Departments

Administration
Andrea Stephens, Director of Administration
Tiara Brawner, Accounting Specialist
Caren Smith, Project Administrator
Danelle Dimizio, Administrative Assistant II

About Us: The first person you will talk to on the phone or see when you enter the lab will be Tiara or Danelle. They are always happy to provide direction or assistance.

Bacteriology
Dr. Doug Waltman, NPIP Salmonella Liaison
Kevin Smith, Bacteriology Supervisor
Mark Calabro, Technician
Caren McCreary-Smith, Technician
Melissa Chewning, Technician

About Us: Bacteriology cultures and identifies bacteria from various sample types. Samples may be taken from the processing plant, farm environment, or birds. Bacteriology is important as a diagnostic and monitoring tool. The department also makes most of the media needed to grow the bacteria.

Building
Bryan Davenport,Facilities Manager
Frankie Morgan, Maintenance Technician
James Turk, Maintenance Technician

About Us: We keep the lab building and grounds neat, clean, and in excellent repair.

Epidemiology
Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala, Department Head

About Us: Epidemiology utilizes lab reports, case history and GIS coordinates to monitor and study poultry disease outbreaks. The department works closely with an industry committee to determine plans of action during outbreaks. The department plays a major role in developing plans for a possible Avian Influenza outbreak.

Histopathology
Andrea Stephens, Histopathology Technologist

About Us: Tissue samples taken at the main lab and network labs are processed by the histopathology department. The GLPN contracts with the most qualified board certified veterinary histopathologists to read all histopathology slides. Reports are returned in about 1 week from date of submission.

Necropsy
Dr. James Davis, Veterinary Director Oakwood
Patti Nash, Lab Technician
Anita Hamrick, Lab Technician
Scarlett Woods, Lab Technician

About Us: Clinical Services provide a wide range of services including post mortem examinations at the lab, farm visits, sample collection on farm, and phone consultation. The clinicians are dedicated to providing diagnosis and treatment to keep poultry healthy in Georgia. Anita or Scarlett at the receiving window will take your samples with a smile

NPIP
Dr. Ben Johnson, Veterinary Director NPIP
Steve Brinson, Field Manager II
Crissie Boyd, Senior Specialist
Mark Strickland, Field Technician II
Joseph Griffith, Field Technician I
Radford Murphy, Field Technician I
James Turk, Field Technician I

About Us: The objective of the NPIP is to provide a cooperative Industry-State-Federal program through which new diagnostic technology can be effectively applied to the improvement of poultry and poultry products throughout the country.

Serology
Len Chappell, Technical Director Serology
Drew Carter, Technician
Donna Jones, Technician
JoAnn Williamson, Technician
Betty Standridge, Technician
Gwen Waters, Technician
Geneva Howard, Technician
Bobbie Pass, Technician
Dorene Seabolt, Technician

About Us: Blood samples taken at the main lab and network labs are processed by the serology department. The department tests tens of thousands chicken blood samples monthly for antibodies to poultry viruses. The department uses state of the art equipment to keep up with the requests. Reports are returned in less than 1 week from date of submission.

Virology
Dr. Reynaldo Resurreccion, Veterinary Director Virology
Dr. Arun Kulkarni, Assistant Veterinary Director Virology
Jane Askew, Technician
Glenda A. Stover, Technician

About Us: Samples taken at the main lab and network labs are processed for virus isolation by the virology department. Virus isolation is done on various cell cultures and grown in eggs. Special stains and cell and embryo changes are used determine the infective virus. Virus isolation can take from 1-6 weeks to identify a virus depending on how well it grows.