Meet the Staff
The staff of the ISU Behavior Lab is composed of qualified individuals from a variety of animal backgrounds. Each staff member is an integral part of the research environment, focusing on different aspects of a variety of research projects that the Behavior lab is conducting. Feel free to contact any of our staff members for more information on what we do here in the lab.
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In addition to email, the Behavior Lab can be contacted via mail, phone or fax.
Behavior Lab Mailing Address:
ISU Animal Behavior Lab c/o Dr. Anna Johnson
2356G Kildee Hall
Ames, IA 50011
Phone Number: (515) 294-5275
Fax Number: (515) 294-4471 |
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Dr. Anna Johnson
Dr. Johnson earned a PhD from Texas Tech University and then was employed by the National Pork Board in Des Moines, IA. Dr. Johnson came to ISU in 2005 and has created a successful behavior research lab. Dr. Johnson concentrates her research in the area of farm animal behavior and welfare in both conventional and alternative production systems.
E-mail: johnsona@iastate.edu |
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Larry Sadler
Larry Sadler completed his undergraduate degree at ISU majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Business. After working in the meat packing industry for four years, Larry returned to ISU to work as the lead technician for the Animal Behavior Lab and now is working on his masters in Animal Behavior. Larry has over 15 years of experience working with horses, cattle and sheep.
E-mail: ljsadler@iastate.edu
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Leah Gesing
Leah Gesing received her bachelor's degree from Iowa State in Animal Science
in May of 2004, and has since started graduate work under Dr. Johnson with a
major in Animal Physiology. Leah's research involves working on
transportation stress in the market hog. Leah is originally from Waukon, IA
where she grew up on her family farm and has lifelong experience with cattle
and pigs. |
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Collaboration, within the Department of Animal Science, across colleges at Iowa State University, over universities, institutions and organizations is paramount for a successful research program focusing on applied farm animal well-being. The collaborators include persons from the pharmaceutical and swine industries, the government, academic departments at Iowa State University, and other institutions around the U.S. On campus strong collaborations exists between Animal Science (Johnson and Stalder) and VDPAM (Karriker and Millman).
Collaborating Faculty
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Dr. Locke Karriker
Dr. Locke Karriker is based with Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine. Dr. Karriker leads an active swine teaching, research and outreach program. Karriker’s areas of interest include, systems, treatment of swine diseases, field study designs and evidence based practices.
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Dr. Ken Stalder
Dr. Ken Stalder is based within the Department of Animal Science. Dr. Stalder leads an active swine extension and research program investigating a variety of swine genetic and management related topics, including swine waste and nutrient management, management to improve reproductive efficiency of sows with a special emphasis on sow longevity, management of growing-finishing swine to improve profitability, and genetic and management effects on pork quality.
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Dr. Suzanne Millman
Dr. Suzanne Millman has a split appointment, with Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine and Biomedical Sciences as my second department. Dr. Millman leads an active research program in food animal welfare, coordinates animal welfare instruction within the DVM curriculum and provides expertise in animal behavior and welfare for producers, veterinarians and the public. Prior to coming to ISU, Millman was faculty at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph Canada for five years, where she now holds an adjunct appointment. Millman’s research interests include animal welfare assessment, pain and sickness behavior, with particular interests in addressing the needs of compromised livestock.
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