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Sheila K. Jacobi, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University, is the first-ever winner of the NOVUS Distinguished Academic Training & Innovation Award.
Created to highlight the importance of swine academic leadership and innovation, Jacobi received the award during the 16th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs (DPP). NOVUS developed the award in conjunction with DPP to celebrate educators and recognize continued growth and advancement in the field of swine education.
Jacobi says she’s honored to receive the award knowing how many great educators there are in the digestive physiology of pigs.
“I have been blessed to be mentored by great educators, people working in agriculture, and surrounded by colleagues and students who contribute every day to advancing my knowledge and understanding of the science and the application of technology in food animal production,” she says. “I get to do this job because my mentors invested in my education and development, and I hope I always create relationships that allow me to do the same for students and colleagues I get to work with each day.”
Thomas Burkey, Ph.D., professor and associate dean in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and president of the DPP-North America Board of Directors, says Jacobi embodies the very essence of the award that was presented for the first time ever at DPP.
“Her unwavering commitment to student learning, her remarkable ability to integrate digestive physiology, nutrition, and immunology in real-world agricultural contexts, and her dedication to developing the next generation of scientists and innovators set her apart,” he says. “Dr. Jacobi’s approach not only advances academic excellence but also strengthens the connection between science and practical swine production—aligning perfectly with the mission of Digestive Physiology of Pigs-North America and NOVUS. We are honored to recognize her with this award.”
At Ohio State, Jacobi teaches advanced courses in nutritional immunology, comparative nutrition, and swine production, which takes a complex understanding of digestive physiological functions and knowledge of production agriculture. Her extensive background in animal biology, nutrition, endocrinology, and physiology enables her to teach and lead research with a depth described by her nominators as “superior to most faculty.”
In nomination documents, her in-class instruction was praised for being rigorous, insightful, and highly relevant to both animal and human health. Students consistently described her as a supportive and inspiring mentor who fosters critical thinking, laboratory skills, communication, and personal growth. Professor James E. Kinder at The Ohio State says her guidance has helped many transition successfully to advanced academic programs and careers in animal science.
“Dr. Jacobi’s significant contribution to both undergraduate and graduate student education, especially in swine nutrition and health, is undeniable and the exact type of industry professional we wanted to celebrate with this award,” says Marisol Castillo, executive manager of Global Swine Solutions at NOVUS. “Testimonials from former and current students highlight her mentorship and the great impact she has had on their academic and professional trajectories.”
Support letters and statements from peers such as Dr. Jack Odle (North Carolina State University) and Dr. Jeff Firkins (The Ohio State University) reinforce her reputation as a leading educator in animal sciences, calling her a "master educator".
Jacobi says the greatest opportunity educators like her have is to show students the depth and breadth of technology, science, and careers in food animal production.
“Food animal agriculture is integral to food security and is working hard to reduce environmental impacts, reduce water usage, produce a safe and sustainable food supply,” she says. “As fewer people are connected directly to agriculture it is important to communicate what we do and why we do it. Students are eager to learn and bring innovative ideas to the conversations we have about sustainable food animal production. Education of students in food animal agriculture will strengthen the industry because it creates opportunities for conversations and innovation about food production and food security.”
Along with much-deserved recognition, Jacobi received $7,500 as the award recipient.
May 23, 2025 - Novus
