Elizabeth Davis, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, is an associate professor and section head of equine medicine and surgery at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research focuses on immunology and effective vaccination strategies and clinical pharmacology. She is co-director of the NIH-Merial Veterinary Research Scholars program.

Janet obtained a degree from the University of Leeds, UK and went on to study part-time for a PhD on antigenic and genetic variation among equine H3N8 influenza A viruses at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK. After completing her PhD in 1996, she worked at the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control investigating the safety and efficacy of influenza DNA vaccines followed by Glaxo SmithKline developing the influenza antiviral zanamivir (Relenza) before returning to the Animal Health Trust for a further 5 years. While at the Animal Health Trust, she conducted numerous vaccine efficacy studies on behalf of vaccine manufacturers. After a brief period at the University of Liverpool studying flaviviruses, she worked as a medical writer for a year. She has been at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science since 2009 where she is currently Professor of Viral Zoonoses, lead of the One Virology group and deputy director of the Wolfson Centre for Global Virus Research. She has ongoing projects to develop improved vaccines against different viral diseases including equine influenza and African horse sickness.

Julia graduated with degrees in Zoology and Equine Science from the Universities of Dundee and Aberystwyth respectively. These laid the foundations for a career in equine research involving reproduction and viral respiratory disease. Her first employment as a research assistant at the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Equine Fertility Unit developed her interest in equine embryo transfer which then deepened into the mare’s immune response to pregnancy. This led to a PhD qualification from the University of Cambridge, supervised by the late Professor W.R. (Twink) Allen and Professor Doug Antczak (Cornell University). After 10 years, a post-doctoral role at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket with Professor Duncan Hannant focussed on the equine immune response to equine herpesvirus-1 with a view to improving current vaccines. This led to the publication of scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and the organisation of international workshops which focussed on this virus. In 2006, a transition into an academic role, including the establishment of a new veterinary school in Nottingham enhanced Julia’s skills in curriculum design, teaching, assessment and pastoral support. Julia is currently a member of the International Committee which organises the International Equine Infectious Disease Conferences and Secretary to the International Equine Reproduction Symposium. In retirement, Julia retains an active interest in equine infectious disease research.  

Dr. Pusterla is currently a professor in Equine Internal Medicine at UC Davis and chief of the large animal medicine services at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. He graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zurich, Switzerland in 1991 and earned his PhD from the University of Zurich with an emphasis on vector-borne diseases. He joined UC Davis in 1998. Dr. Pusterla is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine with an equine emphasis and has ongoing interest in all aspects of equine internal medicine and dentistry.

As a Principal Investigator, my main research focused on immunity and respiratory pathogens (mainly in equids, but also in other veterinary species). My work aimed to improve our understanding of immunity induced by the pathogens during infection and by vaccination and to elucidate specific mechanisms used by pathogens to evade or deregulate the immune response. I have been strongly involved with veterinary vaccine manufacturers, as Study Investigator, in the evaluation of equine vaccines. I have also trained and mentored numerous undergraduate and post-graduate students, and provided University lectures in biological sciences, such as immunology, infectiology and vaccinology. I am now a Senior Lecturer at Writtle University College, which allows me to share my passion for veterinary sciences with the next generation of research associates and scientists.