Ovidio grew up in Moca in the northern region of the Dominican Republic.  He worked in the pathology department of a veterinary pathology laboratory while completing his studies.  As an assistant to professors and pathologists, he gained experience in pig diseases and outbreaks.  He also had the opportunity to work with exotic animals, as well as with the governmental diseases eradication program for classical swine fever and tuberculosis.  His desire to learn more about swine management practices and their effects on swine health caused him to become interested in the Ellis Lab.

Ovidio’s research focuses on piglet pre-weaning mortalities.