Texas Tech appoints new faculty member with passion for animal agriculture

Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine has announced that Blaine Johnson, DVM, PhD, has joined the team as assistant professor for food animal medicine and surgery.

“I am excited to join the School of Veterinary Medicine because they are offering a different framework and foundation of veterinary education that I will get to play a role in developing, as well as joining a very aggressive and passionate team of veterinarians and scientists,” Johnson said, in a university release.¹ “Secondly, I am really excited about the abundance of resources in the surrounding communities. “I am very passionate about animal agriculture, particularly feedlot production, and I am looking forward to working with veterinarians and producers.”

According to the release, Johnson’s story starts with an interest in animal health as a child when he met his local veterinarian on his family's farm. He saw first-hand how key veterinarians are to farmers and ranchers within agricultural communities and was inspired to pursue veterinary medicine himself.

Johnson’s primary responsibility at the university is to inform veterinary students on the scientific principles and practical herd management by displaying various components within food safety, nutrition, disease control, and many others in food animal production (eg, cattle, swine, small ruminants, and poultry). Additionally, he will teach students the fundamental information necessary for diagnosing and treating the most common diseases and surgical conditions particularly in food animal production.

“Blaine deeply understands our mission,” said Guy Loneraga, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, in the release. “We are so fortunate to have someone of Blaine’s talents and passion. He will benefit our students in many ways, and his research will add so much to the vibrant cattle industry we know so well here in the Panhandle. I look forward to working with Blaine.”¹

Johnson achieved his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. Following this, he practiced as a mixed animal veterinarian for 3 years. During his time there, Johnson developed a growing interest in data and statistics to solve some of the most complex questions that farmers and ranchers have in rural communities.

Before serving on Texas Tech faculty, his focus shifted, leading him to pursue a doctorate in pathobiology with a focus in epidemiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kansas in 2022.

“Dr Blaine Johnson is a great addition to our school,” stated John Dascanio, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs, in the release. “His background in beef cattle brings an extra element to both our instructional and research programs. Dr Johnson’s work in epidemiology and large data sets will translate well to working with our One Health PhD students. He will be a great team member, and I look forward to working with him.”¹

Reference

Veterinarian seeks to advance the school of veterinary medicine’s mission. News release. Texas Tech University College of Veterinary Medicine. February 2, 2023. February 3, 2023. https://today.ttu.edu/posts/2023/02/Stories/Veterinarian-Seeks-to-Advance-the-School-of-Veterinary-Medicines-Mission