Lee Rickords

College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences

Personal experiences participating in undergraduate research gave Dr. Lee Rickords a deep understanding of the impact such opportunities can have on a student’s education.

He is committed to fostering a laboratory setting in which quality research experiences are provided. Lee is an associate professor in the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences and since 2010 has mentored 26 undergraduate students in molecular biology and genetics-related learning opportunities and research. He makes a point of including research questions in lectures to the undergraduate classes he teaches, and is currently working with undergraduate students to rapidly detect Johne’s Disease in cattle.

The project allows these students to understand basic science discoveries, use cutting-edge scientific techniques and see how discoveries are directly applied to production agriculture. He encourages students to discuss their ideas and supports them in trying new techniques. Lee uses research opportunities to allow students to grow and develop solutions through discussion, literature searches and talking with other faculty members and scientists.