Education

Ph.D., Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2004
M.S., Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001
B.S., Agriculture (Minor in Chemistry), Illinois State University, 1998
A.S., Agriculture Science, Heartland Community College (Ill.), 1997

Teaching

ASCI 101: Animal Sciences Orientation Seminar
Summary: Embrace the importance of an animal science degree in today's industry and in the state of Nebraska. Weekly topics will include discussions with Animal Science faculty, academic success resources, interpersonal and leadership development and academic and co-curricular planning.

ASCI 171: Human - Companion Animal Interactions
Summary: Roles of companion animals in society (therapy, research, and entertainment). The responsibilities of humans in these relationships.

ASCI 202: Exploring Companion Animal Nonprofits and Businesses
Summary: Explore career options in the companion animal industry with nonprofits or other companion animal businesses.

ASCI 251A: Basic Companion Animal Management - Dog
Summary: Management and care of the dog. Explain basic biology, reproduction, and health concerns of the dog. Evaluate management practices related to care of dogs.

ASCI 251B: Basic Companion Animal Management - Cat
Summary: Management and care of the cat. Explain basic biology, reproduction, and health concerns of the cat. Evaluate management practices related to care of cats.

ASCI 251E: Basic Companion Animal Management - Small Mammals
Summary: Management and care of small mammals. Explain the fundamental aspects of small mammal biology, reproduction, and health considerations, elucidating their connection to overall care.

ASCI 251J: Basic Companion Animal Management - Non-Domesticated/Specialty
Summary: Principles and practices of non-domesticated companion animal (including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects) care, including their unique needs, conservation, and ethical considerations.

ASCI 271: Companion Animal and Equine Behavior
Summary: Companion animal and equine behavior. Application of behavior principles to describe normal and problem behaviors of common companion animals and horses.

ASCI 321: Companion Animal Nutrition
Summary: Digestive anatomy and physiology of companion animals including dogs, cats, small mammals, and exotic species. Unique nutrient requirements, pet food formulation, and regulations.

ASCI 458: Advanced Companion Animal Biology
Summary: Advanced companion and specialty animal management techniques. Assess and propose solutions to management and well-being concerns related to health care, nutrition, and behavior of companion animals.

Extension

My extension program focuses on youth education related to companion animals. My work focuses on using companion animals as a model to improve science literacy in youth and to promote the child-animal bond. The three key goals of my programs are to: 1) increase enrollment in the 4-H companion animal program, 2) improve knowledge of youth related to care and management of companion animals, and 3) improve career awareness and college readiness of youth in companion animal projects.

Selected Publications

• Winkel, S., T. Burkey, and L. K. Karr. 2020. Veterinary Student Case Study Project Leads to Development of Professional Skills. NACTA J. 64: 160-165.
• Winkel, S., A. Raymond, D. Brink, and L. K. Karr. 2020. What Influences Students to Choose Animal Science as their Major. NACTA J. 64: 39-49.
• Luck, L., B. Speck, L.K. Karr, & D. Golick. (2023). Students’ Perception of Online Equine Courses and How It Affects Their Learning. NACTA Journal, 67(1). 
• Watson, S.C., L.K. Karr, and G.A. Sullivan. (2024). Implementation of a group quiz format in an introductory meat science course. NACTA Journal.