Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Management (Department of Population Medicine)
Chute-side thoracic ultrasound for BRD risk assessment in feedlot cattle
Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Advisor
Project Overview
This field-based project will evaluate whether thoracic ultrasound performed during routine feedlot arrival processing can identify cattle at differential risk of subsequent BRD treatment, retreatment, mortality, average daily gain, and feed efficiency. The project will also assess the feasibility of integrating thoracic ultrasound into commercial processing workflows and will support the development of future decision-support approaches for more targeted metaphylaxis strategies.
Through participation in this project, the PhD student will develop skills in applied epidemiology, feedlot health research, thoracic ultrasound image acquisition and interpretation, field-study implementation, health and performance data linkage, statistical modelling, economic evaluation, and knowledge translation with industry partners.
Specifically, the candidate will:
• Take a leadership role in a large field-based observational study of chute-side thoracic ultrasound in feedlot cattle
• Help coordinate field data collection at research and commercial feedlot sites.
• Participate in thoracic ultrasound image/video acquisition during feedlot arrival processing.
• Develop and implement field data-collection procedures for scan completion, image quality, workflow impact, animal-handling concerns, and operator-safety observations.
• Organize, clean, and manage animal-level ultrasound, health, treatment, mortality, and performance data.
• Link ultrasound image/video files with animal-level feedlot records. • Assist with ultrasound image/video annotation and image-quality assessment.
• Analyze associations between arrival ultrasound findings and subsequent BRD treatment, retreatment, mortality, average daily gain, and feed efficiency.
• Conduct economic break-even and/or applied risk-classification analyses related to TUSinformed metaphylaxis decision support.
Program Details
• Program: PhD in Health Management (Department of Population Medicine)
• Start date: Fall 2027
• Location: University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Candidate requirements
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with:
• A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree
• A strong interest in cattle health, production, and applied epidemiology
• A valid G Ontario driver’s licence, or the ability to obtain one by the program start date
• Strong academic performance (minimum 73% or B average or equivalent)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents to Dr. Kristen Edwards (kedwar01@uoguelph.ca):
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• Cover letter outlining research interests, relevant experience, and career goals
• Copies of unofficial academic transcripts Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.
Equity and Inclusion
At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. We invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from groups that are traditionally underrepresented, who may contribute to further diversification of our institution.
