FACULTIES

Dr. Jess Vergis

Officer-in-charge

Qualification: M.V.Sc., Ph.D.

Dr. Jess is working in the field of zoonoses with special reference to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of enteric bacterial pathogens (diarrhoeagenic E. coli particularly, enteroaggregative E. coli [EAEC] and non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. [NTS]). He has contributed to the development of antimicrobial alternatives (cationic antimicrobial peptides, biogenic nanoparticles) against MDR strains of EAEC and NTS and has published nearly 50 research publications in peer-reviewed journals of national as well as international repute. He has successfully mentored several Masters and Doctoral students. Dr. Jess has completed a multi-institutional research project entitled ‘Exploiting Encapsulated Nanoparticle Conjugated Phytochemicals to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Poultry’ (ICAR- NASF) as Principal Investigator of KVASU center and has completed state plan-funded projects as Co-investigator.

Dr. Jess is a recipient of Dr. M. Krishnan Nair Award for the Best Teacher (under 45 years)- 2022 of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University; Young Scientist Award- 2021 of NAAS; ICAR- Jawaharlal Nehru Award for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Research in Agricultural and Allied Sciences- 2019; Dr. C.M. Singh Best Outgoing Ph.D. Student of IVRI- 2018 and several best paper awards.

He served at Centre for One Health Education Advocacy, Research and Training at KVASU, Pookode as the co-ordinator (2018-2023). Besides serving at the Department of Veterinary Public Health as an Assistant Professor, he is currently officiating as the in-charge of COHEART

 

Dr. Vinod V K

Assistant Professor

Qualifications: MVSC, Ph.D.

Dr. Vinod V K is an esteemed Assistant Professor specializing in Zoonoses, Water Quality Assessment, and Farm Biosecurity. With a robust educational background including an MVSC and Ph.D., his expertise spans various domains crucial to animal and environmental health.

Research Focus: Dr. Vinod's primary research focus revolves around Zoonoses, a critical area of study concerning diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Additionally, his research extends to Water Quality Assessment, essential for ensuring the safety of both human and animal populations, and Farm Biosecurity, crucial for safeguarding agricultural resources against potential threats.

Professional Experience: Dr. Vinod brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served in various capacities over the years. He commenced his career as a veterinary surgeon in the Municipal Common Service under the Government of Kerala, followed by a tenure in the Animal Husbandry Department, where he served diligently as a veterinary surgeon for several years. Since 2010, he has been a dedicated member of the faculty at COVAS, Pookode, where he currently serves as an Assistant Professor.

Training: Dr. Vinod's commitment to advancing knowledge is evident in his participation in specialized training programs. Notably, he completed a hands-on training program focused on Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) as an alternative to antibiotics, held at IVRI, Izatnagar, in January 2023. Such training equips him with the latest tools and techniques essential for his research endeavors.

Publications: Dr. Vinod has made significant contributions to academia through his research publications, which have appeared in esteemed journals. His work encompasses diverse topics such as sustainable livestock practices, the synthesis and application of nano composites for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the development of diagnostic tools for infectious diseases in animals. Noteworthy publications include research on the antimicrobial efficacy of synthesized silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites and the assessment of post-harvest contamination of seafood with antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

 

 

Dr. Asha K

Assistant Professor

Qualifications: MVSc,P.H.D. 

Dr. Asha K is an Assistant Professor renowned for her expertise in Food Safety, Zoonoses, and Environmental Hygiene. With a distinguished educational background, including an MVSc in Veterinary Public Health and a BVSc, she is at the forefront of research and teaching in her field.

Research Focus: Dr. Asha's research endeavors encompass critical areas such as Food Safety, where she examines methods to enhance the quality and shelf life of perishable food items. Additionally, her work delves into Zoonoses, investigating the transmission of diseases between animals and humans, and Environmental Hygiene, aiming to mitigate the impact of environmental factors on public health.

Professional Experience: With a career spanning over a decade, Dr. Asha has served in various capacities, demonstrating her commitment to veterinary science and public health. She has contributed significantly as an Assistant Professor in Veterinary Public Health at CVAS Pookode since December 2013. Prior to her academic role, she gained valuable experience as a Veterinary Surgeon in the Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Kerala.

Awards and Recognitions: Dr. Asha's contributions to the field have been acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the Dr. P. U. Surendran Endowment Award for Statistics. These accolades underscore her dedication and excellence in research and academia.

Trainings: Dr. Asha actively seeks opportunities to enhance her knowledge and skills through specialized training programs. Notably, she participated in a 21-day Refresher Course on "Antimicrobial Resistance in Fish and Aquatic Environment and its Impact on Human Health," highlighting her commitment to addressing emerging challenges in food safety and public health.

Publications: Dr. Asha has made significant contributions to scientific literature through her research papers and review articles published in esteemed journals. Her research spans topics ranging from microbial kinetics in liquid milk to the evaluation of vaccines against pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium in birds. Her review articles delve into critical issues such as Canine Babesiosis and the importance of human-animal interaction, showcasing her breadth of expertise and interdisciplinary approach to veterinary science.

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