LAB MEMBERS
Current Lab Members
Laura Hernandez
Principal Investigator
Professor, Lactation Physiology, Department of Animal and Dairy Science
Affiliate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ph.D. Nutritional Science (Minor: Animal Science), University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ
M.S. Animal Science (Minor: Toxicology), New Mexico State University, NM
llhernandez@wisc.edu
(608) 263-9867
Patents:
U.S. Patent 9,585,870. Issued March 7, 2017. Compositions and Methods for Improving Lactation
U.S. Patent 8,133,916. Issued March 13, 2012. Control of Milk Production and Mammary Gland Involution
Faye Nashold
Lab Manager
Department of Animal and Dairy Science
M.S. Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
Alysia Vang
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Ph.D. Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
B.S. Genetics and Genomics (Certificates: Global Health, Education and Education Services), University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
My research focuses on the development of ultrasound as a predictor of lactation potential in dairy cattle and the translation of that research to human medicine to support lactating individuals.
Tanya France
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Ph.D. Animal Science (Minor: Animal Nutrition and Molecular Nutrition), Cornell University
M.S. Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, KY
B.S. Animal Science, Iowa State University, IA
My research interests focus on nutritional interventions and tissue-specific metabolism/biochemistry of various nutrients to improve metabolite health and liver function in periparturient dairy cows. Having joined Laura’s lab in January 2025, I am currently interested in better understanding whole body metabolism of 5-HTP and how this may impact calcium homeostasis in dairy cows.
McKenna Crossen
Graduate Research Assistant
Pursuing PhD in Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology (Minor: Development, Stem Cell, and Regenerative Biology)
M.S. Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology
B.S. Biology, Clarke University, IA
My research focuses on understanding the mechanisms and effects of long-term SSRI use and maternal age on maternal, placental, and fetal health, using both human and mouse models.
Natalia Teixeira
Graduate Research Assistant
Pursuing Ph.D. in Animal and Dairy Sciences
B.S. Veterinary Medicine (DVM Equivalent), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
My research focuses on understanding the effects of 5-HTP on cow maternal behavior, immune function, and pain sensitivity in a cow-calf system.
Alexander Koops
Graduate Research Assistant
Pursuing Ph.D. in Dairy Sciences
M.S. Dairy Science, Kiel University, Germany
B.S. Agricultural Science (First Class Honors), Lincoln University, New Zealand
My research explores the impact of replacing soybean meal with canola meal, in combination with forage source, on the early lactation performance of dairy cows.
Muller Sa Forte
Graduate Research Assistant
Pursuing Ph.D. in Animal and Dairy Sciences
M.S. Animal Science, Lincoln University, New Zealand
B.S. Animal Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
My research focuses on evaluating the impact of rumen-protected methionine on postpartum health and performance in dairy cows under varying stress levels.
Isaiah Roberts
Lab Technician
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Previous Lab Members
- Haylee Webster, Ph.D.: University of WIsconsin Veterinary School
- Waneska Frizzarini, DVM, Ph.D.: Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Thiago Cunha, DVM, Ph.D.: Territory Business Manager, Parnell Veterinary Pharmaceuticals, WI
- Pedro Monteiro, DVM, Ph.D.: Assistant Professor, University of Florida – Gainesville
- Katelyn Desorcy-Scherer, Ph.D., RN: Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Hannah Fricke, Ph.D.: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Harvard University
- Meghan Connelly, Ph.D.: Dairy Research and Technical Services, Protekta
- Rafael Reis Domingues, DVM, Ph.D.: Assistant Professor, Ohio State University
- Summer Henschel, DVM: Veterinarian, Berlin Veterinary Clinic
- Celeste Sheftel, Ph.D.: Research Compliance Specialist, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
- Kathryn Merriman, M.S.: Dairy Technical Specialist, Proagtive Technologies
- Brian Schnell, DVM: Veterinarian, Royal Vista Southwest Equine Embryo Transfer
- Callyssa Cronick, DVM: Veterinarian, Rockford Road Animal Hospital
- Paola Perez: Worked in the laboratory as an IBS-SRP student in the Summer of 2014
- Spencer Moore, M.S.: Ph.D. student with Dr. Ken Kalscheur (USDFRC); Graduated August 2014
- Jimena Laporta, Ph.D.: Associate Professor, Mammary Physiology University of Wisconsin
- Austin Prichard, DVM: Veterinarian, Colfax Animal Hospital
- Elizabeth Endres, DVM: Veterinarian, Lodi Veterinary Care
- Justin Bohrer, MD: Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Madison WI
- Allan Prichard, Ph.D.: Scientist, AstraZeneca
- Anna Kleinhans: Andrology Lab Technician, Chicago, IL
- Noah Maerz, MD: Family Medicine Specialist, Belleville, WI
- Cari Slater, M.S.: Business Development Manager, MarSyt
- Laura A. Amundson, Ph.D.: Basic Metabolism Researcher, Zinpro Corporation
- Samantha Weaver, Ph.D.: Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Stephanie Metzger, Ph.D.: IRB Office, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Jordan Kuehnl, Ph.D.: Dairy Consultant, Renaissance Nutrition
- Adrienne Cheng, Ph.D.: Technical Program Manager, Manufacturing USA