Mark W. Jackwood, a UGA molecular virologist known for his work in avian diseases, has been appointed head of the department of population health. The department includes the College of Veterinary Medicine’s food animal management program, laboratory animal veterinarians and two significant areas of public service and outreach: The Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center and the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study.
Jackwood joined the college in 1989 and is based in the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center. His primary research focus is the field of respiratory viruses, particularly avian coronaviruses, infectious bronchitis virus and avian influenza. He co-developed and co-owns patents on a rapid diagnostic technique for infectious bronchitis and an avian therapeutic compound; he has a third patent pending on an infectious bronchitis virus vaccine.
“We conducted an international search for this important leadership position in the college,” said Dean Sheila W. Allen. “We had an outstanding field of candidates, including Dr. Jackwood. We are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Jackwood’s breadth of experience and outstanding reputation lead this important department in the college.”
Jackwood’s research has earned him numerous honors and awards, including the Creative Research Medal from UGA’s Research Foundation; the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence, the highest research honor awarded by the college and one that he has received twice; the Upjohn Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Avian Medicine Research, awarded by the American Association of Avian Pathologists; and the Bruce W. Calnek Applied Poultry Research Achievement Award.
Jackwood has served both the college and the university in various capacities. He serves as chair of the Veterinary Medical Agricultural Research Committee, a member of the Applied Life Sciences Faculty Research Grants Review Committee, a member of the CDC/UGA Infectious Disease Review Panel, a member of the Faculty of Infectious Disease Executive Council, a member of the University Council and its Committee on Facilities, and a member of the college’s of Veterinary Medicine Ethics Committee.
Since 2001, Jackwood has served as secretary/treasurer of Southern Conference on Avian Diseases. In 2011, he co-organized the first International Avian Respiratory Disease Conference, held in Athens and attended by 179 scientists. He also is an active member of the American Association of Avian Pathologists and serves on the organization’s advisory board for avian diseases. He has served as a member, reviewer or editor of more than
25 professional publications worldwide.
He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees at the University of Delaware and his Ph.D. degree in poultry science at Ohio State University.