Graduate Profile: Allison Gorr

Name: Allison Gorr

Hometown: Oconomowoc, WI

Prior universities attended and degrees earned:

UW-Platteville (2016)- B.S. Agribusiness and Animal Science

UW-Madison (2018)- M.S. Dairy Science (focus in Quantitative Genetics)

Current Program: Doctorate

Graduate Field: Data Analytics

What is your research area?

My work centers on the idea of supply chain analysis of a dairy bull genetics company.

My projects consist of 1) sperm quantity forecasting using management factors, 2) dairy bull valuation using genetic merit, potential semen production, and demographic information, and 3) potential profit from semen production, and allocation of product to market groups.

Why did you decide to attend UW-Madison?

There is no denying the legendary reputation the ANDYSCI department has in dairy cattle research. I could not pass up the opportunity to work with Dr. Kent Weigel and collaborate with some of the best scientists and companies around! The proximity to my hometown was also a bonus.

What has been your most memorable college experience at UW-Madison?

For better or for worse, the late nights in Computer Science building working on homework assignments with a fellow ANDYSCI grad student (as we struggled through CS courses) built character! Thank goodness for Wings Street delivery at 10pm!

Within ANDYSCI, I would have to say the most memorable experience has been the camaraderie we share among graduate students and professors. I will never forget the Brazilian barbecues with the animal breeding/genetics/data analysis group. Excellent food, even better company!

What makes your graduate study unique?

Within our department, we do not have many in-house graduate courses. My graduate studies took me across campus, learning from a wide range of departments, from computer science to business. I loved sharing my experiences with other classmates who knew little of agriculture, as they taught me just as much about their subject areas. The across-campus (and out-of-campus) connections and collaborations provided greater scope for my studies and networking.

What are your future career goals?

My plan after graduation is to work in the animal agriculture industry. The agriculture industry produces an incredible amount of date as technology increases on farms. I am very passionate about helping farmers and companies utilize these data to make informed decisions. Although I am keeping my options open, I would love to work as either a technical consultant or data/quantitative genetics scientist, working close with farmers and a company to build decision-making tools.