
Julia joins Swine Vet Center as a swine nutritionist and production researcher after completing her PhD in applied swine nutrition at Kansas State University in January 2022.
Originally from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Julia grew up on a small farm where her family raised beef cattle, egg production hens, and pigs. Her interest in commercial swine production originated from experiences showing livestock in 4-H and set the foundation for her decision to pursue a career in animal agriculture. While attending the University of Minnesota, Julia quickly discovered a passion for swine nutrition through summer internships and undergraduate research projects that solidified her decision to pursue graduate school.
After finishing her B.S. in animal science in December 2016, Julia continued at the University of Minnesota and completed her M.S. in animal science with a focus on swine nutrition in May 2019. She then joined the applied swine nutrition team at Kansas State University for her PhD program.
While in graduate school, Julia had the opportunity to collaborate with several major swine production companies through commercial research studies. Her research primarily focused on nutritional strategies for the gestating and lactating sow and strategies to improve piglet survivability. During her PhD program, she also gained experience in various nutrition, genetic, and management research studies for nursery and growing/finishing pigs as part of a research fellowship with Swine Vet Center.
Julia now lives in St. Peter, Minnesota, and enjoys spending time with family, sports, and traveling in her free time.