Lee F. Rickords

Lee F. Rickords is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University's College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. With over three decades of experience in reproductive physiology and molecular biology, his work focuses on oocyte activation mechanisms, nuclear transfer technology, and genetic analysis of embryos.

• PhD in Animal Science (Reproductive Physiology), Louisiana State University, 1991
• MS in Animal Science (Reproductive Physiology), Brigham Young University, 1990
• BA in Animal Science, Brigham Young University, 1984

Rickords' research spans multiple dimensions of reproductive biology, including calcium signaling in oocyte activation, chromosomal stability in embryos, and genetic marker development. His work has significant implications for both livestock breeding and biomedical research.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications shows a consistent focus on reproductive physiology, genetic marker development, and embryonic gene expression across mammalian species. The earliest peer-reviewed article (1991) established foundational work on calcium dynamics, while recent studies (2012) demonstrate advanced applications in SNP genotyping for cattle breeding.

• Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year (2015, 2009)
• Graduate Research Mentor of the Year (2013)
• Outstanding Teacher of the Year (2010)
• Congratulatory letter from Associate Dean (2005)

Lee Rickords has served as a dedicated mentor to graduate students since 2006, teaching over 20 different courses in animal genetics, molecular biology, and reproductive physiology. His teaching portfolio includes flagship courses like Molecular Reproduction & Development and Veterinary Physiology I, where he has consistently emphasized practical applications of biotechnology in animal sciences.