Samantha Brooks
The research focus of Brooks Equine Genetics lab is to better understand the genetic basis for diseases, disorders, and physiological variations in the horse, providing owners and breeders additional tools for improved horse health and management.
Learn more by visiting the Brooks Equine Genetics website.
Watch this video about the Brooks Equine Genetics lab research into the link between genetics and the movement patterns of horses.
Brad Daigneault
Dr. Daigneault conducts research to identify reasons for infertility in livestock and humans. His research addresses embryo origins of pregnancy failure with an emphasis on paternal contributions and gene-environment interactions that alter sperm function and embryo development. The laboratory uses assisted reproductive technologies and gene editing strategies in multiple species that include genomic, epigenomic, and translational approaches to improve reproductive efficiency for agriculture and biomedical applications.
Lori Warren
Dr. Warren's research program focuses primarily in three areas: 1) nutrition to enhance immune function (eg, with omega 3/6 fatty acids, trace minerals, amino acids, beta-glucans); 2) nutrition to enhance athletic performance (eg, antioxidant status, muscle physiology); and 3) nutrient excretion and the environment (phosphorus, nitrogen). I also periodically branch into other areas that may involve nutrition, such as the impact of nutrition on reproductive function in mares, as well as the use of nutrition to modulate behavior and cognitive function in young horses.
Carissa Wickens
Dr. Wickens’ specific areas of research include associations between management and stereotypic behaviors in horses, and the relationship between gastrointestinal irritation and the oral stereotypic behavior of crib-biting, air quality with emphasis on ammonia emissions in equine facilities, and human-horse interactions. Dr. Wickens' faculty appointment is 60% Extension, 40% Research. Her extension areas address expanding education experiences in equine behavior and welfare, management, and nutrition.