Lauren Dean is currently a Graduate Research Assistant at Colorado State University, in her second year of a master’s degree in Animal Science, focusing on Livestock Behavior and Welfare under Dr. Lily Edwards-Callaway. Lauren is from Fresno, California and her interest for the livestock industry began at an early age after being exposed to many sectors of agriculture. Lauren graduated with her bachelor’s degree from CSU, which widened her understanding of the livestock industry and fostered her appreciation for the welfare of food animals and the slaughter process. After completing her undergraduate studies, Lauren began working as a Food Inspector for USDA-FSIS in a beef packing plant; during this time she increased her knowledge of the food supply chain. While she appreciated the opportunity and experience, Lauren decided to continue her education and began her master’s degree in 2022.
Lauren’s current research focuses on the comfort of fed beef cattle during lairage at the slaughter facility. This study aims to observe the impact of shade and rubber mat flooring has on cattle behavior during lairage, mobility changes over the lairage period, and dark cutters. Lauren’s other research at CSU includes a survey to understand stakeholder use of heat mitigation in feedlots which provided insight to heat mitigation currently used and perceptions of mitigation strategies, along with the needs and challenges faced that are associated with heat mitigation.
Lauren plans to go onto work in the food production industry after graduation and continue to improve the welfare of food animals.