Dr. Angel Abuelo, associate professor of cattle health, has been awarded the 2024 Foundation Scholar Award in Dairy Production from the American Dairy Science Association. This award recognizes a young scholar from the production division and their potential in research and educational leadership and to identify critical issues affecting the future of the dairy industry.
Abuelo’s research aims to identify and establish strategies that enhance immunity in young calves and periparturient dairy cows to decrease susceptibility to disease and antimicrobial usage on farms, promote health and welfare of calves and their dams, and increase farm sustainability through improved performance. He has published 61 peer-reviewed papers, with more than 10 appearing in Journal of Dairy Science or JDS Communications. Abuelo has been awarded more than $4.5 million to support his program here at MSU.
In addition to his research, Abuelo was also recognized for his educational leadership. He has served on over 20 graduate committees and is currently mentoring one PhD and three MS students. He also created the CVM Food Systems Fellowship Program, in which students from all over the US travel to MSU to undertake research related to animal health with faculty and state or national partners. To create this program, Abuelo secured the first-ever USDA Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates grant awarded to a college of veterinary medicine.
Another consideration in Abuelo’s nomination was his engagement in the scientific community. Abuelo has been on the editorial board of Journal of Dairy Science since 2021 and JDS Communications since 2022. Additionally, he sits on the board of the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists and the board of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association and frequently serves as a grant review panelist for various national and international governmental agencies.
Dr. David Renaud, Abuelo’s colleague from the University of Guelph, says, “I can’t think of someone more deserving of this award than Dr. Abuelo due to his tireless pursuit of improving dairy cattle research and veterinary education.”
“We who care about cattle health are lucky that Angel Abuelo decided to join our community,” adds colleague Dr. Amelia Woolums from Mississippi State University.
“I am honored to receive this award for my research and educational leadership,” says Abuelo. “It is a testament to the unwavering support I have received from MSU and the Michigan dairy industry. I am very thankful to everyone who has contributed to my success, especially to the friends who nominated me.”