Member Spotlight Q&A: Dr. Nathaniel L. Tablante

Our members are the lifeblood of our organization. They are students, farmers, researchers, department heads, industry experts, food scientists, agronomists--the list goes on. No matter their background, we all have the same wish: to assemble, create and share credible, balanced, science-based information. 

In our ongoing Member Spotlight series, we are asking current members some questions about their involvement with CAST and why they believe in our mission. 

Meet Dr. Nathaniel L. Tablante, a former CAST president and active supporter.

Dr. Nathaniel L. Tablante

Professor and Extension Poultry Health Specialist (Veterinarian) at the University of Maryland College Park

How long have you been a member of CAST?
I have been a member of CAST for 13 years. I joined CAST in 2006 as the representative of the American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP), an international association whose mission is to promote scientific knowledge to enhance the health, well–being, and productivity of poultry to provide safe and abundant food for the world. 

I became an active member and Chair of the CAST Animal Agriculture and Environmental Issues Work Group and served as CAST President from 2011-2012.  

How did you first hear about CAST?
I was not familiar with CAST until AAAP asked me to serve as its representative to CAST in 2006.

What agricultural issue is most important to you?
As a poultry veterinarian, poultry health, welfare, and food safety are of prime importance to me.

Why do you choose to support CAST?
I have truly been inspired by my experience with CAST and its mission to assemble, interpret, and communicate credible, science-based information regionally, nationally, and internationally to legislators, regulators, policymakers, the media, the private sector and the public. 

My experience with CAST paved the way for my American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Congressional Science Fellowship in the U.S. House of Representatives where I served as an agriculture and science policy advisor for a Member of Congress in 2013-2014.

What role does CAST play in our society?
CAST enables members of our society to understand and appreciate various agriculture, food safety, and environmental issues through its simple but objective and unbiased publications and presentations on these issues.
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Thank you, Dr. Tablante, for your support of CAST's work for more than a decade. 

Stay tuned for the next installment of our Member Spotlight Q&A series.

(Photo courtesy of Dr. Nathaniel L. Tablante)