Davis - Blogs | Blog | Outstanding Faculty 08-09: Animal and Nutritional Sciences

6 Apr

The Davis College’s Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences has selected its outstanding faculty for the 2008-09 academic year.

Hillar Klandorf, professor of biochemistry, has been recognized for outstanding teaching. Klandorf teaches a range of courses, including Animal Physiology, Animal Behavior and University Orientation. He has developed an online version of Companion Animal Science, which will be offered during the 2009 summer session. Klandorf is also program director for the London Internship Program, a four-week summer experience that combines unique work experience with sightseeing and cultural immersion in England’s capital city. He is the Resident Faculty Leader for Lyon Tower, planning special activities and trips, hosting social events, offering academic support, guidance and mentorship to first-year students.

Jianbo Yao, assistant professor of biochemistry, has been recognized for outstanding research. Yao has maintained a high level of research productivity throughout his tenure at WVU. In just five years, he has published 24 peer-reviewed journal articles and has submitted another manuscript for evaluation. He and his research colleagues have presented 34 abstracts at scientific meetings. Yao’s work on the rainbow trout genome mapping project has led to the development of extensive research tools, and he has worked to identify genetic markers of fillet quality. He has worked to advance the understanding of molecular genetic changes that occur during bovine reproduction.

Margaret Minch, extension veterinary specialist, has been recognized for outstanding service. As the Davis-Michael Veterinarian, she is responsible for veterinary care at WVU’s Morgantown and Reedsville farms, overseeing vaccination programs, clinical treatment and regulatory work on cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, and goats. She also leads the training program for graduate students and faculty in techniques related to various research projects. Minch also fills a demanding role on WVU’s Animal Care and Use Committee.