Mulumebet Worku

Associate Professor/Biotechnologist
Department of Animal Sciences

336-334-7615
worku@ncat.edu

Education:

• B.Sc., Addis Ababa University, Alemaya College of Agriculture, Ethiopia
• M.S., Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

Research Interests: 

Research is conducted using cutting-edge tools of biotechnology to decipher gene expression patterns in defense against inflammatory diseases (such as mastitis) at the molecular and cellular level, and to characterize the role of inflammatory mediators. This knowledge will provide a basis for new strategies to modulate the inflammatory responses, reduce antibiotic contamination, and improve milk quality and animal health.

In support of the establishment of a center of excellence for studies in genomic diversity, current studies focus on an evaluation of  genomic diversity and the immune response in ruminants through four specific objectives: 1. To evaluate and compare the expression of endogenous anti- and pro-inflammatory mediators in caprine and bovine PMN, 2. To evaluate the effect of host immune factors on global parasite gene expression in E. coli and C. elegans, 3. To establish reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods, through which NRAMP1 mRNA expression could be compared and analyzed between coccidia-resistant and -susceptible goats, and 4. To develop on-farm parasite control programs for small farmers. This will impact rural quality of life, and the environment. This effort will help develop a greater understanding of host-pathogen interactions associated with inflammation. We will identify host and parasite genes that influence the survival of infectious agents in ruminants (cattle and goats). In addition, we will develop and adopt processes for targeting genes for disease intervention and selection.

Dr. Worku is graduate coordinator of the MS in Animal Health and project director for the NC A&T State University USDA National Needs Fellowship in Agricultural Biotechnology and Genomics Multidisciplinary Graduate Education.
 
Teaching Responsibilities:
ANSC-214:   Agricultural Genetics
ANSC-665:   Techniques in Biotechnology
ANSC-665/11: Biotechnology Laboratory
ANSC 771 Bioinformatics and Genome Analysis
 
Center of Excellence for Studies in Genomic Diversity

Project Directors and Recipients Conference for the National Needs Graduate Fellowship Grants and Multicultural Scholars Program