People

Principal Investigator (PI)

Dr. Lucas Krusinski

Dr. Krusinski is an Assistant Professor of Animal Science at Cal Poly Pomona, and his work bridges multiple disciplines including food science, animal science, metabolomics, grazing management, molecular biology, and agroecology. He is a multidisciplinary scientist interested in the effects of agricultural practices on food nutrient density and animal welfare. He focuses on the One Health aspect of regenerative agriculture with one goal in mind: healthy environment, healthy animals, healthy humans. Dr. Krusinski also uses his data to better authenticate grass-finished beef to protect ranchers and consumers from food fraud. Dr. Krusinski holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Michigan State University. In his free time, Dr. Krusinski enjoys running, playing tennis, surfing, reading, and cooking.

Graduate Research Assistants

Gabriella Funes

Gabriella is a second-year M.S. student in Agriculture with an Animal Science option at Cal Poly Pomona. She earned her B.S. in Biology, concentrating in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from California State University, Fullerton. Gabriella brings prior research experience from her undergraduate studies as an Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) fellow researching how honeybees respond to Varroa mite infestation loads, especially through grooming behaviors that protect colony health. Gabriella is an ARI NextGen Fellow.

Wren Hemig

Wren is a first-year M.S. student in Agriculture with an Animal Science option at Cal Poly Pomona.

Alyssa Wimberly

Alyssa is a first-year M.S. student in Agriculture with an Animal Science option at Cal Poly Pomona.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Lauren Min

Lauren is a fourth-year Animal Science (Pre-Vet) student with strong interests in animal behavior and welfare, nutrition, genetics, and the integration of veterinary medicine with human health. She is passionate about improving animal well-being through evidence-based practices, preventative medicine, and owner education. Her ultimate goal is to pursue veterinary school, where she strives to advocate for animal health through nutrition education and preventative care practices. Outside of academics, Lauren volunteers at a therapeutic riding center, where she combines her love of animals with serving the community. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, playing instruments, and spending time with family and friends.

Alondra Arias

Alondra is a fifth-year Animal Science student with a minor in Zoology. Alondra has a strong interest in learning and gaining as much experience as she can, keeping an open mind to the unknown. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a higher education in wildlife, specifically their ecological behaviors and how human interference might change their physiology. Outside of academics, Alondra is a dedicated athlete actively participating in the Cal Poly Pomona's Women's Cross Country team. She strives to maintain a work-life balance that allows her to stay committed to her sport while pursuing academic opportunities that challenge her. On her free time, Alondra enjoys reading and spending time with my family.

Oscar Cadenas

Oscar is a fourth-year Animal Science (Pre-Vet) student with interests in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, chemistry, physiology, and reproduction. His experiences working with both small and large animals have shaped his interest in pursuing a career that combines animal care, science, and client communication. He hopes to continue developing his research skills and knowledge as he pursues graduate studies and higher education. His long-term goal is to attend veterinary school and explore his interests in equine and mixed animal medicine. Oscar also enjoys mentoring and supporting other students through his involvement on campus as a peer advisor. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with friends, reading, and visiting theme parks.

Rylee Hoven

Rylee is a third-year Animal Science (Pre-Vet) student interested in animal physiology, genetics, behavior, and the chemistry of animal nutrition and diseases. His experience working with livestock while representing his college at the county fair, alongside volunteering with small and large animals, has advanced his passion for animal welfare and research. His long-term goal is to pursue a master’s degree in agriculture focusing on animal science. He plans to enter the industry as an animal nutritionist, or as an animal scientist within biotechnology, genetics, and biomedical research. Rylee also enjoys working on campus to facilitate student enrollment within the Open University system and contributing to career advancement programs. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, exercising, and traveling.