December 16, 2024

Tyler Ward is a doctoral student in animal science from Candor, New York. He earned his A.A.S. and B.S. in veterinary science technology from SUNY Delhi and his M.P.H. from the Colorado School of Public Health at Colorado State University and now studies dairy calf health and clinical skills pedagogy under the guidance of Taika von Konigslow at Cornell.

What is your area of research and why is it important?

I have two main focuses, dairy calf health and research in clinical skills pedagogy. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), or pneumonia, in dairy calves is my primary focus. This disease complex causes poor health, slow growth, and decreased milk production in their first lactation. The financial burden on the dairy industry costs millions of dollars annually. Improving our ability to identify or predict pneumonia early can improve health outcomes. I am also interested in veterinary education research and how to improve clinical skills teaching and assessment. We use teaching models like our fiberglass cow “Birtha” who you can find on our website.

What are the larger implications of this research?

Healthy and happy cows, like other livestock, create highly valued food products like milk and meat for human consumption. Heavy antibiotic use can lead to drug resistance by killing susceptible pathogens and allowing resistant pathogens to spread. Antimicrobial resistance within animal and human populations is a One Health issue. Good antimicrobial stewardship, through early disease treatment and reduced disease spread, can help prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. This is why the early and efficient detection of BRD in calves is important for both animal and human health.

What does it mean to you to be a Dean’s Scholar?

This means that I am fortunate to have not only funding that allows me to work on my research without having to worry about living expenses, but it also gives me a community to learn with, lean on, and grow with. I am honored to have been awarded the Stadtman Fellowship that is offered through the CALS department of animal science.

What are you most looking forward to in regards to being a Dean’s Scholar?

I am most looking forward to creating meaningful and lifelong connections. I think this community will give me space to experience graduate school with support and a group of colleagues that will benefit my growth and experiences. I look forward to how this community encourages safe spaces with an emphasis in showing up authentically. I think being in a Ph.D. program, it can be quite isolating, especially as I am a first-generation student, and I don’t have many others around me in my personal life that have gone on to graduate school.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?

I grew up on a small farm, and so I enjoy raising my own animals and growing my own food. I have a small flock of chickens and ducks at the moment with my partner, and we are hoping to add a few cows at some point. I also enjoy cooking. Being able to create a meal from homegrown food is a great feeling of accomplishment and I love sharing that with those who are important to me. My partner and I also like spending time outside with our three dogs.

Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?

I chose Cornell for multiple reasons. First, it is a great institution, especially in my area of interest in animal science and veterinary medicine. Secondly, I found a potential advisor who had aligned well with my interests, goals, ideals, and personality, and she then became my now advisor who I am very grateful for. Third, I grew up 25 minutes south of Ithaca and was able to move back to the area after living in Colorado for a few years for a job, and this led me to my current path.