Lauren Hanna has joined the Department of Animal Sciences as an assistant professor in the area of genetic improvement of livestock.

She has a 70 percent teaching and 30 percent research appointment. She will teach the Animal Genetics and the Data Analyses and Design of Experiments courses during the spring 2014 semester. Beginning this year, she will assist with the Skills for Academic Success course for students majoring in animal science, equine science and veterinary technology during the fall semesters.

In addition, Hanna will assist with other courses or develop courses for undergraduate or graduate level programs related to animal breeding and genetics, as well as statistics and experimental design related to animal science.

Her research interests include association of genes, interactions and system approaches to identifying gene networks of beef cattle production traits and their application for enhancing genetic predictions. She also will be involved in collaborative research with researchers at NDSU and other universities.

"I am thrilled to start working at NDSU in the Department of Animal Sciences," she says. "The faculty and staff here do great research, and I hope to contribute my field of expertise to the best of my ability."

The Navasota, Texas, native has a bachelor of science degree in animal science and a master's degree in animal breeding from Texas A&M University. She also has completed a doctorate in animal breeding at Texas A&M and will graduate in August.

"I am excited to have Dr. Hanna join our faculty ranks in Animal Sciences," says Greg Lardy, department head. "Her background in breeding, genetics and statistics will be a great addition to our teaching and research programs."

NDSU is recognized as one of the nation’s top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.