Kaitlin Wurtz |
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Contact Information:
Phone: (765) 494-6358
Email: Kaitlin.Wurtz@usda.gov
Areas of Expertise:
Applied Ethology
Animal Welfare Science
Genetics
Precision Livestock Farming
Education:
BS: Animal Science – Animal Biology and Pre-Veterinary, 2012, Michigan State University
PhD: Animal Science – Animal Behavior and Welfare, Animal Breeding and Genetics, 2017, Michigan State University
Postdoc: 2018-2020, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University
Postdoc: 2021-2023, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, DK
Dr. Kaitlin Wurtz joined the USDA-ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit as a Research Animal Scientist in 2024. She obtained her bachelor’s and PhD from Michigan Sate University and completed postdoctoral training at Michigan State University and Aarhus University in Denmark. Kaitlin’s research interests have centered on improving the welfare of poultry and swine housed in alternative housing systems, mitigating damaging and unwanted behaviors, understanding the underlying genetics of behavioral traits, and the development and application of precision livestock technology for automated behavioral detection and welfare monitoring. She has also served as an inspector for the Certified Humane label with the Humane Farm Animal Care organization giving her practical experience in welfare auditing in commercial settings.