Maria Wurzinger has built an impressive global career in research and academia, and the Iowa State University Department of Animal Science is thrilled to welcome her to the team as the Rothschild Endowed Professor in Global Food Security and Animal Science.
“I am excited to join the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. I want to contribute to its cutting-edge research, collaborate with renowned faculty, and inspire the next generation of leaders in the field. I think the approach of combining research, teaching and extension is an essential factor for success. I am looking forward to many interesting discussions with my new colleagues,” said Wurzinger.
Wurzinger earned both her undergraduate and doctoral degrees from BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, where her doctoral research focused on genetic parameters and the design of a breeding program for llamas in the high Andes of Bolivia. She also has diverse areas of interest including sustainable livestock production, farmer-led research initiatives, and the intersection of gender and livestock.
Before joining Iowa State University, Wurzinger was the Head of the Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems at BOKU-University of Natural Resources & Life Sciences in Vienna, Austria. She has also held roles, as a Senior Scientist at Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in Lima, Peru, and as a visiting scientist at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UAPY) in Mexico. Additionally, she held a joint appointment at BOKU and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been able to recruit Dr. Wurzinger to our department as the first Rothschild Endowed Professor in Global Food Security and Animal Science. Dr. Wurzinger is an established scientist that has expertise in animal breeding and genetics who is leading international collaborations to enhance sustainable livestock production in different areas around the world to improve the use of animals as an essential component of food security. We look forward to the international impact her work at Iowa State University will provide,” said Dr. Jason Ross, Chair of the Department of Animal Science.