Bridging Science and Stewardship: Dr. Adriana Garzon Joins WSU’s Agricultural Animal Service

October 21, 2026 | By Communications Staff, College of Veterinary Medicine

The Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Adriana Garzon as the newest faculty member in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. Dr. Garzon, a distinguished veterinarian and researcher specializing in livestock reproduction, herd health, and antimicrobial stewardship, joins the college’s Agricultural Animal Service team, bringing with her a wealth of international experience and a deep-seated commitment to the “One Health” paradigm.

The Intersection of Clinical Excellence and Public Health

Dr. Garzon’s arrival marks a significant expansion for WSU’s food-animal health initiatives. Her expertise sits at the critical intersection of agricultural productivity and public health—a convergence that defines modern veterinary medicine. As the global demand for food increases and the challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continue to mount, experts like Dr. Garzon are essential to bridging the gap between clinical fieldwork and high-level epidemiological research.

“I was drawn to WSU by the college’s commitment to bringing together strong food-animal and public health programs, with a real focus on One Health,” Dr. Garzon stated. “As a livestock veterinarian, that is something I truly believe in and practice daily. The collaborative environment here and the emphasis on teaching excellence were the deciding factors for me.”

A Journey of Academic and Field Rigor: A Chronology

Dr. Garzon’s path to Pullman, Washington, spans continents and academic disciplines, characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge in both the laboratory and the pasture.

Foundations in Colombia
Her journey began at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. This foundational period provided her with critical hands-on experience in field veterinary work, grounding her later academic pursuits in the realities of rural, large-animal medicine. It was during these formative years that she was introduced to the nuances of bovine medicine and population health by her early mentor, Dr. Olimpo Oliver.

The California Years: Advanced Specialization
Seeking to deepen her understanding of herd dynamics and disease prevention, Dr. Garzon moved to the University of California, Davis. It was there that she cultivated the multidisciplinary skill set that distinguishes her today. She completed a PhD in animal biology, a master’s degree in preventive veterinary medicine, and a rigorous residency in livestock reproduction and herd health.

During her tenure at UC Davis, she worked closely with her advisor, Dr. Richard Pereira, who played a pivotal role in shaping her trajectory as both a clinician and a researcher. Under his guidance, Dr. Garzon learned the importance of fostering interdisciplinary relationships, a practice she continues to champion.

Professional Certification
Following her graduate studies and residency, Dr. Garzon solidified her standing in the field by becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM). This certification serves as a hallmark of her high level of competence in the fields of public health, epidemiology, and the prevention of animal disease.

Supporting Data and Research Interests

Dr. Garzon’s research agenda is poised to address some of the most pressing issues facing the livestock industry today. Her work centers on three primary pillars:

1. Antimicrobial Stewardship: As the veterinary community faces mounting pressure to curb the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Dr. Garzon’s research focuses on data-driven approaches to medication usage. By optimizing when and how antimicrobials are administered in food-animal production, she aims to balance animal welfare with the long-term necessity of preserving drug efficacy.
2. Herd Health and Reproduction: By utilizing epidemiological models, she helps producers maximize the reproductive efficiency of their herds. This is not only a matter of profitability for the producer but also a core component of sustainable food systems.
3. Production Medicine: This field examines the health of the entire herd rather than focusing solely on the individual animal. By applying statistical analysis to large-scale operations, Dr. Garzon helps veterinarians and farmers implement preventive strategies that mitigate disease outbreaks before they occur.

A Culture of Mentorship and Collaboration

A recurring theme in Dr. Garzon’s career is the value of mentorship. She attributes much of her success to the generosity of those who taught her, noting that the culture of “paying it forward” is something she intends to bring to her students at WSU.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate to have many mentors who shaped my career and have always been generous with their time and advice,” she reflected. “I am eager to engage with the next generation of veterinarians here in Washington, providing them with the same encouragement and guidance that I was lucky enough to receive.”

Her approach to research is equally collaborative. She views the success of her projects not just in terms of data, but in the strength of the partnerships formed between researchers, local producers, and private veterinary practitioners. “I am excited to get to know Washington producers and veterinarians and work alongside them to improve animal health,” she said. “I look forward to nurturing those relationships and building new ones.”

Implications for WSU and the Agricultural Sector

The addition of a specialist with Dr. Garzon’s profile has several positive implications for the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine and the broader agricultural community of the Pacific Northwest.

• Enhanced Outreach: By bridging the gap between academic research and field practice, Dr. Garzon will serve as a vital resource for local farmers, helping to translate complex epidemiological findings into actionable practices that improve herd vitality.
• Curriculum Enrichment: Her presence in the classroom will provide students with exposure to the latest in preventive medicine, ensuring that WSU graduates are well-versed in modern antimicrobial stewardship protocols—a requirement that is becoming increasingly standard in the industry.
• One Health Leadership: As WSU continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in the One Health movement, Dr. Garzon’s work serves as a bridge between animal health, environmental stability, and human food security.

Beyond the Clinic: A Personal Perspective

While her professional life is defined by high-stakes science and herd management, Dr. Garzon maintains a balanced approach to life outside the clinic. An avid reader and traveler, she often seeks out new experiences to broaden her perspective.

Perhaps most surprising to her colleagues is her passion for embroidery—a hobby she picked up from a veterinary student during her residency. It serves as a meditative outlet, and she is known for stitching intricate floral patterns onto her work coveralls. This personal touch highlights a personality that values precision, creativity, and the preservation of tradition, traits that likely serve her well in the meticulous world of clinical veterinary research.

Looking Ahead

As Dr. Garzon settles into her new role at WSU, the focus remains on long-term sustainability. The landscape of food-animal production is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, influenced by climate change, evolving consumer preferences, and technological advancements. With her background in both the scientific rigor of a PhD program and the practical demands of the field, Dr. Garzon is uniquely positioned to help navigate these complexities.

The College of Veterinary Medicine looks forward to the contributions she will make to the Agricultural Animal Service team and the positive impact her research will have on the health and welfare of Washington’s livestock populations. Whether through the lecture hall, the diagnostic laboratory, or the working farm, Dr. Garzon’s tenure promises to be one of discovery, collaboration, and advancement for the veterinary profession.