Briana Morales, B.S., is a first-generation college graduate and currently an M.S. student with Dr. Frank Mitloehner in the Animal Biology Graduate Group at the University of California, Davis. She grew up in a small agricultural town near Fresno, California. Though her first introduction to livestock was during her time as a member of FFA, she has always had a passion for livestock which led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in animal science with an emphasis on Livestock and Dairy.

During her time as an undergraduate, Briana was employed at the UCDavis Vet School C-Barn. As an on-call vet assistant for large animals, she learned animal health and husbandry practices. Briana was also employed as a research assistant in Dr. Frank Mitloehner’s Lab where she helped graduate students on several live animal feed trials in both beef and dairy. Outside of Dr. Mitloehner’s Lab, she participated in a project on toxicology impacts on pregnant beef cattle and calves.

Following her B.S. degree, Briana continued to gain valuable experience in Dr. Mitloehner’s Lab as a Junior Specialist. Here, she had the opportunity to further her research experiences working with both beef and dairy cattle focusing on enteric emissions and manure mitigation strategies. In addition, she learned how to properly communicate research with others, highlighting the CLEAR Center’s two cores – research and communications.  

Briana’s passion for sustainability in all livestock sectors has grown through her experiences over the year. Given her interest in public engagement and policy, she has decided to work alongside the swine industry to find new and innovative ways to become sustainable. Her excitement starting this new journey in the swine industry led her to help create the UCDavis Swine Club alongside Swine Facility Manager, Shelby Sopocy. She will be the first graduate advisor starting Fall 2024.