Abstract #644

# 644
Effect of interdisciplinary research to animal science.
Janet R. Donaldson*1, 1Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS.

Interdisciplinary research is becoming increasingly more important to the progression of studies related to animal health. Broad training in interdisciplinary research, coupled with high quality specialized research, enhances job opportunities for students in government, academic, and industrial settings. Interdisciplinary training in animal science can entail, but is not limited to, associations with microbiologists, immunologists, and engineers. This symposium will focus on the need for people classically trained in microbiology, immunology, and so on, to network with animal scientists for the development of novel, translational therapeutic approaches to improve animal health. This symposium will be based on my personal experiences in multidisciplinary research from the approach of a microbiologist with no training in animal science. Networking beyond my discipline began during my first year in a faculty position. Through networking beyond my discipline, my research program has expanded to include a multidisciplinary team, consisting of animal physiologists, immunologists, gastrointestinal physiologists, and veterinary microbiologists. Together with this team, we have made substantial advancements toward progressive therapies for circumventing both animal and human diseases.

Key Words: networking, interdisciplinary research

Speaker Bio
Dr. Janet Donaldson received her B.S. degree in microbiology and her Ph.D. in biology, both from Mississippi State University. She further developed her interdisciplinary network with postdoctoral work through both the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University and the National Institute of Health. Being a microbiologist by training, Dr. Donaldson did not receive formal training in the animal sciences. Through her research efforts, however, she has made an impact in the field, as evidenced by her diverse list of areas of publication. As a faculty member at Mississippi State University, she is currently a member of a team of biologists and various animal scientists that transcend disciplinary barriers in efforts to address microbial communities and pathogens. Dr. Donaldson’s primary research focus is the mechanisms behind microbial growth, using model organisms such as Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli.