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

fnashold@wisc.edu

Natalia Teixeira

Graduate Research Assistant
Pursuing Ph.D. in Animal and Dairy Sciences

B.S. Veterinary Medicine (DVM Equivalent), Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC Minas)

nunesteixeir@wisc.edu

My research focuses on understanding the effects of 5-HTP on cow maternal behavior, immune function, and pain sensitivity in a cow-calf system.

Wenyan Bai

Graduate Research Assistant

Pursuing Ph.D. in Endocrinology-Reproduction and Physiology

B.S. Applied Biology (Biotechnology Concentration), Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong

wbai29@wisc.edu

My research focuses on understanding how alterations in maternal and placental serotonin signaling affect placental development and fetal outcomes.

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

koops2@wisc.edu

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

carlettemart@wisc.edu

My research focuses on evaluating the impact of rumen-protected methionine on postpartum health and performance in dairy cows under varying stress levels.

Julia Jimenez

Graduate Research Assistant
Pursuing Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology

B.S. Biology, Elmhurst University, IL

jtjimenez2@wisc.edu

My research focuses on longitudinal mammary gland development and disease (such as mastitis) in dairy cows by combining ultrasound and histology techniques.

Leora Lewandowski

Undergraduate Student

Pursuing a B.S. in Biology and Animal & Veterinary Sciences

lrlewandowsk@wisc.edu

Previous Lab Members

  • Alysia Vang, Ph.D.: Medical Student, University of Wisconsin – Madison
  • McKenna Crossen, Ph.D.: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Wisconsin – Madison
  • Isaiah Roberts: Medical Student, Howard University
  • Tanya France, PhD.: Research Scientist, Cargill
  • 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