Hasan Khatib, Interim Chair
Our department continues to make significant advances in research, education, and outreach, thanks to the exceptional work of our faculty, staff, and students. This edition of the newsletter highlights the remarkable achievements of our graduate students. Here are some recent accomplishments worth celebrating.
Many of our graduate students go on to successful careers in academia and industry. Jocelyn Woods has been investigating the long-term impacts of tail docking on animal welfare, health, and productivity. After more than four years in Dr. Adcock’s lab, she is finalizing her data analysis while applying for postdoctoral, academic, and industry positions. Fiona Guinan, originally from Birr, Ireland, studies resilience indicators in U.S. dairy cattle using daily milk weight data. Gretchen Peckler, a Ph.D. student in Dr. Adcock’s lab, has focused her research on mastitis control in sheep and will soon begin a postdoctoral position at UC Davis to further her work in animal health and welfare. Megan Lauber, a Ph.D. student in Dr. Fricke’s lab, is making significant contributions to dairy reproduction research by studying the effects of sorted semen on embryo development and quality. Cole Diepersloot, who relocated from Florida to Wisconsin to continue working with his advisor, Dr. Ferrraretto, will soon move to Michigan for a new role as a dairy and forage consultant with Vita Plus Corp. These students exemplify the department’s strong tradition of advancing animal and dairy sciences through innovative research and leadership in the industry.
Our graduate students are recognized nationally and internationally for their outstanding research. Jessica Brown received the J. Mac Goepfert Developing Scientist Award from the International Association for Food Protection for her work on microbial contamination in ready-to-eat meat products. Brittney Davidson has earned multiple prestigious awards in dairy science, including the Louis and Elsa Thomsen Wisconsin Distinguished Graduate Fellowship, the John Brandt Memorial Scholarship from Land O’Lakes, and the American Dairy Science Association Midwest Dairy Scholar Award. These honors highlight the excellence and impact of our students in their fields.
Our faculty actively engage in international collaborations, expanding the department’s global impact. Professor Guilherme Rosa, named a Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Surrey, is working with researchers to advance AI, big data, and informatics in animal health and livestock production. Professor Victor Cabrera recently traveled to Thailand with colleagues from CALS to strengthen partnerships with Chiang Mai University. He served as a keynote speaker at the Second Agricultural International Conference on Innovation for Resilient Agriculture. Additionally, Dr. Jennifer Van Os received the prestigious 2024 Excellence in Research Award for her contributions to animal science and extension. These achievements underscore our faculty’s dedication to advancing agricultural research globally.
Kelsey Hardy, an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Laporta’s lab, investigates the transgenerational effects of heat stress in dairy cattle, with a focus on skin thickness, body temperature, and long-term health implications. She is also active in the Association for Women in Agriculture, the Badger Dairy Club, the Collegiate Farm Bureau, and the Saddle and Sirloin Club. Kylie Konyn showcased her expertise in dairy science by winning first place at the National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo, highlighting her exceptional skills in cattle evaluation.
These accomplishments highlight the outstanding work happening in our department. Congratulations to all for their dedication and contributions to Wisconsin and beyond!