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Directory Profile for Erica Macon
- Assistant Professor, Equine Science
- Office:
- Kleberg 249C
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 979-314-8052
Education
- Undergraduate Education
- B.S. Animal Sciences – Animal Biology, University of Florida
- Graduate Education
- M.S. Horse Science – Equine Physiology, Middle Tennessee State University
- Ph.D. Veterinary Science – Nutritional Endocrinology, University of Kentucky
- Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Internal Medicine – Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism – University of Kentucky
Professional Summary
Dr. Erica L. Macon is an Assistant Professor of Equine Science in the Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science. Dr. Macon earned her B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Florida, M.S. in Equine Science from Middle Tennessee State University, and Ph.D. in Veterinary Science from the University of Kentucky. Before joining Texas A&M in 2023, she completed postdoctoral training in the University of Kentucky’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Her research program focuses on the interactions among nutrition, endocrine function, and metabolic health in horses, with particular emphasis on insulin dysregulation, equine metabolic syndrome, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and hyperinsulinemic-associated laminitis. Through the Macon Metabolic Nutrition & Research Laboratory, she conducts translational research aimed at improving diagnostic testing, identifying safe nutritional strategies, and developing practical interventions for horses with metabolic disease.
Dr. Macon’s research has helped establish clinically relevant thresholds for dietary nonstructural carbohydrates in insulin-dysregulated horses and refine the use and interpretation of the oral sugar test. Her work also investigates postprandial insulin responses, tissue insulin sensitivity, glucose counterregulation, dopaminergic signaling, feeding behavior, and the effects of exercise and dietary management on equine metabolic health. Drawing on her postdoctoral training in human diabetes and hypoglycemia, she integrates comparative and translational approaches to advance understanding of metabolic disease across species.
In addition to her research, Dr. Macon teaches undergraduate Equine Health and Disease and graduate Equine Nutrition. She is committed to experiential education and mentors undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary students through hands-on research involving equine husbandry, metabolic testing, laboratory analysis, and scientific communication. She also works closely with veterinarians, horse owners, industry professionals, and Extension audiences to translate research findings into evidence-based strategies that improve equine health, welfare, and management.