MY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
I hold a B.S. in Animal & Poultry Sciences with an Equine Emphasis from Virginia Tech, with minors in Agricultural Economics and Environmental Science, as well as an M.S. in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee. My research focused on equine nutrition and metabolomics, with a significant emphasis on starved horse nutrition and metabolic recovery. I investigated metabolic gene expression across multiple tissues to clarify how malnutrition alters key pathways and how targeted nutrition can safely support rehabilitation. This foundation in metabolic physiology allows me to approach equine nutrition with a deep understanding of how diet influences health at both the cellular and whole-horse levels. I am also a certified Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) through the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, reflecting my commitment to continued education, ethical practice, and evidence-based consulting.
In addition to research, I have extensive teaching and outreach experience as a university-level Equine Nutrition Short Course Educator, Master Horse Program Instructor, and Graduate Teaching Assistant. These roles strengthened my ability to communicate complex science in clear, practical, and applicable ways for horse owners and industry professionals. My qualifications also extend to facility-wide management, equipping me to provide guidance on pasture establishment and revitalization, heavy-use area design, rotational grazing, soil health considerations, manure and carcass composting, and environmentally responsible management practices.
Together, my academic background, PAS certification, research specialization, and facility-level expertise uniquely position me to develop nutrition and management strategies that are scientifically sound, environmentally aware, and realistic for the daily demands of horse owners, trainers, and equine facilities.
MORE ABOUT ME
I grew up and continue to reside in East Tennessee, where my involvement in the horse industry began through the Tennessee 4-H Horse Project. Those early experiences laid the foundation for my respect for thoughtful horsemanship, responsible management, and horse-centered decision making. They also sparked my interest in equine science and ultimately led me to pursue a career in equine nutrition.
Stable Science was founded with the support of my husband, Alex, whose partnership and shared vision played a key role in shaping the business from its earliest stages. We built Stable Science from a shared understanding that nutrition is fundamental to health, comfort, and long-term quality of life for every horse, regardless of discipline or workload. This belief continues to guide the way we approach every client and every recommendation.
I am a lifelong equestrian with experience across hunter, western, ranch, and reining disciplines. Currently, I compete primarily on the Quarter Horse and hunter circuits with my horse, Theo, while remaining actively engaged in the industry through showing, leadership, and volunteer service. Ongoing involvement in these roles allows me to stay connected to the evolving needs of the horse community and contribute meaningfully beyond my consulting work.
My continued experience as a horse owner and competitor provides valuable perspective on the practical challenges faced by owners, trainers, and producers. From balancing performance goals with horse welfare to navigating feed selection, budgeting, and daily management decisions, I understand the realities that shape equine care. This insight allows me to develop nutrition strategies that are scientifically sound, realistic to implement, and adaptable to each horse’s unique circumstances. My work is centered on improving health and quality of life through strong nutritional foundations. By combining hands-on horsemanship with scientific training, I am committed to delivering personalized, research-driven nutrition solutions that support horses across disciplines, workloads, and life stages.
MY PUBLICATIONS
