Avian Bioscience Center

Director

Calvin Keeler is Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Delaware. Dr. Keeler received his B.S. in Biology at Tufts University, his M.S. degree in Microbiology from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University and his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from University of Maryland Baltimore County. He has been on the faculty at the University of Delaware since 1988. His research and outreach activities focus on avian genomics and molecular immunology and respiratory viruses of poultry and birds. Dr. Keeler coordinates the avian disease diagnostic activities at the University on the Newark and Georgetown campuses. He works closely with the agricultural sector and government agencies in the State of Delaware and the Delmarva region. In addition, Dr. Keeler works with organizations and government agencies nationally in the areas of avian and poultry health.

Avian Bioscience Center Internal Advisory Committee

Dr. Mark Isaacs, Director Carvel Research and Education Center
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Plant Physiologist
Isaacs@udel.edu

Dr. Erin Brannick, Director CANR Comparative Pathology Laboratory
Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Veterinary Anatomic Pathologist
brannick@udel.edu

Dr. Hong Li, Associate Professor
Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Agricultural Engineer, Animal Welfare and Air Quality
hli@udel.edu

Dr. Brian Ladman, Senior Scientist
Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Avian Virologist
bladman@udel.edu

Dr. Ryan Arsenault, Assistant Professor
Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Molecular Biologist/One Health
rja@udel.edu

Ms. Georgie Cartanza, Extension Agent II
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Poultry Extension Specialist
cartanza@udel.edu

Avian Biosciences Center

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The center will lead the way in research, education, and outreach programs that will provide solutions to contemporary problems in the avian biosciences. Defining and accomplishing science-based solutions to contemporary problems in the avian biosciences.

Director and Steering Committee

Meet the researchers on board to assist with prioritizing and steering the focus of the center.

One Health

Zoonotic diseases are very common, both in the United States and around the world. A "One Health" approach to research provides an opportunity to understand the relationships between humans and animals.

Outreach and Extension

The focus will be on coordinating efforts among government agencies, universities and the poultry industry abroad to increase efficiency, biosecurity protocols and poultry operations.

Poultry Health Systems

The overall goal of the Poultry Health program is to provide surveillance, rapid diagnosis, prevention, and control of avian diseases.

Emergency Poultry Disease Response (EPDR) Certificate Course

Teaches U.S. and international professionals about preparedness planning, biosecurity and assessment tools, and rapid response techniques and technology.