معرفی
Maristela Rovai is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Dairy at South Dakota State University (SDSU), based at the Brookings campus. Her work focuses on improving milk quality through Extension programs, training Hispanic dairy employees, and addressing labor-related challenges in the dairy industry. She holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (2001), an M.S. in Animal Production (1997), and a B.S. in Veterinary Science from Fundacao de Ensino Octavio Bastos (1994).
Her academic responsibilities include teaching DS 492 - Dairy Spanish Extension and developing culturally responsive training programs for dairy workers. Key research interests include milk quality, lactation physiology, and workforce development, with a focus on bridging communication gaps and health needs among diverse dairy employees.
Recent research trends emphasize pandemic impacts on dairy producers and employees, innovative nutritional strategies for dairy cattle health, and cross-disciplinary approaches to address labor and environmental challenges. Her work often involves collaboration with SDSU Extension to create practical solutions for dairy farmers, including protocols for milk safety, animal handling training, and employee wellness initiatives.
Notable contributions include studies on subclinical mastitis management, water quality effects on calves, and culturally tailored educational programs. She actively engages in community outreach through workshops and seminars addressing topics like heat stress management, vaccine hesitancy, and occupational health risks.
