“This research will improve the health and welfare of Canadian dairy cattle in herds infected with bovine leukemia virus (approximately 90% of herds in Canada), as well as improve the sustainability of Canadian dairy operations, and elevate food safety for Canadian dairy consumers.”

Research Interests and Future Goals

Olivia completed a BSc in Animal Biology and an MSc in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Guelph. For her Master’s research, Olivia worked under the supervision of Dr. Angela Cánovas in the Department of Animal Biosciences, where she investigated the role of functional genes and regulatory elements in host genome and how they influence the immune response of sheep to gastrointestinal nematode infection.

Olivia is conducting her PhD research under the supervision of Dr. Stephen LeBlanc in the Department of Population Medicine. Her project investigates the epidemiology of bovine leukemia virus, which causes bovine enzootic leukosis, in Canadian dairy herds to develop a control program for the disease. This research will improve the health and welfare of Canadian dairy cattle and dairy operations. Her future goals are to develop new research knowledge that can be applied on-farm to lead to high-quality food produced safely and sustainably for Canadian consumers.

Why become an Arrell Scholar?

Olivia strives to contribute to the improvement of life, in both humans and animals. She recognized U of G’s reputation as “Canada’s Dairy University” and enjoys the sense of community and collaborative learning available to Arrell Scholars. She believes there is no better place to develop new research knowledge that can be applied on-farm, and lead to high-quality food that is produced safely, equitably, and sustainably for Canadian consumers.