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, 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

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

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

Associate Professor, Anatomy and Physiology

Dr. Kavitha Kongara has been teaching veterinary gross anatomy and embryology for over 14 years. She has a passion for fostering a deep understanding of the intricacies of the animal body in future veterinarians. With a strong background in both traditional and digital teaching methods, Dr. Kongara employs innovative techniques to engage students and promote a hands-on learning environment. She obtained a fellowship from Advance HE, UK for professionalism in teaching and supporting learning in higher education. She has also contributed to advancements in anatomical education by presenting her research at international conferences. Dr Kongara teaches gross anatomy in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum at Rowan’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Her research focuses on addressing critical questions related to pain mechanisms, recognition, assessment, and management in both small and large animals. With a robust background in pain physiology, pharmacology, and clinical research, Dr. Kongara dedicates her work to advancing the field of pain management in animals.  Dr. Kongara has so far supervised 11 postgraduate students (5 PhD and 6 Masters) to completion.

Education and Certifications

• DVM (BVSc): ANGR Agricultural University, Tirupathi, India
• MVSc (Veterinary Surgery and Radiology): ANGR Agricultural University, Tirupathi, India
• PhD (Veterinary Clinical Science): School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand
• ECFVG Certification: American Veterinary Medical Association, USA
• FHEA: Fellow of Higher Education Academy, UK

Publications

• PUBMED- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=kongara+k#
• Sahebjam F, Kongara K, et al. (2024) Minimizing pain in deer antler removal: Local anaesthetics in ZnO nanoparticle-based collagen dressings as a promising solution. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 197,114237.
• Kongara K, et al. (2023) Pain Assessment in Goat Kids: Focus on Disbudding. Animals 13(24):3814
• Kongara K, et al. (2023) Pharmacokinetics and effect on renal function and average daily gain in lambs after castration and tail docking, of firocoxib and meloxicam. N Z Vet J 71(6):306-314.
• Karna SR, Kongara K, et al. (2022) Evaluation of analgesic interaction between morphine, maropitant and dexmedetomidine in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy. N Z Vet J 70(1):10-21.
• Venkatachalam D, Kongara K, et al. (2021) Pharmacokinetics, efficacy and convulsive dose of articaine hydrochloride in goat kids. Vet Anaesth Analg, 48(2), 264-271.
• Karna SR, Kongara K, et al. (2020) Effect of combinations of morphine, dexmedetomidine and maropitant on the electroencephalogram in response to acute electrical stimulation in anaesthetized dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 43(6), 538-546.
• Venkatachalam D, Kongara K, et al. (2019) Analgesic efficacy of articaine hydrochloride for velvet antler removal in red deer (Cervus elaphus) and analysis of drug residues in the harvested velvet antler. N Z Vet J 67(5), 6.
• Singh P, Kongara K, et al. (2018) Comparison of electroencephalographic changes in response to acute electrical and thermal stimuli with the tail flick and hot plate test in rats administered with opiorphin. BMC Neurology, 18(1), 10.
• Kongara, K. (2017) Pharmacogenetics of opioid analgesics in dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 1-10
• Kongara K (2016). Attitudes and perceptions of veterinary paraprofessionals in New Zealand to postoperative pain in dogs and cats. N Z Vet Journal, 64(2), 112-116.
• Kongara K et al. (2014) Electroencephalographic evaluation of decapitation of the anaesthetized rat. Lab Anim 48(1):15-9.
• Kongara K, et al. (2013). Effects of tramadol or morphine in dogs undergoing castration on intra-operative electroencephalogram responses and post-operative pain. N Z Vet J 61(6), 349-353.
• Kongara K, et al. (2011) Effects of tramadol, morphine or their combination in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy on peri-operative electroencephalographic responses and post-operative pain. N Z Vet J 60(2), 129-135.
• Kongara K, et al. (2010) Electroencephalographic responses of tramadol, parecoxib and morphine to acute noxious electrical stimulation in anaesthetised dogs. Res Vet Sci, 88(1), 127-133

Bio

Associate Professor

Dr. Suzie Kovacs is the Associate Dean for Student Success at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University.  Dr. Kovacs graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph with a Master of Science in Epidemiology, after which was hired as a founding faculty member at Western University of Health Sciences' College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Kovacs received a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Claremont Graduate University for work focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the veterinary profession. In 2015, she was a charter recipient of the Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association LGBTQ+ Awareness Award, a national award that recognizes those who support and confirm inclusivity in veterinary academia, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Education and Certifications

• BS: University of Guelph
• MSc: Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph
• PhD: Claremont Graduate University

Bio

Assistant Professor, Microbiology (Bacteriology)

Dr. Nora Jean Nealon is an assistant professor of microbiology (bacteriology) at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. She holds a PhD in molecular nutrition/microbiology and she is a licensed DVM with a demonstrated interest in feline medicine, obesity management, and infectious diseases. Dr. Nealon is a proud first-generation college graduate and was born and raised along the Jersey Shore.

Dr. Nealon’s research spans clinical microbiology and infectious gastrointestinal diseases. She has interests in the roles of the gut microbiome in antimicrobial resistance, companion animal obesity management, and improving how we translate “big data” (bioinformatics) into clinical application for veterinary and human patients.

Dr. Nealon is an experienced college educator with 14+ years of experience teaching, mentoring, and training undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in the classroom and laboratory. Outside of work, she is a dedicated cat owner, lover of west highland white terriers, an avid foster of cats and kittens in need, and she enjoys listening to all types of music.

Education and Certifications

• BS: Rutgers University, 2013
• DVM: Colorado State University, 2021
• PhD: Colorado State University, 2019
• Postdoctoral Fellow: The Ohio State University, 2021-2025

Publications

• Kim, E.*, Nealon, N.J.*, Murray, K.A., Jardine, C., Magnuson, R., and Rao, S. Integron-Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Factors in Salmonella Typhimurium Isolated from Poultry. Animals. December 2024. *Co-first Authors
• Nealon, N.J., Boyer, S.M., Haberecht, H.B., and Ryan, E.P. Synbiotics of rice bran extract and Lactobacillus spp. have distinct metabolomes associated with differential capacities to suppress antimicrobial resistant Salmonella Typhimurium growth. Frontiers in Microbiology. April 2024.
• Nealon, N.J., Summers, S., Quimby, J., and Winston, J.A. Untargeted metabolomic profiling of serum from client-owned cats with early and late-stage chromic kidney disease. Scientific Reports. February 2024.
• Nealon, N.J., Wood, A., Klein, H., Salerno, M., Rudinsky, A., Parker, V.J., Howard, J., and Winston, J.A.  Glitter and Crayon as Fecal Markers in Domestic Cats and Impacts on the Fecal Microbiome. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. February 2023.
• Hove, P.*, Nealon, N.J.*, Chan, J., Boyer, S.M., Haberecht, H.B., and Ryan, E.P. Gram-positive and Gram-negative probiotics have distinct metabolomes associated with Salmonella Typhimurium growth suppression. Journal of Dietary Supplements. September 2022. *Co-first Authors
• Seyoum, Y., Humblot, C., Weiringa, F., Baxter, B., Nealon, N.J., Weber, A., and Ryan, E.P. Differential effects of rice bran fermentation across six probiotic strains on key metabolites for nutrition and gut health: a metabolomics approach. Frontiers in Nutrition. February 2022.
• Demisse, Y., Humblot, C., Baxter, B., Nealon, NJ., and Ryan, E.P. Probiotic Fermentation of Rice Bran with Six Genetically Diverse Strains Effects Nutrient and Phytochemical Composition; a Non-Targeted Metabolomics Approach. Current Developments in Nutrition. May 2020.
• Nealon, N.J.*, Parker, K.D.*, Lahaie, P., Ibrahim, H.M., Maurya, A.K., Raina, K., and Ryan, E.P. Host and gut microbial metabolism of Bifidobacterium longum fermented rice bran in healthy mice and bioavailability of antimicrobial and cancer-protective compounds. Beneficial Microbes. September 2019. *Co-first Authors.
• Schwerdtfeger, L.A., Nealon, N.J., Ryan, E.P and Tobet, S.A. Sex Dependent Impacts of Pathogen and Oxygen on Human Colon. BMC Gastroenterology. May 2019.
• Haberecht, H.B.*, Nealon, N.J*., Gilliand, J.R., Holder, A.V., Runyan, C., Oppel, R.C., Ibrahim, H.M., Mueller, L., Schrupp, F., Vilchez, S., Antony, L., Scaria, J., and Ryan, E.P. Antimicrobial Resistant Escherichia coli from Environmental Waters in Northern Colorado. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, December 2018. *Co-first authors
• Nealon, N.J. and Ryan, E.P. Chapter 4: Rice. In: Whole Grains and Their Bioactives: Composition and Health. June 2019.
• Borresen, E.C., Zhang, L., Trehan, I., Nealon, N.J., Maleta, K.M., Manary, M.J., and Ryan, E.P. The nutrient and metabolite profile of three complementary legume foods to improve gut health in rural Malawian children. Current Developments in Nutrition, September 2017.
• Rubinelli, K.M., Kim, S.A., Park, S.H., Roto, S.M., Nealon, N.J., Ryan, E.P., and Ricke, S.C. Differential Effects of Rice Bran Cultivars to Limit Salmonella Typhimurium in Chicken Cecal In Vitro Incubations and Impact on the Cecal Microbiome and Metabolome. PLOS ONE, September 2017.
• Zarei, I., Brown, D.G., Nealon, N.J., and Ryan, E.P. Rice Bran Metabolome Contains Amino Acids, Vitamins, & Cofactors, and Phytochemicals with Medicinal and Nutritional Properties. Rice, March 2017.
• Nealon, N.J., Yuan, L., Yang, X., and Ryan, E.P. Rice Bran and Probiotics Alter the Porcine Large Intestine and Serum Metabolomes for Protection Against Human Rotavirus Diarrhea. Frontiers in Microbiology, March 2017.
• Nealon, N.J., Worcester, C.W., and Ryan, E.P. Lactobacillus paracasei metabolism of rice bran reveals metabolome associated with Salmonella Typhimurium growth reduction. Journal of Applied Microbiology, March 2017.
• Forster, G. M.*, Nealon, N. J.,* Hill, D., Jensen, T., Stone, T., Bauer, J., and Ryan, E.P. Navy and black bean-based dog foods are digestible during weight loss in overweight and obese adult companion dogs.  Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition, October 2016. *Co-first authors

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.