Our Team
Principal Investigator
Angel Abuelo, DVM, MRes, MSc (VetEd), Ph.D., Dip. ECBHM, Dip. ABVP, FHEA, MRCVS
Associate Professor & Dairy Extension Veterinarian Dr. Angel Abuelo obtained his veterinary and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and a master’s in veterinary education from the Royal Veterinary College (United Kingdom). He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, the European College of Bovine Health Management, and an Associate Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Abuelo is a registered specialist in cattle health and management in America, Europe, United Kingdom, and Australasia. After a short stint as faculty in Charles Sturt University (Australia), he joined the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary in December 2017 as Assistant Professor of Cattle Health & Dairy Extension Veterinarian, being promoted to Associate Professor in 2022. Angel’s current research focuses on the interplay between nutrition, metabolism, and immune function in periparturient dairy cows and neonatal calves, aiming to improve host resilience during these periods of increased disease risk. At MSU, he maintains federally (USDA) and state funded research and extension programs, contributes to the clinical training of final year veterinary students, troubleshoots problems on dairy farms, and provides continuing education to veterinarians. Outside of work, Angel enjoys traveling, cycling, kayaking, and playing with his crazily energetic Vizsla. |
Research Affiliates
Faith Cullens-Nobis, MS
Director of South Campus Farms & Extension Educator Faith is a native of Michigan and has been with Michigan State University for 14 years. Most of her tenure at MSU has been spent with MSU Extension as a Dairy Educator, focusing on nutrition, labor management and calves and heifers. Faith acted as the Interim Manager of the MSU Dairy Farm from 2019-2020 before taking the job as Director of South Campus Animal Farms (SCAF). In her role of Director of SCAF, Faith has administrative responsibilities for the swine, beef, dairy, poultry, equine, sheep, and the veterinary medicine research farm located on South Campus. Faith’s current appointment is 80% Director of South Campus Animal Farms and 20% Extension. In her Extension role, she works closely with Dr. Abuelo on trouble shooting calf issues on farm and calf-related research. In her free time, Faith enjoys running, playing golf and driving her kids places (that last part was a joke...)! |
Research Technologists
Eric Owczarzak
Research Technologist Eric Owczarzak is a research technologist helping with optimizing and enhancing lab protocols for use for future masters and graduate students. Eric has just finished his Bachelors of Science degree from Lyman Briggs college in Biochemistry and minoring in bioethics from Michigan State University in December of 2021. He is currently applying to the Clinical Laboratory Science Master’s program at MSU in hopes of advancing his academic career and increasing his laboratory skillset. Outside of work, Eric likes to partake in a variety of hobbies including painting and model building, as well as play basketball with friends. |
Graduate Students
Katy Kesler, DVM, MS
Ph.D. Student Katy Kesler is working toward her Ph.D. degree, focusing on nutritional immunology related to vaccine responsiveness in dairy calves. Katy obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University in 2016. Following undergrad, Katy pursued DVM and MS degrees from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University graduating in 2021. Katy’s MS research focused on diagnostic applications of miRNAs to optimize dairy reproduction. In her free time, Katy loves reading and is actively involved in youth development programs through Michigan 4H and the livestock industry. |
Hannah Carlson
MS Student Hannah is working towards her MS degree, focusing on the impact of antioxidant supplements on vaccine responsiveness in dairy calves. Hannah obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University in 2021. In parallel to working with dairy cattle, Hannah has an interest in the dairy goat industry where she spent 1.5 years gaining experience in management. Outside of school and work, Hannah enjoys spending time outside (hunting, fishing, horseback riding) as well as spending time with her pit bull, Colt. |
Arpita Nayak
DVM/Ph.D. Student Arpita is a dual-degree student who is currently completing the pre-clinical years of her DVM. Her research in the Abuelo lab focuses on the improvement of immune response to vaccines in neonatal calves. Arpita obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University in 2019. As an undergraduate, her research primarily focused on spatial and community ecology of Michigan macroinvertebrates. Besides veterinary medicine and research, Arpita’s interests include painting, reading, podcasts, and hiking. |
Lab alumni and visitors
- Wilmer Cuervo (MS student 2019-2021). Currently: PhD student University of Florida.
- Renato May Rossi (MS student 2019-2021). Currently: Technical Services, Renaissance Nutrition.
- Harry Roach (visiting veterinary student - Charles Sturt University, 2018).
- Ana Velasquez Munoz (Postdoc, 2021-2022). Currently: Assistant Professor, Austral University of Chile.
- Patrick Crannell (MSU Food Systems Fellow, 2020). Private Practice.
Prospective students
If you are a prospective graduate student or postdoctoral associate, or a current undergraduate or high school student interested in research opportunities in the Abuelo Lab, please contact us. We always have new projects starting!
The Abuelo Lab believes that diversity of perspective, background and ability is key to creativity and innovation in science. We welcome trainees and scientists who are from underrepresented minorities (URM) to join our lab and thrive in our team-oriented culture that values excellence, rigor and respect. We pledge to foster an inclusive training environment that values and supports our peers who are women, immigrants, LGBTQI+, people with disabilities, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). You can access the current Lab Manual with all the relevant lab policies in the "Lab Documents" section. Dr. Abuelo is a faculty member of the Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology (CMIB) graduate program. Prospective graduate students should also familiarize themselves with the requirements and deadlines of the program. |