معرفی
Dr. Samantha A. Brooks is an Associate Professor of Equine Physiology in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on genetic factors influencing horse health, including coat color genetics, gait variation, metabolic disorders, and skeletal defects. She leads the Brooks Equine Genetics Lab, which conducts studies on traits such as gait mechanics, body size, and disease susceptibility using genomic and transcriptomic approaches.
Education: B.S. in Agricultural Biotechnology (University of Kentucky), Ph.D. in Veterinary Science (University of Kentucky, specializing in Equine Genetics under Dr. Ernest Bailey), followed by a Paul Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Gluck Equine Research Center.
Research Interests: Genetic basis of equine diseases, genetic diversity in breeds, and applications of genomics to improve breeding practices. Key projects include identifying genetic markers for coat colors, laminitis, and neurological conditions. Current studies involve gait analysis via AI, body size QTL mapping, and metabolic syndrome genetics.
Professional Contributions: Taught Equine Biology and Management at Cornell University, developed online extension courses on equine genetics, and collaborates on international initiatives like the S1094 Multistate Project. Awards include the Paul Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Labs/Teams: Leads the Brooks Equine Genetics Lab, which uses cutting-edge techniques like whole-genome sequencing and machine learning to analyze equine traits. Ongoing projects include the 'Gait Study' and 'Size Study' to map genetic influences on locomotion and body dimensions.
