Samantha Blunt, B.S.

Samantha Blunt, B.S. is an M.S. student in the Animal Biology Graduate Group at the University of California, Davis, advised by Dr. Frank Mitloehner. Raised in Fresno, the heart of California’s Central Valley, Samantha developed a passion for livestock through her involvement in FFA. Further, her passion for animals led to her pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a specialization in livestock and dairy.

As an undergraduate, Samantha gained hands-on research experience across animal behavior, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Her first internship was with the UC Davis Sheepmowers. which introduced her to the principles of sustainable agriculture. It also solidified her interest in the relationship between animals and the environment. She was later employed as an intern in Dr. Frank Mitloehner’s lab, assisting with a long-term project observing the effects of feed additives on dairy cattle performance and health. Additionally, her love for behavioral research grew through a commercial farm study evaluating the impacts of different disbudding methods on dairy calves.

After earning her B.S. degree, Samantha joined Dr. Mitloehner’s lab as a graduate student, where she continues to combine her passions for animal behavior, nutrition and agricultural sustainability to support livestock production.