Department of Animal Science

In 2016, the faculty of the Department of Animal Science authored or co-authored over 90 peer-reviewed articles and gave over 250 presentations and talks, 24% of which were international. In addition, over 9,000 student credit hours were taught by the faculty in 2016, including over 1,000 in courses outside the department.

By the end of 2016, the faculty was composed of 39 tenure-track faculty members, 5 fixed-term faculty members, 7 academic specialists, and 1 instructor. Staff members included 16 full-time and 15 temp/on call farm staff, 5 full time and 5 temp/on call Pavilion staff, and 29 full time and 10 temp/on call other staff housed in Anthony Hall. Post-doctoral trainees numbered 19, while student workers numbered around 150, providing help on the farms, labs, Pavilion, and offices.

Recognition

Recognition is a natural outcome of success in teaching and research endeavors.

Dr. Brian Nielsen received the American Feed Industry Association Equine Nutrition Research Award. He was honored at the annual symposium of the Equine Science Society in May. The purpose of the AFIA Equine Nutrition Award is to stimulate research excellence in equine nutrition.

Dr. Rob Tempelman was selected to receive the American Dairy Science Association J.L. Lush Award in Animal Breeding, and he was presented with the award at the ADSA annual meeting held in Pittsburgh in June. The award was created to recognize outstanding research in animal breeding. Read the press release on the ADSA site.

Dr. Lorraine Sordillo (split appointment between Animal Science and Large Animal Clinical Sciences) received the Zoetis Physiology Award at the ADSA annual meeting. This award was created to recognize outstanding research in dairy cattle physiology. Read the press release on the ADSA site.

Dr. Janice Siegford received the Howard and Lili Ann Camden Endowed Teacher/Scholar Award at the 2017 spring CANR awards picnic. This award recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies the high-quality teaching standard in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Criteria for awards candidates: " demonstrated teaching record that has helped students gain skills conducive to problem-solving and the use of common sense,...developed innovative teaching methods and/or materials and has successfully applied these at MSU,... taught a significant number of undergraduate and/or graduate courses,...demonstrates mentoring inside and outside the classroom,... respected by CANR constituent groups through professional involvements and/or recognitions,...demonstrated instructional excellence, scholarly achievement, and professional linkages".

Dr. Joe Domecq was chosen as the CANR Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year and was recognized at the spring CANR picnic. The Academic Advisor Award recognizes the undergraduate academic advisor who regularly goes above and beyond for students in his or her department. Recipients are nominated by and voted on by students.

Dr. Gretchen Hill received the gavel at the ASAS Midwest Meeting in March, symbolizing her new role as ASAS Midwest Section President for 2017.

Dr. Gretchen Hill received the 2016 ASAS Fellow Award: Teaching Category. “The ASAS Fellow Award: Teaching Category recognizes individuals who have rendered very distinguished service to the animal industry and/or to the ASAS, maintained continuous membership in the Society for a minimum of twenty-five (25) years, and who are in good standing in the Society.” Her award summary can be found in an ASAS “Taking Stock” article.

Dr. Wendy J. Powers received the 2016 American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Extension Award. “The ASAS Extension Award stimulates outstanding achievements in animal science extension. The ASAS Extension Award is sponsored by Zoetis.” Her award summary can be found in an ASAS “Taking Stock” article.

Jessica Kiesling, Advisor/Academic Specialist, received the MSU Outstanding Faculty Award by the MSU Senior Class Councils for her work with undergraduate students. “The award is presented to faculty or staff members who have exemplified achievement both personally and professionally through determination, enthusiasm and love for Michigan State University.” Read more in the website article.

Debbie Roman, Office Assistant IV, recently received the CANR Staff Advisory Committee Support Staffer of the Month for May. This recognition is “awarded to a member of the CANR support staff who has done something special or noteworthy within their unit or college.”

Department Additions

In addition to awards, many faculty changes and promotions took place in 2016. In August, Dr. Ming Yang joined the department as an assistant professor and will be part of the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program. Dr. Nathalie Trottier, whose focus is monogastric animal nutrition, was promoted to full professor, and Dr. Chen Chen, with a research emphasis on germ cell biology, was reappointed assistant professor. Dr. Wendy Powers is currently on leave as V.P. California Extension and Experiment Station University of California. Dr. Darrin Karcher and Dr. Liz Karcher took other positions as assistant professors at Purdue, while Dr. Richard Balander and Dr. Camie Heleski both retired. Dr. Karen Waite is now Coordinator of the Undergraduate Program and Assistant Chairperson. Mr. Rob West, formerly manager of the Dairy Teaching and Research Center, is now the South Campus Teaching and Research Centers general manager. Ms. Andrea Meade accepted the position of manager of the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.

In 2017, Dr. Yuan Wang joined the department in March as an assistant professor and a faculty member in the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program. Dr. Wen Huang, Dr. Tasia Taxis, Dr. Aritro Sen, Roger Dr. Thomson, and Dr. Cedric Gondro are scheduled to join the faculty in July and August.