhune is the founder and lead Scientific Advisor of the MicroCT Imaging Consortium for Research and Outreach (MICRO), established in 2018 with funding from a National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation grant (NSF BCS-1725925). MICRO provides high-resolution microCT scanning capabilities for researchers across disciplines. Through her leadership of the Terhune Lab, she mentors numerous graduate and undergraduate students who frequently appear as co-authors on her publications. She teaches courses including Introduction to Biological Anthropology, Bones, Bodies, and Brains in Evolutionary Perspective, Mammalian Evolution and Osteology, Statistics in Biological Anthropology, and Human Gross Anatomy.
Christine Robitschek, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Professor within the Department of Psychological Sciences at Texas Tech University, where she has established herself as a leading researcher in Personal Growth Initiative (PGI) theory and application. Her work bridges counseling psychology with mental health practice through rigorous theoretical development and cross-cultural validation. Her academic foundation includes: Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis (1993) Dr. Robitschek's research program centers on Personal Growth Initiative as a multidimensional construct influencing mental health outcomes. She has pioneered the development of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II and Intentional Growth Training interventions, while systematically examining PGI's role in trauma recovery, identity formation, and multicultural contexts. Her Cultural Lens Approach provides critical frameworks for evaluating cultural validity in psychological research, demonstrating how intentional growth processes interact with cultural identity to shape well-being across diverse populations. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent thematic evolution from foundational scale development (2009-2012) toward complex applications in trauma contexts (2013-2016) and cross-cultural validation. Recent work increasingly examines PGI as a mediator between cultural factors and mental health outcomes, with growing emphasis on military populations and posttraumatic growth mechanisms. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. While Dr. Robitschek has historically mentored graduate researchers as evidenced by her extensive collaborative publications, she has formally announced she will no longer accept new students. Information regarding specific research grants was not included in the available documentation. Her research operations are conducted through a dedicated laboratory facility in ENG 109, where her team continues to investigate the clinical applications of PGI theory and refine measurement methodologies for diverse populations.
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.
Dan Wang serves as an Assistant Professor in Veterinary Science at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, based at the Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington, Kentucky. His work focuses on viral diseases affecting equine and other animal populations with significant implications for both veterinary and human health. Dr. Wang's research interests span multiple critical areas of veterinary virology and immunology. His primary focus is on influenza viruses, particularly their transmission dynamics, host adaptation, and vaccine development. He also conducts significant research on equine rotaviruses, investigating both rotavirus A and B strains that cause gastrointestinal disease in foals. His work extends to other viral pathogens including Zika virus and bovine papillomavirus, demonstrating a broad expertise in veterinary viral pathogens. Analysis of Dr. Wang's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on emerging viral threats, particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza strains that are crossing species barriers into mammalian hosts. His research combines molecular virology, epidemiology, and vaccine development approaches, with a special focus on equine and agricultural animal health. The work often addresses practical veterinary challenges while contributing to broader understanding of viral pathogenesis and transmission. Dr. Wang is actively involved in multiple significant research projects as a Co-Investigator, including NIAID-funded Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response focusing on H5N1 surveillance in agricultural animals, research on influenza D virus entry mechanisms, and development of nanoparticle vaccines for equine rotavirus B. His collaborative work spans multiple institutions and receives funding from sources including the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, and industry partners. Based at the Gluck Equine Research Center, Dr. Wang works within a specialized equine research environment that provides advanced facilities for studying equine infectious diseases. His laboratory focuses on viral pathogenesis, host immune responses, and vaccine development specifically tailored to equine health challenges, while also contributing to broader understanding of viral diseases that may have zoonotic potential.
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.
Panagiotis Karanis is a Professor of Anatomy and Coordinator of the Unit of Anatomy and Morphology at the University of Nicosia Medical School. He holds a PhD in Parasitology from Bonn University and a Habilitation in Parasitology from the Medical Faculty of Bonn University. His career includes former roles as Professor and Principal Investigator at institutions in Germany, Japan, and China, including leading the Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases at Qinghai University. Affiliations: University of Nicosia Medical School (current), Bonn University, Cologne University, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University Educational Background: PhD in Parasitology (Bonn University), Habilitation in Clinical Theoretical Medicine (Bonn University) His research focuses on waterborne, foodborne, and vector-borne diseases , emphasizing diagnostic method development, epidemiology, and the 'One World – One Health' framework. Key areas include parasitic infections (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Acanthamoeba), antibiotic resistance, and environmental contamination pathways. He has authored over 160 Scopus-indexed articles with 9,354 citations (h-index 48), managed €10M+ in research funding, and been ranked in the top 2% of global scientists. Research Highlights: Investigates protozoan parasites in water systems, vegetables, and wildlife Develops molecular diagnostic tools for emerging pathogens Evaluates disinfection methods (chlorine, UV, microwave) for protozoan cysts Studies parasite prevalence in immunocompromised patients and livestock His recent articles address leptospirosis complications , Acanthamoeba viability in water , and antiparasitic plant extracts . Awards include Stanford University's Top 2% Scientists distinction. Grants & Collaborations: Over 60 projects funded across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Global partnerships include institutions in China, Egypt, Tunisia, and the Philippines. Labs & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in parasitology, anatomy education, and One Health initiatives. Collaborates with clinicians, veterinarians, and environmental scientists.
