Education

Dr. Katayoon Nofouzi pursued her academic training in veterinary science and microbiology at top Iranian institutions. She earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Urmia University, where she developed foundational knowledge in clinical animal health and disease control. Her final thesis explored the effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics on E. coli strains from poultry, marking her early interest in antimicrobial resistance. She later earned a PhD in Veterinary Microbiology from Shahid Chamran University. Her doctoral research focused on the outer membrane proteins of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale and their role in avian respiratory infections. This work contributed valuable insights into poultry disease mechanisms and diagnostics. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Nofouzi developed a strong combination of clinical, molecular, and diagnostic competencies that have served as the backbone of her research and teaching career. Her education reflects a clear trajectory of inquiry into microbial pathogenesis, immunology, and public health in the veterinary sciences.

Dr. Katayoon Nofouzi has been an academic leader at the University of Tabriz since 2007, progressing from Assistant Professor to her current role as Associate Professor in Veterinary Microbiology. She has taught a wide array of subjects including bacteriology, virology, immunology, and zoonotic diseases to DVM, MSc, and PhD students. Her responsibilities also include overseeing microbial disease diagnosis and managing research outputs in the microbiology laboratory. From 2009 to 2012, she served as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, where she was responsible for academic planning, student retention, and educational coordination. A prolific researcher and mentor, she has successfully supervised over 60 postgraduate students. Dr. Nofouzi’s experience spans clinical microbiology, applied immunology, and molecular diagnostics, making her a multifaceted academic with both research and administrative strengths. Her long-standing service and scientific rigor have significantly contributed to the development of veterinary microbiology education and research in Iran.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Katayoon Nofouzi dedication to veterinary science and academic excellence has earned her several prestigious honors. She was named the Model Member of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2019, a distinction recognizing her contributions to teaching, research, and mentorship. In 2015, she was celebrated as the Exemplary Woman of the Faculty, highlighting her leadership and commitment to advancing women in science. In 2013, she was voted Best Teacher by students for her dynamic and impactful teaching style. Her research has produced several highly cited papers, including key publications on immunostimulants in aquaculture species like rainbow trout. These works are frequently referenced in global literature and have helped advance knowledge on fish health and probiotics. Additionally, she has completed the supervision of over 60 MSc and PhD theses. With a career marked by both scholarly impact and educational leadership, Dr. Nofouzi is a highly respected figure in her field.

Research Focus

Dr. Katayoon Nofouzi research focuses on the intersection of microbiology, immunology, and veterinary medicine, particularly within the One Health framework. Her studies emphasize the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics and herbal compounds on the immune systems of animals, especially in aquaculture. This includes the use of natural compounds like green tea and fermented yeast to improve health and disease resistance in fish. Another core area is the molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases, where she employs techniques such as PCR to detect pathogens in animals early and accurately. Her work also addresses antimicrobial resistance, a growing concern in both veterinary and human medicine. Beyond animal health, she contributes to environmental microbiology, particularly in wastewater treatment using microbial fuel cells. Through interdisciplinary research, Dr. Nofouzi aims to reduce antibiotic dependency, improve sustainable livestock practices, and support public health. Her work has led to innovations that are both practical and scientifically significant.

Skills 

Dr. Katayoon Nofouzi possesses a wide range of technical and academic skills that support her multidisciplinary research and teaching. In the lab, she is proficient in microbial culturing, PCR-based diagnostics, antibiotic resistance profiling, and biochemical assays. She has hands-on expertise in designing and managing in vivo animal trials to study the effects of immunostimulants. In environmental microbiology, she has experience working with microbial fuel cell systems for bioremediation. Her academic strengths include curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and peer-reviewed scientific writing. She is also experienced in scientific publishing, grant writing, and academic leadership, having served as Associate Dean for the faculty. As a teacher, she is highly effective at simplifying complex scientific concepts, earning her high praise from students. Her ability to bridge clinical veterinary training with molecular microbiology and environmental research makes her uniquely skilled in integrating scientific innovation with real-world applications in animal and public health.