Bio

Associate Professor, Virology and Clinical Immunology

Dr. Mohamed Abouelkhair, an associate professor at Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine in Rowan University, New Jersey, holds board certification in veterinary virology and immunology. His research focuses on exploring host immunity to microbial pathogens using cutting-edge omics technologies, including genomics, proteomics, and recently, metabolomics, and advanced CRISPR genome editing. Beyond this, Dr. Abouelkhair has dedicated a second branch of his research program to studying the tumor microenvironment. He aims to identify potential cancer immunotherapies by investigating the intricate interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment. By elucidating these mechanisms, he seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Education and Certifications

• DVM: University of Sadat City, Egypt
• MS: University of Sadat City, Egypt
• PhD: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Board Certified Veterinary Immunologist
• Board Certified Veterinary Virologist

Publications

• Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomics of Six Staphylococcus schleiferi and Staphylococcus coagulans Isolates. Abouelkhair MA, Kania SA. Genes (Basel). 2024 Feb 24;15(3):284. doi: 10.3390/genes15030284. PMID: 38540343 Free PMC article.
• Molecular characterization of a reptarenavirus detected in a Colombian Red-Tailed Boa (Boa constrictor imperator). Abouelkhair MA, Roozitalab A, Elsakhawy OK. Virol J. 2023 Nov 15;20(1):265. doi: 10.1186/s12985-023-02237-2. PMID: 37968659 Free PMC article.
• Complete coding sequence of two feline panleukopenia virus strains isolated from domestic cats (Felis catus) in Tennessee, USA. Roozitalab A, Elsakhawy OK, Abouelkhair MA. Microbiol Resour Announc. 2023 Oct 19;12(10):e0043123. doi: 10.1128/MRA.00431-23. Epub 2023 Sep 28. PMID: 37768073 Free PMC article.
• The molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius canine clinical isolates submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa. Phophi L, Abouelkhair M, Jones R, Henton M, Qekwana DN, Kania SA. PLoS One. 2023 Aug 30;18(8):e0290645. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290645. eCollection 2023. PMID: 37647319 Free PMC article.
• Temporal changes in antibiotic resistance and population structure of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius between 2010 and 2021 in the United States. Phophi L, Abouelkhair MA, Jones R, Zehr J, Kania SA. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2023 Sep;100:102028. doi: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102028. Epub 2023 Jul 24. PMID: 37517211
• Tetracycline, Sulfonamide, and Erythromycin Residues in Beef, Eggs, and Honey Sold as "Antibiotic-Free" Products in East Tennessee (USA) Farmers' Markets. Sarkar S, Souza MJ, Martin-Jimenez T, Abouelkhair MA, Kania SA, Okafor CC. Vet Sci. 2023 Mar 24;10(4):243. doi: 10.3390/vetsci10040243. PMID: 37104399 Free PMC article.
• Complete Genome Sequences of 11 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates from Dogs in the United States. Roozitalab A, Elsakhawy O, Phophi L, Kania SA, Abouelkhair MA. Microbiol Resour Announc. 2023 Apr 18;12(4):e0000223. doi: 10.1128/mra.00002-23. Epub 2023 Mar
• PMID: 36877101 Free PMC article. 8. In vitro and in vivo assessment of caprine origin Staphylococcus aureus ST398 strain UTCVM1 as an osteomyelitis pathogen. Billings C, Rifkin R, Abouelkhair M, Jones RD, Bow A, Kolape J, Rajeev S, Kania S, Anderson DE. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Nov 24;12:1015655. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1015655. eCollection 2022. PMID: 36726643 Free PMC article.
• Non-SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences identified in clinical samples from COVID-19 infected patients: Evidence for co-infections. Abouelkhair MA. PeerJ. 2020 Nov 2;8:e10246. doi: 10.7717/peerj.10246. eCollection 2020. PMID: 33194423 Free PMC article.
• Staphylococcus pseudintermedius 5'-nucleotidase suppresses canine phagocytic activity. Abouelkhair MA, Frank LA, Bemis DA, Giannone RJ, Kania SA. Vet Microbiol. 2020 Jul;246:108720. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108720. Epub 2020 May 16. PMID: 32605759

Bio

Assistant Professor, Anatomy and Physiology

Dr. Bahareh Ahmadi is an Assistant Professor at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University, New Jersey. Her research focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence to advance image analysis techniques. She has developed a novel software, r-Algo, which has significant potential applications in the medical and agricultural industries. In her teaching, Dr. Ahmadi is passionate about incorporating innovative technologies to enhance student engagement and understanding. She creates microlearning animations, interactive PowerPoint presentations, instructional models, and memory cards to make complex veterinary concepts more understandable and engaging.

Education and Certifications

• DVM: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad,  2001

• MSc: University of Guelph, 2011

• PhD: University of Guelph, 2022

Publications

• Ahmadi, B., Duarte, F. C. K., Srbely, J., & Bartlewski, P. M. (2024). Ultrasound-based assessment of the expression of inflammatory markers in the rectus femoris muscle of rats. Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.), 249, 10064. https://doi.org/10.3389/ebm.2024.10064
• Ahmadi, B., Schwarz, T., & Bartlewski, P.M. (2024). Validation of new proprietary software (r-Algo) for predicting meat chemical composition from ultrasound images of skeletal muscles in live animals: Pectoralis major muscles of broiler chickens. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences(JAFS-01814-2024-02; Accepted)
• Gonçalves, J.D., Dias, J.H., Machado-Neves, M., Vergani, G.B., Batista, R.I.T.P., Souza-Fabjan, J.M.G., Oliveira, M.E.F., Ahmadi, B., Bartlewski, P.M. a& Fonseca, J.F. (2024). Transcervical uterine flushing and embryo transfer in sheep: Morphophysiological basis for approaches currently used, major challenges, potential improvements, and new directions (alas, including some old ideas). Reproductive Biology, 24(3), 100920. DOI: 1016/j.repbio.2024.100920
• Molik, E., JavadiEsfahani, R., Murawski, M., Schwarz, T., Jamieson, M., Ahmadi, B., Bartlewski P. M. (2023). A preliminary study of the relationships between echotextural characteristics of the mammary gland and chemical composition of milk during early lactation in ewes. Annals of Animal Science 23(4), 1071-1083.https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2023-0038
• Ahmadi, B., Issa, S., Duarte, F.C., Srbely, J. & Bartlewski, P.M. (2022). Ultrasonographic assessment of skeletal muscles after experimentally induced neurogenic inflammation (facet injury) in rats. Experimental Biology and Medicine2022 247(21), 1873-1884. https://doi.org/10.1177/153537022211198 
• Ahmadi, B., Jamieson, M., Ahmadi, B., Połtowicz, K., Nowak, J., Murawski, M., Małopolska, M., Schwarz, T. & Bartlewski, P. M. (2022). Correlations between first order echotextural characteristics and chemical composition of pectoralis major muscles in broiler chickens receiving different dietary fat supplements. Annals of Animal Science, 22(2), 803-813. https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2021-0074

Bio

Associate Professor, Anatomy and Physiology

Dr. Charavaryamath is an Associate Professor of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology with research interests focused on the mechanisms of respiratory and neuroinflammation caused by exposure to agricultural and other contaminants. Employing in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models, his work aims to uncover underlying mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets to mitigate inflammation. A secondary area of his research involves exploring pathogen interactions with the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, alongside the roles of inflammation and commensal flora in microbial invasion. His past studies have utilized models such as calves (paratuberculosis), piglets (post-weaning diarrhea), and surgically modified pigs (C. difficile), providing him with extensive expertise in gut-mucosal immunity and surgical models. Additionally, he has served as a reviewer for various national and international funding agencies.

Dr. Charavaryamath is a trained anatomist with experience teaching gross anatomy, histology, embryology (problem-based curriculum), and respiratory physiology (didactic curriculum). Currently, he teaches gross anatomy and respiratory physiology within the integrated DVM curriculum at Rowan University's Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. He has a strong commitment to graduate and professional education, and mentoring. Beyond academia, Dr. Charavaryamath actively contributes to professional organizations, including the American Association of Veterinary Anatomists, the American Association of Anatomists, and the American Thoracic Society. He also serves on several committees within the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University.

Education and Certifications

• DVM (BVSc): University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, India
• MVSc (Veterinary Microbiology): University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, India
• PhD (Veterinary Biomedical Sciences): University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
• Post-Doctoral Training: VIDO, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Publications

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Chandrashekhar+Charavaryamath&sort=date&size=100

Bio

Associate Professor, Animal Welfare and Behavior

Dr. Contreras is an associate professor of animal welfare and behavior and a resident in the American College of Animal Welfare. Her teaching focuses on understanding behavior as a means to evaluate animal welfare. She also teaches introductory veterinary behavior topics and facilitates veterinary ethics discussions for veterinary students. Dr. Contreras’s research interests include the evaluation of chronic stress, distress, and positive affective states in animals; non-invasive methods to quantify biomarkers of stress or pleasure; and veterinary education’s impact on veterinary students’ attitudes and beliefs. Before becoming a veterinarian, she earned an MS in ecology and studied the effects of rural development on grassland bird populations. After receiving her DVM, she completed a small animal shelter medicine and surgery internship and shelter research fellowship at Colorado State University. Dr. Contreras’s PhD in Veterinary Clinical Sciences focused on feline infectious diseases, namely upper respiratory infections in shelter cats.

Education and Certifications

• MS: Colorado State University, 2006
• DVM: Ross University, 2013
• PhD: Colorado State University, 2019
• Residency: American College of Animal Welfare, in progress

Publications

• Contreras, Elena T. and Raphael Vanderstichel. (2025, in press). Enhancing veterinary education through a novel animal welfare and behavior course at a new veterinary university. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education.
• Contreras, Elena T., Kate Bruner, Courtney Hegwer, Andrew Simpson. (2025, in press). Claw growth rates in a subset of adult, indoor, domestic cats (Felis catus). Journal of Veterinary Dermatology.
• Ziogaite, B., Elena T. Contreras, Jason E. Horgan. (2024). Incidence of splenic malignancy and hemangiosarcoma in dogs undergoing splenectomy surgery at a surgical specialty clinic: 182 cases (2017-2021). PLoS ONE.19(12): e0314737.
• Contreras, Elena (2023). Feline upper respiratory tract infections. In: Ettinger, SJ, Feldman, EC, Cote, E., eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 9^th edition, Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Sciences, Chapter 205.
• Contreras, Elena T., Raphael Vanderstichel, Claire Hovenga, Michael R Lappin. (2021). Evaluation of feline hair and nail cortisol concentrations and preliminary associations with behavioral, physical, and environmental indicators of chronic stress. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 35(6):2662-2672.
• Contreras, Elena T. and Rollin, Bernard E. (2021). The convenient disregard for the Rattus species in the laboratory environment: Implications for animal welfare and science. Journal of Animal Ethics 11(2): 12-30.
• Contreras, Elena T., Francisco Olea-Popelka, William Wheat, Steven Dow, Jennifer Hawley, Michael R. Lappin. (2019). Evaluation of liposome TLR ligand complexes for non-specific mucosal immunoprotection from feline herpesvirus-1 infection. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 33(2): 831-837.
• Contreras, Elena T., Elizabeth Hodgkins, Valarie Tynes, Alexandra Beck, Francisco Olea-Popelka, Michael R Lappin. (2018). Effect of a pheromone on stress-associated recrudescence of feline herpesvirus-1 in experimentally inoculated kittens. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 32(1):406-417.
• Contreras, Elena T., Deanna R. Worley, Ross H. Palmer, Felix M. Duerr. (2018). Post-amputation orthopedic surgery in canine amputees: owner satisfaction and outcome. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine 33, no. 3: 89-96.
• Contreras, Elena, Kristy Dowers, Scott Moroff, and Michael Lappin. (2018). Clinical and laboratory effects of doxycycline and prednisolone in Ixodes scapularis-exposed dogs with chronic Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine 33, no. 4: 147-149.

Bio

Associate Professor, Immunology

Dr. Dukkipati is a trained veterinary immunologist and geneticist. After completion of a PhD (immunogenetics), he underwent postdoctoral training for four years in a sub-unit vaccine (against Johne’s disease) project within the School of Veterinary Science at Massey University, New Zealand. Prior to taking up the current position at Rowan, he worked as an academic in the School of Agriculture and Environment, and the School of Veterinary Science at Massey University. His research is primarily focused on control and prevention of animal diseases - development of vaccines and diagnostics, and understanding genetic mechanisms underlying production, reproduction and disease resistance/susceptibility traits. Dr. Dukkipati has so far supervised 10 postgraduate students (5 PhD and 5 Masters) to completion.

Education and Certifications

• BVSc: Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, India
• MVSc: Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, India
• PhD: Massey University, New Zealand

Publications

• Heritability estimates and genetic and phenotypic correlations of skin thickness and skin temperature with key production traits in FocusPrime, Texel, Romney and Highlander sheep. Graña-Baumgartner A, Dukkipati VSR, Biggs PJ, Kenyon PR, Blair HT, Pickering NK, Van der Linden DS, López-Villalobos N. J Anim Sci. 2024 Nov 30:skae358. doi: 10.1093/jas/skae358.
• RNAseq Analysis of Brown Adipose Tissue and Thyroid of Newborn Lambs Subjected to Short-Term Cold Exposure Reveals Signs of Early Whitening of Adipose Tissue. Metabolites. Graña-Baumgartner A, Dukkipati VSR, Kenyon PR, Blair HT, López-Villalobos N, Gedye K, Biggs PJ. 2022 Oct 20;12(10):996. doi: 10.3390/metabo12100996.
• Differential Transcription of Selected Cytokine and Neuroactive Ligand-receptor Genes in Peripheral Leukocytes from Calves in Response to Cautery Disbudding. Kongara K, Dukkipati VSR, Tai HM, Heiser A, Murray A, Webster J, Johnson CB. Animals (Basel). 2020 Jul 14;10(7):1187. doi: 10.3390/ani10071187.
• Draft Genome Sequence of a New Zealand Isolate of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae. Bridgeman BJ, Gupta SK, Murray A, Dukkipati VSR, Altermann E, Wedlock DN. Microbiol Resour Announc. 2020 Mar 5;9(10):e01375-19. doi: 10.1128/MRA.01375-19.
• Transcriptomic analysis of circulating neutrophils in metabolically stressed peripartal grazing dairy cows. Crookenden MA, Moyes KM, Kuhn-Sherlock B, Lehnert K, Walker CG, Loor JJ, Mitchell MD, Murray A, Dukkipati VSR, Vailati-Riboni M, Heiser A, Roche JR. J Dairy Sci. 2019 Aug;102(8):7408-7420. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-16367.
• Effects of precalving body condition and prepartum feeding level on gene expression in circulating neutrophils. Crookenden MA, Walker CG, Heiser A, Murray A, Dukkipati VSR, Kay JK, Meier S, Moyes KM, Mitchell MD, Loor JJ, Roche JR. J Dairy Sci. 2017 Mar;100(3):2310-2322. doi: 10.3168/jds.2016-12105.
• Experimental infection of New Zealand Merino sheep with a suspension of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) strain Telford: Kinetics of the immune response, histopathology and Map culture. Dukkipati VSR, Ridler AL, Thompson KG, Buddle BM, Hedgespeth BA, Price-Carter M, Begg DJ, Whittington RJ, Gicquel B, Murray A. Vet Microbiol. 2016 Nov 15;195:136-143. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.09.018.
• Parturition in dairy cows temporarily alters the expression of genes in circulating neutrophils. Crookenden MA, Heiser A, Murray A, Dukkipati VSR, Kay JK, Loor JJ, Meier S, Mitchell MD, Moyes KM, Walker CG, Roche JR. J Dairy Sci. 2016 Aug;99(8):6470-6483. doi: 10.3168/jds.2015-10877.
• Recovery of intact IgG in the gastrointestinal tract of the growing rat following ingestion of an ovine serum immunoglobulin. Balan P, Han KS, Dukkipati VS, Moughan PJ. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2014 Apr;98(2):209-14. doi: 10.1111/jpn.12060.
• Extensive intra-host genetic diversity uncovered in Cryptosporidium parvum using Next Generation Sequencing. Grinberg A, Biggs PJ, Dukkipati VS, George TT. Infect Genet Evol. 2013 Apr;15:18-24. doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.08.017.

Bio

Associate Professor, Anatomic Pathology

Dr. Eckstrand is diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, and has an appointment as an Associate Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology. As an anatomic pathologist, Dr. Eckstrand performs diagnostic and research investigations for a wide variety of domestic and wildlife species with a special interest in virologic infectious diseases. Dr. Eckstrand teaches General and Systemic Pathology to professional students in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum.

Education and Certifications

• BS, University of Delaware, 2003
• DVM, Atlantic Veterinary College, 2009
• Residency, Anatomic Pathology, University of California Davis, 2012
• PhD, University of California Davis, 2016

Publications

• PUBMED - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1Nui7zdZsqpkd/bibliography/public/
• Eckstrand CD, et al. (2024) Detection, sequencing, and tissue distribution of piscine orthoreovirus 2-like virus in diseased coho salmon in Alaska. J Vet Diagn Invest. 36(3):338-345.
• Haman KH, Eckstrand CD, et al. (2024) A comprehensive epidemiological approach documenting an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus clade 2.3.4.4b among gulls, terns, and harbor seals in the Northeaster Pacific. Front Vet Sci. 11.
• Haake CJE, Eckstrand CD, et al. (2024) Geographic distribution and neuropathology of Elaeophora schneideri in Shiras Moose (Alces alces shirasi) in Idaho, USA. J Wildl Dis. 60(3):727-733.
• Eckstrand CD, et al. (2024) Investigation of laboratory methods for characterization of aquatic viruses using fish experimentally infected with infectious salmon anemia virus. J Vet Diagn Invest. 36(3):319-328.
• Eckstrand CD et al. (2024). Genomic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in 61 aquatic bacterial isolates. J Vet Diagn Invest. 36(3):393-399.
• Murphy BG, Eckstrand C, et al. (2023) The late asymptomatic and terminal immunodeficiency phases in experimentally FIV-infected cats – A long-term study. Viruses. 15(8):1775.
• Witherell K, Eckstrand C, et al. (2023) Utility of postmortem bacterial culture of abdominal organs at autopsy of young calves. J Vet Diagn Invest. 35(2):182-186.
• Eckstrand C, et al. (2021) An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 with high mortality in mink (Neovison vison) on multiple Utah farms. PLosPathog. 17(11).
• Mitra I, Eckstrand C, et al. (2021) 3D printing in alloy design to improve biocompatibility in metallic implants. Matter Today. 45:2-34.
• Oliveira RD, Eckstrand CD, et al. (2020): Algal lymphadenitis in a dog caused by Scenedesmus species. Vet Pathol. 57(6):821.

Bio

Assistant Professor, Epidemiology, Public Health and Food Safety

Dr. Ekakoro is an assistant professor of epidemiology, public health and food safety. He teaches in the population medicine block which includes epidemiology, public health and food safety. As an epidemiologist, his research interests are broadly in the One Health epidemiology of infectious diseases including antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship in human and veterinary medicine, food safety epidemiology, zoonoses, emerging infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and study designs in clinical trials (including evaluation of vaccine study designs).

Education and Certifications

• BVM, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, 2009
• MVMF, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, 2014
• PGDip, Uganda Management Institute, 2015
• PhD, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2018
• Post-Doc, Purdue University, 2019–2020
• Post-Doc, Cornell University, 2020–2023
• Research Associate, Kansas State University, 2023–2024

Publications

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=John+Ekakoro&sort=date&size=20
• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pBm8vBQAAAAJ&hl=en

Bio

Clinical Assistant Professor, Anatomic Pathology

Dr. Finley is a clinical assistant professor and a board-certified veterinary anatomic pathologist in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology. She earned her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, followed by an internship in diagnostic medicine at Kansas State University. She then became an inaugural resident at Midwestern University, where she completed her anatomic pathology residency. Dr. Finley is passionate about teaching and diagnostics, and she will be instructing courses in Histology, General Pathology, and Pathobiology. Her research interests include infectious diseases, vector-borne diseases, and parasitology, with a focus on collaborative work with other researchers. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Finley enjoys roller derby, hiking, and arts and crafts.

Education and Certifications

• BS, Ithaca College, 2013
• DVM, Ontario Veterinary College, 2017
• Internship, Diagnostic Medicine, Kansas State University, 2018
• Residency, Anatomic Pathology, Midwestern University, 2021

Publications

• Sender D, Hulsey B, Cañete-Gibas C, Wiederhold N, Lee JK, Finley A, Cruz C, White ME. Disseminated Aspergillus citrinoterreus and concurrent localized dermal phaeohyphomycosis in an immunosuppressed dog. Clin Case Rep. 2024 Feb 22;12(2):e7573.
• Schmidt PH, White BJ, Finley A, Bortoluzzi EM, Depenbusch BE, Mancke M, Brown RE, Jensen M, Lancaster PA, Larson RL. Determining Frequency of Common Pulmonary Gross and Histopathological Findings in Feedyard Fatalities. Vet Sci. 2023 Mar 16;10(3):228.
• Scott MA, Woolums AR, Swiderski CE, Finley A, Perkins AD, Nanduri B, Karisch BB. Hematological and gene co-expression network analyses of high-risk beef cattle defines immunological mechanisms and biological complexes involved in bovine respiratory disease and weight gain. PLoS One. 2022 Nov 3;17(11): e0277033.
• Struthers JD, Kucerova Z, Finley A, Goe A, Huffman J, Phair K. Septicaemic Listeriosis in a White-Faced Saki (Pithecia pithecia). J Comp Pathol. 2022 Jun;194:7-13.
• White ME, Jaffey JA, Finley A, Chamberlin T. What is your diagnosis: Impression smears of a nasopharyngeal nodule in a cat. Vet Clin Pathol. 2021 Mar;50(1):89-91.
• Jorge KM, Huguet EE, Finley A, Dulaney DR, Cocchiaro M, Montiel-Del Valle A, Berry CR. Radiographic characteristics of alveolar microlithiasis and pulmonary ossification following chronic corticosteroid therapy in a dog. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2021 May;62(3):E30-E34.
• Finley A, Gohari IM, Parreira VR, Abrahams M, Staempfli HR, Prescott JF. Prevalence of netF-positive Clostridium perfringens in foals in southwestern Ontario. Can J Vet Res. 2016 Jul;80(3):242-4.

Bio

Assistant Professor, Veterinary Parasitology

Dr. Kafle serves as an Assistant Professor of Parasitology at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his veterinary medicine (BVSc & AH) degree from Tribhuvan University in Nepal and completed his PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences from the University of Calgary, Canada. Dr. Kafle further advanced his expertise through postdoctoral research at the University of Calgary and the University of Saskatchewan, focusing on wildlife parasitology, ecological modeling, and diagnostic parasitology. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (Parasitology).

Dr. Kafle's research investigates the intersection of host-parasite interactions, climate change, and One Health. His work emphasizes integrating traditional parasitological methods, such as morphological diagnostics, with cutting-edge molecular and omics technologies to enhance parasite surveillance and understanding of transmission dynamics. His research also includes climate change and disease dynamics, as well as parasite surveillance in urban and periurban wildlife. At SSVM, Dr. Kafle will teach parasitology within the pathobiology blocks mainly during the 2nd year. Dr. Kafle is committed to mentoring the next generation of veterinary professionals and researchers, supervising students on parasitology, wildlife health projects, and related fields.

Education and Certifications

• BVSc & AH: Tribhuvan University, Nepal, 2012
• PhD: University of Calgary, Canada, 2018
• Diplomate: American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, 2024

Publications

• Manga-González, M. Y., Ferreras, M. C., & Kafle, P. (2024). Dicrocoeliidae family: Major species causing veterinary diseases. Digenetic Trematodes, 349–390.
• Rutherford, C., Kafle, P., Soos, C., Epp, T., Bradford, L., & Jenkins, E. (2022). Investigating SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in animal species: A scoping review. Environmental Health Insights, 16, 11786302221107786.
• Verocai, G. G., Kafle, P., Sulliotti, V., Lejeune, M., Hoberg, E. P., & Kutz, S. J. (2022). Morphometry of first-stage larvae of Orthostrongylus macrotis (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae), lungworm of wild ungulates from western North America. The Journal of Parasitology, 108(4), 322–329.
• Ravanbakhsh, A., Munasinghe, L., Acuna, C., Kafle, P., & Jenkins, E. (2021). What is your diagnosis? Thoracic fluid from a dog. Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 50(1).
• Sharma, R., Thompson, P. C., Hoberg, E. P., Scandrett, W. B., Konecsni, K., ... & Kafle, P. (2020). Hiding in plain sight: Discovery and phylogeography of a cryptic species of Trichinella (Nematoda: Trichinellidae) in wolverine (Gulo gulo). International Journal for Parasitology, 50(4), 277–287.
• Kafle, P., Peller, P., Massolo, A., Hoberg, E., Leclerc, L. M., Tomaselli, M., & Kutz, S. J. (2020). Range expansion of muskox lungworms track rapid Arctic warming: Implications for geographic colonization under climate forcing. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 17323.
• Peacock, S. J., Mavrot, F., Tomaselli, M., Hanke, A., Fenton, H., Nathoo, R., ... & Kafle, P. (2020). Linking co-monitoring to co-management: Bringing together local, traditional, and scientific knowledge in a wildlife status assessment framework. Arctic Science, 6(3), 247–266.
• Owsiacki, R., Buhler, K. J., Sharma, R., Branigan, M., Fenton, H., Tomaselli, M., ... & Kafle, P. (2020). Trichinella nativa and Trichinella T6 in Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from northern Canada. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 13, 269–274.
• Watson, S. E., Hailer, F., Lecomte, N., Kafle, P., Sharma, R., Jenkins, E. J., ... & Perkins, S. E. (2020). Parasites of an Arctic scavenger: The wolverine (Gulo gulo). International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 13, 178–185.
• Kafle, P., Peacock, S. J., Grond, S., Orsel, K., & Kutz, S. J. (2018). Temperature-dependent development and freezing survival of protostrongylid nematodes of Arctic ungulates: Implications for transmission. Parasites & Vectors, 11, 1–12.
• Kafle, P. (2018). Climate change and range expansion of protostrongylid nematodes in the Canadian Arctic. [Doctoral dissertation, University of Calgary, Canada]
• Kutz, S., Rowell, J., Adamczewski, J., Gunn, A., Cuyler, C., Aleuy, O. A., ... & Kafle, P. (2017). Muskox health ecology symposium 2016: Gathering to share knowledge on "Umingmak" in a time of rapid change. Arctic, 70(2), 225–236.
• Kafle, P., Leclerc, L. M., Anderson, M., Davison, T., Lejeune, M., & Kutz, S. J. (2017). Morphological keys to advance the understanding of protostrongylid biodiversity in caribou (Rangifer spp.) at high latitudes. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 6(3), 331–339.
• Kafle, P., Sullivan, J., Verocai, G. G., & Kutz, S. J. (2017). Experimental life-cycle of Varestrongylus eleguneniensis (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) in a captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and a muskox (Ovibos moschatus moschatus). Journal of Parasitology, 103(5), 584–587.
• Tomaselli, M., Dalton, C., Duignan, P. J., Kutz, S., van der Meer, F., & Kafle, P. (2016). Contagious ecthyma, rangiferine brucellosis, and lungworm infection in a muskox (Ovibos moschatus) from the Canadian Arctic, 2014. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 52(3), 719–724.
• Kafle, P., Lejeune, M., Verocai, G. G., Hoberg, E. P., & Kutz, S. J. (2015). Morphological and morphometric differentiation of dorsal-spined first-stage larvae of lungworms (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) infecting muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) in the central Canadian Arctic. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 4(3), 283–290.
• Pokharel, B. B., Bhattarai, N., Sapkota, M., & Kafle, P. (2013). Effect of non-genetic factors on litter traits of Hurrah pigs in Nawalparasi, Nepal. International Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 3(4), 141–144.
• Kafle, P., Sedai, D., Rai, K. P., & Pokharel, B. B. (2012). Study on the level of aflatoxin M1 contamination in raw and processed milk marketed in Kathmandu Valley. Journal of Food Science and Technology Nepal, 7, 52–56.

Bio

Professor

Dr. Omar Tliba is the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies for the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University. Dr. Tliba holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the El-Tarf College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Badji-Mokhtar Annaba, Algeria, a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Rennes, France, another master's in the area of molecular and cellular interaction between the host and parasite from the University of Paris XII, France, a University Diploma in immuno-physiology of infection from “Pasteur Institute” in Paris, France, and a doctoral degree from the National Institute of Agriculture Research, Tours, France in the area of animal life science and immunology, specifically characterizing the early immune responses and the mechanisms of immuno-evasion by an important parasite in cattle, Fasciola hepatica.

Dr. Tliba’s academic interests include independent and collaborative research in lung and inflammatory diseases, teaching and mentoring students. He has over 28 years of research experience in the area of allergic diseases. In the last 22 years, he has been conducting airway inflammation-related research and specifically investigated certain pharmacological aspects of pulmonary diseases. He has been awarded several prestigious multiple years grants from foundations such as the Parker B. Francis Fellowship and American Lung Association, as well as the National Institute of Health (NIH) including K99/R00 (5 years), R21 (2 years), and R01 (11 years) and has served as a reviewer for multiple NIH foundations (both national and international) grant review panels.​

Education and Certifications

• DVM, El-Tarf College of Veterinary Medicine, Annaba, Algeria, 1996
• Ms, Biomedical Sciences, University of Rennes I, France, 1997
• Ms, Immunology, Institut pasteur, Paris, France, 1998
• Ph.D., Immunology, University of Francois Rabellais, Tours, France, 2001

Publications

• Glucocorticoid Insensitivity in Asthma: The Unique Role for Airway Smooth Muscle Cells. Ramos-Ramírez P, Tliba O. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Aug 11;23(16):8966.
• New Insights on the Role of Pentraxin-3 in Allergic Asthma. Koussih L, Atoui S, Tliba O, Gounni AS. Front Allergy. 2021 Jun 11;2:678023.
• Adiponectin/AdipoR1 Axis Promotes IL-10 Release by Human Regulatory T Cells. Ramos-Ramírez P, Malmhäll C, Tliba O, Rådinger M, Bossios A. Front Immunol. 2021 May 18;12:677550.
• Glucocorticoid Receptor β (GRβ): Beyond Its Dominant-Negative Function. Ramos-Ramírez P, Tliba O. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Mar 31;22(7):3649.
• Important Lessons Learned from Studies on the Pharmacology of Glucocorticoids in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells: Too Much of a Good Thing May Be a Problem. Amrani Y, Panettieri RA, Ramos-Ramirez P, Schaafsma D, Kaczmarek K, Tliba O. Pharmacol Ther. 2020 Sep;213:107589.
• Glucocorticoids Rapidly Activate cAMP Production via Gαs to Initiate Non-Genomic Signaling That Contributes to One-Third of Their Canonical Genomic Effects. Nuñez FJ, Johnstone TB, Corpuz ML, Kazarian AG, Mohajer NN, Tliba O, Panettieri RA Jr, Koziol-White C, Roosan MR, Ostrom RS. FASEB J. 2020 Feb;34(2):2882-2895.
• Glucocorticoids Regulate Pentraxin-3 Expression in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells. Zhang J, Koussih L, Shan L, Halayko AJ, Tliba O, Gounni AS. PLoS One. 2019 Aug 22;14(8).
• Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Are Insensitive to the Anti-Proliferative Effects of Corticosteroids: The Novel Role of Insulin Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 in Asthma. Bui H, Amrani Y, Deeney B, Panettieri RA, Tliba O. Immunobiology. 2019 Jul;224(4):490-496.
• Non-Genomic Effects of Glucocorticoids: An Updated View. Panettieri RA, Schaafsma D, Amrani Y, Koziol-White C, Ostrom R, Tliba O. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2019 Jan;40(1):38-49.
• Paucigranulocytic Asthma: Uncoupling of Airway Obstruction from Inflammation. Tliba O, Panettieri RA Jr. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019 Apr;143(4):1287-1294.