Education

Virginia Tech – PhD in Agricultural Leadership, Community, and Education

• on hiatus
• Intended Dissertation topic: Experiential learning & volunteer program evaluation in animal science curriculums
• Advisor: Dr. Tracy Rutherford

 

University of Missouri – M.S. in Animal Science (Nutritional Physiology)

• July 2018
• Thesis topic: Factors affecting neonatal and peripartum maternal metabolism and behavior in cattle and horses
• Advisor: Dr. Allison M. Meyer

 

University of Missouri – B.S. in Animal Science; Agricultural Economics Minor

• May 2015

 

 

Professional Employment

Assistant Director of Experiential Learning & Employer Relations   

• November 2024 – Present
• Office of Career Services, Virginia Military Institute (VMI)
• Build partnerships between VMI, employers, and the alumni agency, emphasizing development and marketing to expand experiential learning and full-time employment opportunities
• Manage all on-campus recruiting, including career fairs
• Serve as an information and instructional resource to develop, deliver, and update information on internships; verify internship listings from employers through Handshake; develop new programs that increase student opportunities in experiential learning; assist in development of a tracking process for internships
• Oversee Cadet Career Ambassador program and professional development
• Represent the Office of Career Services on all social media platforms

 

Equine Facilities Manager – Smithfield & Campbell                                     

• June 2019 – Present
• Division of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Tech
• Facilitate student experiential learning positions (3-4 interns a semester); Train, monitor, and manage paid student staff (5 – 7 per semester); Coordinate Equine Volunteer Program open to undergraduates, staff, and faculty across all majors and university departments (90-120 volunteers per semester)
• Manage the riding program, research thoroughbred, breeding/teaching herds (~70 horses total) to ensure excellent equine health and provide quality care while maintaining approved IACUC status
• Facilitate use of horses and facilities for faculty teaching courses while also supporting on-going research studies across all three
• Manage budget and expenses for both equine units including making modifications due to budget cuts
• Market youngstock through annual Hokie Harvest Online Horse Auction and find placement for retiring research thoroughbreds through Spring Auction & Fundraiser
• Manage breeding program of 6-8 broodmares and one stallion to create student opportunities with breeding, foaling, stallion management, and youngstock training while raising quality offspring
• Maintain social media used for student recruitment, community involvement, and sale horse marketing

 

Research Assistant                                                                                               \

• July 2018 – June 2019
• Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri
  • Assisted in editing and writing of scientific literature for publication (see “Scholarly Contributions” below for articles published, submitted, and in progress)
  • Created and maintained searchable Access data base for storage of previous research related to neonatal calf health
  • Created and developed educational handouts for engagement and outreach purposes
  • Assisted with data collection related to beef cattle nutrition and calving management
  • Completed statistical analysis of research relative to publishable datasets
  • Designed and updated lab website for communication of ongoing research and current bios of lab personnel

 

MU Equine Facility Manager                                                                                 

• June 2015 – July 2018
• Concurrent with M.S. Program
• Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri
  • Mentored undergraduate assistant managers (2-3 per year) in animal husbandry and managing 70+ student volunteers, and worked with them to ensure proper facility management and maintenance of fences, teaching barns, boarding barn, dry lots, and arenas
  • Managed social media for program advertisement; facilitated farm tours for the public; represented MU Equine at public events
  • Served as teaching assistant or instructor for equine courses or course sections
  • Assisted in making management decisions regarding housing, nutrition, and breeding of herd ranging between 20-25 horses and administered routine and medical care to horses of all ages
  • Acted as lead foaling manager, foaling out 10-18 university and client owned mares a season
  • Handled stallions for collection and hauled stallions to breeding shed as needed

 

Graduate Research Assistant                                                                                

• June 2015 – July 2018
• Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri

 

 

Research Description:

• Effects of maternal parity on perinatal beef calf nutrient availability: Determine the effects of parity on circulating metabolite concentrations, serum IgG, placental characteristics, and calf size and vigor
• Locomotor activity of peripartum beef dams: Determine behavioral changes prior to calving using locomotion monitoring devices and the differences between locomotor activity of primiparous and multiparous dams in the final 72 hours prepartum
• Neonatal foal and peripartum mare metabolism: Determine changes in circulating metabolites of both dams and neonatal foals during the first 72 hours post-foaling, and determine the relationship of the metabolic status of neonatal foals with their dams pre- and postpartum

 

 

Teaching Experience

Animal & Poultry Science 1464: Intro to Animal Science Labs, Instructor & Coordinator

• Virginia Tech – Spring & Fall (Fall 2023 – current)
• 4 or 6 lab sections of 26 students, 1 credit hour
• Responsibilities include: coordinate weekly species experts to lead hands-on lab sections, online modules covering science behind management of livestock to be observed at each facility visited, ensure all students learn safety for handling livestock prior to enrolling in upper level courses, organize midterm and final practical exams

Animal & Poultry Science SS: 2984: Equine Practicum, Instructor & Developer of new course

• Virginia Tech – Spring, Summer, Fall (2023 – current)
• 60 students, self-paced weekly online modules & twice weekly shifts at the farm, 2 credit hours
• Responsibilities include: education modules covering basic topics to be further discussed in equine science courses, schedule students onto twice weekly feed shifts rotating every two weeks between the equine units, connect students with industry stakeholders for career interviews and presentations, ensure all students gain safety and handling skills prior to enrolling in upper level courses

Animal & Poultry Science SS: 3984: Equine Breeding & Management, Instructor & Developer of new course

• Virginia Tech – Spring 2023
• 6 students, lecture and lab course, 3 credit hours
• Responsibilities include: lecture on broodmare anatomy/endocrinology and management, foaling and neonatal care, stallion anatomy/endocrinology, and breeding techniques; incorporation of course in to Smithfield equine breeding program (4 – 6 foals a year, artificial insemination)

Animal & Poultry Science 3824: Equine Training and Marketing, Instructor

• Virginia Tech – Fall semesters 2020 to present; Oversaw course review and modifications
• 10 – 12 students, lecture and lab course, 3 credit hours
• Responsibilities include: lecture on training principles and facilitate instruction comparing training methods, lecture on marketing strategies for sale horses and lead student involvement in Hokie Harvest Sale, organize guest lecturers to create industry connections for students, work with students on an individual basis to enforce safety while training and offer suggestion as needed for improving training and handling techniques, write and grade assessments, lead undergraduate teaching assistants on working with student trainers

Virginia Tech Equine Volunteer Program, Developer and Coordinator

• Virginia Tech – Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters from Fall 2019 to Present
• ~120 students per semester; implemented as a new program Fall 2019; program evaluations done annually with modifications made based on feedback and safety assessments
• Responsibilities include: organizing students on feed shifts that rotate between the two farms bi-weekly, orchestrating orientations and leadership meetings to train new volunteers and shift leaders, maintaining open communication with volunteers regarding management changes and decision, assisting in the orchestration of education events and opportunities throughout the semester, assessing student skill mastery at end of semesters, and maintaining open communications with volunteers regarding management decisions

Equine Herd Health Internship, Developer and Facilitator

• Virginia Tech – Fall semesters 2021 to Present
• 2 students per semester
• Responsibilities include: attendance at veterinary appointments and other health related events; creation of treatments sheets and corresponding infographics to education volunteers and students assisting in care of the horses; maintain written and digital health records

Equine Communication and Marketing Internship, Developer and Facilitator

• Virginia Tech – Fall semesters 2019 to Present
• 1 – 2 students per semester
• Responsibilities include: establish internship that provides learning opportunities in relationship to Hokie Harvest Online Horse Auction and Sale Horse Preview; oversee student creation of social media advertisements for the auction, mentor students on creation of stallion advertisement and sale portfolio creation; coach students on client interaction, bloodline discussion, and accurate description of training

MU Equine Teaching Facility Volunteer Program, Manager

• Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters from Summer 2015 to Spring 2018
• 40-60 students per semester
• Responsibilities included: mentor and advise undergraduate assistant managers in scheduling feed shifts, assisting in the orchestration of monthly meetings to update all feeders, leading monthly educational sessions for both regular feeders and senior feeders, assessing student skill mastery at end of semesters, and maintaining open communications with volunteers regarding management decisions
• Led twice weekly foal training during the summer to teach leading and basic ground manners as well as coach students through the development of foal handling skills

 

 

Professional Development

Certified Mental Health First Aid. 3 year certification. Virginia Tech. Fall 2021.

Getting Started with Online Teaching. Virginia Tech. Spring 2021. Virtual self-paced. 4 TLOS credits.

• Series of eleven modules on technology for teaching online, foundations of course design, becoming a technology-enhanced instructor,

 

 

Service

Collegiate Horsemen’s Association (CHA). Faculty advisor. Fall 2023 – Fall 2024.

• Advise students on event coordination and member engagement. Provide opportunities for club members at both equine campus equine Integrate CHA into foaling and breeding activities.

Academic Quadrathlon. Virginia Tech Coordinator. Fall 2022 – Fall 2024.

• Host regional event for American Association of Animal Sciences comprised of four events: lab practicum, written exam, oral presentation, and quiz Teams compete against each other and top team advances to sectional meeting. Resources for regional event are collected from all departmental faculty and courses.

Equine Reproduction Club. Faculty advisor. Fall 2019 – Spring 2023.

• Advised students on event coordination and member engagement. Provided opportunities for club in spring foaling activities and fall youngstock training Worked with club to transition to the Collegiate Horsemen’s Association to broaden opportunities for student

engagement and take advantage of national organization’s annual meetings and other resources.

German Sporthorse Industry Study Abroad Trip. Faculty chaperone. Spring 2022.

• Assisted in the planning and implementation of 10 days trip to Germany and Austria to tour the German equine industry. Travelled with students to ensure safety and professional demeanor while representing Virginia Tech. Networked with industry professionals to develop networks to connect students with career possibilities.

Block and Bridle National Convention. Faculty chaperone. Spring 2022.

• Travelled with students to Lincoln, Nebraska to ensure safety and professional demeanor while representing Virginia

 

 

Extension & Public Outreach Experience

Equine Breeding Industry Seminar Series. Organizer. Spring 2024.

• Updated version of seminar series from 2020 & 2021. Facilitated 6 zoom session seminars by recruiting speakers from various areas of the equine breeding industry. Conducted a series of 4 clinics on pregnant mare monitoring for foaling detection and 4 clinics on foaling and neonatal

Equine Industry Exposure Trip. Organizer & Faculty Advisor. Fall 2019, 2021-2024.

• 3 students selected after review of applications, interviewing, and yearling handling
• Created annual student trip in associate with Chanceland Farm (Maryland); Students attended Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale as part of the Chanceland team and gained experience in handling thoroughbred yearlings while additionally learning about sale prep, large equine auctions, and prestation of horses to potential

Governor’s School or Agriculture. Workshop Presenter. Summers 2021 – 2024.

• 3 days of educational lecture and experiential learning for high schoolers selected from the top of their classes with an interest in
• Covered equine safety and handling, young foal training and handling, grooming, equine nutrition, training youngstock and ground work, sales preparation, sales photography, equine

Jumpstart. Presenter. Summer 2021

• Virtual presentation to incoming Freshmen for the of Animal & Poultry Sciences.
• About our equine programs and “Jeopardy” with equine trivia and intro level equine science questions.

Equine Breeding Industry Seminar Series. Organizer & Presenter. Spring 2020.

• Series of 7 seminars
• Facilitated bi-monthly seminars by recruiting speakers from various areas of the equine breeding industry; Gave demonstrations on foal handling and training as one of the seminars; Made accessible on-line due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ask The Experts” Article. Co-author. February 2019.

• Duravet ProfitBuilder Spring 2019 Issue – “How To Improve Neonatal Calf Survival: The First Three Weeks Are Critical”

Equine 4H Extension Event. Presenter. November 2018.

• 25 4H students ranging in ages from elementary to high school
• Topics covered included farrier care, vitals, and parasite management; Assisted in directing discussion to meet interests and knowledge level of

State 4-H and FFA Equine Competitions. Fall 2015 – Spring 2019.

• Organized student volunteers to host Hippology, Horse Bowl, Horse Judging, Horse Speech and Demonstration Contests; Communicated to judges on rules and guidelines as well as team progress throughout the day; Assisted 4-H extension on the creation of equine exam material; Trained judges on scoring and providing feedback to participants as well as hosting awards ceremonies

Fayette Extension Event. Presenter. November 2018.

• 20 producers
• Presented on feeding cattle through the winter relevant to nutrition and

Pearls of Production. Presenter. November 2018.

• 20 women involved in agriculture
• Part of a series on beef cattle nutrition. Gave presentation on cow and calf behaviors around calving in relationship to reducing calf morbidity and

South Farm Showcase. Fall 2015, 2016 & 2017.

• 10,000 to 15,000 members of the general public, with a focus on family friendly atmosphere
• Organized Animal Science section (1/3 of the event) at MU Equine Teaching Facility; Day of the event served as a primary on-site contact for any issues with Animal Science stations, questions from the public, and smooth transition of volunteers between stations.

Science On Tap Series. Presenter. November 2017.

• 50 members of the general public and interdisciplinary graduate students
• Part of a series to increase public awareness of the importance of research at the University of Missouri; Interviewed on local television and radio show for program

St. Louis Science Center for Veterinary Voyage Summer Camp. Presenter. July 2017.

• 20 students ranging from middle school to high school age.
• Part of summer camp series for students considering careers in veterinary medicine; Talked with students about careers in animal science and basics of developmental programming research.

 

 

Published Papers

• Duncan, N. , K. S. Stoecklein, A. P. Foote, and A. M. Meyer. 2023. Dam parity affects fetal growth, placental size, and neonatal metabolism in spring-born beef calves. J. Animal Science. Doi: 10.1093/jas/skac399.
• Wichman, G., C. A. Redifer, A. R. Rather-Williams, N. B. Duncan, C. A. Payne, and A. M. Meyer. 2022. Effects of spring- versus fall-calving on perinatal nutrient availability and neonatal vigor in beef cattle. Translational Animal Science 6(4): txac136. Doi: 10.1093/tas/txac136.
• Larson, M., M. C. Heller, A. R. Rathert-Williams, K. A. Pearl, N. B. Duncan, B. L. Vander Ley, A. M. Meyer. 2022. Blood chemistry and rectal temperature changes in healthy, fall-born, suckling beef calves from birth to 72 hours of age. Theriogenology. Doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.024
• Redifer, C.A., B. Duncan, A. M. Meyer. 2021. Factors affecting placental size in beef cattle: Maternal and fetal influences. Theriogenology 174: 149-159. Doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.015.
• Duncan, B., P. J. Johnson, M. J. Crosby, and A. M. Meyer. 2020. Serum Chemistry and Hematology Changes in Neonatal Stock-Type Foals During the First 72 Hours of Life. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 84:102855. Doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102855.
• Duncan, N. B. and A. M. Meyer. 2019. Locomotion behavior changes in peripartum beef cows and heifers. J. Animal Science. 97(2):509-520. Doi: 10.1093/jas/sky448.

 

 

SCHOLARLY CONTRIBUTIONS OVERVIEW (*when presenting author)

• Wichman, G., C. A. Redifer, N. B. Duncan, and A. M. Meyer. 2021. Effects of spring versus fall calving on fetal growth, vigor at birth, and neonatal circulating metabolites in beef calves. Midwestern Section ASAS Meeting (Virtual due to COVID-19). March 2021.
• Redifer, C. , N. B. Duncan, and A. M. Meyer. 2020. What determines placental size in beef cattle? The consideration of maternal and fetal factors. Midwestern Section ASAS-ADSA Meeting. Omaha, NE. March 2020 (Abstract).
• Wichman, G., C. A. Redifer, N. B. Duncan, C. A. Payne, and A. M. Meyer. 2020. Factors affect beef calf vigor at birth: Dam peripartum body condition score, calving season, and calf size. Midwestern Section ASAS-ADSA Meeting. Omaha, NE. March 2020 (Abstract).
• Meyer, A. , N. B. Duncan, A.R. Rathert, and E. L. Stephenson. 2019. Perinatal nutrient availability and neonatal vigor are affected by parity in cattle. Aspen Perinatal Biology Meeting. Aspen, CO. August 2019 (Abstract).
• Meyer, A. , E. L. Stephenson, and N. B. Duncan. Perinatal nutrient availability in beef calves: Causes and consequences. ASAS Annual Meeting. Austin, TX. July 2019 (Symposium).
• Meyer, A. M., B. Duncan, K. S. Stoecklein, and E. L. Stephenson. 2019. Effect of parity on later gestational uterine blood flow and hemodynamics in beef cattle. J. Animal Science. 97(Supplement 3):137-138. (Abstract)
• Messman, D., K. S. Stoecklein, E. L. Stephenson, N. B. Duncan, and A. M. Meyer. 2018. Methods for accurate determination of bovine placental tissue weight. ASAS Annual Meeting. Vancouver, Canada. July 2018 (Abstract).
• Meyer, M., E. L. Stephenson, A. R. Rathert, A. O. Redman, N. B. Duncan, and A. L. Kenny. 2018. Relationships of neonatal beef calf serum metabolites with colostrum nutrient composition and maternal metabolic status. ASAS Annual Meeting. Vancouver, Canada. July 2018 (Abstract).
• Meyer, A. , N. B. Duncan, and A. P. Foote. 2018. Dam parity affects neonatal beef calf energy-related metabolites. ASAS Annual Meeting. Vancouver, Canada. July 2018 (Abstract).
• Duncan, N. B.* and A. M. Meyer. 2018. Behavioral activity changes in beef cows during the 72 hours MU Animal Science Graduate Forum. Columbia, MO. May 2018 (Abstract – Oral Presentation).
• Duncan, N. B.*, K. S. Stoecklein, and A. M. Meyer. 2018. Effects of dam parity on prenatal calf nutrient availability. Midwestern Section ASAS-ADSA Meeting. Omaha, NE. March 2018. (Abstract – Oral Presentation).
• Stoeklein, S., N. B. Duncan, and A. M. Meyer. 2018. Relationships of placental size with beef cow and calf characteristics. Midwestern Section ASAS-ADSA Meeting. Omaha, NE. March 2018. (Abstract).
• Duncan, B.*, A. O. Redman, A. R. Rathert, K. S. Stoeklein and A. M. Meyer. 2017. Effects of parity on neonatal beef calf serum metabolites during the first 72 hours of age. ASAS Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. July 2017. (Abstract – Oral Presentation).
• M. Meyer, N. B. Duncan, J. M. Larson, and B. L. Vander Ley. 2017. Effects of late gestational forage system on fetal growth and neonatal calf blood chemistry. ASAS Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. July 2017. (Abstract).
• Duncan, N. B.*, and A. M. Meyer. 2017. Locomotor activity changes in primiparous and multiparous beef cows during the final 72 hours prepartum. Western Section ASAS Meeting. Fargo, ND. June (Proceedings – Oral Presentation).
• M. Meyer, M.C. Heller, N. B. Duncan, J. M. Larson, and B. L. Vander Ley. 2017. Relationship of circulating energy and protein metabolites from 0 to 72 hours of age in suckling neonatal beef calves from fall- and spring-calving herds. Western Section ASAS Meeting. Fargo, ND. June 2017. (Abstract).
• Duncan, N. B.*, J. Crosby and A. M. Meyer. 2017. Changes in peripartum mare circulating blood urea nitrogen, glucose and non-esterified fatty acids. Equine Science Society Meeting. Minneapolis, MN. May 2017. (Abstract – Oral Presentation).
• Duncan, N. B.*, J. Crosby and A. M. Meyer. 2017. Changes in peripartum mare circulating blood urea nitrogen, glucose and non-esterified fatty acids. MU Animal Science Graduate Forum. Columbia, MO. May 2017 (Abstract – Poster Presentation).
• Duncan, N. B.*, J. Crosby, and A. M. Meyer. 2017. Changes in neonatal foal blood chemistry during the first 72 hours of life. Midwestern Section ASAS-ADSA Meeting. Omaha, NE. March 2017. (Abstract – Poster Presentation).
• Duncan, N. *, M. J. Crosby, K.E. Roberts, and A. M. Meyer. 2016. Neonatal foal metabolites during the first 72 hours of age. MU Animal Science Graduate Forum. Columbia, MO. May 2016 (Abstract – Poster Presentation).
• Larson, M., B. L. Vander Ley, S. M. Bolen, N. B. Duncan, and A. M. Meyer. 2016. Does sampling time matter? Relationships of circulating metabolites at various neonatal sampling times in beef calves. Midwestern Section ADSA-ASAS Meetings in Des Moines, IA. March 2016. (Abstract).

 

 

Awards & Honors

• 2^nd Place Master’s Poster Competition – ADSA-ASAS Midwestern Section (2017)
• 3^rd Place Master’s Poster Competition – MU Animal Sciences Graduate Forum (2016)