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Directory Profile for Michael Chao
- Associate Professor: Meat Science
- Office:
- Kleberg 310B
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 979-314-8542
Education
- Undergraduate Education
- B.S., Animal Science - University of California, Davis
- Graduate Education
- M.S., Animal Biology - University of California, Davis
- Ph.D., Meat Science - University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Professional Summary
Dr. Michael Chao is a meat scientist who enjoys exploring how biochemistry can be applied to improve meat quality and safety. He began his academic career in 2015 as an Assistant Professor at California State University, Chico, transitioned to Kansas State University in 2018, and is currently an Associate Professor of Meat Science in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University.
Initially aspiring to become a veterinarian, Dr. Chao enrolled at the University of California, Davis, as an animal science major. An introductory animal science course during his freshman year opened his eyes to the many opportunities available in livestock production. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in 2007 and his master’s degree in 2011 from UC Davis. He then earned his Ph.D. in animal science, specializing in meat science and muscle biology, from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2015.
Dr. Chao’s current research spans the meat science value chain, including sustainable byproduct utilization, product quality, consumer health, and technological innovation in meat processing. He is also passionate about the science and policies underlying international red meat trade. He has worked with the U.S. Meat Export Federation both as an intern at the organization’s Denver headquarters and Taiwan office and now as a contractor leading international audit teams through beef, pork, and lamb processing facilities in the United States. At Texas A&M, he co-teaches ANSC 113, Farm Animal Biosystems, and will lead a study abroad program focused on red meat trade and utilization in Taiwan beginning the summer of 2027.
An avid Star Wars fan, Dr. Chao and his wife, Ying, have two sons, Luke and Hans, and a poodle named Princess Leia. He is also an enthusiastic fisherman and looks forward to exploring the many near-shore and off-shore fishing opportunities available in Texas.