Melissa Davis is a PhD student in the Livestock Behavior and Welfare program at Colorado State University studying under Dr. Lily Edwards-Callaway. She grew up in Crown Point, Indiana, U.S. where she developed a strong passion for animal science and ways that she can make a difference in an animal's life. Melissa attended Purdue University in Indiana for both her undergraduate and master's degrees. During her undergraduate studies, Melissa decided on the behavior and well-being program after an animal behavior class and an internship with the USDA Livestock Behavioral Research Unit showed her unique and alternative careers that can make an impact on the lives of animals. Shortly after that, she found herself on an undergraduate meat science quiz bowl team that ignited her love for meat science and the meat industry. Melissa completed her master's degree under Dr. Stacy Zuelly and Dr. Marisa Erasmus studying animal behavior/welfare and meat science in poultry. Now at CSU, her current research focuses primarily on pre-slaughter management practices at beef cattle slaughter plants, their effects on welfare and meat quality, and ultimately, the economic outcomes of these practices. Future research also plans to explore industry acceptability and adoptability of optimal welfare practices.