Man with glasses pipettes next to a microscope.

The Department of Animal Science is home to a dynamic and growing research program that advances knowledge across a range of disciplines in animal biology, production, and health. Our faculty are committed to exploring innovative research questions that address challenges and opportunities shaping the future of animal science.

Explore the profiles below to learn more about our faculty members, their areas of expertise, and the research they are leading.

Smiling person against a purple background.

Samantha Barker, Ph.D.

Meat Quality

Smiling person with glasses and long hair against a purple background.

Zully Contreras-Correa, Ph.D.

Ruminant Physiology

Headshot of a woman in a black polo in a field smiling.

Trinette Jones, Ph.D.

Equine Nutrition & Feed Management

A woman in a brown blazer with brown hair smiles in front of a grey backdrop.

Jessica Leatherwood, Ph.D.

Equine Nutrition & Physiology

Man in a beige vest with a purple background.

Rafael Martinez, Ph.D.

Equine Reproduction & Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Headshot of a woman in a black button-down shirt smiling in a field.

Ellen Rankins, Ph.D.

Equine Assisted Services & Welfare

A person in a blue striped shirt smiles at the camera.

Edward Webb, Ph.D.

Animal Science & Physiology

Headshot of a blonde woman smiling in front of a grey background.

Kimberly Wellmann, Ph.D.

Ruminant Nutrition & Muscle Biology