Madi Bacon is a PhD candidate in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, supervised by Bradley Heins and Marcia Endres. She is committed to enhancing collaboration and communication among graduate students in the dairy industry, and is eager to contribute to the growth and success of the ADSA graduate student community.
Bacon began her academic journey at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire where she earned a BA in psychology and participated in undergraduate research aiming to enhance the adoptability of shelter dogs. She then continued for her MS in applied animal behavior and welfare at the University of Edinburgh, where she studied elephant social networks in European zoos and their impact on reproduction. Her current research focuses on dairy cattle behavior and welfare, addressing the short- and long-term impacts of disbudding. Through her PhD research, she has gained invaluable insights into the complexities of the dairy sector and is determined to apply this knowledge for the betterment of the ADSA GSD.
Although she had not worked with dairy cattle prior to beginning her PhD, Bacon quickly developed an enduring passion for dairy science and has actively engaged with ADSA and other organizations to promote dairy cattle welfare. She has actively participated in multiple ADSA meetings and Discover Conferences, including two oral presentations at last year’s annual meeting in Kansas City. These events have provided valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.
Beyond ADSA, Bacon has experience serving on multiple committees in her department, college, and professional organizations. Most recently, she was elected as the representative of the animal science department graduate students for the college’s Graduate Student Board. These opportunities have given her firsthand experience of the unique challenges faced by graduate students and has fueled her passion to advocate for their needs and concerns.
If elected as secretary, Bacon is committed to amplifying the voices of graduate students within the ADSA Graduate Student Division. She aims to establish open lines of communication, ensuring that the concerns, ideas, and achievements of fellow graduate students are recognized and shared. She believes that by fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, the ADSA GSD can serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth within the dairy industry.
As someone who is deeply invested in the dairy industry and in particular dairy cattle welfare, Bacon possesses the enthusiasm, drive, and commitment needed to excel in the role of secretary. Her genuine desire to support fellow graduate students and foster a sense of community makes her an ideal candidate for this position.