Athens, Ga. – Mark W. Jackwood, a professor and molecular virologist at the University of Georgia Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, is the 2014 recipient of the Charles Beard Research Excellence Award from the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.
Jackwood was selected based on his exceptional work to advance the understanding and control of infectious bronchitis, including the development of new vaccines, the introduction of new methods for classification of the virus and his promotion of improved methods for controlling the disease, said selection officials from the association.
“Dr. Beard’s long and productive career is an inspiration, and I have a lot of respect for him. I am truly honored to receive this award that bears his name,” said Jackwood, who is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on infectious bronchitis virus in poultry. “The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has been very supportive of our research program over the years, and I am extremely grateful for the support and for this recognition.”
The award is named for Charles Beard (DVM ’55), a former director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory and former vice president of research for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. The award, which is given annually, recognizes outstanding completed research projects that have been funded by USPOULTRY or the USPOULTRY Foundation and have made a significant positive impact on the poultry industry.
Jackwood earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Delaware and his Ph.D. degree from The Ohio State University. He joined the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine’s faculty in 1989, and in 2011 was named head of its Department of Population Health, which includes the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center. He is the CVM’s first J.R. Glisson Professor of Veterinary Medicine.
The Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center was created in the 1950s to serve the poultry industry. In addition to offering diagnostic assistance and consulting services to poultry producers, the PDRC helps train the college’s DVM degree-seeking students and offers the following graduate degree programs: a master of avian medicine, a master of avian health and medicine, and a master of science in veterinary and biomedical sciences.
The UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, to conducting research related to animal and human diseases, and to providing veterinary services for animals and their owners. Research efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of life for animals and people, improving the productivity of poultry and livestock, and preserving a healthy interface between wildlife and people in the environment they share. The college enrolls 102 students each fall out of more than 900 who apply. For more information, see www.vet.uga.edu.
