College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Animal Science

Outreach

With a 50% Extension appointment, I look forward to building lasting connections with our state’s producers, regardless of operation type or size. I am actively developing my Extension program with the goal of making pork production (or simple pig ownership) more accessible, equitable, and sustainable.

If you are a pig owner, or plan to own pigs, please consider completing this anonymous survey to provide input on what educational programming would be beneficial to you:

https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eUHTYRc6ei92Tgq

If you are a commercial producer, please consider completing this anonymous survey:

https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dcn3CzAWU8V3fAG

Research

My early research examined impacts of social stress on physiology, behavior, growth performance, meat quality, and modifications to gene expression and DNA methylation. My current research is focusing on gestational stress as well as early factors in gilt development, starting at conception, and how they relate to sow longevity. I aim to help producers confidently select gilts that will grow soundly, farrow efficiently, and be retained long enough to provide a return on investment, all without compromising sow welfare.

Teaching

I am the lead instructor for MSU’s undergraduate swine management courses:

ANS 272 Introductory Swine Management

ANS 472 Advanced Swine Management

Degrees:

AA, Lansing Community College

BS, Michigan State University

PhD, Michigan State Univery