The Department of Comparative Pathobiology (CPB) in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (MS; thesis or non-thesis) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
The Department of Comparative Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Purdue University, offers graduate instruction leading to the Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees to persons possessing the DVM degree and to those with a baccalaureate degree and comprehensive training in the biological sciences. Areas of study include animal welfare science and human-animal interaction, cancer biology, infectious diseases, bacteriology, epidemiology, immunology, laboratory and experimental medicine, parasitology, pathology, public health, toxicology, virology, and molecular genetics.
Earn your MS or PhD in Comparative Pathobiology at Purdue Veterinary Medicine. Study topics like cancer biology, infectious disease, public health, toxicology, and more. Open to DVMs and students with strong biological science backgrounds.
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Associate Professor, Molecular Diagnostics Section Head
Dr. Nelli’s work focuses on emerging infectious diseases, molecular diagnostics, and One Health solutions. He has pioneered advanced 3D organoid models across multiple animal species, providing powerful alternatives to traditional animal studies and advancing understanding of pathogen-host interactions, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). Critical areas of investigation include the underlying risk factors for viral transmission at the animal-human interface, the evaluation of host susceptibility to these pathogens, and the analysis of factors contributing to pathogenesis.
Dr. Nelli has secured more than $4 million in competitive research funding, developed several diagnostic assays, and led the implementation of high-throughput, automated testing platforms that strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities. His research has generated more than 40 peer-reviewed publications. Through collaborations with government agencies, industry leaders, and academic institutions around the world, Dr. Nelli translates scientific discoveries into practical solutions that protect animal health, strengthen food systems, and improve global public health resilience.
