 Dr. Udeni BalasuriyaSouthcentral Representative, Region 4 (Term: 2022-2025)
Udeni Balasuriya, BVSc, MS, PhD, FSLCVS is the Associate Dean for Diagnostic Operations and Director at the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL [LSU Diagnostics]). He is also a Professor of Virology in the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. As Associate Dean, he leads and oversees diagnostic operations of LSU Diagnostics, a full-service, CLIA, AAVLD-accredited National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Level-1 laboratory. Dr. Balasuriya's journey began with training as a veterinarian at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, in Sri Lanka. His passion for his field led him to the United States as a Fulbright Scholar, where he completed his graduate studies (MS and Ph.D. degrees) and anatomic pathology residency training at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. His expertise and leadership experience spans infectious diseases of animals and humans, veterinary diagnostic medicine (diagnostic virology and anatomic pathology), and molecular virology. He has worked with various viruses of both veterinary and human importance. He has developed and validated many serological and molecular diagnostics assays for equine, canine, feline, and human diseases. He provides leadership, management, and oversight of the laboratory diagnostic testing services at LSU Diagnostics to protect animal and human health, resources (personnel, finances, and facilities), and operations, including innovations in research and development (R & D). He has garnered extramural funding, enhanced diagnostic test development, improved and expanded diagnostic services to generate additional revenue, and extended outreach to all stakeholders, in addition to maintaining quality control and high standards of accreditation in the laboratory. Dr. Udeni Balasuriya's leadership legacy serves as a beacon for fostering innovation and excellence in veterinary diagnostic medicine. Back to our teamBack to our team |
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Veterinary Laboratory Support to the Public Health Response for COVID-19
TESTING OF HUMAN DIAGNOSTIC SPECIMENS IN VETERINARY LABORATORIES
AAVLD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy
The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) values and respects each member, irrespective of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, political affiliation, education, or disability. The AAVLD believes diversity enhances the mission and goals of the Association. The AAVLD listens to and appreciates all voices and believes every human being should be treated with respect. The AAVLD is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.