Deepti Pillai, BVSc & AH, MVSc, PhD
- Associate Clinical Professor
334-844-4539
dep0035@auburn.edu
Department of Pathobiology
Auburn University
College of Veterinary Medicine
1130 Wire Road
Auburn, AL 36849
Education
PhD, Kansas State University, Pathobiology, 2011
MVSc, Nagpur Veterinary College, India, Veterinary Microbiology, 2005
BVSc & AH, Nagpur Veterinary College, India, 2003
Biography
Dr. Deepti Pillai joined the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in November 2025 as an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Pathobiology. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists with expertise in veterinary diagnostic microbiology. She obtained her BVSc.& AH degree and master’s degree in veterinary microbiology from Nagpur Veterinary College and earned her Ph.D. from Kansas State University.
Dr. Pillai serves as Head of the Bacteriology & Mycology and Virology & Serology sections within the Auburn University Diagnostic Service Laboratory where she oversees diagnostic testing, develops new laboratory assays, and supports continuous process improvement. She is also dedicated to teaching and mentoring DVM and graduate students.
Research Interests
Dr. Pillai’s research interest includes antimicrobial resistance in pathogen causing infectious disease in veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on rapid diagnostic test development, diagnostic stewardship, and bacterial virulence factor characterization for vaccine development.
Dr. Pillai welcomes opportunities for interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations aimed at addressing antimicrobial resistance, strengthening antimicrobial stewardship efforts, and advancing translational research in veterinary medicine.