Purina Animal Nutrition announces the hiring of Samantha Steelman, PhD, as a senior scientist on the research team at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center in Gray Summit, Missouri.
Steelman’s knowledge of animal health began on her neighbor’s farm and in the equine show ring as a child. Throughout her academic career, she expanded that knowledge base from animal science into human medical science.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in equine science from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University. Steelman earned her PhD in medical science while studying human cardiovascular physiology and the effects of stroke on cerebral vascular structure at Texas A&M’s Health Science Center. Prior to joining Purina Animal Nutrition, Steelman worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Her work focused on using functional genomics to study equine laminitis.
“Steelman’s experience with animals and in research will be a strong addition to the Purina Animal Nutrition Center team,” said Cindie Luhman, PhD, vice president of research and development with Purina Animal Nutrition. “Her work will support our commitment to doing what’s best for animals, our commitment to research innovation and the continuous improvement of our nutrition solutions.”
In her role at the animal health research laboratory, Steelman will lead a team that studies how nutrition impacts the health and immune systems of animals of all species. To date, more than 24,000 studies have been conducted at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center, and tens of thousands of ingredient and nutrient combinations have been evaluated to create the best animal feed. This is just scratching the surface of understanding all the ways proper animal nutrition contributes to efficiency, productivity, longevity and health of animals.
“Growing up with Arabian horses, I knew Purina Animal Nutrition as an iconic brand and a trusted name,” said Steelman. “I could not imagine working anywhere else. I am happy to add my knowledge and energy to the team.”
Purina Animal Nutrition LLC (www.purinamills.com) is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers throughout the United States. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to animal excellence, Purina Animal Nutrition is an industry-leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. Headquartered in Shoreview, Minn., Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.
