Faculty and graduate students recognized by the American Society of Animal Science

July 14, 2021

Animal Growth and Development Award

Dr. Reinaldo F. Cooke, Texas A&M University

Dr. Reinaldo Cooke is an Associate Professor with Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science. Dr. Cooke developed an internationally recognized academic program with a specific emphasis on growing Bos taurus and B. indicus cattle. Through excellence in research and educational ventures, his accomplishments are leading to the discovery, dissemination, and application of knowledge in cattle growth and development in the US and across the world. To date, Dr. Cooke published > 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, secured > $6 million in funding, and mentored 26 graduate students, 3 postdoctoral students, and 40 research interns. Dr. Cooke has served as Section Editor for the Journal of Animal Science since 2014. He is also Past-President for the ASAS Western Section and received the ASAS Animal Management Award in 2020, ASAS Early Career Achievement Award in 2018, ASAS Western Section – Extension Award in 2017, and ASAS Western Section – Young Scientist Award in 2016.

ASAS Fellow: Research Category

Dr. G. Cliff Lamb, Texas A&M University

Dr. G. Cliff Lamb received his BS in Animal Science from Middle Tennessee State University in 1992. He completed the requirements for the MS and PhD degrees in 1996 and 1998, respectively. He is currently Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. His primary research efforts have focused on applied reproductive physiology in cattle emphasizing synchronization of estrus in replacement heifers and postpartum cows. In 2013, Dr. Lamb and six colleagues received the USDA-NIFA Partnership Award for Multistate Efforts for their Extension efforts in reproductive management and received the University of Florida Research Foundation Fellowship Award in 2014, the ASAS Animal Management Award in 2015, and the ASAS Physiology and Endocrinology Award in 2017. His programs have received more than $13.03 million in grant funds or gifts. He has published 125 refereed journal articles and collectively more than 750 abstracts, extension and research reports.

Early Career Achievement Award

Dr. Ky G. Pohler, Texas A&M University

Dr. Ky Pohler is an Assistant Professor in Texas A&M University’s Department of Animal Science. He received a BS degree from Texas A&M University, and MSc and PhD degrees from the University of Missouri. Prior to joining Texas A&M’s faculty, Dr. Pohler was on faculty at the University of Tennessee’s Department of Animal Science. Dr. Pohler’s research focuses on physiological and molecular mechanisms that control reproductive efficiency in cattle. His research findings have resulted in invitations to speak at numerous local, national and international events. He has authored/coauthored 84 refereed journal articles, four book chapters, 37 conference proceedings, 15 popular press articles and 103 conference abstracts. To date he has mentored two PhD Students, nine M.S. students, nine international students/interns, and three visiting scholars. From federal (USDA-AFRI and USDA-NHI Dual Purpose), state, and industry sources Dr. Pohler has also secured more than $6.8 million in grant/gift support.

Outstanding Young Animal Scientist – Research

Dr. Rodolfo Cardoso, Texas A&M University

Dr. Rodolfo Cardoso is an Assistant Professor in Animal Science at Texas A&M University. He is nationally and internationally recognized for his research in reproductive neuroendocrinology. He received his D.V.M. and M.S. degrees at Sao Paulo State University (Brazil) and completed his Ph.D. at TAMU in 2014. Dr. Cardoso completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Michigan Medical Center before joining the TAMU faculty in 2016. Using beef heifers and sheep as animal models, his laboratory integrates whole animal physiology with cellular and molecular biology to study the impact of the prenatal and early postnatal environments on reproduction in the female offspring. To date, Dr. Cardoso has authored 38 journal articles, 3 book chapters, delivered >20 invited presentations in local, national, and international events, and secured >$4.5M in extramural funding. Dr. Cardoso is currently co-Editor-in-Chief of Domestic Animal Endocrinology.

Agri-King Outstanding Animal Science Graduate Student Award

Dr. Kelsey M. Harvey, Texas A&M University

Dr. Kelsey M. Harvey (Schubach) received a BS (2014) and MS (2016) in Animal Science from Oregon State University. In 2017, Dr. Harvey started her PhD program at Texas A&M University under Dr. Reinaldo Cooke’s supervision, where she investigated the impacts of nutritional management during gestation and early-life on permanent alterations in physiological and productive responses in beef cattle. Dr. Harvey completed her PhD program in December 2020, and started as an Assistant Professor with Mississippi State University in January 2021. Dr. Harvey has published 31 journal articles, 12 peer-reviewed proceedings, and 20 research abstracts. Dr. Harvey also played a significant role in securing extramural funding (> $500k) and contributed to several teaching and outreach efforts related to beef cattle production. Dr. Harvey received the ASAS Wettemann Graduate Scholar in Physiology Award in 2020, the WSASAS Young Scholar Award (MSc category) in 2017, and she placed first in the 2018 SSASAS Graduate Competition (PhD category).

Wettemann Graduate Scholar in Physiology Award

Alice P. Brandao, Texas A&M University

Alice Poggi Brandão received a BS in Veterinary Medicine from São Paulo State University in 2013. Brandão received her MS. degree in Animal Science in 2016, in a collaborative effort between São Paulo State University and Oregon State University, under Dr. Reinaldo Cooke’s supervision. In 2017, Brandão started her PhD program at Texas A&M University, still under Dr. Reinaldo Cooke, where she investigates the use of ω-6 fatty acids supplements to improve physiological and productive responses in beef cattle. During her graduate career, Brandão has published 35 journal articles, 7 peer-reviewed research proceedings, and 31 research abstracts. Brandão also plays a significant role in outreach and teaching efforts, serving as Program Assistant for the Texas A&M International Beef Cattle Academy.