Eldon Ager is an Integrative Biology PHD student in the Hite lab the department of Pathobiological Sciences. His research areas are ecology, bioinformatics and microbiology. Check out his spotlight post for more information about his research, hobbies and experiences at UW-Madison.
1. Explain your research so that your grandparent or a 5-year old would understand it?
My research focuses on using nutritional interventions to control Salmonella virulence and colonization in poultry. Salmonella and other bacteria require iron nutrient for growth and survival in the host. My research focuses specifically on SQM®, an iron supplement which uses PolyTransport® technology to hide iron from Salmonella as it moves through the digestive system while ensuring it is absorbed in the host small intestines. Therefore, starving Salmonella of iron reduces its ability to establish infection in the host. My research investigates the effects of SQM® on the poultry gut microbiome and how it influences interactions with commonly used Salmonella vaccines. The overall goal of my research is to develop sustainable solutions to mitigate Salmonella infections in poultry without over-reliance on antibiotics, which leads to development of antimicrobial resistance. By reducing bacterial ability to establish infection in the host, this approach has the potential to enhance food safety, minimize the transmission of Salmonella from farms and retail stores to consumers and reduce antimicrobial resistance in poultry and humans.
2. What inspired you to pursue that research?
As a One Health proponent, I’m driven by the urgent threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Seeing antibiotics routinely used in poultry production convinced me we need alternative approaches. This research excites me because it tackles AMR at its source by using SQM® to reduce Salmonella virulence instead of antibiotics. This work creates natural opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together various fields including microbiology, bioinformatics, statistics and animal health to develop solutions. What motivates me daily is demonstrating that we can improve food safety and address AMR simultaneously through strategic micronutrient management.
3. What are your hobbies or interests outside of school?
My hobbies include playing soccer at Westfields, I am also into English premier league, and I support Chelsea. I also like watching series especially investigative ones. I also like hanging out with friends during the weekend as well as hiking trips to Devil’s Lake.
4. What are your favorite places/things to do in Madison?
My favorite places are Bakke Recreational center on Sunday evenings, Danny’s pub on morning of weekends to catch on English premier league. I also like hanging out at the memorial union terrace during the summer.
5. What is a pleasant surprise you’ve encountered while being a graduate student here?
A pleasant surprise I have encountered as a graduate student at UW-Madison is the strong sense of community and support among students and the faculty. Despite research challanges, I have found that colleagues are always willing to collaborate, share advice, and offer encouragement. The accessibility of faculty and the welcoming atmosphere in research groups have made the experience more engaging and less isolating than I initially expected.
6. What is your dream job?
I have always wanted to be a researcher, and my dream job would be either as professor or in a research institution where I can keep doing what I love-asking questions, solving problems, and exploring new ideas. No matter where I end up, I want to mentor and support the next generation of scientists, just like others have done for me.