Amachawadi recognized with Zoetis veterinary research excellence award

Associate professor earns veterinary college's top research award.

Elizabeth Davis, left, and Dana Vanlandingham present the Zoetis Animal Health Award for Research Excellence to Raghavendra Amachawadi, associate professor in clinical sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. | Download this photo.

By Joe Montgomery

College of Veterinary Medicine

Kansas State University's Raghavendra Amachawadi, a leader in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, has been recognized with the College of Veterinary Medicine's top research honor.

Amachawadi, associate professor of food animal therapeutics in the department of clinical sciences, received the Zoetis Animal Health Award for Research Excellence for innovative studies that have advanced the scientific standing of veterinary medicine.

His research takes a multidisciplinary approach to study the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria and to develop and evaluate novel intervention strategies, particularly antimicrobial alternatives to control liver abscesses and bovine respiratory diseases, to minimize antimicrobial resistance in food animal production systems.

"Over the last five years, Dr. Amachawadi has been very productive, with more than $11.3 million in research grants, with $2.8 million as P.I.," said Dana Vanlandingham, interim associate dean for research and graduate programs in the college and professor of arbovirology.

Amachawadi has 89 peer-reviewed publications and has been first, corresponding or senior author on 27 of them. He has published four book chapters and 70 abstracts and conference proceedings.

In addition to an impressive research portfolio and publication history, Amachawadi has provided research opportunities for 48 undergraduate and 19 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students, and he's mentored several master's and doctoral students.

"This recognition is especially meaningful as it highlights the importance of advancing veterinary medicine through innovative research," Amachawadi said. "I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support throughout my research career from excellent mentors, colleagues, students, staff and collaborators, and this achievement reflects our collective dedication to scientific advancement. A special thanks to my department head, Dr. Elizabeth Davis, for nominating me for this recognition. I look forward to continuing our efforts to contribute to the scientific progress that benefits both animal and public health."

In December 2024, Amachawadi was selected as one of 10 recipients of K-State's University Outstanding Scholar Award. He was also named the 2024 International Educator of the Year by K-State's Office of International Programs and was recognized with the American Society of Animal Science's Outstanding Young Researcher Award.

Amachawadi received his bachelor's degree in veterinary science from the Veterinary College in Bangalore, India, followed by a master's degree and doctorate in microbiology/epidemiology from Kansas State University in 2014.

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