I am working on a PhD in Dairy Sciences, studying amino acids for dairy cow diets to learn more about nutrition, physiology, and metabolism, including how amino acids can stimulate mTOR in dairy cows to increase milk production.

I have always loved cows! I have my B.S. in Animal Sciences from UW-Madison, where I got my start in Dairy Nutrition Research by working as an undergraduate lab assistant  on projects related to measurements of fiber digestibility (TTNDFD). I did my Master’s at the University of Minnesota working on projects related to forage quality and grazing systems for organic dairy cows. I then worked as a Research Associate in Product Development at Zinpro Corp. where I was able to work on projects related to mineral and vitamin nutrition, rumen fermentation, gut health and colostrum for young animals, and transition cow health. I decided to come back to UW Madison for my PhD because I wanted to learn more about the mechanisms and requirements of certain nutrients like amino acids.

Some hobbies I have when not working with the cows or doing research include hiking with my dog, playing trumpet in community band, sailing on Lake Mendota, and playing in a summer softball league.