Justen Smith is an Extension Professor and Director of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at Utah State University's Davis County Extension Office. He has dedicated his career to international agricultural development, youth education through 4-H programs, and livestock management education, with projects spanning Iraq, Lebanon, and Armenia. His work focuses on post-war recovery, volunteer training, and culturally inclusive educational initiatives. Educational Background: MS in Agricultural Systems Technology (Animal Science and International Agricultural Development), Utah State University, 2000 BS in Animal Science (Minor in Spanish), Utah State University, 1998 Smith’s research emphasizes agricultural extension , 4-H youth programs , and livestock industry education . His publications highlight measurable impacts of extension programs in conflict-affected regions and innovative approaches to urban extension funding. Scientific Awards and Honors: Continued Excellence Award (Epsilon Sigma Phi), 2022 Meritorious Service Award (National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals), 2021 Distinguished Service Award (Epsilon Sigma Phi), 2020 International Service Award (National Epsilon Sigma Phi Association), 2015 Distinguished Service Award (National Association of Extension 4-H Agents), 2007 President Award (Utah Association of Extension 4-H Workers), 2008
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.
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.
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.
Fabienne Uehlinger is an Associate Professor at the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences within the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) at the University of Saskatchewan. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Veterinary Sciences (2008) and a Med. Vet. degree from the University of Bern, Switzerland (2002). She is also a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Large Animal Internal Medicine) and holds National Board Certification from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Uehlinger specializes in large animal internal medicine, with a focus on food and production animals. Her research integrates veterinary epidemiology, food security, and socio-economic impacts of animal health in resource-constrained regions like Kenya, Laos, and Haiti. Key areas include calf health management, zoonotic protozoa in livestock, and sustainable livestock production intensification. She collaborates globally on projects enhancing livestock management in context-specific settings. Her publications (2016–2020) address gastrointestinal nematode control, outbreak investigations, nutritional interventions in dairy farming, and One Health leadership frameworks. While no explicit awards are listed, her work reflects significant contributions to applied veterinary research and global health. Dr. Uehlinger’s advising and grants involve collaborative projects on livestock health economics and disease management. She is affiliated with WCVM’s clinical and research teams focused on production animal medicine and global veterinary challenges.
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.
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.
Jane Kelly is a Clinical Professor at Utah State University School of Veterinary Medicine . She serves as a Veterinary Diagnostician at the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UVDL) in Spanish Fork, Utah, focusing on zoonotic diseases, wildlife pathology, and clinical diagnostics. Dr. Kelly has held this position since 2009 and maintains active roles in teaching and extension activities. Email: jane.kelly@usu.edu Phone: 801-798-5435 Educational Background: MPH in Veterinary Medicine, University of Iowa (2014) MS in Bioveterinary Science, Utah State University (1992) DVM, North Carolina State University (1989) BS in Animal Science, North Carolina State University (1985) Science Certificate, Wayne Community College (1983) Research Focus: Dr. Kelly's work spans zoonotic disease surveillance , wildlife pathology , and veterinary diagnostic investigation . Her research emphasizes environmental health intersections with animal and human well-being, reflected in her course Ecology and Health: Case Studies (ADVS 6000). Key areas include virology, nutritional deficiencies, and infectious disease epidemiology in domestic and wild species. Publication Trends: Recent articles analyze mesothelioma in black bears , cardiomyopathy in wild turkeys , and zoonotic pathogens like Echinococcus granulosus . Peer-reviewed works focus on bovine viral diarrhea epidemiology and bacterial infections in livestock, while extension publications address botulism and rickets in agricultural settings. Scientific Distinctions: Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (2017) Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine (2014) Teaching & Extension: Dr. Kelly teaches Ecology and Health (ADVS 6000) and Veterinary Medicine and Human Health (VM 7543) at Utah State University. She contributes to extension programs through the Central Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, providing practical diagnostic solutions and educational outreach since 2009.
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.
George C. Fthenakis is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly. He holds advanced qualifications including a Degree in Veterinary Medicine (1982, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), MSc in Animal Health (1984, Royal Veterinary College, London), and PhD (1988, Royal Veterinary College, London). He is a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Reproduction (2001) and European College of Small Ruminant Health Management (2008). Roles: Head of Department of Obstetrics and Reproduction (1998–present), Academic Board Member (University of Thessaly), and visiting positions at University of Zaragoza (Spain) and University of Edinburgh (UK). Research: Focuses on animal reproduction, small ruminant health management, and veterinary therapeutics. His work addresses clinical applications in sheep reproduction, disease management, and global veterinary standards. Key awards include Fellow of the Hellenic Agricultural Academy and Honorary Diplomate status. He is recognized as a top 2% global scientist in Veterinary Sciences and a leading European author on sheep/goat topics. His publications span congress proceedings, clinical studies, and policy-related abstracts. Grants/Labs: Engaged in research projects on consumer protection, small ruminant health, and veterinary education. Active in editorial and advisory roles for academic committees.
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.
