Spring 2026 Newsletter

3/31/2026

President’s Message and CRWAD 2026 Recap
By Tobias Kaeser, President

Over the last months and years, it is impossible to ignore the broader cultural climate: it feels like the pendulum has swung away from science-based decision-making; yet my optimism remains. History shows us that these cycles are temporary, and I believe that communicating our unwavering commitment to data, discovery, and animal health will help driving the pendulum back in the right direction. With that, I want to spread my enthusiasm so that we enter 2026 with the hope and determination to demonstrate how rigorous research translates into a healthier world for both humans and animals.

Despite external challenges, the AAVI has had an exceptional start to the year with our AAVI Symposium at CRWAD 2026. In this session, we honored Dr. Jodi McGill as the AAVI Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist (DVI). Jodi highlighted key strategies for leveraging innate immunity to better protect cattle against Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). Then, Bonnie Mallard gave an inspiring talk on how immunogenetics and “immunoceuticals” can be used to breed animals for naturally improved animal health. Crystal Loving who shifted her research towards foodborne pathogens described modern approaches to study Salmonella persistence. And John Driver concluded the session by providing a detailed overview of how single-cell approaches can help to decipher the pig’s immune system in health and disease.

During our yearly business meeting, we took a moment to express our gratitude to those who have dedicated years of service to our board. Dr. Sheela Ramamoorthy served as our President this past year and now moves into the role of Past President. We thank her for her steady leadership. After an incredible tenure as Secretary since 2021, Dr. Heather Wilson is stepping down. Her institutional knowledge and dedication to AAVI have been foundational to our operations over the past five years. Thank you, Heather! I also want to thank Angel Abuelo, who (after serving as VP and Treasurer) is now our President-elect. I also welcome Santosh Dhakal as our new Secretary and thank him for his service. Furthermore, I would like to thank our Nomination Committee (Page Adams, Brianna Beam, Leonie Bettin, and Michael Rahe) for their commitment to identifying the future leaders of our organization.

Since it is never too early to mark your calendars, I want to bring CRWAD 2027 to your attention: it will return to the Marriott Magnificent Mile at least one more (last?) time in Chicago from January 15–19, 2027.

The AAVI Symposium is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, January 19. During this session, we will have the distinct pleasure of honoring our next DVI, Dr. Noah Cohen of Texas A&M University.

To our board members, nomination committee members, and the entire AAVI community: thank you! Your unwavering support of this association, of veterinary immunology, and of the science itself is what keeps us moving forward. Together, we will ensure that 2026 is a year of progress and renewed respect for (animal) science.

CRWAD Student Awards

AAVI would like to thank all of the students who competed in this year's student competition and to recognize the award winners in both the oral and poster competitions. We would also like to thank all of the judges who helped make this year's competition possible: Leonie Bettin, Anja Sipka, Rafaela Klein, Jayne Wiarda, Tobias Kaeser, Crystal Loving, Angela Bourdin, and Aradhya Gourapura.

Oral competition

Giovana Ciacci Zanella (Iowa State University)
Eric Owczarzak (Michigan State University)
TIE: Katy Kesler (Michigan State University) & Prince Pal Singh (Ohio State University)

Poster competition

Trinidad Fernández Wallace (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Shristy Budha Magar (Kansas State University)
Saurav Pantha (Kansas State University)

Congratulations students and we look forward to seeing next year's presentations!

With the CRWAD 2027 call for abstracts opening soon, please remember that the graduate student's mentor must be an active AAVI member at the time the abstract is submitted to be eligible for the competition.

2027 AAVI Symposium
By Angel Abuelo, President Elect

Our symposium at CRWAD 2027 is shaping up well. Although some details remain to be finalized regarding the topic and speakers, I am looking forward to collaborating with Dr. Cohen, our 2027 Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist, to organize a successful event that recognizes his work. We expect to share more details soon, but for now, please mark your calendars for AAVI’s 2027 Symposium: Tuesday, January 19, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

2027 Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist - Dr. Noah D. Cohen
By Angel Abuelo, President Elect

The American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI) is pleased to announce Noah D. Cohen, VMD, MPH, PhD, DACVIM‑LA, as the recipient of the 2027 AAVI Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist Award.

Dr. Cohen is widely acknowledged for his significant contributions to the field of veterinary immunology, with a focus on host–pathogen interactions and immune responses to infectious diseases. He holds the Glenn Blodgett Chair in Equine Studies, serves as Regents Professor and University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University, and acts as Associate Department Head for Research and Graduate Studies as well as Director of the Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory.

Throughout a distinguished career spanning over thirty years, Dr. Cohen has significantly contributed to the advancement of fundamental knowledge regarding innate immunity, immune development, and protective immune responses, with particular emphasis on Rhodococcus equi infections in foals. His research has substantially reshaped perspectives on age-dependent immunity and vulnerability to intracellular pathogens, directly influencing approaches to vaccine development, immunotherapeutic interventions, and disease prevention within veterinary medicine. Dr. Cohen is recognized for his pioneering efforts in adapting mRNA-based immunization and passive immunization platforms for veterinary applications, including notable studies that demonstrated the efficacy of nebulized mRNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies in neonatal foals—an innovation offering considerable promise for comparative and translational immunology.

Dr. Cohen has contributed over 300 peer‑reviewed publications, supported by ongoing competitive funding from federal agencies, foundations, and industry collaborators. He is well regarded for his commitment to the scientific community, demonstrated through editorial leadership, grant review responsibilities, and active participation in international scientific advisory committees that influence the advancement of veterinary and comparative immunology research.

Dr. Cohen’s contributions as a mentor are equally noteworthy. He has guided more than 70 graduate students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have advanced to leadership positions across academia, government, and industry on a global scale. His steadfast commitment to mentorship is evident through numerous institutional and national awards, underscoring his role in shaping the future of veterinary immunology.

Dr. Cohen has received numerous accolades, such as being named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, earning the American Association of Equine Practitioners Research Award, and receiving the American Veterinary Medical Association Clinical Research Award, along with other distinctions. Together, these accomplishments highlight the excellence, innovation, and dedication reflected in the AAVI Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist Award.

AAVI extends its congratulations to Dr. Noah D. Cohen for this distinguished recognition and looks forward to recognizing his contributions at the AAVI Symposium during the 2027 Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (January 15 to 19, 2027 – Chicago, IL).

Treasurer Report
By Sabine Mann, Treasurer

The AAVI coffers continue to maintain a strong membership of over 110 members and a positive balance on the association´s account. The balance was $32,589.16 on 3/31/2026. Income was derived from membership fees, sponsorship, and luncheon payments. Major expenses in 2025 included AAVI luncheon, student awards, support of an AAVI speaker at CRWAD, Distinguished Veterinary Immunologist, PayPal and website fees, with a total of expenses of $9,731.55. Expenses exceeded income by $944.91, leading to a small deficit covered by the robust reserves. Drs. Lautaro Cangiano Rostoll (member at large) and Sheela Ramamoorthy (immediate past president) conducted the budget audit for 2025 prior to the annual meeting and approved the report. We thank them for their service and Alan Young for continuing to maintain the non-profit status of AAVI.

Secretary Report
By Santosh Dhakal, Secretary

As of March 2026, we have 112 members. This includes 9 lifetime members, 90 general members, and 13 student members.

Upcoming Conferences

2027 Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (January 15 to 19, 2027 – Chicago, IL)

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