Michael Gonda

Michael Gonda is a Professor in the Department of Animal Science at South Dakota State University (SDSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Dairy Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006), an M.S. in Dairy Science (2003), and a B.S. in Animal Science from North Carolina State University (1999). His research focuses on animal genetics, breeding, and immunogenetics, particularly in livestock disease susceptibility and vaccine response. He teaches courses such as AS 332 (Livestock Breeding and Genetics) and AS 720 (Advanced Selection of Domestic Animals).

Dr. Gonda has been recognized with multiple awards, including Teacher of the Year (2018) and the Walt McCarty Award for Academic Advising (2016). His grants include funding from the South Dakota Beef Industry Council and USDA-AFRI, supporting precision livestock production and student mentoring. He has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications, spanning genetic mapping, vaccine efficacy, and genomic selection strategies.

• Research Themes: Animal genetics, disease resistance, livestock breeding, genomic selection, and vaccine response in cattle and swine.
• Recent Trends: Focus on biomarkers for reproductive development, nutritional impacts on meat quality, and genetic improvement in African cattle breeds.

His advising and grants emphasize undergraduate mentorship in precision agriculture. He leads collaborative projects on beef cattle longevity and feed efficiency, often involving international partners in South Africa. Dr. Gonda is actively involved in SDSU’s academic governance, serving on committees like the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and Parking and Traffic Committee.