December 14, 2021
K-State veterinary professors Ganta and Nagaraja join new class of international research fellows
Two faculty members in the College of Veterinary Medicine were recently inducted into the inaugural class of fellows of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases.
Roman Ganta and T.G. Nagaraja were recognized in a special ceremony on Dec. 6 during the annual research conference in Chicago. M.M. Chengappa, university distinguished professor at Kansas State University, serves as president of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases and presented the awards along with the other 17 recipients in this year's class.
The fellows represent an eminent cadre of scientists from all types of research careers, including academia, industry and government. Election as a Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases fellow is a lifetime honor and all fellows meet the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity.
Scientists recognized as fellows have distinguished research careers evidenced by the outstanding impact and importance of their work and their ability to communicate and interpret science to stakeholders and the public.
Ganta, who serves as professor and director of the Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases in the diagnostic medicine/pathobiology department, was cited for more than three decades of research experience focused on important human and animal vector-borne diseases. He has an internationally well-recognized research program focused on emerging tick-borne infectious diseases of global animal health and public health importance.
Nagaraja, a university distinguished professor of microbiology in the diagnostic medicine/pathobiology department, was recognized for his research expertise in gut microbiology of cattle and swine. His research has focused primarily on the role of ruminal microbes in function and dysfunction of the rumen of beef cattle and on foodborne pathogens, particularly Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella in cattle and swine.
Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases fellows have made significant contributions to scientific literature reflecting fundamental discoveries and/or innovative applied research in animal health and disease, population health and translational medicine.
Another important contribution of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases fellows is their mentoring of young research scientists to help further their careers, which reflects the tradition and spirit of the organization, the fellows are scientists who have made sustained and notable contributions to the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases through service or participation in the organization and annual meetings.