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Suresh Neethirajan

(he/him)
University Research Chair in Digital Livestock Farming, Dalhousie University

Dr. Suresh Neethirajan stands out as a preeminent figure in the field of digital livestock farming, recognized for his groundbreaking work and extensive expertise. His academic foundation, which combines engineering with animal science, has propelled him to the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies into livestock management. This integration aims to elevate efficiency, animal welfare, and the sustainability of agricultural practices. Dr. Neethirajan's work is particularly notable for its embrace of a wide array of technologies, such as sensors and data analytics, which are crucial in shifting traditional farming towards smart, precision-oriented practices.

A key area of Dr. Neethirajan's contributions is his development of sensor-based technologies for continuous monitoring of animal health. This innovation plays a vital role in early disease detection, facilitating prompt intervention and minimizing the spread of illnesses among livestock. In the context of climate change, Dr. Neethirajan's work in creating metaverse digital twins for livestock is particularly groundbreaking. These virtual representations allow for a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of livestock environments, behaviors, and needs, leading to more informed decision-making processes in farming. His efforts in automated monitoring systems are directly aligned with advancing animal welfare and promoting sustainable farming practices. These endeavors underscore the significant role technology plays in not only transforming agriculture but also in addressing broader environmental challenges and ethical considerations in farming.

Experience

  • 2023–present
    University Research Chair in Digital Livestock Farming, Dalhousie University
  • 2019–2023
    Associate professor, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands
  • 2011–2019
    Associate professor, University of Guelph
  • 2010–2011
    Research Engineer, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • 2009–2010
    JSPS Research Fellow, National Food Research Institute, Japan

Education

  • 2022 
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Applied Data Science
  • 2009 
    University of Manitoba, Biological Engineering