Food and Nutritional Sciences

    College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

    UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON UW-MADISON

    Heather White

    Associate Professor of Dairy Science

    Focus on hepatic carbon flux specifically during the coordinated responses to the transition to lactation, nutrition, and stress in dairy cattle and during onset and progression of NAFLD and NASH in humans.

    (608) 263-7786

    1675 Observatory Dr
    952D Animal Sciences
    Madison, WI 53706

    Type:

    Dr. Heather White is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the area of dairy cattle nutritional physiology. Dr. White’s research program focuses on the health and nutrition of dairy cows during the transition period and is centered on hepatic and whole-animal nutrient partitioning and metabolism. Notably, Dr. White’s research strives to determine the mechanism of nutrient partitioning, feed efficiency, and metabolic health in order to provide science-based solutions and interventions to improve dairy cow health and productivity. Heather is also a “hands on” researcher and mentor at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Additionally, Dr. White is serving as the Faculty Director of the Dairy Innovation Hub that spans University of Wisconsin-Madison, Platteville, and River Falls and focuses on dairy related research that can improve animal health and welfare, enhance human nutrition, steward land and water resources, and grow farm businesses and communities. Heather, her husband, and their two sons live near Albany, Wisconsin and enjoy all things outdoors and ice hockey.

    Selected Peer-Reviewed Articles

    • Arshad, U., F. Peñagaricano, and H. M. White. 2024. Effects of feeding rumen-protected lysine during the postpartum period on performance and amino acid profile in dairy cows: A meta-analysis. J. Dairy Sci. Accepted.
    • Reyes, F., H. White, K. Weigel, and J. Van Os. 2023. Preference for feed bins shared with cows of the same or different parity and relationships with feeding behavior and feed efficiency. J. Dairy Sci. Accepted. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-23798
    • Lee, J., K Cho., K. Weigel, H. White, C. Do, and I. Choi. 2023. Identification of genomic regions and genes associated with subclinical ketosis in periparturient dairy cows. J. Anim. Sci. Tech. 2055-0391. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2023.e97.
    • Menezes, G., T. Bresolin, R. Ferreira, H. Holdorf, S. Arriola Apelo, H. White, and J. Dorea. 2023. Near-infrared spectroscopy analysis of blood plasma for predicting nonesterified fatty acid concentrations in dairy cows. JDS Comm. In Press. https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2023-045823-0458.
    • Caputo, M. J., W. Li., S. J. Kendall., A. Larsen, K. A. Weigel, and H. M. White. 2023. Liver and muscle transcriptomes differ in mid-lactation cows divergent in feed efficiency in the presence or absence of supplemental rumen-protected choline. Metabolites. 13:1023. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13091023.
    • Chandler, T. L., S. J. Kendall, and H. M. White. 2023. Fatty acids challenge shifts cellular energy metabolism in a substrate-specific manner in primary bovine neonatal hepatocytes. Sci. Reports. 13:15020. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-41919-3.
    • Cavani, L., K. Parker Gaddis, R. Baldwin, J. Santos, J. Koltes, R. Tempelman, M. VandeHaar, M. Martin, H. White, F. Peñagaricano, K. Weigel. 2023. Impact of parity differences on residual feed intake estimation in Holstein cows. JDS Communications. 4:201-204. https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2022-0307.
    • Cavani, L., K. Parker Gaddis, R. Baldwin, J. Santos, J. Koltes, R. Tempelman, M. VandeHaar, H. White, F. Peñagaricano, and K. Weigel. 2023. Consistency of dry matter intake in Holstein cows: heritability estimates and associations with feed efficiency**. J. Dairy Sci. 105(9):7564-7574. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22066. **Editor’s Choice for January 2024.
    • Staaveren, N., H. De Oliveira, K. Houlahan, T. Chud, G. Oliveira Jr., D. Hailemariam, G. Kistemaker, F. Miglior, G. Plastow, F. Schenkel, R. Cerri, M. A. Sirard, P. Stothard, J. Pryce, A. Butty, P. Stratz, E. Abdalla, D. Segelke, E. Stamer, G. Thaller, J. Lassen, C. Manzanilla-Pech, R. Stephansen, N. Charfeddine, A. García-Rodriguez, O. González-Recio, J. Lopez-Paredes, R. Baldwin, J. Buchard, K. Parker Gaddis, J. Koltes, F. Peñagaricano, J. Santos, R. Tempelmen, M. VandeHaar, K. Weigel, H. White, and C. Baes. 2023. The Resilient Dairy Geneome Project – a general overview of methods and objectives related to feed efficiency and methane emissions. J. Dairy Sci. Accepted. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22951.
    • Houlahan, K., F. Schenkel, F. Miglior, J. Jamorozik, R. Stephansen, O. González-Recio, N. Charfeddine, D. Segelke, A. Butty, P. Stratz, M. VandeHaar, R. Tempelman, K. Weigel, H. White, F. Peñagaricano, J. Koltes, J. Santos, R. Baldwin, and C. Baes. 2023. Estimation of genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits using random regression models in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. Accepted. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-23124.
    • Brown, W. E., H. T. Holdorf, S. J. Johnson, S. J. Kendall, S. E. Green, and H. M. White. 2023. In utero choline exposure alters growth, metabolism, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics of Holstein x Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 101:skad186. doi: 10.1093/jas/skad186.
    • Brown, W. E., H. T. Holdorf, S. J. Kendall, and H. M. White. 2023. Dam body condition score alters offspring circulating cortisol and energy metabolites in Holstein calves but did not affect neonatal leptin surge. Metabolites. 13(5):631. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13050631.
    • Walleser, E., J.F. Mandujano Reyes, K. Anklam, R.S. Pralle, H.M. White, S. Unger, N. Panne, M. Kammer, S. Plattner, and D. Döpfer. 2023. Novel prediction models for hyperketonemia using bocine milk Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Prev. Vet. Med. 213:105860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105860.
    • Holdorf, H. T., S. J. Kendall, K. Ruh, M. J. Caputo, G. Combs, S. Henisz, W. Brown, T. Bresolin, R. Ferreira, J. Dorea, and H. M. White.  2023. Increasing the prepartum dose of rumen-protected choline: Effects on milk production and metabolism in high producing Holstein dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 106(9):5988-6004. doi:10.3168/jds.2022-22905.
    • Holdorf, H. T., W. E. Brown, G. J. Combs, S. Heinsz, S. J. Kendall, M. J. Caputo, K. Ruh, and H. M. White. 2023. Increasing the prepartum dose of rumen-protected choline: Effects of maternal supplementation on growth, feed efficiency, and metabolism in Holstein and Holstein x Angus calves. J. Dairy Sci. 106(9):6005-6027. doi:0.3168/jds.2022-23068

    Selected Book Chapters

    • White, H. M., B. R. Richert, M. A. Latour. Impacts of Nutrition and Environmental Stressors on Lipid Metabolism. Lipid Metabolism. Ed. R. Valenzuela. 2012

    Selected Conference Proceedings

    • Heather White. ADSA Foundation Scholar Seminar: Influencing hepatic metabolism: Can fatty acids and methyl donors modulate nutrient partitioning to support metabolic health in the transition dairy cow? Invited talk. ADSA Foundation Scholar and Ruminant Nutrition: Dietary Methyl Donor. Supplementation and Hepatic Health in Transition Dairy Cows Symposium. American Dairy Science Association Meetings, Cincinnati, OH. June 2019 
    • Heather White. Use of Big Data to Monitor Herd Health. Invited talk. Production, Management, and the Environment: Advancing Artificial Intelligence on Dairy Farms Symposium. American Dairy Science Association Meetings, Cincinnati, OH. June 2019 
    • Heather White. Knockdown of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 increased cellular triglyceride. Metabolic diseases in dairy cows: strategies for their reduction. Discovery Session 55. European Federation of Animal Science, Ghent, Belgium. August 2019 
    • Heather White. Fueling Milk Production: Nutrient Partitioning and Metabolism in Lactating Dairy Cows. Invited Keynote Speaker. Australian Association of Ruminant Nutritionist Annual Meeting. Attwood, Victoria, Australia. October 2019 
    • Heather White. Influencing Hepatic Metabolism: Can Fatty Acids and Methyl Donors Modulate Nutrient Partitioning to Support Metabolic Health in the Transition Dairy Cow? Invited Keynote Speaker. Australian Association of Ruminant Nutritionist Annual Meeting. Attwood, Victoria, Australia. October 2019 
    • Heather White. Big data, big decisions: Utilizing multiple data sources to improve sub-clinical ketosis management. Invited Keynote Speaker. Australian Association of Ruminant Nutritionist Annual Meeting. Attwood, Victoria, Australia. October 2019 
    • Heather White. Fueling Milk Production: Nutrient Partitioning and Metabolism in Lactating Dairy Cows. Invited International Academic Talk. LaTrobe University and AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. October 2019 
    • Heather White. Transition Cow Nutrition and Hepatic Metabolic Health. Standard Dairy Consultants Fall Technical Conference, Syracuse, NY. October 2018  
    • Heather White. On Farm Monitoring for Transition Cow Metabolic Conditions. Standard Dairy Consultants Fall Technical Conference, Syracuse, NY. October 2018 
    • Heather White. In Utero Programming: Feeding for Metabolic Health and Production Now and in the Future. The Future of Food. Dublin, Ireland. November 2018 
    • Heather White. Transition Cow Nutrition and Metabolic Health. Invited talk. Pacific Northwest Nutrition Conference, Richland, WA. January 2017 
    • Heather White. Hepatic Methyl Metabolism: Influencing success during the transition to lactation period. Invited talk. Pacific Northwest Nutrition Conference, Richland, WA. January 2017.
    • Heather White. Transition Cow Nutrition and Hepatic Metabolic Health. Invited talk. Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference. Phoenix, AZ. February 2016 
    • Heather White. Hepatic Methyl Metabolism: Influencing success during the transition to lactation. Invited talk. Transition Cow Symposium Series. Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference. Phoenix, AZ. February 2016 
    • Heather White. Transition Cow Nutrition: Optimizing Liver Metabolism to Support Milk Production. Purina Nutrition Group. October 2016 

    Selected Popular Press

    • Heather White, Rafael Caputo Oliveira, and Michael de Veth. Feed Efficiency and Metabolic Health: How Might We Improve Them Both in the Transition Dairy Cow? Pp. 88-89. Progressive Dairy. 7 February 2020
    • Michael de Veth and Heather White. Uncovering the Hidden Glucose Source Cows Need. Pp. 53-55. Progressive Dairy. 12 December 2019
    • Heather White. Ketosis Research Shows Key Findings. Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin. Dairy’s Bottom Line. 8 November 2017 
    • Roselinde M.A. Goselink and Heather M. White. Choline Aids Fat Metabolism in Transition Dairy Cows. Vol. 88 No. 01. Feedstuffs. 25 January 2016  
    • Heather M. White. Rumen-protected Choline can Aid Transition Cow Health. Vol. 87 No. 48. Feedstuffs. 21 January 2015
    • Heather White. Ketosis: Understanding the Biology. Dairy Herd Management. 12 November 2014 

    Selected Posters

    • Waldon, N. L., C. Seely, S. Erb, R. Pralle, M. Martin, and H. M. White. Use of blood metabolites peripartum to predict postpartum liver triglyceride content in dairy cattle. Professional Agricultural Workers Conference. Tuskegee University. p. 24. 2019 
    • Erb, S. J. and H. M. White. Exposure of primary bovine hepatocytes to physiologically relevant fatty acid profiles have altered gene expression. Advances in Animal Biosciences. 10(3):462. 2019 
    • Erb, S. J. and H. M. White. The effect of fatty acid cocktails mimicking timepoints across the transition period on lipolytic protein abundance in primary bovine hepatocytes. Advances in Animal Biosciences. 10(3):463. 2019 
    • Pralle, R.S., C. S. Seely, H. T. Holdorf, J. Woolf, and H. M. White. Clustering based on liver and blood metabolite concentrations suggests cows are susceptible or resistant to early postpartum metabolic disorders. Advances in Animal Biosciences. 10(3):493.
    • Holdorf, H. T. and H. M. White. Responses of lipid associated proteins to FA treatment in bovine primary hepatocytes. Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science. 70(25):541. 2019 
    • Pralle, R.S., K. W. Weigel, N. E. Schultz, H. M. White. Hyperketonemia genome-wide association study in Holstein cows. Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science. 70(25):538. 2019
    • Erb, S. J. and H. M. White. Primary bovine hepatocyte lipolytic genes may respond differently to LXRα perturbation than murine. Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science. 70(25):154. 2019 
    • Erb, S. J. and H. M. White. Physiological concentrations of fatty acids impact lipolytic genes in primary bovine hepatocytes. Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science. 70(25):540
    • Pralle, R.S., K. W. Weigel, N. E. Schultz, and H. M. White. Hyperketonemia SNP by parity group genome-wide interaction study in Holstein cows. Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science. 70(25):541. 2019 
    • Chandler, T. L., S. J. Erb, W. A. Myers, B. A. Barton, J. W. McFadden, H. M. White. Characterization of the very-low density lipoprotein lipidome exported from primary bovine hepatocytes supplemented choline and methionine. J. Dairy Sci. 102, Suppl. 1:70. 
    • Holdorf, H. T., R. Caputo Oliveira, R. S. Pralle, and H. M. White. Coordinated responses of hepatic lipid associated proteins in cows with high or low liver lipid content peripartum. J. Dairy Sci. 102, Suppl. 1:211. 2019 
    • Martin, M. J., S. J. Erb, E. T. Ronk, S. J. Bertics, M. R. Moede, K. A. Weigel, and H. M. White. Differences in mammary gland uptake of post-absorptive energy metabolites may contribute to residual feed intake variation. J. Dairy Sci. 102, Suppl. 1:230. 2019 
    • Pralle, R.S., H. T. Holdorf, C. S.  Seely, R. Caputo Oliveira, and H. M. White. Abundance of hepatic patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 protein was inversely related to peripartum hepatic triglyceride accumulation. J. Dairy Sci. 102, Suppl. 1:271. 2019 
    • Seely, C.R., H.T. Holdorf, R.S. Pralle, R.C. Oliveira, J.L. Woolf, M.R. Meode, S.J. Erb, and H.M. White. Characterization of peripartum metabolites in cow with varying degrees of liver triglyceride accumulation. J. Dairy Sci. 102, Suppl. 1:25. 2019 
    • Weld, K., C. Bradley, J. Davidson, and H. M. White. Adipose tissue and plasma fatty acid profile during the peripartum period differ by parity, but not by late lactation dietary fatty acid profile. 102, Suppl. 1:346. 2019 

    Selected Research Videos

    • Heather White. The Dual Essentiality of Choline and Methionine. Mini-Symposium: Methyl Donors and 1-C Metabolism in Dairy Cattle. Feedstuffs. 29 April 2020 
    • Heather White. Choline’s Effect on Liver Metabolism from a Different View. Webinar presented to an EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). Hosted by Balchem Corp., Italy. October 2017 
    • Heather White. Hepatic Methyl Metabolism: Influencing Success During the Transition to Lactation. Cornell Nutrition Conference Transition Cow Mini-Symposium. 23 December 2014 
    • Heather White. KetoMonitor: A Tool for Dairy Nutritionists. Webinar. Verona, WI. March 2015 
    • Heather White. KetoMonitor: A Research Based Tool for Prediction Herd-level Ketosis Prevalence. Genex. Webinar. Verona, WI. February 2015
    • Heather White. Ketosis: A Closer Look at the Biology. Form-A-Feed Nutrition Conference. Morton, WI. 2015 
    • Heather White. Ketosis: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment. Form-A-Feed Nutrition Conference. Morton, WI. 2015 

    Selected DIH Videos

    • Gregory DeCroix, Jeff Sindelar, Heather White, and Michelle Miller. Food Supply in the Age of COVID-19. UW-Now. 19 May 2020 
    • Heather White and Josh Scramlin. Dairy Innovation Hub Leader Excited about Future. Mid- West Farm Report. 11 December 2019

    Selected Other Publications

    • Pei, R., D. M. DiMarco, K. K. Putt, D. A. Martin, Q. Gu, C. Chitchumroonchokchai, H. M. White, C. O. Scarlett, R. S. Bruno, and B. W. Bolling. Low-fat yogurt consumption reduces biomarkers of chronic inflammation and inhibits markers of endotoxin exposure in healthy premenopausal women: a randomised controlled trial. Brit. J. of Nutri. 118(12):1043-1051. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114517003038. 2017 
    • Putt, K. K., R. Pei, H. M. White, and B. W. Bolling. Yogurt inhibits intestinal barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cells by increasing tight junctions. Food & Funct. 8:406. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6FO01592A. 2017 
    • Weigel, K. A., R. S. Pralle, H. Adams, K. Cho, C. Do, and H. M. White. Prediction of whole genome risk for selection and management of hyperketonemia in Holstein dairy cattle. J. Anim. Breed. Genet. 134:275-285. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbg.12259. 2017 
    • Chandler, T. L., R. T. Fugate, J. A. Jendza, A. Troescher, M. White. Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation during the transition period increased milk production in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows. Anim. Feed Sci. and Technol. 224:90-103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.12.008. 2017 
    • Walker, C. G., M. A. Crookenden, K. M. Henty, R. R. Handley, B. Kuhn-Sherlock, H. M. White, S. S. Donkin, R. G. Snell, S. Meier, A. Heiser, J. J. Loor, M. D. Mitchell, and J. R. Roche. Epigenetic regulation of pyruvate carboxylase gene expression in the postpartum liver. J. Dairy Sci. 99:5820-5827. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-10331. 2016 
    • Zhang, Q., S. J. Bertics, N. D. Luchini, and H. M. White. The effect of increasing concentrations of dl-methionine and 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid on hepatic genes controlling methionine regeneration and gluconeogenesis. J. Dairy Sci. 99:8451-8460. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11312. 2016 
    • White, H. M., E. R. Carvalho, S. L. Koser, N. S. Schmelz-Roberts, L. M. Pezzanite, A. C. Slabaugh, P. H. Doane, and S. S. Donkin. Short Communication: Regulation of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes by dietary glycerol in transition dairy cows. J. Diary Sci. 99:812-817. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9953. 2016 
    • White, H. M. The role of TCA cycle anaplerosis in ketosis and fatty liver in periparturient dairy cows. Animals. 5(3):793-802. https://doi.10.3390/ani5030384. 2015 
    • McCann, C. C., M. E. Viner, S. S. Donkin, and H. M. White. Hepatic patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 sequence, SNP presence, and protein confirmation and responsiveness to energy balance in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 97:1-9. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-7910. 2014 
    • Grala, T. M., J. R. Roche, J. K. Kay, A. G. Rius, H. M. White, S. S. Donkin, M. D. Littlejohn, R. G. Snell, and C. V. C. Phyn. The expression of genes involved in hepatic metabolism is altered by temporary changes to milking frequency. J. Dairy Sci. 97:838-850. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2013-7321. 2014 
    • White, H. M., A. J. Acton, M. M. Kamocka, and R. V. Considine. Hepatocyte growth factor regulates neovascularization in developing fat pads. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 306:E189-196. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00394.2013. 2014
    • White, H. M. Invited Paper Published in Conference Proceedings. Transition Cow Health:  Meeting the demands of lactation while maintaining a healthy liver. Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference. 2014 
    • Carvalho, E. R., N. S. Schmelz-Roberts, H. M. White, C. S. Wilcox, S. D. Eicher, and S. S. Donkin. Feeding behaviors of transition dairy cows fed glycerol as a replacement for corn.  J. Dairy Sci.  95:7214-7224. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3584. 2012 
    • White, H. M., S. L. Koser, and S. S. Donkin. Regulation of bovine pyruvate carboxylase mRNA and promoter expression by thermal stress.  J. Anim. Sci.  90:2979-2987. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2010-3408. 2012 
    • Heather White. Transition Cow Nutrition: Why do methyl donors make a difference? Hubbard Nutrition Group. October 2016 

    The transition to lactation period in dairy cattle represents the most critical time period for health and productivity.  Dr. White’s research program focuses on hepatic carbon flux during the transition to lactation, specifically as it relates to gluconeogeneis and the TCA cycle, and the onset of metabolic disorders.  Fundamental research using hepatocyte cell culture models on glucose and energy metabolism leads to better understanding of the etiology, onset, progression, and genetic predisposition to metabolic disorders, such as ketosis and fatty liver, in cattle and humans.

    In conjunction with metabolic health, the type of feed and how much or little a cow eats influences her overall health status. In order to continue to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of milk production, there has been an increased effort in selecting for feed efficient animals. However, there is large variation in feed efficiency between cows that has yet to be explained. One method to investigate the variation is by calculating residual feed intake (RFI), which reflects the difference between expected and actual intake when accounting for the animal’s metabolic body weight, milk energy production, and change in body energy. In our lab, we are investigating potential physiological sources of this variation, including post absorptive metabolism of energy metabolites and the efficiency of use of these metabolites by the mammary gland.

    Undergraduate Courses

    DySci/AnSci 311: Comparative Animal Nutrition

    Course description: This 3-credit course uses a comparative approach to understand nutritional physiology across species. Key concepts students will about include key macro- and micro-nutrients, how these nutrients are utilized and metabolized, and understand the basis for nutrient requirements. Students of various biological disciplines have taken this course and found it useful for future endeavors. Class meets three times a week for 55 minutes per meeting.

    DySci/AnSci 535: Dairy Farm Management

    Course Description: This 3-credit course focuses on the principles of nutrition, reproduction, breeding, and management. Integrating these principles allows students to develop skills in decision making, problem solving, and interpersonal communication. Students are given the opportunity to learn from multiple professors in the Animal and Dairy Science department, as well as to travel to a private farm to understand how the farm works. Class meets twice a week for about 2.5 hours.

    Bio 152, Independent Research Studies, and Internships

    There are many opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research through independent studies and internships during the academic and summer semesters. Openings for Bio152 projects are available as well. Contact Dr. White directly if interested.

    Graduate Courses

    DySci/AnSci 824 – Ruminant Nutritional Physiology I (4 credits, alternating Fall semester of RNPII) 

    Course Description: Focuses on rumen microbiology, metabolite modeling, as well as protein and VFA nutrition and metabolism at a whole-animal, tissue, and cellular level with a focus on endogenous glucose production and resulting glucose and insulin metabolism. 

    Requirements: Students should have undergraduate coursework in ruminant nutrition, biochemistry, and microbiology as background. 

    DySci/AnSci 825 – Ruminant Nutritional Physiology II (4 credits, alternating Fall semester of RNPI)
    Course Description: Two objectives of the course are a focus on 1) nutrition during the pre-ruminating, transitional, and ruminating phases; regulation of dry matter intake; and feed efficiency and 2) nutrition and metabolism in relation to fiber, starch, vitamins, sugar, and lipids in ruminants.

    Requirements: Students should have undergraduate coursework in ruminant nutrition, biochemistry, and microbiology as background. 

    Graduate Student Research Assistantships

    There are currently open graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) assistantships available in the White Lab. Contact Dr. White for more information.

    • Friend of AWA – Association of Women in Agriculture (2021)
    • ADSA Foundation Scholar Award –American Dairy Science Association (2019) 
    • Friend of the Cooperative Award – AgSource Cooperative, Cooperative Resources International (2017)  
    • Cargill Animal Nutrition Young Scientist Award – American Dairy Science Association (2017) 
    • The Dr. Brenda Pfaehler Award of Excellence – Center for Educational Opportunity, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2017) 
    • American Dairy Science Association Midwest Branch Young Dairy Scholar – Midwest Branch of the American Dairy Science Association and the Midwestern Section of the American Society of Animal Science (2011) 
    • Graduate Student Teaching Award – North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) (2010) 
    • Book-Harmon Leadership Scholarship – Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University (2010) 
    • W.R. Featherston Outstanding PhD Award – Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University (2010) 
    • Interdepartmental Nutrition Program Research Poster Competition, First Place, Graduate Student Division – Purdue University (2009) 
    • American Dairy Science Association Oral Research Graduate Competition, Ph.D. Division, Second Place Winner – ADSA, CSAS, ASAS Joint Annual Meetings (2009) 
    • American Dairy Science Association Ph.D. Poster Research Graduate Competition, Ph.D. Division, First Place Winner – ADSA, CSAS, ASAS Joint Annual Meetings (2009) 
    • Joe Fontenot Appreciation Club Travel Scholarship – American Society of Animal Sciences (2009) 
    • Interdepartmental Nutrition Program Research Poster Competition, First Place, Graduate Student Division – Purdue University (2009) 
    • Featherston Teaching Award – Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University (2009) 
    • Graduate Student Outstanding Teaching Award – Center for Instructional Excellence, Purdue University (2009) 
    • Outstanding Senior Comprehensive Research Project – Saint Mary’s College, Department of Biology (2005) 
    • Mother Elizabeth Rose Outstanding Biology Student – Saint Mary’s College (2005) 
    • Dairy Innovation Hub Faculty Director Special Assistant to the Dean on Dairy Innovation
    • The World Food Prize Wisconsin Youth Institute, Immersion Session Leader
    • University of Wisconsin-Madison Faculty Senate, Faculty Senator
    • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Associate Dean for Research Search Committee
    • College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Scholarships and Loans Committee
    • University of Wisconsin-Madison USDA Hatch Proposal Review.  Ad-hoc Reviewer
    • Merged Department Budget and Finance Committee 
    • Merged Department Research-Graduate Education Committee 
    • Departments of Dairy Science and Animal Science Merger Task Force Subcommittee: Research Priorities Working Group Co-chair
    • Ruminant Nutrition Integrated Extension Research Faculty (Vice-Shaver) Position Search Committee
    • Departments of Dairy Science and Animal Science Restructuring Task Force Committee 
    • Dairy Cattle Center Manager Search Committee
    • Blaine Emmons Dairy Cattle Research Facility Manager Search Committee
    • Vice-Armentano Faculty Position Search Committee
    • Department of Dairy Science Marketing and Communications Committee
    • Graduate Student Association Advisor (Animal and Dairy Science Departments) Department of Dairy Science Graduate Curriculum Meeting
    • Dairy Herd Data Management Ad Hoc Committee
    • Dairy Herd Administrator Search Committee USDA AFRI Foundational, Animal Growth Physiology and Lactation. 2016. Review Panel Member
    • USDA AFRI CARE. Ad-hoc reviewer National Science Foundation Proposal Review. Ad-hoc reviewer
    • USDA Multistate Research Group, Secretary USDA Multistate Research Group, Chair
    • Reviewer for Journal of Dairy Science 
    • Reviewer for Journal of Animal Science 
    • Reviewer for Physiological Genomics 
    • Reviewer for Domestic Animal Endocrinology 
    • Reviewer for Joint Annual Meeting Late Breaking Abstracts 
    • Pearson Chapter Reviewer for Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach, M. F. Sanders and J. L. Bowman 
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