DETERMINING THE ROLE OF COMMENSAL CORYNEBACTERIUM AND PATHOGENIC MANNHEIMIA IN THE BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE

The overall goal of this project is to develop BRD probiotics from health-associated microbes isolated from the bovine respiratory tract. Our objectives are to evaluate the ability of commensal Corynebacterium's (ASV19 and ASV39) probiotic characteristics of pathogen growth inhibition and immunomodulation. The objectives can be broken down into 1) evaluate commensal ASV19's and ASV39's mechanism for inhibiting opportunistic pathogen growth in vitro, and 2) evaluate ASV19's and ASV39's ability to colonize the nasal cavity, modulate the bovine immune system, and provide colonization resistance against M. haemolytica. Furthermore, an additional goal of this project is to prepare the PD for a career in academia by affording her diverse scientific and professional opportunities. Specifically, this will be accomplished by providing the PD with experience in project management, increasing her scientific skills, communicating research to both scientific and lay audiences, and strengthening her scientific writing skills.