Graduate Opportunities in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Animal infectious disease and biomedical research in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science offer outstanding students the opportunity to conduct basic and/or applied research at both the M.S. and Ph.D. degree level in infectious disease. Students have the opportunity to conduct research in a variety of disciplines with SDSU scientists while earning advanced degrees in one biological science. This program has a unique mission, with the primary focus of the research directed to the mechanisms of infectious diseases of food producing animals following infections with bacteria, viruses or parasites. The program uses multidisciplinary approaches. Cooperating scientists work on biological, biochemical and immunological components of animal disease systems involving the host, environment and pathogen in the areas of molecular virology, molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology, developmental diagnostics, cellular immunology, parasitology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics and physiology.
The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences offers degrees in both Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Within the Masters program, we offer both traditional Plan A and Plan B programs. Plan A programs involve a total of 20-25 course credits and preparation of a traditional thesis. In contrast, Plan B programs can be completed online, and instead involve preparation of a Research Paper rather than bench research. Both plans traditionally involve two to three years work beyond the Bachelor's of Science degree. The Ph.D. program is offered as a Doctorate in Biological Sciences and requires either 90 credits beyond a BS degree, or 60 credits beyond an M.S. from either a Canadian or American University. Admission to the program is dependent upon admission to the SDSU Graduate School and identification of a suitable mentor. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Department to identify currently available available studentships.
Graduate Faculty Interests Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
| Name | Position | Research Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pillatzki, Angela | Associate Professor, Director, Department Head | Veterinary Pathology |
| Mor, Sunil | Assistant Professor, Graduate Coordinator | Next Generation Sequencing of Viruses, Virology, Immunology |
| Knudsen, David | Professor | Veterinary Pathology, Lab Animal Medicine |
| Koistinen, Keith | Assistant Professor | Veterinary Pathology |
| Moisan, Peter | Associate Professor | Veterinary Pathology |
| Nelson, Eric | Distinguished Professor | Virology, Emerging and Transboundary Diseases |
| Sharafeldin, Tamer | Assistant Professor | Avian pathology, Immunology and Vaccine Research |
| Shrestha, Denusha | Assistant Professor | Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology |
| Vasquez-Hidalgo, Manuel | Assistant Professor | Livestock Reproduction Physiology, Mammalian Physiology |
| Ward, Hilary | Assistant Professor | Veterinary Pathology |
| Young, Alan | Professor | Ruminant Immunology, Prion Pathogenesis |