Dr. Steven Lonergan received his PhD in Animal Science with a minor in Biochemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995. He has been on the faculty at Iowa State University since 1998. Dr. Lonergan’s research focus at Iowa State University has been centered on discovery and thorough description of molecular factors that influence muscle growth and meat quality. He has demonstrated excellence in these endeavors as a researcher, teacher, mentor and advocate for student achievement. Dr.Lonergan has been recognized by the American Meat Science Association and the American Society of Animal Science for Outstanding Teaching and Research. He is a Fellow in the American Meat Science Association. Over 40 years of teaching and research experience; 24 international, national, and state awards given by the United States Secretary of Agriculture for his contributions to excellence in agriculture. Published ~300 research papers in Food Science and Animal Science journals. Dr. Marple taught courses in animal growth and development, and is involved in research on swine growth and meat quality as well as beef cattle research on shipping fever and fescue toxicity.Dr. Marple became Head of the Animal Science Department at Iowa State University in October, 1992, with administrative responsibilities for instruction, researchand extension programs until 2001. He is the past President of the American Society of Animal Science, and a former member of the Board of Directors of American Society of Animal Science and the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. He is the author or co-author of 57 journal papers and 73 abstracts ofpresentations at scientific meetings, and has made invited presentations at numerous professional meetings in the US and nine foreign countries.