RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
RESEARCH ANIMAL SCIENTIST – USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit – 2020-2022
- Developed collaborative research related to the behavior and welfare of swine, dairy cattle, and poultry. Specific areas of focus included dairy cattle health and welfare, stress physiology, population health and the interactions of automated/precision technology and non-invasive measures of animal welfare outcomes.
- Advised on and supervised all aspects of research animal husbandry and low-stress handling.
- Supervised 5 research technicians and 3 graduate students across all stages of project conception, data collection, analysis, writing and publication as well as laboratory and facility maintenance. Served on 3 graduate committees.
- Delivered scientific talks to academic, industry, and producer audiences.
- Acted as voting member of Purdue University IACUC, reviewing and approving animal research across fields of study.
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE – IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY – 2018-2019
- Collaborated with multi-institutional team to meet USDA Higher Education Challenge goals for the development of animal welfare curricula for veterinary training.
- Led creation of on-farm clinical rotations to train fourth-year veterinary students in critical welfare topics such as welfare assessment and auditing, low-stress handling, and euthanasia. Assessed impact on student perceptions and beliefs regarding welfare issues.
- Served as Lead Teaching Assistant for undergraduate course in animal behavior and welfare, Lecturer/Head Coach of graduate course in animal welfare judging, and Teaching Assistant in veterinary clinical rotation in animal welfare.
RESEARCHER – THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – 2016-2017
- Examined health and welfare outcomes of calves on automated feeding systems and the risk factors posed by management practices and barn design.
- Co-designed statistical measures for ongoing research in automated feeding for dairy calves and robotic milking of dairy cows.
- Developed extension materials on dairy management for publication by the UMN Dairy Extension team.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (PHD) – UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – 2012-2016
- Collaborated to design and execute novel research plan to investigate and improve the use of computer-controlled feeding systems for dairy calves. Completed assessments of environment, housing/engineering, calf health, feeding behavior, management techniques, and economic concerns of 38 farms in MN, WI, and IA.
- Employed epidemiological modelling techniques to assess system management, environmental, and animal-based variables to identify risk factors for health and welfare issues.
- Supervised 5 undergraduate students to ensure accurate and timely transfer of information from field notes.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (M.SC.) – THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – 2010-2011
- Collaborated with farm owners and workers to identify welfare and productivity issues (postnatal survival) in Scottish Highlands reindeer herd. Assisted with general husbandry, animal herding and veterinary procedures.
- Designed and executed research study combining historical data and behavioral observation methods to assess the role of maternal traits and mothering ability in calf survivorship.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO – 2010
- Conducted behavioral observation of single and breeding-pair birds, data collection and database management, reporting/consultation regarding the breeding/parenting behavior of captive animals to the Research Coordinator.
- Assisted with daily operations to support captive population of highly endangered San Clemente Island loggerhead shrike, including the training of young birds in self-sufficiency and hunting techniques.
- Supervised installation and use of video equipment for behavioral observation and nest monitoring.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
PROGRAM MANAGER – The 3Rs Collaborative – 2023
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to promote Reduction, Replacement, and Refinement practices in biomedical and agrochemical animal research. Headed initiatives focused in translational digital biomarkers, microphysiological systems, and in silico approaches to improving animal welfare and research results.
- Designed and edited educational and training materials for 3Rs Certification course, as well as resources and tools for industry partners to apply 3Rs concepts in biomedical and regulatory fields.
- Advanced non-profit mission through robust internal and external relationships. Planned, presented, at and moderated professional conferences and meetings with diverse stakeholder group audiences.
STATE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR – MN BOARD OF ANIMAL HEALTH – 2019-2020
- Administered statewide cattle health programs including reporting of animal health issues and patterns, interpretation of relevant MN statutes, and technical support for disease control programs.
- Developed and coordinated animal disease response from state and federal staff.
- Reviewed and refined procedures for monitoring reportable animal diseases. Supported programs in animal disease traceability and ruminant health.
ADJUNCT FACULTY – SAINT CATHERINE UNIVERSITY – 2018-2018
- Created and taught de novo upper-level undergraduate course on animal behavior, behavioral ecology, and animal welfare. Recognized for high student satisfaction in course development and delivery.