Before diving in, I thought we could start with a quick poultry joke, because even in animal health, a little humor goes a long way.
Why was the chicken so good at music?
Because it had great drumsticks!
All jokes aside, keeping things practical and grounded is central to how I approach animal health, and it’s one of the reasons Barnwell’s work resonated with me so strongly. Barnwell combines easy, on-farm sample collection with whole genome sequencing to transform complex data into user-friendly dashboards that actually support decision-making. I’m thrilled to join a team focused on improving poultry health and welfare through actionable, data-driven solutions.
My Background in Animal Agriculture
My passion for practical animal health started long before veterinary school. I grew up in a small agricultural town in Michigan, raising livestock and spending a lot of time in 4-H and FFA. My grandfather was a retired dairy farmer, and after I was thrown off a horse for the third time, he decided it would be better to purchase some sheep instead. From that point on, I spent most of my time in the barn with him, learning about livestock management and animal health.
From all those hours in the barn I knew that I would somehow end up having a career that focused on livestock, which eventually led me to Colorado State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. While at CSU, I became increasingly interested not only in livestock health, but in the human side of agriculture. I was fascinated with how producer decisions influence animal health and how animal health impacts people. This curiosity drew me toward zoonotic diseases and population-level health questions. When I discovered CSU’s dual-degree program in veterinary medicine and public health, it felt like a natural fit. I went on to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, followed by a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from the Colorado School of Public Health.
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Experience in National Animal Health Studies
Given the high cost of veterinary school, I was fortunate to receive the USDA Saul T. Wilson, Jr. Scholarship, which introduced me to the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS). What began as a scholarship opportunity quickly became a 13-year career and, in many ways, a professional home.
At NAHMS, I worked alongside veterinarians, epidemiologists, statisticians, and field staff who were deeply committed to animal health, livestock producers, and high-quality data. I supported multiple national studies and led two nationally representative livestock health studies—the Sheep 2024 and Goat 2019 studies. In these roles, I oversaw industry needs assessments, study design, field implementation, analysis, and reporting. Working closely with producers and industry partners ensured the data reflected real-world concerns and produced results that could be trusted and applied beyond a final report.
Additionally, I served as a USDA small ruminant health specialist, providing technical guidance on endemic, zoonotic, and economically important diseases, including parasitic infections and Q fever, and contributing to antimicrobial resistance efforts. This work required constant collaboration across federal, state, academic, and international partners.
Outbreak response was also a consistent part of my work. I supported responses to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), providing rapid epidemiologic support, study design, and on-the-ground producer engagement. I also contributed to national preparedness efforts, including secure supply planning for sheep and goats. Across all of this work, my focus remained the same: ensuring the data told a meaningful story and translated into clear, usable information that supported on-farm decision making.
Recent Research at CSU
With recent changes in government, I felt it was the right time to bring my experience to new challenges. When my mentor, Dr. Jason Lombard, invited me to return to CSU to support research on HPAI in dairy cattle, it felt like a natural next step. Over the past nine months, I worked on cleaning, validating, and analyzing large datasets to better understand HPAI transmission dynamics. I also worked closely with students, reinforcing the importance of data validation, thoughtful analysis, and clear scientific communication.
What I’ll Be Doing at Barnwell Bio
At Barnwell Bio, my focus will be bridging science, data, and decision-making for poultry producers and allied industries. Throughout the next couple of months, my time will be focused on learning the product, understanding how customers use it, and engaging in conversations that help ensure our tools are practical, easy to use, and grounded in on-farm needs. I’ll also be spending time getting to know the poultry industry more deeply, learning about key disease challenges, production goals, and where Barnwell can best support producers.
Additionally, my role will support research and partnership efforts, including work related to HPAI and other emerging disease challenges, and helping translate those efforts into clear, actionable insights. A key part of my role will be contributing to external engagement, communications, and collaboration across industry, government, and research partners.
More broadly, I’m excited to help shape how Barnwell uses data responsibly and transparently, so we can continue to build trust with the industry, support informed decision-making, and strengthen poultry health outcomes through science-based, practical solutions.
Outside of Work
Outside of work, one of my favorite titles is mom. I spend most of my time with my husband and our four young kids (ages 7, 6, and twin 4-year-olds). When we’re not juggling school and activities, we’re usually outside somewhere in Colorado—hiking, exploring, or just enjoying time together. I also enjoy running, cooking, and traveling whenever I can.
I’m incredibly grateful to have found my place at Barnwell Bio and excited to be part of this flock. I’m looking forward to seeing what we’ll hatch together.
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