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2025 Spring Newsletter6/2/2025 President’s Message |
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 2025 CRWAD Honoree Dr. Radhey Kaushik |  2025 CRWAD Honoree Dr. Frank Belcha |
2025 CRWAD Student Awards
By Angel Abuelo, Vice President
During the 2025 Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD), AAVI supported our student award competition. As usual, the quality of the abstracts and presentations was outstanding, making the judges’ task of selecting the award winners even more challenging. This year, we provided 6 awards totaling $1,000. Read who the awardees were on the AAVI website announcement! On behalf of the AAVI Board, I want to thank the American Association for Immunologists for their financial support and to all the members who served as judges for the 2025 competition.
The abstract submission for the 2026 CRWAD is scheduled to open on July 1st, so start preparing your abstracts for next year’s competition. The abstract deadline for consideration for student awards is October 1st. Additionally, please note that only students whose mentors are AAVI members in good standing during both 2025 and 2026 are eligible for student awards. Therefore, ensure that your membership dues are up to date.
The abstract submission for the 2026 CRWAD is scheduled to open on July 1st, so start preparing your abstracts for next year’s competition. The abstract deadline for consideration for student awards is October 1st. Additionally, please note that only students whose mentors are AAVI members in good standing during both 2025 and 2026 are eligible for student awards. Therefore, ensure that your membership dues are up to date.
Upcoming 2026 CRWAD AAVI Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist Symposium
By Tobias Käser, President Elect
We are pleased to announce the Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist (DVI) Symposium, organized by the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI), will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, during this year’s conference. The session is scheduled for the afternoon (2:00–3:30 pm and 4:15–5:45 pm).
This year’s DVI, Dr. Jodi McGill, will open the symposium with a keynote presentation, followed by talks from a panel of invited speakers. We are excited to confirm that Dr. Bonnie Mallard will be among the featured speakers. Invitations have been extended to additional speakers, and we look forward to announcing the full lineup soon.
Please mark your calendars for this special session highlighting impactful research and leadership in veterinary immunology.
This year’s DVI, Dr. Jodi McGill, will open the symposium with a keynote presentation, followed by talks from a panel of invited speakers. We are excited to confirm that Dr. Bonnie Mallard will be among the featured speakers. Invitations have been extended to additional speakers, and we look forward to announcing the full lineup soon.
Please mark your calendars for this special session highlighting impactful research and leadership in veterinary immunology.
2026 Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist – Dr. Jodi Lynn McGill
By Angel Abuelo, Vice President and Tobias Käser, President Elect
The American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI) is proud to announce Dr. Jodi McGill from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist (DVI) Award. She received a BS in Microbiology from Iowa State University and MS and PhD degrees in Pathology and Immunology, respectively, from the University of Iowa. She worked at the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the USDA National Animal Disease Center (NADC) before holding faculty positions at the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University and Iowa State University.
Dr. McGill's laboratory employs a combination of basic and applied techniques to assess the immune response to respiratory infections in cattle, including those caused by respiratory syncytial virus, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Mycobacterium bovis. Specifically, her research focuses on understanding how innate immune "training" influences immune development in the neonatal calf and identifying strategies for enhancing innate resistance to respiratory infections. Innate immune ‘training’ has become a very hot topic within both human health and animal agriculture, challenging some well-established paradigms in immunology. We are now appreciating its overall impact on animal health and productivity. Over the past decade, Jodi has established herself as THE global expert in this burgeoning area.
Dr. McGill blends basic and applied research, placing her in a unique situation where she can successfully compete for funding from one federal agency (NIH) one day, a different agency (USDA) the next, and an animal commodity group the following day. This clearly indicates that Dr. McGill’s work is at the cutting edge of discovery and is viewed as a significant investment by funding agencies.
Dr. McGill is a transformational leader whose basic research has real-world applications. Simply put, her research has changed the dairy and beef industries. Her work has been especially impactful due to her ability to explain complex scientific concepts in practical terms to a diverse audience, ranging from students and faculty to the scientific community, veterinarians, cattle producers, and the general public.
Dr. McGill has also taken important leadership roles. At Iowa State University, she has been the graduate program director, Assistant Dean, and, more recently, Associate Dean. Jodi’s involvement in professional organizations has also been unparalleled. To name a few, she has served as President of our esteemed AAVI, as a Program Committee Member representing the Immunology field for CRWAD, as a member of the CRWAD Fellows Selection Committee, and as a member of the Veterinary Immunology Committee of the American Association for Immunology. More recently, she has also stepped into the role of CRWAD Program Committee Co-chair.
Overall, Dr. McGill has rapidly developed an innovative research program, backed by a very successful publication and grant record. She is recognized as the worldwide authority in cattle innate immune training. She is well-deserving of being named our 2026 DVI. Although traditionally, the DVI has been given to members towards the end of their professional career, it is great that we are recognizing a mid-career scientist with a stellar and impactful trajectory. We look forward to Dr. McGill’s DVI lecture during CRWAD 2026!
Dr. McGill's laboratory employs a combination of basic and applied techniques to assess the immune response to respiratory infections in cattle, including those caused by respiratory syncytial virus, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Mycobacterium bovis. Specifically, her research focuses on understanding how innate immune "training" influences immune development in the neonatal calf and identifying strategies for enhancing innate resistance to respiratory infections. Innate immune ‘training’ has become a very hot topic within both human health and animal agriculture, challenging some well-established paradigms in immunology. We are now appreciating its overall impact on animal health and productivity. Over the past decade, Jodi has established herself as THE global expert in this burgeoning area.
Dr. McGill blends basic and applied research, placing her in a unique situation where she can successfully compete for funding from one federal agency (NIH) one day, a different agency (USDA) the next, and an animal commodity group the following day. This clearly indicates that Dr. McGill’s work is at the cutting edge of discovery and is viewed as a significant investment by funding agencies.
Dr. McGill is a transformational leader whose basic research has real-world applications. Simply put, her research has changed the dairy and beef industries. Her work has been especially impactful due to her ability to explain complex scientific concepts in practical terms to a diverse audience, ranging from students and faculty to the scientific community, veterinarians, cattle producers, and the general public.
Dr. McGill has also taken important leadership roles. At Iowa State University, she has been the graduate program director, Assistant Dean, and, more recently, Associate Dean. Jodi’s involvement in professional organizations has also been unparalleled. To name a few, she has served as President of our esteemed AAVI, as a Program Committee Member representing the Immunology field for CRWAD, as a member of the CRWAD Fellows Selection Committee, and as a member of the Veterinary Immunology Committee of the American Association for Immunology. More recently, she has also stepped into the role of CRWAD Program Committee Co-chair.
Overall, Dr. McGill has rapidly developed an innovative research program, backed by a very successful publication and grant record. She is recognized as the worldwide authority in cattle innate immune training. She is well-deserving of being named our 2026 DVI. Although traditionally, the DVI has been given to members towards the end of their professional career, it is great that we are recognizing a mid-career scientist with a stellar and impactful trajectory. We look forward to Dr. McGill’s DVI lecture during CRWAD 2026!
14th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium – August 11-14, 2025, Vienna, Austria
By Tobias Käser, President Elect
We are excited to announce that the 14th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium (IVIS 2025) will be hosted in beautiful Vienna, Austria, from August 11-14, 2025. This prestigious event will bring together experts from across the globe to discuss the latest advancements in veterinary immunology. We look forward to an enriching program of keynote speakers, scientific sessions, and networking opportunities. Keynote and Invited Plenary Speakers include Cynthia L. Baldwin, Doris Wilfingseder, Kieran Meade, Georg Stary, Volker Gerdts, and Sanipa Suradhat. For more details and to register, please visit our official website: ivis2025.org. We hope to see you in Vienna!
IVIS 2025 Travel Stipends for Trainees
By Angel Abuelo, Vice President
AAVI was awarded a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture competitive grant (no. 2025-67015-44203) to provide travel awards to students and postdoctoral fellows to present at IVIS2025. An online application was open for several months, allowing trainees to apply, and members of the AAVI Board reviewed their submissions. The AAVI trainee members who received the travel awards and will be presenting their research in Vienna in August are:
1. Ursula Abou-Rjeileh (Michigan State University)
If you are at IVIS25, please be sure to attend their presentations and support our youngest scientists!
1. Ursula Abou-Rjeileh (Michigan State University)
- Mentor: Dr. G. Andres Contreras
- Abstract title: “Fatty acids preserve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress in bovine adipocytes”
- Mentor: Dr. Michael Rahe
- Abstract title: “Effect of dietary vitamin D3 on PRRSV disease severity and immune response in nursery pigs”
- Mentor: Dr. Angel Abuelo
- Abstract title: “Harnessing zinc to modulate T helper cell polarization in dairy calves”
- Mentor: Dr. Angela Bordin
- Abstract title: “Enteral immunization induces trained immunity and protection against pneumonia in newborn foals through the gut-lung axis”
- Mentor: Dr. Roman Ganta
- Abstract title: “Inactivated whole cell antigen vaccine confers protection against heterologous Rickettsia rickettsii strains in the canine host”
- Mentor: Dr. Christopher K. Tuggle
- Abstract title: “Transcriptomic characterization of polarized porcine in vitro monocyte-derived macrophages using single-cell RNA-sequencing”
- Mentor: Dr. G. Andres Contreras
- Abstract title: “Endotoxemia modulates plasma endocannabinoid and ethanolamide dynamics in dairy cows”
- Mentor: Dr. Tony Schountz
- Abstract title: “Characterization of cytotoxic T cells in Jamaican fruit bats during sarbecovirus infection”
- Mentor: Dr. Renukardhya Gourapura
- Abstract title: “Assessing the protective efficacy of mannose conjugated chitosan nanoparticle-based Salmonella subunit vaccine in adult layer chickens”
If you are at IVIS25, please be sure to attend their presentations and support our youngest scientists!
Treasurer’s Report
By Sabine Mann (Treasurer 2025-2028) and Angel Abuelo (Treasurer 2021-2024)
The AAVI coffers continue to maintain a positive balance. The balance was $ 28,904.36 on 12/31/2024. Major expenses in 2024 for student awards, AAVI luncheon, support of an AAVI speakers at CRWAD, Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist, PayPal and website fees were 7,608.60. Income exceeded expenses by $ 1,183.51, leading to a balanced budget. Drs. Diego Diel and Laura Miller conducted the budget audit for 2024 and approved the figures. We thank them for their service and Alan Young for continuing to maintain the non-profit status of AAVI.
Secretary’s Report
By Heather Wilson, Secretary
It has been a busy year so far! Here are several updates:
- The tally of current AAVI members is 146.
- This year, Angel Abuelo took over the role of VP, Sabine Mann is the new Treasurer, Teresia Mania is the new Member-at-large, and Paige Adams and Michael Rahe joined the Nominations Committee.
- As of March 15, 2025, the AAVI bylaws were adopted and can be found here: https://www.theaavi.org/aavi-documents.html
- On March 6th, 2025, AAVI released a statement in response to recent federal administrative changes, which can be found here: https://www.theaavi.org/aavi-statement.html
- Many changes are coming for the CRWAD Administration
- Dr. Paul Morley has stepped down as Executive Director, and the CRWAD Council appointed Dr. Scott McVey in this role.
- Midwest Solutions stepped down as the support company for CRWAD and FASS has been hired by the CRWAD Council. As a consequence of this, there will be changes in several of the electronic systems used at the conference (e.g., abstract submission, registration, etc.).
- Dr. Brandy Burgess finished her term as co-chair of the CRWAD Program Committee. Dr. Jodi McGill will replace her and co-lead the Program Committee with Angel Abuelo. Note that both CRWAD Program Chairs are AAVI members 😊.
- Renukaradhya Gourapura finished his term in the Program Committee as a representative of the Immunology field in January 2025. Melissa Monson from USDA ARS replaced Aradhya as immunology representative in the committee. Laura Miller’s term ends at the end of January 2026. CRWAD will put out a call for nominations for program committee members in the fall, which will include a replacement for Laura’s seat.
- Also note that the 22nd NAPRRS/NC229: International Conference of Swine Viral Diseases will once more be held prior to the CRWAD conference- Jan 16-17, 2026 in Chicago.
Updated AAVI Bylaws
By Bylaw Review Taskforce (Angel Abuelo, Laura Miller, Ignacio Correas)
In 2024, we initiated a process to review the organization's Bylaws. The Bylaws had not been reviewed in several years, and a major rewrite was deemed necessary to clarify several aspects of how AAVI operates and to align the size of the Board and committees with the membership numbers. A draft of the new Bylaws was first discussed by the Board in early 2025 and sent to the membership for feedback after the CRWAD meeting. The feedback received from members was overwhelmingly positive, with no requests or suggestions for changes. Thus, on March 1, 2025, the AAVI Board moved the new proposed Bylaws to a membership vote. The electronic vote was open until March 14. When the vote was called, there were 89 voting members. The new Bylaws received 72 votes in favor and 1 abstention, exceeding the two-thirds majority needed to make Bylaw changes. The new Bylaws were therefore adopted on March 15 and are available on the AAVI website.
Retirement Congratulations: Dr. Joan Lunney
By the AAVI Board
The AAVI Board wishes to convey its heartfelt congratulations to our colleague Dr. Joan Lunney, who will be retiring later this year after 40 years of service with USDA-ARS. Joan is a former President (2007), DVI (1996), and longtime member of AAVI (~1990-present), whose scientific contributions and leadership have had profound impacts on the field of veterinary immunology for more than 4 decades.
Joan’s distinguished career is characterized by scientific excellence, for which she is internationally recognized. As an authoritative expert in the field of swine immunology, her work spans from fundamental characterization of swine immune responses to the evolution of the pig into a sophisticated biomedical model. Her early work in transplantation immunology led to delineation of the swine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the identification and definition of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) haplotypes and genomic structure.
Through her development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies, Joan has provided the veterinary research community with invaluable resources that have advanced key concepts in animal health and disease. From the first published mAbs recognizing swine immune cells (recognizing CD4 and CD8), to anti-cytokine mAbs, to her recent work with anti-NK cell mAbs, the reagents that she has developed have shaped our understanding of the most essential aspects of swine immune responses. She has also leveraged her knowledge of the host immune system to provide vital insights into infectious disease pathogenesis.
She co-led a national effort to discover the genetic basis of host susceptibility to PRRS virus infection which identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that industry has since used to select PRRS-resistant pigs. She likewise has identified host factors that have provided insights into susceptibility to other pathogens such as African swine fever virus, porcine circovirus type 2, and Trichinella spiralis. Her scientific achievements have garnered several prestigious awards including the aforementioned 1996 AAVI DVI, the 2023 IVIS DVI, induction as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, selection for the USDA ARS Hall of Fame, and receipt of the U.S. Presidential Rank Award as a Meritorious Senior Professional.
Joan’s leadership in the veterinary immunology community has extended beyond the AAVI. She has served on the advisory committee for almost every IVIS from the first in Canada in 1986 to this year in Austria, and has edited several special issues of Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology summarizing the Proceedings. She served on the AAI VIC (1990-93) and the IUIS VIC (1993-2021), which she also Chaired for several years (1998-2004).
Joan has also demonstrated a commitment to advancing the careers of new scientists and trainees with over 40 years of training, advising, and mentorship. Her mentorship has been recognized with awards including the 2006 Association for Women in Science (AWIS)-Bethesda - Excellence in Mentoring Award and the 2014 USDA ARS national Outreach Diversity, and Equal Opportunity Award. In addition to her dedication to her trainees and mentees, she genuinely cares about the well- being of her colleagues and unfailingly supports their success any way that she can.
The legacy of Joan’s work and leadership is woven into the fabric of the AAVI, and the impacts of her contributions will resonate for years to come. We extend our warmest wishes to Joan for a happy and fulfilling retirement after her decades of dedicated and distinguished service.
Joan’s distinguished career is characterized by scientific excellence, for which she is internationally recognized. As an authoritative expert in the field of swine immunology, her work spans from fundamental characterization of swine immune responses to the evolution of the pig into a sophisticated biomedical model. Her early work in transplantation immunology led to delineation of the swine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the identification and definition of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) haplotypes and genomic structure.
Through her development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies, Joan has provided the veterinary research community with invaluable resources that have advanced key concepts in animal health and disease. From the first published mAbs recognizing swine immune cells (recognizing CD4 and CD8), to anti-cytokine mAbs, to her recent work with anti-NK cell mAbs, the reagents that she has developed have shaped our understanding of the most essential aspects of swine immune responses. She has also leveraged her knowledge of the host immune system to provide vital insights into infectious disease pathogenesis.
She co-led a national effort to discover the genetic basis of host susceptibility to PRRS virus infection which identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that industry has since used to select PRRS-resistant pigs. She likewise has identified host factors that have provided insights into susceptibility to other pathogens such as African swine fever virus, porcine circovirus type 2, and Trichinella spiralis. Her scientific achievements have garnered several prestigious awards including the aforementioned 1996 AAVI DVI, the 2023 IVIS DVI, induction as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, selection for the USDA ARS Hall of Fame, and receipt of the U.S. Presidential Rank Award as a Meritorious Senior Professional.
Joan’s leadership in the veterinary immunology community has extended beyond the AAVI. She has served on the advisory committee for almost every IVIS from the first in Canada in 1986 to this year in Austria, and has edited several special issues of Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology summarizing the Proceedings. She served on the AAI VIC (1990-93) and the IUIS VIC (1993-2021), which she also Chaired for several years (1998-2004).
Joan has also demonstrated a commitment to advancing the careers of new scientists and trainees with over 40 years of training, advising, and mentorship. Her mentorship has been recognized with awards including the 2006 Association for Women in Science (AWIS)-Bethesda - Excellence in Mentoring Award and the 2014 USDA ARS national Outreach Diversity, and Equal Opportunity Award. In addition to her dedication to her trainees and mentees, she genuinely cares about the well- being of her colleagues and unfailingly supports their success any way that she can.
The legacy of Joan’s work and leadership is woven into the fabric of the AAVI, and the impacts of her contributions will resonate for years to come. We extend our warmest wishes to Joan for a happy and fulfilling retirement after her decades of dedicated and distinguished service.
Joan traveling in Saint Lunaire-Griquet, Newfoundland, 2024.
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