OVC Pathologist Dr. Emma Borkowski Receives Early Career Research Award

Dr. Emma Borkowski, a pathologist and assistant professor in the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) Department of Pathobiology, has been awarded the 2023 Early Career Researcher Award by the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) in support of her research into natural immune responses to pathogens in small ruminant livestock.  

Borkowski, whose areas of specialty include veterinary parasitology and veterinary anatomic pathology, will receive $70,000 to help fund her research into methods of controlling gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in small ruminants. Her research will help expand knowledge related to parasite immunity in sheep and goats and could ultimately help producers improve herd immunity through the establishment of more cost-effective and sustainable management practices. 

“I’m honoured to receive this award, which will be invaluable in helping me build my research program,” said Borkowski. “I very much look forward to working with LRIC and my industry partners to advance research improving the health and welfare of Canadian sheep and goats.” 

“I really applaud LRIC for their mentorship of and awards/support for early career researchers, and think it is an excellent way to help new faculty get connected to the various groups/sectors in the Ontario livestock industry – it really benefits the faculty and the industry,” said Dr. Brandon Lillie, Department Chair, Department of Pathobiology at OVC. “I’m excited to see the results of Emma’s small ruminant work, as it will both increase the knowledge we have on small ruminant immunity to parasites and lead to real applied changes/benefits for the industry.” 

LRIC launched the Early Career Researcher Award in 2022 to support research that will foster and build knowledge and capacity in the Ontario livestock sector. The award is available to faculty from the University of Guelph who participate in LRIC’s Early Career Mentorship Program. 

News of Borkowski’s award was first shared via a news release on the LRIC website.