Champaign, IL, June 21, 2023 – The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is pleased to announce the selection of Joanne Knapp, PhD, PAS, as the next director of the popular Discover Conference Series. Knapp will succeed Larry Miller, PhD, who has overseen the conference series for more than 16 years, helping to grow the events into a premier forum for professionals to discuss new and emerging issues in dairy science.
Knapp is currently an innovation consultant in the feed and pharmaceutical industries and an adjunct professor in The Ohio State University’s Department of Animal Sciences. She specializes in nutrition, management, and sustainability topics within livestock and poultry production including dairy, and regularly writes and speaks on trends in food production and human nutrition. She received her MS and PhD in nutrition from the University of California, Davis after graduating with a bachelors in animal science from Cornell University, and has held academic positions at the University of Vermont and at Ohio University.
Knapp has been a longtime member of ADSA, with a demonstrated history of leadership and excellence in the dairy science space. Knapp has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Dairy Science and has been a significant contributor to ADSA’s Annual Meetings as a member of the Program Committee, and a frequent speaker at multiple Discover Conferences. She is a founding member of the Midwest Chapter of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, serving as chapter president from 2012 to 2015, and served on the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference’s Planning Committee. Her awards include the 2017 Journal of Dairy Science Most Cited Award for her article, “Invited review: Enteric methane in dairy cattle production: Quantifying the opportunities and impact of reducing emissions,” as well as the 2001 Robert L. Bickford Jr. Scholar Award, along with many prestigious undergraduate and graduate fellowships.
By facilitating insightful presentations, interactive discussions, and collaborative networking, the Discover Conference Series plays a pivotal role in advancing the dairy industry by promoting evidence-based practices, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and enhancing sustainable production methods. The conference serves as a catalyst for transformative ideas, enabling stakeholders to stay informed about the latest scientific developments, gain valuable insights, and ultimately contribute to the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of the dairy industry as a whole.
As director, Knapp will assume the role of overseeing upcoming Discover Conference planning and execution in close coordination with the Discover Coordinator, speakers, volunteers, and staff. In addition, she will facilitate the International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology (ISRP) in August 2024. Occurring every five years, the ISRP meeting consistently provides an unrivaled array of presentations and insightful discussion with the largest group of international ruminant physiologists gathered in one place.
“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Joanne Knapp to her new role as director of the Discover programs. Given her depth of experience, we are confident that she will be able to build on the unique value that the Discover conferences have provided on high-impact issues in dairy science,” said ADSA Executive Director Jerry Bowman. In the upcoming months, Knapp will collaborate on transitioning duties with Dr. Larry Miller, who has decided to retire after serving 16 very successful years as Discover Director. “We can’t thank Larry enough for his incredible leadership on the Discover program, his collaboration with Discover Coordinator Molly Kelley, and his vision on behalf of ADSA and the ADSA Foundation,” said Bowman.
“I am thrilled to be joining the ADSA team in leading Discover events,” said Knapp. “The conferences play a rich role within the Association and in the dairy industry as a whole, and my goal is to continue to build upon this excellent approach to meeting the future needs of dairy science nationally and globally.”
About ADSA’s Discover Conference Series
ADSA Discover Conferences℠ focus on topics of importance to the science of food animal agriculture and are held in a relaxed, informal setting. Sessions for this conference allow ample time for discussion, networking, and relaxation in order to provide a format and venue that encourages new and emerging science. https://www.adsa.org/Meetings/Discover-Conference-Series
About the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA®)
The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is an international organization of educators, scientists, and industry representatives who are committed to advancing the dairy industry and keenly aware of the vital role the dairy sciences play in fulfilling the economic, nutritive, and health requirements of the world's population. It provides leadership in scientific and technical support to sustain and grow the global dairy industry through generation, dissemination, and exchange of information and services. Together, ADSA members have discovered new methods and technologies that have revolutionized the dairy industry. www.adsa.org
About FASS Inc.
Since 1998, FASS has provided shared management services to not-for-profit scientific organizations. With combined membership rosters of more than 10,000 professionals in animal agriculture and other sciences, FASS offers clients services in accounting, membership management, convention and meeting planning, information technology, and scientific publication support. The FASS publications department provides journal management, peer-review support, copyediting, and composition for this journal; the staff includes several BELS-certified (www.bels.org) technical editors and experienced composition staff. www.fass.org