New dissertation within One Health: We congratulate Todd Alsing Johansson!
Last changed: 11 November 2024
Recently, Todd Alsing Johansson successfully defended the first thesis in veterinary infection control. We took the opportunity to ask some questions about the research and future plans.
Who are you? Could you give a short presentation of yourself and your research area?
"My name is Todd Alsing Johansson, and I am a veterinarian with a keen interest in infection control and veterinary medicine. The goal of infection prevention and control is to prevent the spread of infections and minimise the risk of patients acquiring infections during or after surgery."
What is your research about and how does it link to One Health?
"My research is about improving infection prevention and control in animal healthcare by investigating the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures such as hygiene practices and procedures for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment in animal healthcare. Veterinary and human healthcare share many challenges in infection control, and we can learn a lot from each other. Knowledge about the effectiveness of surface cleaning and disinfection is also limited in human healthcare, which means that research on this topic can be valuable in both animal and human healthcare."
What problem does your research help to solve in the short and long term?
"Infection prevention and control are key in reducing antibiotic use by reducing patient infections. Knowledge of the impact of cleaning and disinfection can lead to practices that reduce the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance and a reduced risk of spreading antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms."
How can your research contribute to a more sustainable world / what impact at the societal level can the results contribute to?
"Reduced need for antibiotics, reduced development of antimicrobial resistance and spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms contribute to a more sustainable world."
What are your plans now after your PhD?
"I will work as a lecturer in animal health, focusing on infection prevention and control, and I will apply for funding for future research projects. I plan to combine teaching and research with working in infection control at UDS."
We wish Todd the best of luck in your future career!