American Dairy Science Association

American Society of Animal Science

Canadian Society of Animal Science

July 21-25, 2002 - 2002 Joint Annual Meeting - Quebec City, Canada

Hansen receives 2002 Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award

Peter J. Hansen is this year’s recipient of the Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award. The award, sponsored by Monsanto Company, will be presented during the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, July 21-25 in Quebec City.

Hansen received a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the direction of Dr. Edward Hauser of the Dept. of Meat and Animal Science. He obtained the M.S. degree in endocrinology-reproductive physiology in 1980 and the Ph.D. degree in 1983. Dr. Hansen completed a postdoctoral program in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Florida.

Dr. Hansen joined the faculty of the University of Florida in 1984 and currently is professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. Dr. Hansen's research career has focused on elucidating the cellular and molecular processes leading to establishment and maintenance of pregnancy with the goal of developing novel methods for enhancing pregnancy rates in cattle. Much of his recent efforts have been focused in two areas: environmental physiology and reproductive immunology.

The approach Dr. Hansen has taken to reduce embryonic mortality caused by heat stress has been to identify methods for protecting embryos from high temperatures. Hansen's lab is identifying the biochemical mechanisms used by embryonic cells to resist deleterious effects of heat shock and characterize how these mechanisms become acquired by the embryo as it proceeds through early development. Hansen has also worked on the interaction between the embryo and the mother's immune system. Hansen's lab has evaluated the nature of immunological interactions between the embryo and dam in the sheep with the goal of finding ways to increase fertility, placental function, fetal growth, and resistance of the uterus to infection.

The Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award recognizes research excellence in physiology and endocrinology. The winner receives a monetary award and a plaque.

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