Justin Lowery

Bio

Academic Advisor: Dr. Lin Walker

Justin Lowery was born and raised in Saginaw, Texas, just outside Fort Worth. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Microbiology with a minor in Veterinary Science in 2021. While at Nebraska, he participated in the research of bovine keratoconjunctivitis (bovine pinkeye) vaccination efficacy evaluations and the development of diagnostic tests. Justin came to the Prestage Department of Poultry Science in August of 2021 where he completed his master’s degree in the summer of 2023 and began his Ph.D. in the fall of 2023. While at NC State, Justin’s research has focused on the control and understanding of the protozoan parasite, Cochlosoma anatis, in turkeys, exploring overall disease pathogenesis, epidemiology, and the gut microbiome. Additionally, Justin is routinely working in a Food Safety Microbiology lab, researching food safety interventions and their relationships to food-borne pathogens in poultry.

Area(s) of Expertise

My current research focuses on the development of a diagnostic PCR assay for Cochlosoma anatis, as well as the identification of environmental factors associated with worsened disease and characterizing the microbiome and genome of Cochlosoma anatis.

I was born and raised in Texas, however I spent many summers in Nebraska as that is where most of my family is located. I was a member of the Saginaw High School gymnastics team which has been among the top 5 teams in the state for the last 15 years. I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. I am a University of Nebraska athletics fan through and through. I am also a Dallas Cowboys fan, so if you have followed football as long as I have been alive, you have an idea of the pain that brings me. I'll keep saying this is our year though.