Our Team
Principal Investigator
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Angel Abuelo, DVM, MRes, MSc (VetEd), Ph.D., Dip. ECBHM, Dip. ABVP, FHEA, MRCVS
Red Cedar Distinguished 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
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Faith Cullens-Nobis, MS
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. In her Extension role, she works closely with Dr. Abuelo on troubleshooting calf issues on farms and calf-related research. In her free time, Faith enjoys running, playing golf and driving her kids places (that last part was a joke...)! |
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Graduate Students
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Katy W. Kesler, DVM, MS
Ph.D. Candidate 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. |
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Eric Owczarzak
Ph.D. Student Eric Owczarzak joined the lab as research technologist and transitioned to a graduate student role. Eric completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Lyman Briggs College and minored in Bioethics at Michigan State University in December 2021. While in the Abuelo Lab, he completed the Clinical Laboratory Science Master’s program at MSU and, in Fall 2024, transitioned to the CMIB PhD program. Outside of work, Eric likes to partake in various hobbies, including painting and model building, as well as playing basketball with friends. |
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Rafael Castro Vargas
MS Student SOON TO COME |
Lab alumni and visitors
- Wilmer Cuervo (MS student 2019-2021). Currently: Post doc. Clemson University.
- Renato May Rossi (MS student 2019-2021). Currently: Technical Services, Renaissance Nutrition.
- Harry Roach (visiting veterinary student - Charles Sturt University, 2018). Currently: Private Practice
- Ana Velasquez Munoz (Postdoc, 2021-2022). Currently: Assistant Professor, Catholic University of Temuco.
- Patrick Crannell (MSU Food Systems Fellow, 2020). Currently: Private Practice
- Hannah Carlson (MS student, 2021-2023). Vet Student, MSU College of Veterinary Medicine
- Abigail Reid (Cornell University, Food Systems Fellow, 2024). Vet School
Prospective students
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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. |
