Jillian Bohlen is an Associate Professor at the University of Georgia within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences , specifically the Department of Animal and Dairy Science . Her work focuses on dairy cattle reproduction, teaching, and youth development in agricultural sciences. Education: B.S. in Dairy Science, University of Georgia (2003) M.S. in Dairy Science, University of Georgia (2005) Ph.D. in Animal Sciences, Clemson University (2012) Dr. Bohlen's research emphasizes applied reproduction in cattle , including synchronization techniques, ultrasound applications in reproductive programs, and embryo competency. She integrates students into all research projects despite lacking a formal research appointment. Her teaching interests span dairy cattle production , reproductive management , and contemporary agricultural issues , with courses like ADSC 3620 (Dairy Cattle Production), ADSC 4010 (Issues in Animal Agriculture), and ADSC 4410 (Applied Reproductive Management). Scientific awards include: Student Career Success Influencer Award (2024) Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2023) UGA Creative Teaching Award (2022) CAES Early Career Teaching Award (2022) Hoard's Dairyman Youth Development Award (2021) Larry Benyshek Teaching Award (2017) She actively promotes agricultural education through programs like the Commercial Heifer Project , Dairy Cattle Judging , and Dairy Quiz Bowl . Additionally, she participates in funded projects related to methane emissions , heat stress mitigation , and antibiotic alternatives in dairy farming.
Thomas R Overton serves as Department Chair and Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Management in the Department of Animal Science at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). He also directs PRO-DAIRY, an extension program focused on enhancing dairy farm profitability and efficiency in New York through research-based strategies for transition cow management. Education: Doctorate, University of Illinois, 1998 Master of Science, University of Illinois, 1994 Bachelor of Science, Cornell University, 1991 Dr. Overton's research centers on the transition period (late pregnancy to early lactation) in dairy cows—the most critical phase for health and productivity. His work integrates nutritional physiology with practical farm applications, targeting hypocalcemia management, protein supplementation strategies, inflammation control, and biomarker validation for metabolic health. This research directly informs his extension efforts through PRO-DAIRY, which delivers actionable knowledge to dairy producers and industry professionals. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2022-2024) reveals consistent emphasis on transition cow nutrition, with growing focus on metabolic analytics, precision feeding, and real-world herd management. His work bridges controlled studies at Cornell's Ruminant Center with observational research on commercial New York dairy farms. Scientific Awards: 2024 Nutrition Professionals Applied Dairy Research Award (American Dairy Science Association) 2010 CALS Extension/Outreach Team Award (PRO-DAIRY) 2007 Foundation Scholar Award (American Dairy Science Association) 2007 CALS Extension/Outreach Team Award Dr. Overton advises undergraduate and graduate students in Animal Science while leading PRO-DAIRY's extension initiatives. His program secures industry partnerships and grants focused on improving dairy farm sustainability through nutritional science. The July 2025 'Farm of the Future' showcase at Cornell's Ruminant Center exemplifies his commitment to translating research into practical innovation. He operates within Cornell's PRO-DAIRY program and the Cornell University Ruminant Center—a living laboratory for dairy technology testing—collaborating closely with industry stakeholders to address emerging challenges in dairy production.
Guoyao Wu is a Distinguished Professor of Animal Nutrition at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, holding dual appointments in the Department of Animal Science and the Graduate Faculty of Nutrition. His expertise spans nutritional biochemistry, protein metabolism, and reproductive physiology. Dr. Wu earned his B.Sc. from South China Agricultural University, M.Sc. degrees from Beijing Agricultural University and the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, followed by postdoctoral training at McGill University and Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research focuses on amino acid and protein metabolism across molecular, cellular, and whole-animal levels, using models like cattle, pigs, and aquatic species. Key areas include placental nutrient transport, fetal programming, and the role of amino acids in mitigating conditions like sarcopenia and intrauterine growth restriction. He has pioneered studies on glycine, creatine, and citrulline supplementation in livestock and aquaculture. Dr. Wu has received over 15 prestigious awards from China, Canada, and the U.S., including the Thousand-People-Talent Award and Changjiang Scholar Award. He serves on editorial boards of journals like Amino Acids and Frontiers in Bioscience , and teaches graduate courses in protein metabolism. His work bridges basic science and applied nutrition, with implications for improving livestock productivity, human health, and aquaculture sustainability. Current projects address amino acid requirements of companion animals, microgravity effects on metabolism, and placental biology in ruminants.
Dr. Gary Brewer is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. He has served as department head at NDSU (1997-2006) and UNL (2006-2018). His research focuses on field crops entomology, IPM of pasture cattle flies, salt creek tiger beetle conservation, and pollinator health. He has pioneered a push-pull strategy using coconut oil-derived repellents and led curriculum design for Rwanda’s Conservation Agriculture program. Education: B.S. in Zoology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1974) M.S. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1978) Ph.D. in Entomology, Kansas State University (1984) Research Interests: Brewer’s work spans insect ecology, pest management, and conservation. Key areas include stable fly and horn fly control, pollinator protection, and endangered species recovery (e.g., Salt Creek tiger beetle). His lab develops natural product-based pest repellents and evaluates biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Grants & Contributions: $362,150 USDA grant for undergraduate research in beneficial insect protection (2018) $325,000 USDA grant for multi-tactic stable fly control (2017) NE Game and Parks funded salt creek tiger beetle reintroduction programs Labs & Teams: Brewer’s team collaborates with industry (e.g., Vestergaard Frandsen) and international partners to advance IPM strategies. His work bridges field research with applied solutions for farmers and conservationists.
Dr. Alexandre Marques is an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. His expertise spans Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, with a focus on vaccine development against parasitic infections like Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Malaria. He holds a PhD from the Universidade de São Paulo (2007) and teaches courses such as Gen Microbiology and Microorg Hth Di at the university. His research integrates immunological, clinical, and molecular approaches to understand parasitic disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Notable areas include α-Gal immunization strategies, transcriptomic analysis of breast cancer, and vaccine design against Leishmania. He has also explored applications in aquaculture nutrition and cosmetic safety assessments. Dr. Marques’ work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including veterinary medicine, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and antimicrobial stewardship in pediatrics. His contributions to animal models for Chagas disease and canine visceral leishmaniasis highlight translational research impact. Key themes in his publications include immune response modulation, pathogen-host interactions, and biomarker discovery in chronic infections. He has published over 50 articles across microbiology, immunology, and biomedical engineering since 2007.
Shannon Neibergs is an academic professional at Washington State University (WSU), serving as Director of the Western Center for Risk Management Education and Extension Specialist in the School of Economic Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University (1993), an M.A. in Agricultural Economics from WSU (1987), and a B.S. in Animal Science from WSU (1983). Her research focuses on livestock production economics, auction market dynamics, and agribusiness employment strategies, with significant contributions to risk management education and sustainable agriculture. Notable honors include NACAA National and Regional Finalist awards for team newsletters (2010, 2008), a Faculty Member of the Year Award (University of Louisville, 1997), and multiple annual evaluation awards for service and research excellence. Her work bridges academic research with practical extension programs, addressing challenges in beef production systems, genomic selection tools, and rangeland management. Risk Management Education: Leads initiatives to help farmers navigate market uncertainties and policy changes. Livestock Economics: Specializes in production costs, crossbreeding impacts, and disease management economics. Regional Agriculture: Analyzes economic contributions of Washington's beef and dairy sectors through input-output models. Her advisory and collaborative efforts include managing the Western Center for Risk Management and contributing to the Beef Risk Control (BRD CAP) project. She collaborates with ranchers and policymakers to enhance agricultural resilience. Active in interdisciplinary teams such as the IMPACT Center and Transportation Research Group, her work emphasizes translating research into actionable solutions for agricultural stakeholders.
Alexander Stelzleni is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. He has been with the University of Georgia since July 2007, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in 2013, and ultimately to Professor in 2020. As Graduate Program Coordinator since January 2021, he oversees both the Animal and Dairy Science (ADSC) and Regenerative Bioscience (REBI) graduate programs. Dr. Stelzleni's research program maintains two central foci: (1) the influence of production and management on meat quality and yield with emphasis on southeastern and subtropical beef finishing systems, and (2) further processing to improve quality and safety of red meat and poultry. His lab has been particularly active in studying heat stress mitigation in Southeastern US beef finishing systems, sous vide as a consistent cookery method, further processing of poultry myopathies, and safety of low-thermal meat products. His scholarly work reflects strong expertise in meat science, with recent publications focusing on nicotinamide riboside effects, National Beef Quality Audits, dairy-beef crossbreeding, poultry myopathies, sous vide techniques, and high-pressure processing for pathogen control. The Stelzleni Lab has presented numerous studies at the Reciprocal Meat Conference in recent years, demonstrating consistent productivity and relevance to industry challenges. Student Career Success Influencer Award (2024) Multiple UGA Career Center Awards (2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012) Larry Benyshek Excellence in Teaching Award (2016) ADSC 3650 recognized as top 5 college courses at UGA As an advisor, Dr. Stelzleni has mentored numerous graduate students including Clint Lee (MS thesis on heat stress mitigation), Cameron Catrett (MS 2024), and M. Junaid Nawaz (PhD student). His lab actively involves undergraduates in research and meat judging competitions, with students regularly presenting at professional conferences and winning awards in Iron Chef contests and meat judging events. Dr. Stelzleni directs the Meat Science Technology Center where his team investigates methods to improve meat quality, yield, shelf-life, and safety. The lab maintains strong industry connections with commodity groups, meat processors, and stakeholders to address current challenges in meat production and processing.
Romdhane Rekaya serves as a Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. He also holds courtesy faculty positions in the Department of Statistics and is an associate faculty member with the Institute of Bioinformatics at UGA. His research program focuses on developing statistical and computational tools for analyzing large genetic and genomic datasets with applications in livestock, poultry, and human health. Dr. Rekaya's educational background includes: Agriculture Engineer from the High Institute of Agriculture, Tunisia Master of Science from the International Center for Advanced Studies in Mediterranean Agriculture of Zaragoza, Spain Ph.D. from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain Dr. Rekaya's research interests span quantitative genetics, genomics, biostatistics, and bioinformatics. His work centers on developing statistical and computational methodologies for analyzing big genetic and genomic data sets with practical applications in livestock, poultry, and human health. His research has been particularly focused on addressing critical challenges in animal agriculture including horn fly resistance in beef cattle, water utilization efficiency in poultry, and greenhouse gas emissions in dairy production. His methodological approaches often integrate machine learning, Bayesian statistics, and genomic technologies to solve complex biological problems. Dr. Rekaya's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on statistical methodology development for genetic analysis, with recent work increasingly emphasizing practical applications of genomic technologies in animal agriculture. His research spans both theoretical statistical development and practical implementation in livestock improvement programs, with particular emphasis on innovative approaches to traditional breeding challenges. Among his professional recognitions: Student Career Success Influencer Award 2024 Mini-Sabbatical Award Student Career Success Influencer Award 2022 Carnegie fellowship Carnegie African Diaspora Fellow Faculty with significant positive impact of at least one graduate student Gamma Sigma Delta outstanding Research Achievements Award Dr. Rekaya has successfully mentored numerous graduate students including PhD candidates Amanda Warner, Mahsa Zare, Koushik Das, and Evan Hartono, along with undergraduate researchers. His research has been consistently supported by major funding agencies including USDA NIFA, USDA ARS, Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef, National Academy of Sciences, and industry partners including Tyson Foods and Cobb-Vantress. Current projects include developing genetic solutions to the horn fly problem in beef cattle, improving water utilization efficiency in poultry, and examining associations between greenhouse gas emissions and feed efficiency in dairy cattle. Dr. Rekaya leads an active research laboratory that collaborates with multiple departments and institutions. His lab focuses on applying advanced statistical and computational methods to solve pressing problems in animal agriculture, with particular emphasis on integrating genomic information into practical breeding programs. The lab maintains strong industry connections and international collaborations, particularly with researchers in Africa through the African Animal Breeding Network.
Dr. Chad Paulk is an Associate Professor in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University. His research focuses on Feed Processing Technologies, Monogastric Nutrition, and Quality Assurance/Feed Safety. He holds a B.S. from the University of Georgia (2009) and M.S./Ph.D. degrees from Kansas State University (2011/2014). Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor of Swine Nutrition at Texas A&M University (2014–2017). His current role involves 60% research and 40% teaching, including courses like GRSC 100 (Foundations in Grain Science) and GRSC 650 (Nutritional Impacts of Processing). He advises Feed Science undergraduate students and co-leads the Feed Science Club. Key research themes include optimizing feed processing parameters, mitigating pathogen risks in feed systems, and evaluating novel feed ingredients like Kernza® grain. Recent work emphasizes viral pathogen detection in feed mills (e.g., African swine fever virus), enzyme supplementation effects, and the impact of feed particle size/pelleting on nutrient digestibility. He collaborates with industry partners to enhance feed safety protocols and sustainable practices. Laboratory affiliations include the BIVAP Feed Quality Assurance Lab and the O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Center. His research has addressed critical issues like mitigating porcine epidemic diarrhea virus contamination and optimizing feed formulations using thermal processing and organic additives.
Dr. Joseph Cassady serves as the South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University (SDSU). Previously, he held the rank of Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science at SDSU (2013–2022) and North Carolina State University (2001–2013). His research focuses on food animal genetics and genomics, particularly improving production efficiency in swine and beef cattle. Education: B.S. in Animal Science (Iowa State University, 1993), M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1995 and 1999). Professional roles include past-president of the National Swine Improvement Federation and executive director of the Beef Improvement Federation (2009–2015). Research emphasizes genetic and genomic advancements to enhance livestock productivity, with notable work on heat stress mitigation, swine behavior, and genomic selection in cattle. Awards include the 2019 Harold and Barbara Bailey Award for Academic Leadership and recognition for service to the Beef Improvement Federation. Administrative responsibilities include leading the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, overseeing accreditation processes, and participating in industry boards such as the South Dakota Poultry Industries Association and American Angus Foundation. Key research themes span animal genomics, livestock environmental adaptation, and precision agriculture. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications address topics like swine feeding behavior, cattle genetics, and genomic tools for improving meat quality and production efficiency.
Daryl Nydam is a Professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. He serves as Director of Quality Milk Production Services and is a Faculty Fellow at the Atkinson Center for Sustainability. His research bridges production animal agriculture and public health, focusing on dairy cattle transition cow health, calf infectious diseases (especially zoonoses), and milk quality epidemiology. Education: B.S. Biochemistry (Cum Laude), SUNY Geneseo (1993) DVM, Cornell University (1997) Ph.D. Epidemiology, Cornell University (2002) Research Focus: Dr. Nydam investigates population-level interventions for dairy cattle health, emphasizing metabolic disorders in transition cows, cryptosporidiosis in calves, and mastitis control. His work integrates field epidemiology with practical herd management solutions to optimize productivity and public health outcomes. Publications: His recent articles (2015-2017) predominantly address metabolic health in transition dairy cows, neonatal calf management, mastitis therapeutics, and diagnostic innovations. Key themes include ketosis prediction, antibiotic efficacy trials, and nutritional impacts on immunity. Awards & Honors: Excellence in Preventive Medicine (AABP, 2015) Academic Service Award (Cornell CVM, 2014) Most Cited Manuscript 2010-2013 (Journal of Dairy Science) Faculty Fellow, Atkinson Center for Sustainability (2009-present) Editorial Board, Journal of Dairy Science (2016) Leadership: As Director of Quality Milk Production Services, Dr. Nydam oversees a diagnostic laboratory network supporting mastitis control across New York dairy farms. He actively mentors in graduate fields including Animal Science, Epidemiology, and Infectious Disease.
Surendranath Suman is an Assistant Dean of Research and Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. He also holds secondary appointments with the Center for Muscle Biology and the Division of Nutritional Sciences. With over 15 years of academic service at the university, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2006-2012) to Associate Professor (2012-2017) and currently serves as Professor (2017-present). Dr. Suman earned his B.V.Sc. & A.H. from Kerala Agricultural University (1999), M.V.Sc. from Indian Veterinary Research Institute (2001), and Ph.D. from University of Connecticut (2006). He is also a Diplomate of the American College of Animal Sciences (2010). His research focuses on meat science with particular expertise in proteomics of meat quality, myoglobin chemistry and meat color stability, and novel strategies to improve meat quality. Dr. Suman has made significant contributions to understanding the biochemical mechanisms behind fresh meat color, particularly in beef and pork. His work integrates traditional meat science methodologies with high-throughput proteomic and metabolomic approaches to unravel complex biochemical pathways. Analysis of Dr. Suman's recent publications reveals a strong focus on meat color stability mechanisms, particularly through proteomic approaches. His research spans multiple species including beef cattle, pork, bison, and poultry, with particular attention to mitochondrial functionality, myoglobin chemistry, and post-translational modifications that influence meat quality attributes. Recent work has expanded into metabolomics applications in meat science. Scientific Awards and Recognition Distinguished Research Award, American Meat Science Association (2022) University Research Professor, University of Kentucky (2021) International Lectureship Award, American Meat Science Association (2019) Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Connecticut (2019) Meats Research Award, American Society of Animal Science (2018) Thomas Poe Cooper Distinguished Research Award, University of Kentucky (2017) Bobby Pass Excellence in Grantsmanship Award, University of Kentucky (2016) Special Visiting Researcher Fellowship, Government of Brazil (2014-2017) Early Career Achievement Award, American Society of Animal Science (2013) Dr. Suman has served as an invited speaker internationally across six continents and is an active editorial board member for numerous prestigious journals including Meat and Muscle Biology (Associate Editor), Journal of Animal Science, and Meat Science. His extensive editorial service reflects his standing as a leading authority in meat science research. He has successfully secured multiple research grants, as evidenced by the Bobby Pass Excellence in Grantsmanship Award he received in 2016. As Assistant Dean of Research, Dr. Suman plays a leadership role in advancing research initiatives within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. His collaborative research involves multiple laboratories both domestically and internationally, particularly with institutions in Brazil, given his Special Visiting Researcher Fellowship from the Brazilian government. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with practical applications in meat production and quality assessment.
Dr. Bok Sowell is a Professor in the Department of Animal & Range Sciences at Montana State University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture. His expertise spans rangeland ecology, wildlife habitat conservation, and livestock nutrition. He holds a Ph.D. in Range Nutrition from New Mexico State University (1989), an M.S. in Mule Deer Nutrition from Texas Tech University (1981), and a B.S. in Wildlife Management from New Mexico State University (1978). Research focuses on sagebrush ecosystems, sage-grouse conservation, grizzly bear behavior, and livestock grazing management. Notable projects include studies on fence modifications for sage-grouse nest survival, stable isotope analysis of army cutworm moths, and dormant season grazing strategies for beef cattle. Teaching includes courses like Natural Resource Conservation and Wildlife-Livestock Nutrition . Over 35 peer-reviewed articles highlight contributions to rangeland ecology and wildlife management. Awards include the 2024 Founder's Day Award for Excellence and recognition for academic advising. Grants include funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for sagebrush landscape management. Professional service includes roles with the Society for Range Management and Ecosphere journal. He leads efforts to restore aspen ecosystems and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
J. Scott Smith is a Professor of Food Chemistry and Chair of the Food Science Graduate Program at Kansas State University's Department of Grain Science and Industry within the College of Agriculture. He holds a 70% research and 30% teaching appointment. His academic journey includes a BS in Biology (Brescia College, 1972), MS in Biochemistry (Kansas State, 1975), and PhD in Food Science (Penn State, 1981). He has been at Kansas State since 1989, previously serving at Penn State. His research focuses on food chemistry and toxicology, particularly heterocyclic amine (HCA) inhibition in cooked meats, advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), and food irradiation safety. Notable contributions include studies on spice inhibition of oxidation and irradiation markers like 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-DCB). He teaches advanced food chemistry courses and has pioneered methods for assessing food contamination from ammonia refrigeration leaks. Smith is an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), American Chemical Society, and AOAC International. His work has been widely covered globally, including breakthroughs in cranberry preservation and meat safety. He oversees research labs such as the BIVAP Feed Quality Assurance Lab and collaborates on food safety innovations.
Dr. Tyler Becker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He serves as the Nutritional Sciences Experiential Learning Coordinator and chairs the undergraduate Nutritional Sciences curriculum committee. PhD, Michigan State University, 2016 MA, Central Michigan University, 2013 BA, Alma College, 2011 His research focuses on cardiovascular disease risk factors in rural populations, pediatric cardiovascular health, sports nutrition, and exercise physiology. He explores health intervention programs and public health epidemiology, with additional interests in nutrition education and curriculum innovation. Dr. Becker’s peer-reviewed articles emphasize nutrition education, dietary supplement curricula, and predictive modeling in animal health. His 2025 outreach publications address practical topics like nutrient timing for athletes and winter physical activity strategies. CANR Excellence in Teaching – Established Teacher Award (2024) He teaches courses including HNF 102 (Dietary Supplements: Evidence vs. Hype), HNF 250 (Contemporary Issues in Human Nutrition), and HNF 485 (Advanced Public Health Nutrition). His affiliations include the MSU Sensory Evaluation Center and the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety.
