Nneka Iduu | Veterinary Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nneka Iduu | Veterinary Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nneka Iduu | Veterinary Science | Auburn University | United States

Dr. Nneka Vivian Iduu is a distinguished biomedical and veterinary researcher with expertise in antimicrobial resistance, pathogen virulence, and molecular diagnostics. Currently serving as a Research Assistant at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Lecturer II at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, she exemplifies academic excellence and translational research impact. Her work focuses on understanding genetic mutations that drive pathogen evolution, developing functional genetic tools, and designing innovative diagnostic platforms to improve veterinary and public health. Dr. Iduu has authored impactful peer-reviewed articles, contributed to global infectious disease studies, and filed a provisional U.S. patent for advanced FRET-qPCR diagnostics. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Auburn University Graduate Student Fellowship and ARIFA fellowship, she continues to mentor future scientists while engaging in One Health initiatives. With her dedication to advancing sustainable animal and public health systems, she stands as a transformative leader in veterinary science research.

Author Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Nneka Vivian Iduu’s academic journey reflects her strong commitment to excellence in biomedical and veterinary sciences. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University, Alabama, specializing in pathogen biology, molecular diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance. Prior to this, she obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agricultural Microbiology with Distinction from the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil, where she conducted cutting-edge research on natural antimicrobials and foodborne pathogens. Her foundation was built with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Applied Microbiology (First Class) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, where she was recognized as the Best Graduating Student of both her department and faculty. Throughout her education, she pursued advanced workshops and certifications in computational biology, molecular techniques, and bioinformatics across the USA, Brazil, Germany, and Malaysia. This strong educational background has equipped her with interdisciplinary skills to address complex challenges in veterinary and public health.

Experience

Dr. Iduu’s professional experience spans academia, research, and industry, reflecting her versatility and commitment to veterinary and biomedical sciences. She currently serves as a Research Assistant at Auburn University, where she leads projects on emerging pathogens and advanced molecular diagnostics, mentoring undergraduate researchers and contributing to translational science. Alongside, she holds a position as Lecturer II at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria, where she is currently on study leave. Previously, she worked as an Assistant Lecturer and Graduate Assistant, mentoring students, initiating faculty research groups, and coordinating seminars. Her early industry experience as a Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Assistant at Nestlé Nigeria allowed her to integrate scientific innovation with quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Across her career, she has published extensively, presented at international conferences, and collaborated globally on One Health research. Her diverse experience highlights her ability to bridge research, education, and practical applications in veterinary medicine.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Iduu has received numerous prestigious awards that highlight her academic and research excellence. In 2023, she was awarded the Auburn University Graduate Student Fellowship, recognizing her exceptional doctoral research in veterinary biomedical sciences. In 2020, she was selected for the Agricultural Research and Innovation Fellowship for Africa (ARIFA), which supported her groundbreaking work on antimicrobial resistance. Her undergraduate achievements were also widely celebrated—she graduated as the Best Student in Applied Microbiology (2016) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and was further honored as the Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Biosciences. In addition to academic accolades, she has been invited to present at international conferences, including CRWAD and ASM Microbe, and serves as a reviewer for journals such as Frontiers in Microbiology and Veterinary Sciences. Her recognition reflects a consistent record of scholarly excellence and her growing influence in the global veterinary research community.

Research Focus

Dr. Iduu’s research is centered on addressing critical challenges in veterinary medicine, particularly antimicrobial resistance, pathogen virulence, and emerging zoonotic diseasesnn. Her work explores the molecular mechanisms by which genetic mutations drive pathogen evolution, with the goal of informing novel therapeutic interventions. A significant part of her research focuses on developing innovative molecular diagnostic tools, including her patented high-resolution melting curve FRET-qPCR technology, which enables rapid and accurate differentiation of veterinary pathogens. She also advances functional genetic approaches to improve pathogen detection and surveillance in both humans and animals under the One Health framework. Her studies span in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico experimentation, supported by strong expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology. By integrating molecular science with translational veterinary research, her work contributes to enhancing food safety, preventing outbreaks, and shaping sustainable strategies to combat infectious diseases globally.

Publications

  1. High-resolution melting curve FRET-qPCR distinguishes Streptococcus equi subspecies.

  2. Nationwide seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants in companion animals.

  3. Mutation in Wzz(fepE) linked to attenuated virulence in Salmonella Infantis.

  4. Dual-emission FRET-PCR discriminates Salmonella Pullorum and Gallinarum.

  5. Retrospective analysis of Salmonella isolates across 11 animal species.

  6. Role of darkling beetles in spreading Salmonella and Campylobacter in poultry.

  7. First report of Theileria orientalis Ikeda in cattle, Alabama, USA.

  8. Fermented soya milk drink containing probiotics Bacillus coagulans.

  9. Synergistic antimicrobial activity of Allium sativum and Murraya koenigii.

  10. Advanced strategies in gut microbiota modulation for livestock health.

Conclusion

Dr. Nneka Vivian Iduu is an outstanding veterinary biomedical researcher whose contributions span pathogen genomics, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics, and One Health. With impactful publications, international collaborations, patents, and recognition through prestigious fellowships, she exemplifies the qualities of an innovative scientist and mentor. Her research is not only advancing veterinary science but also strengthening the interface between animal and public health. Dr. Iduu’s career trajectory demonstrates a strong potential to shape global veterinary research and practice, making her a highly deserving candidate for the Veterinary Science Award.

 

Mei-Fang Tan | Veterinary Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mei-Fang Tan | Veterinary Science | Best Researcher Award

👤 Dr. Mei-Fang Tan, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Dr. Mei-Fang Tan, an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, is a leading expert in veterinary epidemiology. With a Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary Medicine from Huazhong Agricultural University (2016), she specializes in the prevention and control of bacterial diseases in livestock, focusing on drug resistance monitoring in swine and poultry. Her research has significantly advanced veterinary medicine, particularly in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and Streptococcus suis. Dr. Tan has collected over 1,000 samples from diseased animals and isolated over 600 pathogenic strains. Her ongoing studies in the molecular characterization of these pathogens contribute to more effective disease management and vaccine development, marking her as a key contributor to veterinary science in China.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🌟 Suitability for Best researcher Award

Mei-Fang Tan demonstrates a strong and impactful profile for the Research for Best Researcher Award, particularly in the field of veterinary medicine and animal health. Her academic background, with a Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, laid the foundation for her significant contributions in epidemiology and drug resistance monitoring in livestock and poultry farming. Over the years, Dr. Tan has contributed significantly to the understanding and management of bacterial diseases in animal populations, which is critical for the health of both the animals and the broader agricultural community.

Research Excellence and Impact: Dr. Tan’s research on the pathogenic mechanisms of bacterial diseases, including Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and Streptococcus suis, has led to valuable insights that aid in the prevention and control of these diseases. Her innovative work has resulted in the isolation of over 600 pathogenic bacterial strains from swine and poultry flocks, which has directly contributed to her ongoing studies aimed at addressing antimicrobial resistance—a key global concern in veterinary medicine.

🎓  Education 

Dr. Mei-Fang Tan obtained her Ph.D. in Preventive Veterinary Medicine from Huazhong Agricultural University in 2016, where she focused on infectious disease epidemiology. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from the same institution, where she gained extensive knowledge in clinical veterinary practice and microbiology. Throughout her education, Dr. Tan developed a passion for epidemiology and veterinary public health, which led her to pursue in-depth research in the control of bacterial diseases. Her dissertation, which centered on Escherichia coli and Streptococcus suis in swine and poultry, was well-received for its contribution to improving disease prevention strategies. Dr. Tan’s education has equipped her with the skills to tackle the growing concerns of antimicrobial resistance and bacterial pathogens in agriculture, especially within swine and poultry farms in Jiangxi Province, China.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Mei-Fang Tan has worked at the Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, since 2016. As an Associate Researcher, she specializes in the surveillance and control of bacterial diseases, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance in swine and poultry. Over the years, Dr. Tan has led several critical projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation, focusing on drug resistance monitoring and molecular characterization of pathogens. Her work has contributed significantly to understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of important bacteria like Escherichia coli and Streptococcus suis, paving the way for new vaccines and prevention strategies. She has also established a robust network of collaborations with other research institutions and veterinary professionals to combat emerging infectious diseases in livestock, strengthening veterinary science practices in China and beyond.

 🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Mei-Fang Tan’s work has earned her recognition in veterinary science and research. She has been awarded multiple grants from prestigious institutions like the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation. Her groundbreaking research has resulted in several publications in leading scientific journals such as Poultry Science and Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. Dr. Tan has been instrumental in developing polyvalent inactivated vaccines against Escherichia coli, which are expected to revolutionize disease prevention in poultry. Her contributions to animal health, particularly in antimicrobial resistance surveillance and bacterial pathogen monitoring, have placed her at the forefront of veterinary epidemiology. Dr. Tan’s work continues to influence policy changes in livestock health management, and her research has garnered significant international attention.

🌍 Research Skills On Veterinary Science

Dr. Mei-Fang Tan’s research expertise lies in epidemiology, bacteriology, and antimicrobial resistance in livestock. She employs cutting-edge techniques such as whole-genome sequencing to analyze bacterial pathogens and monitor drug resistance profiles in swine and poultry. Dr. Tan’s proficiency in molecular characterization has enabled her to identify new pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus suis, and her innovative work in vaccine development is transforming the prevention of bacterial diseases in agriculture. Her research is data-driven, utilizing advanced microbiological techniques, bioinformatics, and statistical analysis to provide insights into the prevalence and spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, Dr. Tan’s interdisciplinary approach integrates veterinary science with molecular biology, allowing her to create practical solutions for animal health challenges. Her work bridges the gap between basic research and clinical application, offering sustainable solutions for disease control in livestock.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Alteration of gut microbiome in goslings infected with goose astrovirus
    Authors: Li, H., Su, Q., Fu, D., Wei, Q., Guo, X.
    Citation: Poultry Science, 2024, 103(8), 103869
  • Pathogenicity and identification of host adaptation genes of the avian pathogenic Escherichia coli O145 in duck
    Authors: Tan, M.-F., Tan, J., Fang, S.-P., Lin, C., Huang, J.-N.
    Citation: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2024, 14, 1453907
  • Epidemiological monitoring and genetic variation analysis of pathogens associated with porcine viral diarrhea in southern China from 2021 to 2023
    Authors: Zhang, F., Luo, Y., Lin, C., Xiong, L., Ji, H.
    Citation: Frontiers in Microbiology, 2024, 15, 1303915
  • Correction to: Rapid detection of goose astrovirus genotypes 2 using real-time reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (BMC Veterinary Research, 2023, 19, 1, (232), 10.1186/s12917-023-03790-2)
    Authors: Li, H., Zhu, Y., Wan, C., Kang, Z., Guo, X.
    Citation: BMC Veterinary Research, 2023, 19(1), 245
  • Rapid detection of goose astrovirus genotypes 2 using real-time reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification
    Authors: Li, H., Zhu, Y., Wan, C., Kang, Z., Guo, X.
    Citation: BMC Veterinary Research, 2023, 19(1), 232
  • Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of bacterial pathogens isolated from poultry in Jiangxi Province, China from 2020 to 2022
    Authors: Tan, M.-F., Li, H.-Q., Yang, Q., Li, N., Kang, Z.-F.
    Citation: Poultry Science, 2023, 102(8), 102830
  • Rapid diagnosis of different goose astrovirus genotypes with Taqman-based duplex real-time quantitative PCR
    Authors: Li, H., Kang, Z., Wan, C., Su, Q., Guo, X.
    Citation: Poultry Science, 2023, 102(7), 102730
  • Rapid diagnosis of duck Tembusu virus and goose astrovirus with TaqMan-based duplex real-time PCR
    Authors: Li, H., Wan, C., Wang, Z., Kang, Z., Guo, X.
    Citation: Frontiers in Microbiology, 2023, 14, 1146241
  • Exogenous glycogen utilization effects the transcriptome and pathogenicity of Streptococcus suis serotype 2
    Authors: Tan, M.-F., Tan, J., Zhang, F.-F., Zeng, Y.-B., Yang, Q.
    Citation: Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 2022, 12, 938286
  • Isolation and phylogenetic analysis of goose astrovirus type 1 from goslings with gout in Jiangxi province, China
    Authors: Zhang, F., Li, H., Wei, Q., Tan, M., Kang, Z.
    Citation: Poultry Science, 2022, 101(7), 101800