Janghan Choi, an assistant professor of nutrition and microbial ecology in the Texas Tech Department of Animal & Food Sciences, has been awarded the 2025 Young Investigator Award from Animals journal, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access publication recognizing emerging leaders in animal-related research.
'This award is especially meaningful to me as it is given by an international committee outside of the U.S. and reflects recognition from the broader scientific community.'
The award honors early-career scientists whose work advances fields ranging from animal science and welfare to zoology and ethics. Selected by an international committee, the distinction highlights researchers whose contributions demonstrate both scientific rigor and global relevance.
“This recognition is especially meaningful to me as it comes from an international journal and reflects acknowledgment from the broader scientific community,” Choi said. “I hope this award can serve as a strong foundation for my future work and growth at Texas Tech.”
Colleagues described the recognition as a notable milestone in a rapidly advancing career. Chance Brooks, chair of the department, said the honor reflects both Choi’s early impact and long-term promise. “Being recognized as a distinguished young investigator by an international journal at this stage of your career is a significant honor and a strong reflection of his impact and trajectory in the field,” he said.
Clint Krehbiel, dean of the Texas Tech Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, added that the award underscores a broader standard of excellence. “This recognition reflects the high level of scholarship in the Department and the impact of Dr. Choi’s work,” he said. “We’re honored to celebrate this award with you.”
Choi’s research centers on the ecology of the gut microbiome and its application in animal nutrition, with an emphasis on improving health, productivity and food safety in monogastric animals such as swine and poultry. His work integrates microbiome science with advanced omics technologies and production-focused nutrition strategies to better understand host–microbe interactions, mitigate foodborne pathogens and strengthen animal resilience under environmental and dietary stress.
Bridging pre- and post-harvest systems, his research enhances animal performance and meat quality while improving food safety and production efficiency. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and leads several competitively funded and industry-supported research initiatives.
Before joining the Texas Tech faculty in 2025, Choi served as a postdoctoral researcher at the USDA-ARS National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia. A native of Daejeon, South Korea, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Chungnam National University, his master’s degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, and his doctorate from the University of Georgia.
CONTACT: Chance Brooks, Chair and Professor, Department of Animal & Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or chance.brooks@ttu.edu
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