Dr. Clinton White is a renowned researcher, educator, and clinician specializing in neurocysticercosis and other parasitic infections, with a career shaped by global collaborations and a strong commitment to tropical medicine. His expertise in neurocysticercosis grew from early encounters at Ben Taub County Hospital to international research efforts, leading to influential management guidelines and eradication strategies in Peru. Currently, he continues his work through clinical teaching, research collaborations, and clinical trials, emphasizing education and a One Health approach to combating infectious diseases worldwide.

Dr. Meredith Anderson, DVM, PhD candidate at the Schubot Center for Avian Health at Texas A&M is studying the impact of neonicotinoid pesticides on bird health, immunity, and their role in spreading zoonotic diseases. Her research is looking at how pesticide exposure weakens birds’ immune systems making them more susceptible to infection and altering their ability to transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Salmonella Typhimurium. Neonicotinoids are used in agriculture and urban landscaping and contaminate the environment through treated seeds, soil, water and insect prey. Her studies have already shown patterns of pesticide exposure in juvenile birds and certain species (American robins and red-winged blackbirds) are at increased risk. As she continues her research, she hopes her findings will inform conservation efforts and policy decisions to reduce environmental contamination.