Dr. Brad Daigneault
Assistant Professor - Reproductive Biology
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 includes genomic, epigenomic and translational approaches to improve reproductive efficiency for agriculture and biomedical applications.
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Research
Dr. Daigneault’s research program is focused on improving reproductive efficiency in livestock and humans by identifying embryo origins of pregnancy failure. His laboratory conducts basic and translational research to address infertility using large animal models for agriculture and biomedical research. Specific interests are paternal contributions and gene-environment interactions that alter embryo development. Our laboratory incorporates bioassays, cellular, genomic, and molecular techniques to answer important questions related to both male and female infertility. Some approaches include genome editing, assisted reproductive technologies, micromanipulation, and semen evaluation techniques. We investigate genomic, epigenomic, and environmental regulation of preimplantation embryo development in cattle, pigs, and horses with an emphasis on post-ejaculatory sperm exposure to environmental toxicants that result in subtle phenotypes but alter sperm function, fertilization, and embryo development. Research conducted with gametes and embryos also serves to model human embryo development by permitting techniques compatible for gene function studies.
In addition to our primary research focus, we also use large animal models to study human diseases that intersect with infertility. Ourgoal is to identify therapeutic approaches to relieve infertility in human patients. We also conduct equine reproductive research for industry applications and as models of human infertility.
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Teaching
ANS 3319 – Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology in Domestic Animals
ANS4320C - Applied Ruminant Reproductive Management
ANS4932 - Special Topics in Animal Sciences: Advanced Food Animal Repro
ANS6312C - Applied Ruminant Reproductive Management
ANS6932 - Special Topics in Animal Science: Animal Ruminant Reproductive Management
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Education
Education:
- 2010-2015; Ph.D. Animal Science, University of Illinois
- 2008-2010; M.S. Biomedical Sciences, Equine Reproduction, Colorado State University
- 2003 – 2006; B.S. Animal Science, Texas A&M University
Academic Positions Since Final Degree:
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2020 – Current: Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida
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2018 – 2020: Postdoctoral Fellow – NIH T32 Trainee, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University
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2015 – 2018: USDA Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University
- Publications
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Professional Service and Awards
Awards, Honors and Recognitions
- USDA Merit Award
- ASAS/SSR Blue Ribbon Poster
- College of ACES Graduate Student Teaching Award
- Young Scholar Award - American Society of Animal Sciences
- Excellence in Teaching- Campus-Wide (UofI) (Outstanding- Top 10%); 2014 & 2015
- Graduate Student Fellowship Award – Univ. of Illinois Dept of ANSC
- College of ACES Travel Award
- New Biology Training Program Travel Grant
- IETS Travel Award to 17th International Congress on Animal Reproduction
- Graduate Student Recognition Award - University of Illinois College of ACES
- Gamma Delta Sigma Agriculture Organization Inductee at University of Illinois
Professional Memberships
- International Embryo Technology Society (IETS)
- President - IETS Morulas Trainee Organization 2014 - 2016
- Governor - IETS Morulas Trainee Organization 2012 - 2014
- Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR)
- Guest Editor: Frontiers in Genetics “Genome editing in animal research”
Contact
PO Box 110910
Gainesville, FL 32611
352-273-2021
2250 Shealy Dr.
Bldg 459, Room 210D
Gainesville, FL 32611