OVC Welcomes Dr. Kristen Edwards to the Department of Population Medicine
The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is pleased to welcome Dr. Kristen Edwards to the Department of Population Medicine as an assistant professor in veterinary epidemiology, with a focus on calf health and production systems.
Edwards is a proud three-time graduate of the University of Guelph, having earned her Bachelor of Science (Honours), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2014 and more recently, her PhD in Epidemiology. Following graduation from OVC, she spent 11 years in private practice as a cattle veterinarian, first in the United States and later in Tavistock, Ontario. Her experience in both clinical practice and epidemiological research provides a strong foundation for her applied and impactful academic work.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Kristen to the department,” says Dr. Todd Duffield, Chair of the Department of Population Medicine. “Her combination of epidemiologic expertise and extensive clinical experience is very unique, highly valued, and is a major asset to the department and the college.”
Edwards' PhD research focused on identifying the key factors influencing calf health and performance during the preweaning and periweaning periods—two of the most critical stages in early life for dairy calves. Her studies explored how calf success can be improved through better management, feeding practices and disease mitigation strategies.
Now at OVC, Edwards continues to pursue research aimed at improving the health and welfare of dairy, beef and dairy-beef cross calves. Her work explores the use of nutritional interventions, technological innovations and practical frameworks for on-farm data collection to support evidence-based decision-making in herd health management.
“I’m excited to be returning to OVC and contributing to the next generation of veterinarians and researchers,” says Edwards. “My work is rooted in practical, evidence-based approaches to calf health, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with producers, students, and colleagues to make meaningful improvements on farms.”
In addition to her research, Edwards will be teaching veterinary medicine courses in beef health management and leading the fourth-year beef rotation, where she brings her extensive clinical experience and passion for teaching into the classroom and on-farm settings.
Edwards is currently recruiting graduate students interested in applied research related to calf health and production systems. If you’re interested, you are encouraged to reach out to her directly via email (kedwar01@uoguelph.ca).
We are excited to welcome Edwards to the faculty, where her commitment to calf health and hands-on approach to education will enhance the Department of Population Medicine’s mission to improve animal health, productivity and welfare across livestock systems.
