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. She looks forward to becoming part of the Cal Poly Pomona community and combining her passion for research with hands-on animal care and agricultural practices.

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.