Two CEMB Students Win Awards at International World Poultry Congress

Two students in the Cell and Molecular Biology interdisciplinary graduate program earned awards at the International World Poultry Congress held in Toronto in July. Anh Do earned a Certificate of Excellence in the poster competition at the event, while Ashen Epa Arachige won the Cliff D. Carpenter International Essay Competition.  

"I am incredibly proud of Anh and Ashen for earning these prestigious honors on an international stage," said Adnan Alrubaye, an assistant professor of poultry microbiology in the Department of Poultry Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the U of A. Alrubaye is also associate director of the Cell and Molecular Biology Program in the Graduate School and International Education.

"The International World Poultry Congress brings together poultry scientists and professionals from around the world, so having two of our Cell and Molecular Biology graduate students recognized at the same congress is a tremendous accomplishment," he continued. "Their success reflects their hard work, scientific curiosity and commitment to excellence, and it is very rewarding to see their efforts recognized."

Do holds a Doctoral Academy Fellowship from the Graduate School and International Education. His research focuses on the use of effective and safe feed additives in broiler nutrition to prevent clinical lameness associated with BCO, or bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis. His poster examined the bacteria in the digestive systems of broiler chickens using an experimental model developed by Alrubaye's lab. The findings identified areas for future research, including where to focus further study and how bacterial populations may differ among treatment groups.

"This is the first World Poultry Congress conference I had ever attended, which was an invaluable opportunity that only happens every four years," Do said. "I was very honored to receive the award alongside friends, and being able to present my research findings and learning from peers and industry professionals from all over the world was an eye-opening experience for my professional growth."

"Anh's Certificate of Excellence is particularly meaningful because it recognizes not only the quality of his research, but also his ability to communicate that science effectively to an international audience," Alrubaye said. "Anh has demonstrated tremendous dedication to his research and has continued to grow as an independent scientist. Seeing his work distinguished at the World's Poultry Congress is a well-deserved recognition of the effort, thought and persistence he has invested in his graduate training."

Arachchige's research also focuses on feed additives that can reduce BCO-related lameness, but it also explores how these additives affect the complex interactions among the gut, bones and immune system. His essay, "Bridging the Bio-Digital Divide: How World's Poultry Science Association Can Empower Developing-Country Students," focuses on the gap in opportunities between poultry students in developed and developing countries.

While students in advanced countries often have access to modern technology, research facilities and expert mentorship, many students in developing countries lack these resources. The essay argues that this divide extends beyond technology to opportunity, preventing talented students from reaching their full potential. To help bridge this divide, Arachchige proposes that organizations such as the World Poultry Science Association can provide access to technology, training, mentorship, research opportunities and international collaboration.

"Empowering these students would not only benefit them individually but also bring diverse ideas and solutions to the global poultry industry," Arachchige said. "I am honored that this essay received the award, as it highlights the importance of creating equal opportunities for the next generation of poultry scientists worldwide."

"Ashen's recognition through the Cliff D. Carpenter International Essay Competition is an outstanding achievement," Alrubaye said. "This international competition challenges young poultry scientists to think broadly about issues affecting our field and to communicate their ideas with clarity and vision. Ashen's success demonstrates the kind of thoughtful, forward-looking scholarship we hope to cultivate in our graduate students. I am very proud to see him represent our CEMB program, Poultry Science Department and the University of Arkansas so successfully at the international level."

For winning the essay competition, Arachchige received a cash award of $2,000.