Hannah McCarver
Author: Hannah McCarver | Major: Biology | Semester: Spring 2024
My name is Hannah McCarver, and I am a biology major at the University of Arkansas. I have been working with Dr. Adnan Alrubaye in the Poultry Science Department on a trial linking feed/water additives to the development of a bacterial infection in the joints of poultry. As one of the most pressing economic and animal welfare issues in the poultry industry, lameness caused by Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) has been the cause of millions of dollars in revenue loss globally. Lameness is one of the most prominent issues facing the poultry industry today, which is why we have been working so diligently to prevent it. I have been lucky enough to be involved in previous trials where we have tested vaccines and various methods to put a stop to lameness in poultry.
The research we have done this past semester is extremely beneficial to the poultry industry, as it has the potential to prevent millions of dollars and revenue loss. With the goal to increase food quality and commercial efficiency, poultry companies have begun raising birds to be larger in a short period of time. This new development has led to an increase in bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis in the last two decades. Because of the rapid increase of mass without the skeletal structural integrity to support it, Broiler chickens, a species that is extremely important to the poultry industry, do not develop properly, which leads to a variety of problems. Because the birds are bigger with less structural integrity to support their growth, Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis lameness infects the bird’s mechanical system, leading to the necrosis of the proximal femur and tibial head.
I became involved in Dr. Alrubaye’s research because of my interest in agriculture and desire to work prominently outside of one’s traditional lab setting. I grew up working with my dad, a veterinarian, which is where my interest in working with animals grew. I had another great mentor who connected me with Dr. Alrubaye, which is how I initially started working with him.
Although this was not my first research trial, I continue to learn new things every day at the lab facilities. Not only have I grown my knowledge surrounding poultry and cellular biology, but I have gained valuable skills in critical thinking, time management, and communication. Working with diverse students and faculty has been extremely beneficial to my experience as an honors college student. Dr. Alrubaye was a very involved research mentor. He regularly communicates with the team, checking in on our progress throughout the trial. He also came to the farm every day to help us with daily tasks and provide advice, encouragement, or whatever else we needed. I can confidently say that Dr. Alrubaye has been a great research mentor, as he truly wants you to work to your full potential as a student.
After undergrad, I plan to attend a physician assistant program. I really enjoy working with and helping people. I am interested in working in dermatology, as I want to work with a variety of patients in many different capacities.