Managing Performance Horse's Joints
What to Feed Old Horses
Ask The Horse | Equine Pain and Discomfort
Equine Innovators: Pathology is More Than Just Necropsies
Normal Horse Vital Signs and Health Indicators
Mare Gestation Calculator
Adult Horse Weight Calculator
From: Schilde, Belgium
Degree and institute where received: Vives University, Belgium, BS, Animal Science;
Post-graduate certificate in animal rehabilitation in sports coaching
After completing an internship at KESMARC (Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center) and two-and-a-half years as a veterinary technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, in Lexington, Kentucky, Caroline Loos began looking for equine graduate programs.
“Having some of the top professors in the field of equine nutrition right here in Lexington, I was ecstatic to hear that Dr. Kristine Urschel (PhD, assistant professor in Animal and Food Sciences for the University of Kentucky College [UK] of Agriculture, Food and Environment) had accepted me into her program,” Loos said.
Loos’ research focuses on muscle protein metabolism in horses, more specifically on how it is regulated and how factors like exercise, diet, medication, and disease can affect muscle development. Along with her own research projects, her diverse interests have also led her to opportunities to help with several studies involving treadmill exercise, working with metabolic horses, and collaborating with feed companies.
Loos said the department’s faculty knowledge and guidance has been important in her educational studies.
“Research, especially animal research, requires teamwork and participating in different studies. Learning about other students’ research projects, even in species other than your own, is the best way to broaden your skills,” she said. “I really believe you get as much or as little out of your time in college as you want.”
Loos is currently finishing her laboratory work and working on her dissertation. She has experience with research, working in the industry, and will have the opportunity to teach this semester.
“Whether the next step will lead me to take a job in the industry, academia, or something entirely different, I hope to contribute to the well-being of the horse the way they have driven me to pursue my dreams,” Loos said.
Alexandra Harper, MBA, is the operations and communications coordinator for the UK Ag Equine Programs.
Want more articles like this? Sign up for the Bluegrass Equine Digest e-Newsletter.
More information on Gluck Equine Research Center and UK Ag Equine Programs.
