Robert B. Beckstead received a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University, a Ph.D. from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and performed postdoctoral work at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He was a faculty member in the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Georgia from 2007-2016 and is currently an associate professor in the Prestage Department of Poultry Science at NC State. Research in his lab focuses on molecular diagnostics and treatment strategies related to flagellated protozoal infections in poultry and the development of transgenic technology in chickens. Dr. Beckstead has mentored 60 undergraduate, nine master’s, and three Ph.D. students. He has taught Molecular Diagnostic and Research Tools in Avian Biology, Freshman Odyssey – Chickenology: Everything You Need to Know About Chickens, Methods in Biotechnology, and the Effect of Global Agriculture on World Culture. Dr. Beckstead has been awarded the Poultry Science Association Early Achievement in Teaching Award and Novus International Inc. Teaching Award, the Richard B. Russell Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the First-Year Odyssey Seminar Teaching Award, and the UGA Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor Award.