Mueller Joins K-State ASI Department as Genetics Assistant Professor

MANHATTAN, Kan. –Maci Mueller has been hired as assistant professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics for the Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry Department. As a beef cattle geneticist, her appointment will be 70% teaching and 30% research.

Mueller will be teaching Genetics during the Fall 2023 semester and her research will focus on developing innovative methods and systems to enable the widespread and routine utilization of gene editing, a powerful breeding tool, in cattle production. Her goal is to enhance animal health and welfare while improving production efficiency, by leveraging the potential of genetic-based biotechnologies.

Mueller will earn her doctorate later this month in Animal Biology at the University of California-Davis (UCD). She earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her master’s in animal biology from UCD.

“It is my pleasure to announce that Maci Mueller will be joining our Animal Breeding and Genetics team in early August,” says Dr. Mike Day, K-State ASI department head. “Her expertise, background and training will provide important contributions to our teaching, research and extension programs. Maci’s husband, Kale, will also join K-State as an Extension Associate in Horticulture. We are very pleased to welcome Maci, Kale and their son, Titus, to our ASI family.”

Throughout her graduate studies, Mueller had the opportunity to teach undergraduate students, present to industry leaders, engage with producers, collaborate with industry organizations and conduct cutting edge research. Her graduate research was focused on the application of genetic-based biotechnology, specifically gene editing, in livestock production systems.

During her graduate career, Mueller was recognized for her academic achievements, research accomplishments, and outreach efforts. She was honored with the prestigious American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Agri-King Outstanding Animal Science Graduate Student Award in 2022 and received the UCD College of Agriculture Van Alfen/MacDonald Graduate Award in 2021. Additionally, she won the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation Baker/Cundiff Graduate Essay Award.

“I am passionate about animal science education and outreach,” Mueller describes. “As a teaching assistant for various animal science and biology courses across different academic levels, I have found great fulfillment in contributing to the cultivation of knowledge and the facilitation of learning among students.” Furthermore, her commitment to effective scientific communication and engagement with a wider audience is reflected in her achievement of a Graduate Certificate in Extension, Outreach, and Science Communication.

Originally from Princeton, Nebraska, Mueller will be on campus August 1.

“I am overjoyed to be joining the K-State family, and use my research experience, background and connections in livestock production, and communication skills to contribute to the land-grant mission,” Mueller says.