Govind Kannan, BVSc, Ph.D. - profile information

Short Bio

Govind Kannan is the Head and Professor of Poultry Science and Executive Director of the Charles C. Miller, Jr., Poultry Research and Education Center at Auburn University. He received his professional degree in Veterinary Medicine from Madras Veterinary College in India and earned his PhD at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland. Throughout his academic career, he has been engaged in applied research that interfaces with multiple areas, including animal welfare, meat science, and food safety. He has authored 72 peer-reviewed research articles, edited one book and three special topics, and published 11 book chapters, in addition to more than 140 proceedings, non-peer-reviewed articles, and abstracts. Prior to joining Auburn University, Dr. Kannan served in several leadership positions at Fort Valley State University, Georgia, including Dean of the College of Agriculture and Vice President for Land-Grant Affairs and Economic Development. He strongly believes that the sustainability of farms is crucial to revitalizing rural communities worldwide and enhancing global food security. Dr. Kannan received an invitation in 2012 from the USDA Undersecretary and Chief Scientist’s Office to give a keynote presentation at an international summit on Sustainable Agriculture in Qingdao, China. In the same year, he was recognized at the White House as a “Champion of Change” for his efforts in strengthening global food security. He was also appointed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture to serve two consecutive terms on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEE Board), representing the Food Animal Science Societies. He enjoys art and traveling.