Skip to main content


Animal Sciences Department

Animal Sciences Department

Animal Sciences 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.


People

Faculty

Adesogan

Adegbola T. Adesogan

Director of Strategic Partnerships - Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems
Professor of Ruminant Nutrition
Associate VP and Director - Global Food Systems Institute 
E. T. and V. C. York Professor of International Agriculture

adesogan@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Adesogan's research focuses on sustainably increasing animal-source...

Headshot of John Arthington

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 Faculty Card

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 Headshot

Mario Binelli

Associate 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 a 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

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.

Capua

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,

Carr

Chad Carr

State Meat Extension Specialist, 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

Dahl

Geoffrey Dahl

Director — Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems

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

Albert De Vries

Professor of Dairy Management Systems

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 the 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.

DiLorenzo Faculty Picture

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's degree and his PhD in  Animal Science with an emphasis in beef cattle nutrition.

Faciola

Antonio Faciola

Associate Professor, Ruminant Nutrition
Graduate Program Coordinator
Undergraduate Honors Coordinator

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 the environmental impact of livestock operations.

Gonella Faculty Picture

Angela M. Gonella D.

Assistant Professor

a.gonelladiaza@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Angela M. Gonella D. received 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 on beef cattle reproduction.

Dr. Hansen's Headshot

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 the University of Wisconsin. He received postdoctoral training in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Florida.

Havelaar

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.

Amy Imler

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

Jeong

Kwang Cheol (K.C.) Jeong

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.

Dr. Zongliang (Carl) Jiang Headshot

Zongliang (Carl) Jiang

Associate Professor

z.jiang1@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Jiang conducts research in the areas of reproductive biology with an emphasis on early embryonic and placental trophoblast development, stem cells, and the development and application of assisted reproductive technologies in livestock species.

this is the one she requested

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.

Mcquagge

Joel McQuagge

Instructor in Equine Behavior and Management

mcquagge@ufl.edu

BIO

Joel McQuagge is the faculty supervisor of the UF Horse Teaching Unit and Equine Science Center. He specializes in youth and adult extension programming on a variety of equine topics. McQuagge teaches several undergraduate equine courses, including Horse Psychology and Training.

Kyle Mendes Headshot

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 Miller Cushon

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.

Moriel, Philipe Faculty Card

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 Nelson Headshot

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.

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.

Santos

José Eduardo P. Santos

Professor — Dairy Cattle Nutrition and Reproduction

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 Scheffler Headshot

Jason M. Scheffler

Associate Professor of Research
Undergraduate Coordinator

jmscheff@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Jason M. Scheffler conducts both applied and basic research with impact on animal growth efficiency and meat quality.  Recent efforts have been directed at identifying the contribution of connective tissue to beef tenderness.

Tracy Scheffler

Tracy L. Scheffler

Associate 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.

Tenbroeck

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.

Thrift

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.

Izabella Toledo Headshot

Izabella Toledo

Extension Assistant Scientist

izatol@ufl.edu 

BIO

Dr. Izabella Toledo conducts extension, teaching and applied research at the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. Her teaching includes 2 undergraduate and graduate courses, and she is...

Vyas

Diwakar Vyas

Associate 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.

warren

Lori Warren

Associate Professor - Equine Nutritionist

lkwarren@ufl.edu

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.

Wickens

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 Headshot

Haipeng Yu

Assistant Professor - Artificial Intelligence in Animal Omics Sciences

haipengyu@ufl.edu

BIO

Dr. Yu holds research and teaching appointments in the Department of Animal Sciences at UF. Dr. Yu is a quantitative geneticist with expertise in accommodating high-dimensional heterogeneous data to advance animal sciences.

Feng Yue card

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 production 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

Wallace, Harold
Professor - Emeritus

Wasdin, Jerry
Faculty - Emeritus

Webb, Dan
Professor - Emeritus

Williams, Sally
Associate Professor - Emeritus

Wilson, Henry
Professor - Emeritus

 

Staff

Academic Support Services

Savannah Linzmaier Headshot

Savannah Linzmaier

Academic Advisor, Undergraduate
& Communications Specialist
(352) 392-2455

Renee Parks-James Headshot

Renee Parks-James

Academic Assistant, Graduate
(352) 392-5615

Alexis Strickland Tilton Headshot

Alexis Strickland-Tilton

Academic Advisor, Undergraduate
(352) 392-9739

Karen Webb Headshot

Karen F. Webb

Administrative Assistant
(352) 392-2186

 

Administrative Office

Adriana Barbat Headshot

Adriana Barbat

Administrative Support Assistant
(352) 294-6981

Andy Bone Headshot

Andy Bone

IT Generalist 
(352) 392-2791

Brody Dean Headshot

Brody Dean

Facilities Operations Specialist

Matti Moyer Headshot

Matti Moyer

Communications & Engagement Manager
(352) 392-3889

Audy Spell Headshot

Audy Spell

Operations Manager
Phone: (352) 294-1059

Chemon Velazquez Headshot

Chemon Velazquez

Audio-Visual Specialist
(352) 392-7563

 

Business Office

Tracy Cawley Headshot

Tracy Cawley

Accounting Specialist 
Phone: (352) 392-7526

Jasmine Corbett Headshot

Jasmine Corbit

Administrative Assistant 
Phone: (352) 392-5289

Hal Courson Headshot

Hal Courson

Human Resources Generalist
Phone: (352) 392-2366

Megan Kelly Headshot

Megan Kelly

Program Assistant
(352) 392-1916

Debbie Nagy Headshot

Debra W. Nagy

Administrative Assistant
Phone: (352) 294-6999

Staci Vining Headshot

Staci Vining

Administrative Services Manager
Phone: (352) 392-8838

 

Unit Managers

Angela Chandler Headshot

Angela Chandler

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

Byron Davis Headshot

Byron Davis

Meats Lab Manager
Phone: (352) 392-1921

Danny Driver Headshot

Danny Driver

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

Charles Nelson Headshot

Charles Nelson

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

Jesse Savell Headshot

Jesse Savell

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

Clay Whitehead Headshot

Clay Whitehead

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

Alligator in water

Vacant - TBD

Dairy Unit Manager 
Phone: 

Extension

Beef DairyEquineMeat | Youth | Small Ruminant - Sheep and Goats

Beef

John Arthington

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

Department of Animal Sciences
Bldg 499, Shealy Drive
PO Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611
Faculty Page

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
Faculty Page

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

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

Extension Assistant Scientist
Phone: (352) 294-6987

Department of Animal Sciences
Bldg 499 Shealy Drive
PO Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611
Faculty Page

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

Alyssa Ohmstede

Youth Horse Programs Coordinator
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

Youth

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

Alyssa Ohmstede

Youth Horse Programs Coordinator
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

Noelia Alfaro Diaz
M.S.:  Student
B.S.: Universidad de Costa Rica. 
Research area: Ruminant Nutrition 
Major Professor: Dr. Diwakar Vyas 

Noelia Alfaro Diaz Headshot

Andres Alvarado Vargas
M.S.: Student
B.S.:  University of Costa Rica
Research area: Statistical Genetics and Genomics
Major Professor: Dr. Fernanda M. Rezende

Andres Alvarado Vargas Headshot

Ana Margarita Arias Esquivel
Ph.D.: ANS Student
M..S:  University of Florida
B.S.:  Universidad de Costa Rica
Research area: Equine
Major Professor: Dr. Carissa Wickens

Ana Margarite Arias Esquivel Headshot

Ashley Beard
M.S.: Student
Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Mateescu

 

Fernanda Rodrigues Bernarde 
Ph.D.: AMCB Student 
M.S.: Sciences - Federal University of São Paulo 
B.S.: Biomedical Sciences - Anhembi Morumbi University 
Research area: Reproductive Physiology
Major professor: Dr. Zongliang (Carl) Jiang

Fernanda Rodrigues Bernarde Headshot

Delaney Binder
M.S.: Student
B.S.: Animal Science at the University of Florida
Research Area: Equine Nutrition
Major Professor: Dr. Lori Warren

Delaney Binder Headshot

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

Leticia Casarotto Trevisan

Castle Cavender

Castle Cavender Headshot

Elizabeth Chmielewski
M.S.: Student
B.S.: University of Florida Animal Sciences
Major Professor:  Dr. Tracy Scheffler

Elizabeth Chmielewski

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

Giovanni Coelho Ladeira

Conner Crawford

 

Camila José Cuéllar Del Cid
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.:  University of Florida
B.S.: Zamorano University
Research area: Reproductive Biology
Major Professor: Dr. Peter Hansen

Cuellar Camila

Angelo Legarda De Castro
Ph.D.: ANS Student
M.S.: N/A
B.S.: University of St. La Salle 
Research area: Precision Livestock Farming, Computer Vision
Major Professor: Dr. Haipeng Yu

Angelo Legarda De Castro Headshot

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

Lais de Oliveira Lima

Daniel Martins De Oliveira

 

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

Vinicius De Souza Izquierdo

Georgia Dubeux
M.S.: Student
B.S.: Medical degree
Research Area: Animal Sciences
Major Professor:  Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo

 

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

Samia Farooq 

Andres Gerardo Fernandez Lehmann
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.: University of Florida, Animal Science
B.S. Universidad Rafael Urdaneta, Venezuela
Research Area: Ruminant nutrition 
Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas Dilorenzo 

Andres Gerardo Fernandez Lehmann 

Ignacio Fernandez Marenchino
M.S.: Student
B.S.: Agricultural Engineering
Research Area: Animal Nutrition
Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo

 

Ahmad Fraz
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
M.S.: Animal Science from Oregon State University
B.S.: DVM from the University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Research area: Dairy Nutrition and Immunology
Major Professor: Dr. Corwin Nelson

Ahmad Fraz

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

Kaitlin Gingerich 

Camila Gomez Lopez
M.S.: Student
B.S.: Animal science, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín (City), Colombia
Research area: Beef Cattle Nutrition
Major professor: Nicolás DiLorenzo

 

Macarena Gomez Salmoral

 

Charese Hammond
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.: University of Florida, Animal Science
B.S.: University of Georgia
Research area: Animal Nutrition
Major Professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola

Charese Hammond Headshot

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

Daniella Heredia

Jose Luis Infante Cangrejo

 

Kelsey M. Irvine
B.S.: Jacksonville University
M.S.: University of Florida
Research Area: Equine Science/Youth Development
Major Professor: Dr. Carissa Wickens

Kelsey Irvine

Omar Javed
Ph.D.: Student
Research area. Dairy Nutrition 
Major Professor.  Dr. Diwakar Vyas. 

Omar Javed Headshot

Mikayla L. Johnson
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.: University of Florida
B.S.: Tuskegee University
Research area: Ruminant Nutrition
Major Professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola

Mikayla Johnson 

Nicholas (Nick) Kertz
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
Research area: The effects of prepartum heat stress on postpartum immune resilience in the uterine endometrium of dairy cows
Major Professor: Dr. John Bromfield

Nicholas (Nick) Kertz Headshot

Laurent Lagos Mendoza
M.S.: Student
B.S.: Zamorano University
Research area: Meat Science/ Food Safety
Major Professor: Dr. Jason Scheffler

Yufen Li
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
M.S.: Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China – Hydrobiology
B.S.: Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China – Aquaculture
Research area: Stem Cell and Developmental Biology
Major Professor: Dr. Feng Yue

Yufen Li

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

Emily Lidner

Maria Camila Lopez Duarte
Ph.D.: Student
DVM: Universidad de La Salle, Colombia
Research area: Beef Cattle Reproduction
Major Professor: Dr. Angela Gonella

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

Gabriela Alejandra Macay Hernandez 

Araceli Maderal
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.: University of Florida
B.S.: Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
Research area: Ruminant Nutrition
Major Professor: Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo

Araceli Maderal

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

Adeel Manzoor

Madilyn Martin 
M.S.: Student 
B.S. Texas A&M University - Animal Science 
Research Area: Vitamin D on Lactation Physiology 
Major Professor: Dr. Corwin Nelson  

 

Daniel Onan Martinez Cabrera
Ph.D.: Student
Research area: Heat stress on dairy cattle
Major Professor: Dr. Geoffrey Dahl

Daniel Martinez 

Giovanna Nascimento Scatolin
Ph.D.: Animal Science Student
B.S.: Veterinary Medicine (University of Western Sao Paulo)
Research area: Reproductive Physiology
Major Professor: Dr. Zongliang (Carl) Jiang

Mallory Napolillo

 

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

Mariana Morinho Headshot 
Carlos Angelino Nino de Guzman Cerna
Ph.D.: Student
M.S: Animal Science University of Florida
B.S.: Animal Science at Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina
Research area: Dairy Management and Economics
Major Professor: Dr. Albert De Vries
Carlos Nino De Guzman Cerna Headshot

Suyeun Noh
Ph.D.: ANS Student
M.S.: University of Massachusetts Amherst
B.S.: Duksung Women's University, Korea
Research area: Microbiome and pathogens
Major Professor: Dr. K.C. Jeong

Suyeun Noh Headshot

Hirys Olmo De Godoy
M.S.: Student
B.S.:  Sao Paulo State University (UNESP)
Research area: Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle 
Major Professor: Dr. Geoffrey Dahl

 

Sriniwas Pandey
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
M.S.:  Dankook University, Cheonan, South Korea
B.S.:  St. Xavier’s College, Kathmandu, Nepal
Research area: Microbiome
Major Professor:  Dr. Kwangcheol Casey Jeong

Sriniwas Pandey Headshot

Jade Paxton
M.S.:  ANS Student
B.S.:  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Research area: Reproductive Physiology
Major Professor: Dr. Peter Hansen

Jade Paxton Headshot

Barclay Powell
Ph.D.: Student
B.S.: Animal Science, University of Florida
Research area: Equine Genetics 
Major Professor: ​ Dr. Samantha A. Brooks 

Barclay Powell 

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

Fahad Rafiq Headshot 

Julia Rasia
M.S.:  University of Florida
B.S.:  Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil
Research area:  Health and Performance in Dairy Cows
Major Professor: Dr. José Eduardo P. Santos

Julia Rasia Headshot

Eduardo Rodriguez
Ph.D: Student
M.S.: Animal Science
B.S.: Physics & Biology
Research area: Health value of beef
Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Mateescu

Eduardo Rodriguez

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

Masroor Sagheer 

Savitha Saikumar 
M.S.: Studen
B.S.: BVSc & AH from Tamilnadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, India
Research Area: Ruminant Nutrition
Major Professor: Dr. Diwakar Vyas

Savitha Salkumar Headshot
Gerald Salas Solis
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.: University of Florida, Animal Science
B.S.: Universidad de Costa Rica
Research area: Ruminant Nutrition
Major Professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola
Gerald Salas-Solis Headshot 

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, Indonesia
B.S.: Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia; STIE Malangkucecwara, Indonesia
Research area: Dairy Cattle
Major Professor: Dr. Corwin D. Nelson

Firmansyah Tri Saputra 

Zaeem Sarwar
Ph.D.: Student
MPhil.: University Veterinary and Animal Sciences -Theriogenology
DVM.: University Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Research area: Animal Reproduction
Major Professor: Dr. José Eduardo P. Santos

Benjamin Schrag
M.S.: Student
B.S. Animal Science, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Research Area: Ruminant Nutrition
Major Professor: Dr. Fernanda Batistel

Benjamin Schrag Headshot
Muhammad Sohail Siddique
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
Major Professor: Dr. Brad Daigneault
Tatiane Silva Maia
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
Major Professor: Dr. Pete Hansen
Tatiane Silva Maia Headshot
Ana Carolina Silva Vicente
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.: Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP/ESALQ)
B.S.: Animal Sciences, Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ)
Research area: Ruminant Nutrition
Major professor: Dr. Antonio Faciola
Ana Carolina Silva Vicente

Chao Song
M.S.: AMCB Student
Major Professor: Dr. Carl Jiang

Abigail Sproull
M.S.:  Student 
B.S.:  University of Minnesota
Research area: Animal Reproduction
Major Professor:  Dr. Hansen

Abigail Sproull Headshot

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

Daniel Stanton 

Alexis Strickland-Tilton
M.S.: Student
B.S.: University of Florida Animal Sciences
Major Professor: Dr. Tracy Scheffler

Alexis Strickland-Tilton

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 Immunology
Major Professor: Dr. John Bromfield

Arslan Tariq 

Federico Tarnosky
Ph.D.: Student
Major Professor:  Dr. Nicolas DiLorenzo

 

Luana Teixeira Alvares
M.S.: Student
B.S. Veterinary Medicine (Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, Brazil)
Research area: Statistical Genetics and Genomics
Major Professor: Dr. Fernanda M. Rezende

Maria Torres De Bari
M.S.: Student
B.S.: Veterinary Medicine 
Research Area: Heat Stress in Dairy Cattle 
Major Professor: Dr. Geoffrey Dahl 

 

Allyson Trimble

 

Mauro E. Venturini
Ph.D.: Student
Research area: Cattle Reproduction
Major Professor: Dr. Angela Gonella Diaza

Mauro Venturini 

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

Abduhl Waheed

Jin Wang
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.: Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Florida
B.S.: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
Research area: Precision Livestock Farming, Computer Vision
Major Professor: Dr. Haipeng Yu

Jin Wang Headshot

Gabriel Zayas
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.: University of Florida
Research area: Animal Genetics and Genomics
Major Professor: Dr. Raluca Mateescu

Gabriel Zyas

Yuting Zhai
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
B.S.: Shandong Agricultural University, China
Research area: Antimicrobial resistance
Major Professor: Dr. K. C. Jeong

 

Hang Zhang
Ph.D.: Student
M.S.:  Institute of Animal Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
B.S.:  Henan Agricultural University
Research area: Animal Science
Major Professor: Prof. Zongliang (Carl) Jiang

Hang Zhang Headshot

Yuxi Zhang
M.S.:  ANS Student
B.S.:  University of Wisconsin-Madison
Research area: Quantitative Genetics
Major Professor: Dr. Haipeng Yu

Yuxi Zhang Headshot

Yumei Zhou
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
M.S.: Southwest University, China - Animal Husbandry
B.S.: Southwest University, China - Animal Science
Research area: Adipose Metabolism, Single-Cell Omics
Major Professor: Dr. Feng Yue

Linkai Zhu
Ph.D.: AMCB Student
M.S.: University of Connecticut - Animal Sciences
B.S.: Sichuan University, Chengdu, China - Biotechnology
Research area: Functional genomics in livestock species
Major Professor: Dr. Zongliang (Carl) Jiang

 

Animal Sciences Academic Advisors

Undergraduate Coordinator

Email Phone
Dr. Jason Scheffler
ANS Bldg. 459, Room 100C
jmscheff@ufl.edu 352-392-9155

 

Undergraduate Program Advisors 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 Academic Assistant 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. 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.

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 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.