Angel Abuelo, associate professor of cattle health and dairy extension veterinarian for MSU Extension, has been named a Red Cedar Distinguished Professor by MSU.

The distinguished professorship recognizes Abuelo’s broadly recognized research accomplishments, educational leadership, and engagement with the scientific community within and beyond MSU. He will retain the title of Red Cedar Distinguished Professor for the duration of his career at MSU and will receive scholarly support for the next three years, provided by the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Provost, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The Abuelo Lab focuses on ways to improve immunity and resilience in dairy cattle and neonatal calves, ultimately reducing antimicrobial use on farms and increasing their resistance to infectious diseases. Abuelo, his research team, and trainees work closely with commercial dairy farms — facilitating industry adoption of new protocols and strategies.

Abuelo’s research has led to more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and has been supported by more than $4.5 million in grants and awards. His commitment to training and a strong relationship to dairy farmers led to his creating of the CVM Food Systems Fellowship Program, which provides students from across the country opportunities to conduct research related to animal health with MSU faculty and state or national partners. The program was launched with a USDA Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates grant. Abuelo wrote the successful proposal, the first granted to a college of veterinary medicine.

“The lab’s aspirations are a bit expansive,” says Abuelo. “We reach our goals through collaborating with colleagues and partners and committed trainees.”