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Animal Science Faculty
Our faculty are a unique blend of researchers, educators and professionals who are proven experts in their fields.
Amer AbuGhazaleh, Professor
Animal Science
Dr. AbuGhazaleh has a PhD in dairy science from South Dakota State University. After completing his PhD, Dr. AbuGhazaleh worked as a research scientist in the Department of Animal Science at Clemson University, South Carolina.
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Office Phone: 618-453-1767
aabugha@siu.edu
Office: Agriculture Building, Room 119
Gary Apgar, Professor
Animal Science
Dr. Apgar received his graduate degrees from Virginia Tech in ‘91 and ’94 in swine nutrition.
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Office Phone: 618-453-1763
pigguy@siu.edu
Office: Agriculture Building, Room 125
William Banz, Professor
Animal Science
Dr. Banz's specialization is in Nutrition Physiology, focusing primarily on the relationship amongst the bioactive agricultural components of functional foods, health and gene-nutrient interaction.
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Office Phone: 618-453-2469
banz@siu.edu
Office: Agriculture Building, Room 200
John Farrish, Assistant Professor
Dr. John Farrish is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition. He teaches a variety of courses in Hospitality Management, including Food and Labor Cost Control and Facilities Management. Dr. Farrish had a twenty-five-year career in the hospitality industry, managing food and beverage operations in major hotels in both San Francisco and Las Vegas as well as in independent restaurants. After leaving the hospitality industry Dr. Farrish earned his Ph.D. degree at the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
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Quigley Hall, 209 A
Office: 618-453-5192
Dept: 618-453-3307
john.farrish@siu.edu
Eduardo Gastal, Professor
Animal Science
Dr. Gastal’s current areas of research are ovarian folliculogenesis, reproductive physiology and endocrinology, assisted reproductive technologies, and reproductive ultrasonography with the primary goal of using the mare and the cow as research experimental models for comparative studies of ovarian function, obesity and aging in women.
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Office Phone: 618-453-1774
egastal@siu.edu
Office: Agriculture Building, Room 129
Karen Jones, Professor
Animal Science
Dr. Jones arrived at SIUC in 1999 after completing her doctoral training at Texas A and M University.
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Office Phone: 618-453-2496
kljones@siu.edu
Office: Agriculture Building, Room 178
Jayakrishnan Nair, Assistant Professor
Animal Science
Dr. Jay specializes in beef cattle nutrition, forage production, and management. Research at Nair’s Lab focuses on expanding the understanding of nutrient utilization and metabolism of beef cattle, improving production efficiency, and reducing the environmental footprint of beef operations through sustainable beef production systemsView Full Bio

jay.nair@siu.edu
Office: Agriculture Building, Room 115
Erin Perry, Associate Professor

Office Phone: 618-453-1358
erin.perry@siu.edu
Office: Agriculture Building, Room 131
Stephanie Speiser, Senior Lecturer
Animal Science
Stephanie left the family farm to pursue a career with horses. She received her Master of Animal Science specializing in Equine Reproduction from SIU in 2000. Prior to attending SIU, she was professionally employed in various aspects of the horse industry.
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Office Phone: 618-453-1773
sspeiser@siu.edu
Office: Agriculture Building, Room 113