Meet Isabel Rodriguez, our latest addition to Farm Journal’s PORK’s Up & Coming Leaders feature. We are showcasing some of the fresh, new voices of the pork industry who combine innovative thought and work ethic with scientific savvy and a passion to make a difference.
Age: 24
Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela before moving to Iowa City, Iowa
Education: Bachelor’s degree and pursuing master’s degree, Iowa State University
Q. How did you become interested in the swine industry?
A. I first became interested in the swine industry during an introductory class at Iowa State University that led me to taking other swine industry-related classes. Additionally, I participated in the ISU Swine Experience.
Q. Describe any internship experiences you’ve had.
A. I participated in the ISU Undergrad Veterinary Internship Program. I visited Hanor Company where I shadowed farm managers, a veterinarian and assisted in pig bleeding, vaccination preparation and other barn-related chores.
Q. Describe your undergraduate research experiences.
A. I worked at a microbiology lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine at ISU. I was in charge of lab chores, helped with research project preparations and took images using a confocal microscope.
Q. Tell us about your current research.
A. I am studying animal reproductive physiology with a focus in swine. My research focuses on boar fertility and the steps leading up to fertilization through the technique of in vitro fertilization. Findings from my research can impact the swine industry by identifying the most fertile cohort of sires, increasing productivity, and reducing sperm cells needed in an artificial insemination dosage.
Q. What is your generation’s greatest challenge?
A. I think that the biggest challenge for my generation in the swine industry will be balancing sustainability and productivity. With the increasing world population, the demand for pork production increases, meaning that we need to find a way to enhance such productivity while using less resources.
Editor’s Note: Rodriguez is part of the National Pork Board’s Pork Scholars Program, intended to develop highly trained professionals who are dedicated to a career in the U.S. swine industry. The program includes a research component with a cooperating university, a practical on-farm experience with an industry cooperator and cross-training across more than one academic discipline (i.e. genetics and data science).
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