Two University of Guelph researchers will share in the $100,000 Early Career Research Award.
Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his research into discovering and developing antiviral treatments for highly pathogenic livestock and poultry viruses.
An annual award funded by the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC), Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS), Western Fair Association (WFA), Ontario Agricultural College and Ontario Veterinary College, the Early Career Research Award is designed to encourage cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary approaches to livestock research. It is open specifically to University of Guelph faculty members who have participated in LRIC’s mentorship program for early career researchers.
Spence’s research is focused on identifying motivators and barriers to uptake of biosecurity measures on sheep and goat farms. The award funding will support testing of an educational biosecurity tool called Glo Germ through trainee stipends, educational materials, and more. Glo Germ is a fluorescent, environmental tagging tool that Spence is analyzing for its capacity to identify gaps or efficiencies in routine cleaning and containing disease spread between “clean” and “dirty” barn areas.
Workenhe is continuing his research using genomic tools to study how avian influenza interacts with its hosts, causing recurring outbreaks in poultry and other livestock species. This information is critical to being able to develop effective treatments against infection, reduce economic losses and prevent potential human health impacts. He previously received an Early Career Research Award for this work in 2022 and 2024.
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation was established in 2012 with support from Ontario’s beef, pork, dairy and poultry sector organizations and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and is funded in part by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
