Staff Spotlight: Josie Foley

Staff Spotlight: Josie Foley Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Photo of Josie Foley
Photo of Josie Foley
About Me

I grew up in southern Missouri and am the first in my family to go to college. I completed my  undergraduate degrees in Missouri and I moved to Nebraska in 2015 to start graduate work. After taking a break due to health reasons, I finished my MS in May 2021. I am now a PhD student and am continuing to study Nonruminant Nutrition. My goal is to work with poultry industry professionals as a poultry nutritionist. I absolutely love diet formulation. I work with the poultry group at UNL doing many different tasks, including prepping and running research trials, egg sales, helping in labs and at 4H events and maintaining our facilities. I love working with birds and look forward to becoming more involved in the industry. I have a Service Dog, Jeter, who comes to work with me every day, even in the chicken rooms. We've been a team since 2015. Jeter is a black tricolor Australian Shepherd and works as a Medical Alert and Response Service Dog. My blood glucose keeps him the busiest, but he knows a plethora of other tasks to mitigate multiple disabilities.

What is your position in the department?

Poultry Research Project Coordinator.

How long have you worked in the department?

6 years (in various positions).

What do you enjoying outside of work?

I enjoy spending time outside: hiking, kayaking, or just relaxing in nature. I love working with Jeter, and I spend several hours training with him each week. I also enjoy drawing while watching sci-fi or action shows and movies.

What is something most people don't know about you?

I have 4 college degrees (so far), including an equine studies minor, and I've known I wanted to pursue a PhD in poultry nutrition since I was in high school. I worked on a turkey and cattle farm for almost 10 years before moving to Nebraska. I also run an Instagram page for Jeter (@thejeterstory) where I advocate for chronic illnesses and Service Animals.

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