About Bruce Brodersen:
I am a native Nebraskan who grew up on a farm in Northeast Nebraska. I received a bachelor's degree at UNL, a DVM at Iowa State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Before academia, I was in a mixed animal veterinary practice, predominantly swine.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln?
I am an associate professor and the director of the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska—Lincoln?
I was initially drawn to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a training program in veterinary pathology at what was then the Veterinary Science Department. Dr. Earl Dickinson and Dr. Alan Doster were my mentors for my pathology training. Pathology was one of my main interests during veterinary school and when I decided to leave veterinary practice, Nebraska had and assistantship in pathology training. So, being a resident of Nebraska, I naturally chose to enter that training program. Fortunately for me, the pieces fell into place for me to move up the ranks from a graduate student to where I am now.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
The main focus of my position is to serve the livestock industry of Nebraska. With my livestock background, I have always wanted to give back to the livestock industry even from the time when I was applying to veterinary school. I can also serve the livestock industry by encouraging veterinary students to pursue veterinary careers in food animal medicine. I enjoy working with the students and am rewarded when I see that they grasp a concept while I am teaching.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I feel my greatest achievement of my professional career is development of a methodology for identifying cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus. This methodology has resulted in advances to control bovine viral diarrhea virus infection, internationally.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I have two older brothers, one a veterinarian and the other a farmer and livestock producer who have been on the cutting edge in their areas of interest and have been recognized nationally.
What is your life like outside of work?
I enjoy my family of two daughters and a son, who all have been successful in their careers and who, along with my wife, are very proud of them.