Samantha N. Barker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Meat Science
Email: sbarker@tarleton.edu
Phone: (254)-968-0734
Office: Autry 309D
Research Interests
- Meat Quality
Education
Undergraduate Education
B.S. in Agricultural Education, Colorado State University, 2019
Graduate Education
M.S. in Animal Science, Texas Tech University, 2021
Ph.D. in Animal Science, Texas Tech University, 2024
Professional Biography
Dr. Barker’s research background primarily focuses on meat quality during all stages of processing- ante and post-mortem. With a thesis centered on flavor chemistry, I dabble in volatile compound analyses and trained descriptive panel evaluations. My dissertation work focused on ante-mortem stress, specifically related to the immune system and transportation, and its contribution to increased oxidative stress in the body. While current data is limited, my own research and others have begun to suggest that oxidative stress in vivo can cause a decline in meat quality and color stability in the retail case. Current research within the meat science group at Tarleton State is beginning to evaluate the effect of liver abscesses in cattle on oxidative stress and whether or not color stability is reduced during display as a result.