Amy Skibiel, Ph.D.

Summary: In the Skibiel lab, we study lactation and maternal and offspring health associated with environmental conditions. We are interested in the metabolic changes in the body that enable lactation to occur, particularly from the molecular and cellular levels within specific tissues relevant to lactation (e.g., liver and mammary gland). We are also investigating the impacts of environmental stressors, such as social stress, heat stress, and poor air quality from wildfire smoke, on lactation performance (milk yield, milk composition) and maternal and offspring health.

Minimum Courses: Introductory Biology

Projects: We employ a variety of laboratory techniques, such as immunoassays, molecular techniques (RNA extraction, real time polymerase chain reaction), flow cytometry, and colorimetric and fluorometric assays. On the animal side, we largely work with dairy cattle but also lab rodents. Opportunity to work with animals will depend on the specific project.

Potential summer project themes:

Project 1, determining the impacts of wildfire smoke exposure on milk production, health, and behavior using the dairy cow/calf as a model.

Project 2, exploring how stressors, such as social stress or poor air quality, program offspring growth and development through changes in milk quality.

Project 3, investigating disruption of metabolic pathways within tissues collected from lactating animals exposed to environmental stressors.