Oscar Javier Benitez, DVM, Ph.D.

Dr. Oscar Javier Benitez serves as an Assistant Professor with dual appointments in the Department of Veterinary Sciences within Texas Tech University's Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources in Lubbock and the School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo. His research program integrates epidemiology, cellular biology, immunology, and molecular techniques to address significant infectious diseases impacting cattle health, productivity, and welfare.

Dr. Benitez leads multiple federally funded projects on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying bovine infectious diseases. His primary research investigates immune dysfunction associated with bovine leukemia virus and the effects of dietary xylo-oligosaccharides from sorghum stover on gastrointestinal health in dairy calves. Additionally, he co-leads a project examining liver abscess pathogenesis in cattle, developing cellular adhesion models to understand complex pathogen-host interactions.

His expertise emphasizes advanced cellular methods, including transcriptomic analyses, immune cell assays, epithelial cell culture systems, and molecular characterization of host-pathogen dynamics. Dr. Benitez's cellular models enhance understanding of disease processes and aim to guide effective disease prevention and management strategies.

Before joining Texas Tech, Dr. Benitez completed postdoctoral training at Texas Tech University and Wayne State University and earned his PhD from Michigan State University. His extensive international veterinary experience further enriches his comprehensive perspective on livestock health management.

Dr. Benitez actively mentors graduate students, serves on numerous doctoral and master's committees, and teaches foundational graduate courses in pathophysiology and immunology, emphasizing translational research applications. He is a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the Board of Veterinary Medicine (COMVEZCOL, Colombia), and Texas Tech University's Institute for One Health Innovation. Davis College recognized his research excellence with the 2024 Outstanding Research Award.

Dr. Benitez remains committed to advancing veterinary science through innovative cellular and molecular research to improve animal health outcomes and production sustainability.

Curriculum vitae