Tell us about yourself
I am part of the animal science department here at UNL and work in ruminant nutrition, primarily with beef cattle. My research is focused on determining the feeding value of feeds and working to better understand the nutrient requirements of cattle and how to best meet those requirements. I teach an undergraduate class as part of the Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars program and a graduate course on research methods used to evaluate forages. I am also part of an effort within CASNR to offer more distance delivery classes and have been coordinating an online beef cattle production specialization for students working on a master's of applied science degree. I am originally from Nebraska and grew up on a fairly typical family farm with cows and row crops (my parents got rid of the pigs right before I was born).
What is your position at the University of Nebraska?
Research assistant professor
What drew you to the University of Nebraska?
I believe that there truly is no place like Nebraska, especially if you are working with beef cattle. With the resources available in the state, innovative and hardworking producers, water, feed, infrastructure, a university that understands the value and importance of agriculture to the state, and more cows than people, it is a great place to live and work.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
Going through the StrengthsQuest assessment program I found out that I am a learner, which means I am excited to learn new information and pass that information on to others, thus I have the ideal job. Whether it be research or teaching, I am always learning new things and using that information to help others make more informed decisions.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being a mom is both the greatest and hardest thing I have ever done.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I have some Bohemian/Czech ancestry and like to make kolaches and polka!
What is your life like outside of work?
I had a baby in 2017 so my life outside of work has changed dramatically this year—now I spend a considerable amount of time crawling around on my hands and knees, playing peekaboo, changing diapers, and consulting the baby sleep site about how to try and get more sleep!