Doctoral student earns national recognition for diagnostic bacteriology research
Biomedical sciences doctoral student Nneka Vivian Iduu earned high honors at the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and the 129th Annual Meeting of the United States Animal Health Association held in October in Aurora, Colo.
Iduu received the Brenda Love Best Bacteriology Poster Presentation Award for her presentation, “High-Resolution Melting Curve FRET-qPCR Rapidly Distinguishes Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and zooepidemicus.” Her presentation highlighted the development of a rapid and highly specific molecular assay capable of differentiating two closely related Streptococcus equi subspecies responsible for significant equine infections.
The Brenda Love Award recognizes exceptional research contributions in diagnostic bacteriology that demonstrate innovation, scientific rigor, and practical relevance to animal health and disease surveillance.
“This recognition reflects Auburn’s commitment to developing cutting-edge diagnostic tools that improve both animal and public health outcomes,” said Iduu, who works in Dr. Chengming Wang’s lab in the Department of Pathobiology. “Our work focuses on accuracy and speed in pathogen detection—two factors that are essential for early intervention and control.”
Iduu earned a bachelor’s degree in applied microbiology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, as well as a master of science in agricultural microbiology from Federal University of Vicosa before coming to Auburn. Her areas of interest and expertise including microbiology, molecular biology and infectious diseases.
The AAVLD annual meeting draws more than 1,200 professionals each year as one of the most prominent national forums for advancing veterinary diagnostic science.