Laura Hernandez is a professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads a nationally recognized research program in lactation biology. Her work focuses on understanding how the mammary gland adapts during the transition from pregnancy to lactation, with particular emphasis on calcium regulation and serotonin’s role in supporting healthy milk production in dairy cattle. Hernandez’s research also connects animal and human health, helping to improve outcomes for both dairy cows and breastfeeding women. She holds degrees from New Mexico State University and the University of Arizona and previously completed a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular and cellular physiology at the University of Cincinnati.
At UW–Madison, Hernandez teaches courses in lactation physiology, reproductive endocrinology, and scientific communication while directing the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology graduate program. Her lab uses both molecular and whole‑animal approaches to study how the mammary gland develops, functions, and maintains mineral balance during lactation. Hernandez has earned multiple national awards for her innovative work and is a frequent contributor to outreach programs that connect dairy science with farmers and the broader public. Her research continues to shape scientific understanding of lactation and support advances in maternal health and dairy farm management.
Eric Ronk is a teaching faculty member in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he plays a key role in undergraduate instruction, student advising, and dairy industry outreach. A Wisconsin native who grew up on his family’s Century Farm, Ronk brings strong practical experience to his teaching in animal sciences and dairy herd management. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science from UW–Madison and his master’s degree from Virginia Tech. Ronk teaches foundational courses including Introduction to Animal Sciences (101 and 102) and Dairy Herd Management, and he also coaches the Dairy Challenge team, helping students develop real‑world problem‑solving skills.
Before joining UW–Madison as teaching faculty, Ronk worked as an agriculture agent with UW–Extension and contributed to on‑farm research in dairy feed efficiency and herd management. He remains active in student engagement through his role as co‑advisor to the Badger Dairy Club and through outreach activities such as farm tours at the Dairy Cattle Center. Ronk’s dedication to hands‑on learning and student success has made him a highly valued instructor within the department and a trusted resource for students interested in careers across the dairy industry.
Megan R. Lauber is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where her research focuses on improving reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle. Her work centers on optimizing fertility with sexed semen in both lactating cows and heifers, and understanding how reproductive management practices influence farm profitability and herd performance. Lauber holds both a B.S. (2018) and M.S. (2021) in Dairy Science from UW–Madison, and her doctoral research integrates physiology, management, and economics to advance reproductive strategies for modern dairy herds.
Before pursuing her graduate studies, Lauber gained extensive hands‑on experience on her family’s farm in Union Grove, Wisconsin, where she managed calf and heifer programs and worked with registered Holsteins. She has also completed internships with ABS Global, ANIMART, and Golden Oaks Farm, broadening her industry expertise. Lauber is active in professional and student organizations, including the Association of Women in Agriculture and the American Dairy Science Association, and has earned multiple national honors such as the National Dairy Leadership Scholarship and recognition as a Rising Star in Graduate Student Research. Passionate about youth development and agricultural outreach, she frequently volunteers at dairy judging contests and educational events across the state.
Wisconsin is a national leader in the dairy industry, thanks in part to strong support for research and a commitment to attracting top talent. That commitment extends beyond today’s workforce to the next generation: agriculture accounts for 9.5% of Wisconsin’s jobs, and nationally, the U.S. will need more than 18,000 new college graduates each year for agriculture‑related careers between 2025 and 2030. To help meet this need, this proposal aims to build dairy youth outreach programs that inspire, prepare, and support young people as future leaders in Wisconsin’s dairy sector.
The project focuses on three main efforts: creating regional outreach events to showcase the wide range of educational and career paths in the dairy industry; launching a youth dairy camp to spark early interest and strengthen undergraduate recruitment; and offering hands‑on coursework that teaches essential dairy farm management skills. Expected results include workshops and presentations for the public, informational materials about dairy careers, survey feedback from participants, and outreach stories shared through local media. Ultimately, this work aims to strengthen youth engagement, improve perceptions of the dairy industry, and build a foundation for expanding dairy youth programming in the future.