Dr. Kimberly Cole, PhD

Dr. Kimberly Cole, PhD
Associate Professor, Unit Supervisor: OSU Equine Center
Office: 
222D Animal Science Building
Phone: 
614-292-2625
Degree Information: 
BS Animal Science, Virginia Tech
MS Animal Science, University of Arkansas
PhD Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas
Post Doc, JK Skeeles Poultry Health Laboratory, University of Arkansas
Biography: 
 
Extension

As the Equine Extension Specialist, I serve as an informational resource for Ohio horse owners and enthusiasts, develop and conduct equine educational programs such as the Ohio Regional Equine Information Network System (REINS) Volunteer Program, and provide leadership to the 4-H Horse Program.  Each year approximately 10,000 youth from all over the state complete 4-H horse projects and approximately 1200 youth participate in statewide educational contests and events. 

Teaching

I serve as the primary instructor for Introduction to Equine Studies (ANIM SCI 2221), Equine Health & Disease (ANIM SCI 3171), Equine Facilities, Marketing, and Management (ANIM SCI 3101), Equine Production (ANIM SCI 4001), and the co-instructor for the Equine Studies in Europe study abroad course (ANIM SCI 2400.01 & ANIM SCI 3797.01) in collaboration with Kelly George.  In addition to teaching several classes, I serve as an advisor for approximately 30 undergraduate students and provide faculty leadership for The Ohio State University Horsemen’s Association and The Ohio State University Western Equestrian Team.  I also work closely with undergraduate research and honor students, and I am actively involved with training M.S. and Ph.D. students. 

Research

I have an active, diverse research program involving both horses and poultry.  The focus of my equine research is the evaluation of traditional management practices on behavioral and physiological responses of horses to improve horse health.  Current projects include investigating the effects of probiotics on immune responses and microflora in the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts.  The focus of my poultry research is the reduction of the food-borne pathogens, Salmonella and Campylobacter, in pre-harvest poultry.  Salmonella and Campylobacter continue to be the most commonly reported bacterial causes of human food-borne illness worldwide, and epidemiological evidence indicates that poultry and poultry products are a significant source of human infection.  As poultry flocks that are not infected with these organisms cannot contribute to the contamination of poultry products, pre-harvest intervention is an important strategy for reducing the contamination of poultry products with these food-borne pathogens. 

Honors and Awards

Gamma Sigma Delta Extension Award of Merit, 2013
CFAES Academic Mentor Award, 2013
Memberships/Professional Activities
Equine Science Society
National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics
Poultry Science Association
American Society of Animal Science
American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists