People

Animal Science faculty and staff consist of strong leadership focused on undergraduate curriculum, improved facilities, expanded livestock and facility resources, recruitment of the best graduate students and stakeholder input and support. Choose a section under People to view our directory.

Faculty

Adegbola T. Adesogan

Director, Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems
Professor of Ruminant Nutrition

adesogan@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Adesogan is a Professor of Ruminant Nutrition in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. He teaches the graduate Principles of Forage Evaluation and Advanced Methods in Nutrition Technology courses.

John Arthington

Professor and Chair

jarth@ufl.edu

BIO

John Arthington, a veteran cattle scientist who most recently has served as the director of the Range Cattle Research and Education Center, has been appointed as chair of the UF/IFAS animal sciences department.

Fernanda Batistel

Assistant Professor

fernandabatistel@ufl.edu

BIO

The overall goal of Dr. Batistel’s research program is to develop effective strategies for feeding ruminant animals, allowing for efficient production, and mitigating environmental impact.

Mario Binelli

Assistant Professor of Reproductive Physiology

mario.binelli@ufl.edu

BIO

The overall goal of Dr. Binelli’s program is to maximize the proportion of beef cows pregnant at the end of the breeding season with particular focus on Bos indicus-based cattle operations.

John Bromfield

Associate Professor of Reproductive Biology

jbromfield@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Bromfield's laboratory focuses on infection and immunity in the female reproductive tract, in particular we have a specific interest in uterine infection in dairy cows. Approximately 40% of all dairy cows acquire a uterine infection following calving resulting in pain, infertility and reduced milk production.

Samantha Brooks

Associate Professor — Equine Physiology

samantha.brooks@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Samantha Brooks became interested in equine research and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Biotechnology. She remained at the University of Kentucky to study at the Gluck Equine Research Center. While there she earned her Ph.D. in Veterinary Science, specializing in Equine Genetics.

Justin Callaham

Lecturer

callaham@ufl.edu

BIO

Justin Callaham teaches the ANS 3319C Reproductive Physiology & Endocrinology Lab, and the ANS 4231 Equine Practicums: Horse Grooming and Care, Foaling, Breeding Management, and Weanling Management.

Ilaria Capua

Preeminent Professor & Director of the One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training

icapua@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Capua has recently dedicated herself to bringing about an interdisciplinary effort in maintaining and enhancing the One Health concept here at the University of Florida. After focusing much of her academic and professional careers to animal health and research into zoonotic diseases,

Chad Carr

State Meat Extension Specialist, Associate Professor

chadcarr@ufl.edu

BIO

Chad Carr grew up in Bethpage, TN, 30 miles north of Nashville on a diversified livestock operation which included purebred Hampshire hogs and commercial beef cattle production. Chad received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Animal Science at Oklahoma State University and his Ph.D. in Animal Science at the University of Missouri

Geoffrey Dahl

Professor — Harriet B. Weeks Professor

gdahl@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Dahl conducts applied and basic research with direct impact on animal production and health. Specifically, his program focuses on understanding the physiological impact of management interventions, notably photoperiod and heat stress abatement, at various stages of the lactation cycle, in an attempt to optimize cow health and performance.

Albert De Vries

Professor of Dairy Managment Systems and
Undergraduate Coordinator

devries@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. De Vries teaches 2 undergraduate dairy courses and is involved in Dairy Challenge and the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium. His research interests are in optimization of culling and replacement strategies, statistical process control, economics of reproduction and genetics, and precision dairy farming.

Brad Daigneault

Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology

b.daigneault@ufl.edu

BIO

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.

Nicolas DiLorenzo

Professor of Beef Cattle Nutrition

ndilorenzo@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo received his degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina. He moved to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, where he obtained his Master degree and his PhD in Animal Science with emphasis in beef cattle nutrition.

Antonio Faciola

Associate Professor of Livestock Nutrition

afaciola@ufl.edu

BIO

The overall research goal of Dr. Faciola's laboratory is to further our understanding of ruminant nutrition to improve the efficiency of nutrient utilization in order to enhance animal production and minimize environmental impact of livestock operations.

Angela M. Gonella D.

Assistant Professor

a.gonelladiaza@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Angela M. Gonella D. recieved her M.S. in Reproductive Physiology from the National University of Colombia and her Ph.D. from the University of Sao Paulo. Her research has been focused in beef cattle reproduction.

Peter J. Hansen

Distinguished Professor & L.E. Red Larson Professor

pjhansen@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Hansen is a distinguished professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. His formal education was at the University of Illinois and University of Wisconsin. He received postdoctoral training in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Florida.

Arie Hendrik Havelaar

Professor of Microbial Risk Assessment and Epidemiology of Foodborne Diseases

ariehavelaar@ufl.edu

BIO

Arie Havelaar was trained as a microbiologist and epidemiologist in the Netherlands and has worked at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment as principal scientist in the Centre for Infectious Disease Control.

Amie Imler

Lecturer

amie.taylor@ufl.edu

BIO

Amie Imler's teaching Responsibilities: Introduction to Animal Sciences and Introduction to Animal Sciences Laboratory, Careers in the Livestock Industry, Coordinator for Full-time Work Experience in Animal Sciences, Connecting with CALS, Undergraduate Advising of Pre-professional, Food Animal and Equine-oriented students

Kwang Cheol (K.C.) Jeong

Associate Professor

kcjeong@ufl.edu

BIO

In March of 2011, Dr. Kwang Cheol Jeong joined the faculty of the University of Florida as an assistant professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Animal Sciences and the Emerging Pathogens Institute.

Raluca Mateescu

Professor of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics

raluca@ufl.edu

BIO

As a Professor of Quantitative Genetics & Genomics, Raluca Mateescu's research is motivated by recent advances in the animal genomics field, which hold great promise for improving animal production efficiency and enhancing animal products for improved human health.

Joel McQuagge

Instructor in Equine Behavior and Management

mcquagge@ufl.edu

BIO

Joel McQuaggle is the Faculty Supervisor of the UF Horse Teaching Unit and Equine Science Center, Extension: Area of Speciality; Youth and Adult Programing on a Variety of Equine Topics, Teaching: Area of Speciality; Horsemanship, Horse Psychology and Training.

Kyle Mendes

Lecturer, Meat Science

kmendes15@ufl.edu

BIO

Kyle grew up in Modesto California raising swine, cattle, sheep, and chickens on his family farm. He was highly involved with the collegiate meat and livestock judging through his time at Modesto Junior College and Fresno State University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education.

Emily K. Miller-Cushon

Associate Professor of Behavior and Welfare

emillerc@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Miller-Cushon conducts research and teaching in the areas of animal behavior and animal welfare. In general, her research investigates the relationships between management, behavior, and welfare of farm animals.

Philipe Moriel

Associate Professor of Beef Cattle Nutrition

pmoriel@ufl.edu

BIO

Develops multi-disciplinary, statewide, producer-driven extension programs to increase cow-calf profitability in tropical and subtropical environments.

Corwin D. Nelson

Associate Professor

cdnelson@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Nelson holds research and teaching appointments in the Department of Animal Sciences. He specializes in vitamin nutrition and physiology of cattle. Much of his research focuses on the role of vitamin D in immunity as it applies to the health and productivity of cattle. His teaching interests include sustainable cattle systems, physiology, vitamins, and endocrinology.

Pascal (Toni) Oltenacu

Professor

oltenacu@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Toni Oltenacu is a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at University of Florida and Professor Emeritus in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. For forty years, he has been active in teaching, research and outreach programs. He has taught courses in animal breeding, animal production, equine and canine genetics, decision analysis, risk analysis and systems analysis.

Fernanda M. Rezende

Assistant Professor, Statistical Genetics and Genomics

frezende@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Rezende's research focuses on the application of statistical analysis methods for phenotypic and genomic data to predict genetic merit or yet-to-be observed phenotypes, and to dissect the genetic architecture of economically relevant traits in livestock.

José Eduardo P. Santos

Professor

jepsantos@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. José E.P. Santos is a Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida where he conducts research and extension in dairy cattle nutrition and reproduction.

Jason M. Scheffler

Assistant Professor of Research

jmscheff@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Jason M. Scheffler was recently hired as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. He conducts both applied and basic research with impact on animal growth efficiency and meat quality.

Tracy L. Scheffler

Assistant Professor-Muscle Biology

tscheffler@ufl.edu

BIO

The goal of Dr. Scheffler’s research is to optimize muscle growth, composition, and meat quality. In particular, she is interested in how muscle metabolic phenotype and signaling pathways influence nutrient partitioning and growth of skeletal muscle, and their relation to whole body metabolism and health.

Saundra TenBroeck

Associate Professor

sht@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. TenBroeck has served UF/IFAS as a Department of Animal Sciences faculty member since the fall 1985. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Clemson University and her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in reproductive physiology from Texas A&M.

Todd Thrift

Beef Cattle Management

tathrift@ufl.edu
Phone: (352) 392-8597
Phone: (352) 392-8597 Fax: (352) 392-7652

BIO

Dr. Todd Thrift received his B.S at the University of Kentucky in Animal Science, an M.S. at Oklahoma State University in Ruminant Nutrition, and a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University in Physiology of Reproduction. Dr. Thrift has been with the University of Florida’s Department of Animal Science in a 70% teaching, 30% extension position in Beef Cattle Management.

Diwakar Vyas

Assistant Professor

diwakarvyas@ufl.edu

BIO

The goal of Dr. Vyas’s research program is to optimize nutritional management for improving animal health, production efficiency, environmental sustainability, and profitability of ruminant production systems with emphasis on dairy cows and small ruminants.

Lori Warren

Equine Nutritionist

lkwarren@ufl.edu
Phone: (352) 392-1957

BIO

Dr. Warren directs the equine nutrition program at the UF. Her research evaluates the effects of nutrition on immune function, athletic performance, and reproduction in horses. She also works on identifying management and nutrition solutions that will minimize the environmental impact of manure on water quality.

Carissa Wickens

Associate Professor

cwickens@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Wickens serves as State Horse Specialist conducting adult equine extension programs and developing educational resources for equine owners. She conducts applied research in horse behavior and welfare, equine nutrition, and management.

Haipeng Yu

Assistant Professor - Artificial Intelligence in Animal Omics Sciences

haipengyu@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Yu conducts research and teaching in artificial intelligence in animal omics sciences. His research primarily focuses on the incorporation of high-dimensional omics data to seek solutions for agricultural problems using machining learning, statistical modeling, and computational methods.

Feng Yue

Assistant Professor of Animal Physiology

fengyue@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Yue’s research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern the fate choices of muscle and fat stem cells to identify strategies that improve skeletal muscle growth and development benefiting both agricultural animal productions and human health.

Emeritus Faculty

The title of emeritus is conferred by colleagues for meritorious service prior to retirement. The Department of Animal Sciences wishes to acknowledge the faculty members who have attained the ongoing privilege in academic convocations. Click on the individual names to send an email.

Arrington, Lewis
Professor - Emeritus

Bachman, Kermit C.
Associate Professor - Emeritus

Badinga, Lokenga
Associate Professor - Emeritus

Carpenter, James
Professor - Emeritus

Combs, George
Professor - Emeritus

Elzo, Mauricio A.
Professor - Emeritus

Eubanks, Larry
Professor - Emeritus

Feaster, John
Professor - Emeritus

Fields, Michael J.
Professor - Emeritus
Phone: (352) 538-6292

Hembry, Glen
Professor - Emeritus

Johnson, Dwain
Professor - Emeritus

Johnson, Ed
Associate Professor - Emeritus

Lieb, Sandi
Associate Professor - Emeritus

Mather, F Ben
Associate Professor - Emeritus

McDowell, Lee
Professor - Emeritus
Phone: (352) 392-7561

Moore, John E.
Professor - Emeritus

Myer, Robert O.
Professor - Emeritus

Natzke, Roger P.
Professor - Emeritus

Sand, Bob
Lecturer - Emeritus

Sharp, Daniel C, III
Professor - Emeritus

Thatcher, William W.
Graduate Research Professor - Emeritus
Phone: (352) 338-1820

Van Horn, Harold
Professor - Emeritus

Wallace, Harold
Professor - Emeritus

Wasdin, Jerry
Faculty - Emeritus

Webb, Dan
Professor - Emeritus

West, Roger
Professor - Emeritus

Wilson, Henry
Professor - Emeritus

Williams, Sally
Associate Professor - Emeritus

Wilson, Henry
Professor - Emeritus

Staff

Academic Support Services

Renee Parks-James

Graduate Advisor
(352) 392-5615

Alexis Strickland-Tilton

Undergraduate Advisor
(352) 392-9739

Savannah Linzmaier

Undergraduate Advisor and Communications Specialist
(352) 392-2455

Karen F. Webb

Academic Department Receptionist
(352) 392-2186

Administrative Office

Audy Spell

Operations Manager
Phone: (352) 294-1059

Shelby Thomas

Communications and Engagement Manager

Joshua Cook

IT Professional
(352) 392-2791

Chemon Velazquez

Audio/Visual Specialist
(352) 392-7563

Business Office

Tracy Cawley

Accounting Specialist
Phone: (352) 392-7526

Jasmine Corbit

Administrative Support Assistant
Phone: (352) 392-5289

Hal Courson

Human Resources Generalist
Phone: (352) 392-2366

Matti Moyer

Program Assistant
(352) 392-3889

Debra W. Nagy

Office Assistant
Phone: (352) 294-6999

Staci Sanders

Business Office Manager
Phone: (352) 392-8838

Unit Managers

Angela Chandler

Horse Teaching Unit and Equine Sciences Center Manager
Phone: (352) 376-0562

Byron Davis

Meats Lab Manager
Phone: (352) 392-1921

Danny Driver

Farm Manager, Beef Research Unit
Phone: (386) 462-0589

Charles Nelson

Farm Manager, Santa Fe Beef Research Unit
Phone: (352) 339-5543

Jesse Savell

Research Administration Manager, Beef Programs
Phone: (352) 494-3397

Clay Whitehead

Swine and Sheep Unit Manager
Phone: (904) 796-0441

Eric Williams

Dairy Unit Manager
Phone: (386) 462-1016

Extension

Beef

John Arthington

Beef Cattle Management
Phone: (863) 735-1314
Fax: (863) 735-1930

Range Cattle REC- Ona
3401 Experiment Station
Ona, FL 33865

Mario Binelli

Assistant Professor of Physiology
Phone: (352) 392-7560

Department of Animal Sciences
Bldg 499, Shealy Drive, Room 122C
PO Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611

Nicolas DiLorenzo

Beef Cattle Specialist
Phone: (850) 394-9124
Extension 107
Fax: (850) 482-9917

Department of Animal Sciences
North Florida Research and Education Center
3925 Highway 71
Marianna, FL 32446
Faculty Page

Angela M. Gonella D.

Beef Cattle Reproduction Specialist
Phone: (850) 526-1612
Fax: (352) 846-6617

Department of Animal Sciences
North Florida Research and Education Center
3925 Highway 71
Marianna, FL 32446
Faculty Page

Philipe Moriel

Beef Cattle Nutrition Specialist
Phone: (863) 735-1314, ext 208

Range Cattle Research and Education Center
Web page (RCREC)

Todd Thrift

Beef Cattle Management
Phone: (352) 392-8597
Fax: (352) 392-7851

Department of Animal Sciences
Bldg 459 Shealy Drive
PO Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611
Faculty Page

Dairy

Albert De Vries Economics Phone: (352) 294-6983	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 499, Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page Personal page
Colleen Larson Regional Dairy Extension Agent, South Florida Phone: (863) 763-6469	Okeechobee Extension Office 458 Highway 98 North Okeechobee, FL 34972
Francisco Peñagaricano Genetics Phone: (352) 294-6988	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 499, 2250 Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page
Jose Eduardo Santos Dairy Nutritionist Phone: (352) 294-6998	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 499 Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page
Izabella Toledo Regional Dairy Extension Agent, North Central Florida Phone: (352) 294-6987	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 499 Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611

Equine

Saundra TenBroeck Equine Extension Specialist Phone: (352) 392-2789 Fax: (352) 392-9059	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 459 Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page
Carissa Wickens Equine Extension Specialist Phone: (352) 392-1917	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 459 Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page
Joel McQuagge Instructor Phone: (352) 392-6363	PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 2250 Shealy Dr. Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page
Wendy DeVito Support Staff Phone: (352) 392-1912	PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 2250 Shealy Dr. Gainesville, FL 32611

Meat

Chad Carr Meat Science Extension Phone: (352) 392-2454 Fax: (352) 392-7851	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 459, Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page
Jason M. Scheffler Assistant Professor Phone: (352) 392-9155	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 459 Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page
Tracy L. Scheffler Assistant Professor Phone: (352)392-7529	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 459 Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page
Sally Williams Associate Professor Phone: (352) 392-2993	Department of Animal Sciences Bldg 459 Shealy Drive PO Box 110910 Gainesville, FL 32611 Faculty Page

Small Ruminant - Sheep and Goats

Izabella Toledo

Regional Dairy Extension Agent, North Central Florida, Ph.D.
Phone: (386) 294-1279

Lafayette County Extension Office
176 SW Comm Cir Ste D
Mayo, FL 32066-1901

Youth

Wendy DeVito

Academic Program Specialist II, M.S.
Phone: (352) 392-1912

Department of Animal Sciences
Bldg 459 Shealy Drive
PO Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611

Allyson Trimble

Academic Program Specialist II
Phone: (352) 846-3151
Book an Appointment

Department of Animal Sciences
Bldg 459 Shealy Drive
Room 224D
PO Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611

Students

Temitope Mayowa Adeoti Ph.D.: AMCB Student M.S.: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria - Animal Sciences B.S.: Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Nigeria - Animal Production and Health Technology Research area: Dairy Reproduction-Nutrition interactions Major Professor: Dr. José Eduardo Santos
Oluwatomiipe Adesogan MS: Student BS: Federal university Oye Ekiti, Ekiti state Nigeria Research: Animal Nutrition Major professor: Dr. Diwakar Vyas
Gabrielle Allen M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Meat Science/Food Safety Major Professor: Dr. Jason Scheffler
Alexandra Bennett M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Beef Cattle Reproduction & Physiology Major Professor: Dr. Mario Binelli
Jessica Bonney Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Bristol - Global Wildlife Health and Conservation B.S.: University of Plymouth - Animal Behavior and Welfare Research area: Animal Behavior and Welfare Major Professor: Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon
Meghan P. Campbell MS: Animal Sciences BS: Florida A&M University Research: Reproductive Physiology Major Professor: Dr. Mario Binelli
Derick Cantarelli Rosler Ph.D.: Student M.S.: Federal University of Santa Marie B.S.: Federal University of Pelotas Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Fernanda Batistel
Paula Cristina Cardoso Molinari Ph.D.: Student B.S.: Veterinary Medicine (University of Sao Paulo) Research Area: Reproductive Physiology Major Professor: Dr. John J. Bromfield
Leticia Casarotto Trevisan Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Florida B.S.: Animal Science at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Research area: Lactation Physiology Major Professor: Dr. Geoffrey Dahl
Julia Ciosek M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Florida - Animal Sciences Research area: Equine Genetics Major Professor: Dr. Samantha Brooks
Giovanni Coelho Ladeira PhD: Student M.S.: University of Sao Paulo (USP) B.S.: Federal University of Sao Joao Del-Rei (UFSJ) Research area: Statistical Genetics and Genomics Major Professor: Dr. Fernanda M. Rezende
Camila José Cuéllar Del Cid M.S.: AMCB Student B.S.: Zamorano University Research area: Reproductive Biology Major Professor: Dr. Peter Hansen
Wilmer Cuervo Ph.D.: AMCB Student M.S.: Michigan State University M.S.: Universidad Nacional de Colombia B.S.: Universidad Nacional de Colombia Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo
Federico Cunha Ph.D.: AMCB Student D.V.M.: University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine M.S.: Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Florida B.S.: Animal Sciences, University of Florida Research area: Animal Microbiology Major Professor: Dr. Klibs Galvao and Dr. Mary Brown
Samantha Doyle M.S: Student B.S.: University of Connecticut Research area: Animal Behavior Major Professor: Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon
Samia Farooq Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Veterinary Pakistan B.S.: University of Veterinary Pakistan Research Area: Animal Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Diwakar Vyas
Andres Gerardo Fernandez Lehmann M.S.: Student B.S. Universidad Rafael Urdaneta, Venezuela Research Area: Ruminant nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas Dilorenzo
Ignacio Fernandez Marenchino M.S.: Student B.S.: Agricultural Engineering Research Area: Animal Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo
Michael Fioretto M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Meat Science Major Professor: Dr. Chad Carr
Kaitlin Gingerich Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Florida B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Animal behavior and welfare Major Professor: Dr. Miller-Cushon
Jillian Guertin M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Reproductive Biology Major Professor: Dr. Brad Daigneault
Carlos Nino de Guzman Cerna M.S: Student B.S.: National Agrarian University La Molina Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Diwakar Vyas
McKenzie Lane Haimon Ph.D.: AMCB Student M.S.: North Carolina State University B.S.: North Carolina State University Research area: Reproductive Biology Major Professor: Dr. Peter J. Hansen
Anna Hanson M.S.: Student B.S.: Iowa State University Research area: Dairy Systems Management Major Professor: Dr. Albert De Vries
Daniella Cristin Heredia Castaneda Ph.D.: Student M.S: Animal Science University of Florida B.S.: Animal Science at Universidad de La Salle Research area: Beef Cattle Reproduction Major Professor: Dr. Angela Gonella
Aakilah S. Hernandez M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Animal Genetics Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Mateescu
Quinn Hoorn M.S.: AMCB Student B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Reproductive Biology Major Professor: Dr. Peter Hansen
Ali Husnain Ph.D.: Student M. Phil.: University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan D.V.M.: College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang-Pakistan Research area: Dairy Reproduction Major Professor: Dr. José Eduardo P. Santos
Kelsey M. Irvine B.S.: Jacksonville University M.S.: University of Florida Research Area: Equine Science/Youth Development Major Professor: Dr. Carissa Wickens
Mikayla L. Johnson M.S.: Student B.S.: Tuskegee University Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola
Kamryn Joyce M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Georgia Research area: Reproductive Biology Major Professor: Dr. Angela Gonella-Diaza
Peter LaMonica M.S.: Student B.S.: Equine Science Research area: Equine Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Lori Warren
Emily Lindner Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Florida B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Behavior and Welfare Major Professor: Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon
Lais de Oliveira Lima Ph.D.: Student M.S.: Sao Paulo State University B.S.: Sao Paulo State University Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Diwakar Vyas
Huijia Liu M.S.: AMCB Student B.S.: University of Florida Research area: Bioinformatics, Antimicrobial resistance Major Professor: Dr. K.C. Jeong
Ting Liu Ph.D.: Student M.S.: China Agricultural University, Animal Nutrition and Feed Science B.S.: Hunan Agricultural University, Animal Science Research area: Bioinformatics, Antimicrobial resistance Major Professor: Dr. K.C. Jeong
Richard Roberto Lobo Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of São Paulo B.S.: São Paulo State University Research area: Ruminant Nutrition and Molecular Biology of the Rumen Major Professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola
Maria Camila Lopez Duarte Ph.D.: Student DVM: Universidad de La Salle, Colombia Research area: Beef Cattle Reproduction Major Professor: Dr. Angela Gonella
Szu-Wei Ma M.S.: Student B.S.: Animal Science at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola
Gabriela Alejandra Macay Hernandez Ph.D.: AMCB Student M.S.: University of Florida – Animal Sciences B.S.: Zamorano University – Agricultural Sciences Research area: Reproductive Physiology Major Professor: Dr. John J. Bromfield
Araceli Maderal M.S.: Student B.S.: Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo
Adeel Manzoor Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan D.V.M.: University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan Research area: Meat Science/Food Safety Major Professor: Dr. Jason Scheffler
Daniel Onan Martinez Cabrera Ph.D.: Student Research area: Heat stress on dairy cattle Major Professor: Dr. Geoffrey Dahl
Daniel Martins de Oliveira Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Lavras (UFLA) - Animal Sciences B.S.: Federal University of Goias (UFG) Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Fernanda Batistel
Maura McGraw M.S.: AMCB Student B.S.: University of Maryland, College Park Research area: Reproductive Biology and Gene Editing Major Professor: Dr. Brad Daigneault
Mariana Nehme Marinho Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Florida B.S.: Federal University of Uberlândia, Brazil Research area: Dairy Cattle Feed Efficiency Major Professor: Dr. Jose Eduardo P. Santos and Dr. Fransisco Peñagaricano
Madison L. Newman M.S.: AMCB Student B.S.: Animal and Dairy Sciences - Mississippi State University Research Area: Dairy Cattle Reproduction Major Professor: Dr. Rafael Bisinotto
Andrea Nicole Nunez Andrade M.S.: Student B.S.: Agronomy at Zamorano University Research area: Genetics Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Matesscu
Alyssa Ohmstede M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Florida - Animal Sciences Research area: Equine Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Lori K. Warren
Phillip M. G. Peixoto Ph.D.: AMCB Student M.S.: University of Illinois B.S.: Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil Research area: Dairy Cattle Reproduction Major Professor: Dr. Rafael Bisinotto
Benjamin Po M.S.: Student B.S.: Mississippi State University Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Diwakar Vyas
Federico Podversich Ph.D.: Student M.S.: Animal Sciences Research area: Animal Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo
Barclay Powell Ph.D.: Student B.S.: Animal Science, University of Florida Research area: Equine Genetics Major Professor: Dr. Samantha A. Brooks
Fahad Rafiq Ph.D.: Student M.S.: Lahor University of Management Sciences - Biology DVM: University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore Research area: Animal Genetics and Genomics Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Mateescu
Cecilia Constantino Rocha Ph.D.: Student M.S.: São Paulo University - Pirassununga B.S.: Santa Cataina Federal University Research area: Reproductive Physiology Major Professor: Dr. Mario Binelli
Eduardo Rodriguez MS: Student BS: Physics & Biology Research area: Health value of beef Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Mateescu
Túlio Henrique Rosa Souza M.S.: Student B.S.: Federal University of Lavras, Brazil Research area: Dairy Reproduction-Nutrition interactions Major Professor: Dr. José Eduardo P. Santos
Masroor Sagheer Ph.D.: AMCB Student M.S.: Theriogenology from UVAS Lahore-Pakistan B.S.: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from UVAS Lahore-Pakistan Research area: Reproductive Biology Major Professor: Dr. Peter James Hansen
Camila Santos Rojas Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Jaén, Spain – Biotechnology and Biomedicine B.S.: La Salle University, Colombia – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Research area: Animal Genetics and Genomics Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Mateescu
Firmansyah Tri Saputra Ph.D.: Student M.S.: National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), Taiwan; Universitas Brawijaya, Indonisia B.S.: Universitas Brawijaya, Indonisia; STIE Malangkucecwara, Indonisia Research area: Dairy Cattle Major Professor: Dr. Corwin D. Nelson
Efstathios Sarmikasoglou Ph.D.: AMCB Student B.S.: Agricultural University of Athens, Greece Research area: Ruminal Microbiology Major Professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola
Tessa Schulmeister Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Florida B.S.: Northern Illinois University Research area: Animal Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo
Zachary Seekford Ph.D.: Student M.S.: Virginia Tech-Animal and Poultry Sciences B.S.: Virginia Tech- Dairy Science Research area: Reproductive Physiology Major Professor: Dr. John Bromfield
Madelyn Smythe M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Research Area: Equine Genetics Major Professor: Dr. Samantha Brooks
Vinicius de Souza Izquierdo Ph.D.: Student M.S.: Federal University of Pelotas B.S.: Federal University of Pelotas Research area: Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management Major Professor: Dr. Philipe Moriel
Bruna Souza Simões M.S.: Student B.S.: Federal University of Goiás, Brazil Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. José Eduardo Santos
Daniel Stanton Ph.D.: AMCB Student M.S: Biology – Winthrop University B.S.: Biology – Winthrop University Research area: Circadian regulation of reproduction Major Professor: Dr. Peter J. Hansen
Arslan Tariq Ph.D: Student M.S.: M. Phil. University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan B.S.: D.V.M. University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan Research area: Reproductive Biology Major Professor: Dr. John Bromfield
Martha Ulina Siregar M.S.: Student B.S.: University of Nusa Cendana Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola
Juan de Jesus Vargas Martinez Ph.D.: Student M.Sc.: Universidad Nacional de Colombia B.Sc.: Universidad Nacional de Colombia Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo
Mauro E. Venturini Ph.D.: Student Research area: Cattle Reproduction Major Professor: Dr. Angela Gonella Diaza
Abdul Waheed Ph.D.: AMCB Student M. Phil.: University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan D.V.M.: University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan Research area: Reproductive Physiology Major Professor: Dr. Mario Binelli
Yuhan Wen Ph.D: AMCB Student B.S.: Sichuan Agricultural University Research area: Immunology and vaccine biology Major Professor: Dr. Corwin Nelson
Felipe Xavier Amaro Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Florida B.S.: Federal University of Vicosa Research area: Ruminant Nutrition Major Professor: Dr. Diwakar Vyas
Gabriel Zayas Ph.D.: Student M.S.: University of Florida Research area: Animal Genetics and Genomics Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Mateescu
Yuting Zhai M.S: Student (AMCB) B.S.: Shandong Agricultural University, China Research area: Antimicrobial resistance Major Professor: Dr. K. C. Jeong

Animal Sciences Academic Advisors

Undergraduate Coordinator	Email	Phone
Dr. Albert De Vries ANS Bldg. 459, Room 100C	devries@ufl.edu	352-294-6983

Undergraduate Program Advisor	Email	Phone
Mrs. Alexis Strickland-Tilton ANS Bldg. 459, Room 100A Book an Appointment	stricklanda@ufl.edu	352-392-9739
Mrs. Savannah Linzmaier ANS Bldg. 459, Room 100B Book an appointment	slinzmaier@ufl.edu	352-392-2455

Graduate Advisor	Email	Phone
Renee Parks-James ANS Bldg. 459, Room 100D	rpj@ufl.edu	352-392-5615

Faculty Advisors

The first visit should be with Alexis Strickland-Tilton or Savannah Linzmaier. Subsequently, you may choose an advisor to serve as a faculty mentor for the remainder of your program from the list below.

If you click on their name, you can see their research and teaching interests.

Faculty Advisors	Email	Location
Dr. Samantha Brooks	samantha.brooks@ufl.edu	ANS Bldg., 459, Room 231F
Dr. Chad Carr	chadcarr@ufl.edu	ANS Bldg., 459, Room 224B
Ms. Amie Imler Internship Coordinator	amie.taylor@ufl.edu Book an appointment	ANS Bldg., 459, Room 231E
Dr. Antonio Faciola Honors Coordinator	afaciola@ufl.edu	Red Larson Bldg., 499, Room 204B
Mr. Joel McQuagge	mcquagge@ufl.edu	ANS Blg., 459, Room 210B
Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon	emillerc@ufl.edu	Red Larson Bldg., 499, Room 104E
Dr. Jason Scheffler	jmscheff@ufl.edu	ANS Bldg., 459, Room 231G
Dr. Tracy Scheffler	tscheffler@ufl.edu	ANS Bldg., 459, Room 210F
Dr. Todd Thrift	tathrift@ufl.edu	ANS Bldg., 459, Room 210C
Ms. Allyson Trimble	trimbleak@ufl.edu Book an appointment	ANS Bldg, 459 Room 224D
Dr. Lori Warren	lkwarren@ufl.edu	ANS Bldg., 459, Room 210F
Dr. Carissa Wickens	cwickens@ufl.edu	ANS Blidg., 459, Room 231B

Sustaining Courtesy Faculty

The Department of Animal Sciences depends upon collaborations with scientists from other organizations throughout the world to achieve its commitments in research, extension and teaching. A select group of scientists are appointed as Sustaining Courtesy Faculty because of a continuous record of service and collaboration with the department.

Todd Bilby

Todd.bilby@merck.com

Dr. Bilby is currently an Associate Director of Cattle Technical Services for Merck Animal Health. He manages a team of dairy-focused veterinarians and PhDs across the US who support the Merck cattle division with technical expertise on a variety of topics. He also specializes in cattle reproduction and provide technical support for both beef and dairy cattle. He obtained the PhD in dairy cattle reproduction from the University of Florida under the direction of Dr. Bill Thatcher. Current interests include cattle reproduction, heat stress, transition cow health and new product development.

Jeremy Block

Jeremy.block@uwyo.edu

Dr. Block is an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming with interests in reproduction in ruminant species. Previously, he was a research scientist at Zoetis. He also provides commercial assisted reproduction services. He received the B.S in Animal Science from the University of Missouri and the MS and PhD degrees from Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Florida.

John Cole

john.cole@urus.orge

John Cole is PEAK senior VP of research and development at URUS Group, joined the URUS Group in December. URUS is a holding company for leading agricultural organizations including Alta Genetics, GENEX, Jetstream Genetics, PEAK/SCCL and VAS that together bring genetics and other agricultural technologies to producers in 15 countries. Previously Cole was acting research leader for the Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service. His formal education was at Louisiana State University and University of Minnesota.

Serdal Dikmen

serdal@uludag.edu.tr

Dr. Dikmen serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bursa Uludağ University in Bursa, Turkey. He received his DVM (1999) and Ph.D. (2004) degrees at that university and has been on the faculty since 2004. His research interests are focused on heat stress management in dairy and beef cattle and the development of improvement strategies for genetic selection of production traits. He spent a one-year sabbatical at the University of Florida in 2007 and returns to the department yearly to conduct collaborative research on the genetic basis for thermotolerance in cattle.

Ignacio R. Ipharraguerre

ipharraguerre@foodsci.uni-kiel.de

Dr. Ipharraguerre is a Senior Scientist at the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kiel, Germany. He received a degree in Agricultural Sciences (1996) from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and an M.S. (2001) and Ph.D. (2004) in Animal Sciences focused on nutritional physiology of dairy cows from the University of Illinois, USA. In his current position, he leads research on the impact of diet on the enterohepatic system and the resulting immunometabolic implications for the host, with special emphasis on bile acid metabolism and signaling. He is also deeply interested in developing and expanding the use of Drosophila melanogaster in nutritional research and health.

Sha Tao

stao@uga.edu

Sha Tao is an associate professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia. A native of Kaifeng, China, Tao obtained the B.S. in Agriculture in 2004 and M.S. in Animal Sciences in 2007 from Henan University of Technology, China. He completed the Ph.D. in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Florida in 2012. Current research is focused on the impact of heat stress on mammary gland development and health in dairy cows, the association among environment, body temperature and behavior of cows in confinement and grazing dairies, and nutritional and management strategies to minimize the negative impacts of heat stress during summer.

Marcos Zenobi

mzenobi@ufl.edu

Dr. Zenobi serves as Technical Services Manager for Balchem LATAM, is the Director of Continued Education for Dairy Production at the Instituto de Reproducción de Córdoba (Argentina) and has a faculty appointment at the National University of Córdoba. A native of Argentina, Marcos’s passions for cows started early, coming from a family that operates a dairy farm. He studied as an Agricultural Engineer in Argentina, specialized in reproduction, completed the MSc degree at the University of Saskatchewan in animal nutrition, and obtained the PhD in animal sciences from the University of Florida. Marcos describes himself as a dairy production consultant who loves science.

People

Faculty

Adegbola T. Adesogan

Director, Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems Professor of Ruminant Nutrition

BIO

John Arthington

Professor and Chair

BIO

Fernanda Batistel

Assistant Professor

BIO

Mario Binelli

Assistant Professor of Reproductive Physiology

BIO

John Bromfield

Associate Professor of Reproductive Biology

BIO

Samantha Brooks

Associate Professor — Equine Physiology

BIO

Justin Callaham

Lecturer

BIO

Ilaria Capua

Preeminent Professor & Director of the One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training

BIO

Chad Carr

State Meat Extension Specialist, Associate Professor

BIO

Geoffrey Dahl

Professor — Harriet B. Weeks Professor

BIO

Albert De Vries

Professor of Dairy Managment Systems andUndergraduate Coordinator

BIO

Brad Daigneault

Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology

BIO

Nicolas DiLorenzo

Professor of Beef Cattle Nutrition

BIO

Antonio Faciola

Associate Professor of Livestock Nutrition

BIO

Angela M. Gonella D.

Assistant Professor

BIO

Peter J. Hansen

Distinguished Professor & L.E. Red Larson Professor

BIO

Arie Hendrik Havelaar

Professor of Microbial Risk Assessment and Epidemiology of Foodborne Diseases

BIO

Amie Imler

Lecturer

BIO

Kwang Cheol (K.C.) Jeong

Associate Professor

BIO

Raluca Mateescu

Professor of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics

BIO

Joel McQuagge

Instructor in Equine Behavior and Management

BIO

Kyle Mendes

Lecturer, Meat Science

BIO

Emily K. Miller-Cushon

Associate Professor of Behavior and Welfare

BIO

Philipe Moriel

Associate Professor of Beef Cattle Nutrition

BIO

Corwin D. Nelson

Associate Professor

BIO

Pascal (Toni) Oltenacu

Professor

BIO

Director, Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems
Professor of Ruminant Nutrition

Professor of Dairy Managment Systems and
Undergraduate Coordinator