Our People
John Hall
Professor & Extension Specialist — Beef; Cattle Management Lead, Rinker Rock Creek Ranch
View ProfileMatt Powell
Interim Associate Dean of Research & Director of Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station
View ProfileMireille Chahine
Acting Head and Professor
208-736-3609
Twin Falls Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho
315 Falls Avenue, Evergreen Bldg.
Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Amin Ahmadzadeh
Professor
Ag Science, Room 219
208-885-7409
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Ph.D., Virginia Tech
M.S., Virginia Tech
B.S., Delaware Valley
Phil Bass
Associate Professor — Meat Science
Ag Science, Room 221
208-885-0990
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Phil applies industry experience to teach, advise students and others involved in the Pacific Northwest meat production and processing community; conducts applied research in meat quality with emphasis in beef.
Ph.D., Colorado State University, 2009
M.S., California Polytechnic State University — San Luis Obispo, 2006
B.S., California Polytechnic State University — San Luis Obispo, 2004
Courses
- AVS 109: The Science of Animals that Serve Humanity
- AVS 363: Animal Products for Human Consumption
- AVS 499: Advanced Butchery
Jacob W. Bledsoe
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist — Aquaculture Research
Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station
208-837-9096 x1105
Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station
3059F National Fish Hatchery Rd.
Hagerman, ID 83332
Jake works to improve economic and environmental sustainability of aquaculture production through applied research (fish microbiome, nutritional physiology, disease, genetics and water quality). Extension priorities included workforce development and marketing.
Ph.D., University of Idaho, 2019
M.S., Southern Illinois University, 2015
B.S., Purdue University, 2012
A.S., Purdue University, 2012
Carolyn Hovde Bohach
Distinguished Professor
Mines Building, Room 317
208-596-1747
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Carolyn's focus is infectious disease with emphasis on the foodborne pathogen E. coli O157:H7. Primary interests are in the relationship of this human pathogen with healthy cattle.
Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1985
MT (ASCP), Swedish Hospital Medical Center, 1976
B.S., University of Illinois, 1975
Courses
- FS 517: Scientific Writing
- FS 518: Oral Seminar
Gwinyai Chibisa
Associate Professor — Ruminant Nutrition & Metabolism
Ag Science, Room 212
208-885-7074
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Ph.D., University of Saskatchewan, 2013
M.Sc., University of Saskatchewan, 2008
B.Sc., University of Zimbabwe, 2005
Courses
- AVS 305: Animal Nutrition
- AVS 306: Feeds and Ration Formulation
- AVS 474: Beef Cattle Science
- AVS 517: Macronutrient Metabolism
Lauren Christensen
Assistant Professor — Mixed Practice Production Medicine
Ag Biotech, Room 119
208-885-9703
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Lauren teaches undergraduate courses at U of I and WSU vet student rotations, giving students hands-on learning experiences to develop, integrate, and apply critical thinking and technical skills.
M.S., University of Idaho, 2022
DVM, Kansas State University, 2017
B.S., California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, 2013
Courses
- AVS 267: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
- AVS 268: Companion Animal Diseases
- AVS 317: Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Detection
- Mixed large animal and production medicine clinical instructor, WSU senior veterinary students
Michael Colle
Associate Professor — Meat Science
Food Research Center, Suite 103
208-885-6007
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Ph.D., University of Idaho, 2017
M.S., University of Idaho, 2014
B.S., University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 2011
Courses
- AVS 110: Science of Animal Husbandry
- AVS 110 Laboratory: Science of Animal Husbandry
- CORS 232: Science on Your Plate
- AVS 263: Live Animal and Carcass Evaluation
- AVS 274: Beef Feedlot Systems
- FS 489: Food Product Development
- AVS 463/563: Growth and Lactation
Joseph Dalton
Professor & Extension Specialist — Dairy
Caldwell Complex
208-454-7633
Caldwell Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho
1904 E Chicago St, Suite A, B
Caldwell, ID 83605
Dalton’s research is focused on increasing the efficiency of artificial insemination in dairy cattle, including sperm dosage, heat detection accuracy, synchronization programs, AI technician proficiency and identification of fertility markers.
Ph.D., Virginia Tech
M.S., Utah State
B.S., Cal Poly
Stacey Doumit
Senior Instructor
Ag Science, Room 209
208-885-7143
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
M.Sc., Michigan State University, 1994
B.Sc., Michigan State University, 1989
Courses
- AVFS 101: Intro to Animal, Vet and Food Sciences
- AVS 466: Equine Science and Management
- AVS 450: Issues in Animal Agriculture
- AGLS 494: CALS Peer Leaders
Melinda Ellison
Associate Professor & Extension Specialist — Range Livestock & Sheep
208-756-2749
Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension & Education Center
University of Idaho
16 Hot Springs Ranch Road
Carmen, ID 83462
Ellison's research focuses primarily on the effects of grazing livestock on wildlife and range.
Ph.D., University of Wyoming, 2016
M.S., University of Wyoming, 2013
B.S., University of Wyoming, 2011
Daniel Fitzsimons
Assistant Professor
Ag Biotech, Room 307
208-885-5054
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
My research focuses on identifying the molecular processes that underlie the regulation of cardiac contraction and relaxation in the context of normal and diseased states, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
Ph.D., University of California, Irvine, 1989
B.S., University of California, Irvine, 1983
Courses
- AVFS 371/373: Anatomy and Physiology
Benton Glaze
Professor & Extension Specialist — Beef
208-736-3638
Twin Falls Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho
315 Falls Avenue, Evergreen Bldg.
Twin Falls ID 83301
Benton focuses on breeding and genetics, beef quality assurance, general management and reproduction. He serves as a resource for beef producers, allied industries, veterinarians, Extension educators and the general public.
Ph.D., Kansas State University
M.S., University of Missouri-Columbia
B.S., Tarleton State University
Courses
- AVS 330: Genetics of Livestock Improvement
- AVS 474: Beef Cattle Science
John Hall
Professor & Extension Specialist — Beef; Cattle Management Lead, Rinker Rock Creek Ranch
208-756-2749
Nancy M. Cummings Research Extension & Education Center
University of Idaho
16 Hot Springs Road
Carmen, ID 83462
The center is the University of Idaho’s primary cow/calf and forage research center. John’s program conducts applied research to enhance food production and sustainability of beef production operations.
Janna Hamlett
Clinical Associate Professor & Extension Specialist — Food Processing
Suite B44
208-731-9363
Twin Falls Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho
315 Falls Avenue, Evergreen Bldg.
Twin Falls ID 83301
Janna works and assists the local food processing industry through TechHelp, UI Extension and the Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences Department.
Ed.D., Idaho State University, 2021
M.S., Washington State University, 2016
B.S., University of Idaho, 2003
Denise Konetchy
Associate Professor — Small Ruminant Medicine
Ag Science, Room 216
208-885-7390
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Owner and clinical practitioner of a rural mixed animal veterinary practice. The practice emphasized strategies, of preventative medicine, herd health and client education. In addition I was a temporary instructor at the University of Idaho.
MPH, University of Iowa, 2017
DVM, Washington State University, 1986
B.S., Washington State University, 1984
B.S., Washington State University, 1983
Courses
- AVS 452: Physiology of Reproduction
- AVS 471: Animal Disease Management
- AVS 476: Sheep Science
- Small ruminant medicine clinical instructor — WSU senior veterinary students
Mark McGuire
Associate Director-COBRE & University Distinguished Professor
Ag Science, Room 123
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Scott Minnich
Professor
Ag Biotech, Room 209
208-310-2477
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Scott's focus is on bacterial pathogenesis of Yersinia enterocolitica and Y. pestis, etiologic agents of yersiniosis and bubonic plague respectively; and ability to suppress the innate immune response of mammalian hosts.
Gilbert Miito
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist — Air Quality
CSI Campus, Evergreen Building
208-736-3600
Twin Falls Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho
315 Falls Avenue, Evergreen Bldg.
Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Gilbert’s focus is on agricultural emissions, including enteric sources, across manure storage, treatment, transportation and application in livestock systems. He explores sustainable practices to mitigate animal agriculture's environmental impact.
Ph.D., Washington State University, 2021
M.Sc., Makerere University, 2017
B.Sc., Makerere University, 2015
Languages other than English spoken
- Ganda
Brenda Murdoch
Professor
Ag Biotech, Room 311
208-885-2088
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Murdoch’s research focuses on characterizing the relationship between genetic variation in mammals and traits which are valued and important to society.
Ph.D., University of Alberta
B.Sc., University of Alberta
Courses
- AVS 330: Genetics of Livestock Improvement
- AVS 501: Graduate Seminar
Amy Skibiel
Associate Professor — Lactation Physiology
Ag Biotech, Room 303
208-885-1161
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Skibiel’s research interests lie at the intersection of lactation biology, maternal effects and performance. These topics are studied using observational and experimental approaches and from both evolutionary and dairy production perspectives.
Ph.D., Auburn University, 2012
M.S., Auburn University, 2007
B.S., Juniata College, 2003
Course
- AVS 463: Growth and Lactation (fall 2019)
Jim Sprinkle
Professor & Extension Specialist — Beef
208-756-2749
Nancy M. Cummings Research Extension & Education Center
University of Idaho
16 Hot Springs Road
Carmen, ID 83462
Ph.D., Texas A & M University
M.S., Montana State University
B.S., Brigham Young University
A.S., Ricks College
Izabelle Teixeira
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist — Dairy
Room B-62
208-736-3604
Twin Falls Research and Extension Center
University of Idaho
315 Falls Avenue, Evergreen Bldg.
Twin Falls ID 83301
Teixeira’s research focuses on improving our understanding of nutrient utilization and animal efficiency to reduce the impact of ruminant production on the environment and enhance sustainability of ruminant production systems.
Ph.D., Sao Paulo State University, Brazil, 2004
M.S., Sao Paulo State University, Brazil, 2000
B.S., Federal University of Lavras, Brazil, 1997
Languages other than English spoken
- Portuguese
James VanLeuven
Assistant Professor
IRIC, Room 333
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 1122
Moscow, ID 83844-1122
Matt Doumit
Senior Associate Dean & Director, Academic Programs
Ag Science, Room 65
208-885-7984
Academic Programs
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2336
Moscow, ID 83844-2336
Ph.D., Michigan State University, East Lansing, 1994
M.S., South Dakota State University, 1989
B.S., Washington State University, 1987
Matt Powell
Interim Associate Dean of Research & Director of Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station
Ag Science, Room 47
208-885-6681
Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2337
Moscow, ID 83844-2337
Ph.D., Texas Tech University, 1995
M.S., University of Idaho, 1990
B.S., University of Idaho, 1985
Robin Inman
Administrative Coordinator
Ag Biotech, Room 111
208-885-6345
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Jessica Christensen
Student Support Specialist
Ag Science, Room 123
208-885-2030
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
B.S., Utah State University, 2012
Kevin Carnahan
Senior Researcher
Ag Science, Room 123E
208-885-6831
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Ph.D., Washington State University
M.S., Brigham Young University
B.S., University of Central Missouri
Lucelia de Moura Pereira
Research Specialist
Ag Biotech, Rooms 213, 316, 322
208-310-5793
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Provide training for lab personnel and support departmental and laboratory activities; oversight for proper maintenance and operation of instruments; and generate data for abstracts and manuscripts for publication.
Ph.D., Federal University of Parana, 2022
M.S., Federal University of Parana, 2016
B.S., Maringa State University, 2014
Languages other than English spoken
- Portuguese
- Spanish
Ryan Foster
Laboratory Services Manager
Holm Center, Room 22
208-885-5647
Analytical Sciences Laboratory
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2203
Moscow, ID 83844-2203
Logan Harper
Dairy Center Manager
208-885-1152
Palouse Research, Extension and Extension Center
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Dr. MS 2090
Moscow, ID 83844-2090
B.S., University of Idaho, 2018
Course
- AVS 317: Artificial Insemination and Pregnancy Detection
Conner Jeffries
Organic Lead Chemist
Holm Center, Room 37
208-885-5951
Analytical Sciences Laboratory
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2203
Moscow, ID 83844-2203
Talia Holtmeyer
Meat Lab Assistant
Vandal Brand Meats
208-885-6727
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, Idaho 83844-2330
Assistant to the Meat Lab manager in processing, slaughter of beef, pork and lamb.
B.S., Washington State University, 2021
Mina Mahdavi-Yekta
Research Specialist
Ag Science, Room 217C, lab 214
323-806-2085
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Mina’s focus is on relationships between nutrient metabolism and various measures of animal productivity, animal product quality and safety. The interactions between lipid-soluble vitamins, nutritional characteristics, safety aspects of animal-based products.
Ph.D., Tehran, Iran, 2019
M.S., Tehran, Iran, 2014
B.S., Tehran, Iran, 2010
Languages other than English spoken
- Persian
James Nasados
Meat Science Lab Manager
208-885-6727
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Makayla Proett
Beef Feedlot Manager
Farm Shop
541-290-8237
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
B.S., University of Idaho, 2021
Janet Williams
Senior Research Scientist
Ag Biotech, Room 305
208-885-6351; 208-874-3213 (c)
Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2330
Moscow, ID 83844-2330
Ph.D., University of Idaho, 2016
M.S., Oklahoma State University, 1987
B.S., Oklahoma State University, 1985
- Gulhan Unlu, professor, food microbiology
- Pedram Rezamand, professor, dairy nutrition
- James England, professor, former veterinarian for Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center
- Rick Norell, professor, Extension dairy specialist
- Gordon Murdoch, professor
- Ron Hardy, professor and former director of the Aquaculture Research Institute
- Andrzej J. Paszcynski, professor, former UI-WSU School of Food Science