Kristine Urschel

Professional Biography

Dr. Kristine Urschel is a Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences and the Assistant Dean for Instruction in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Her primary teaching responsibilities are ASC 325 (Animal Physiology) and CAS 302 (Caring for Companion and Working Animals). She also serves as a Career and Professional Mentor for students in the Equine Science and Management degree. In her capacity as Assistant Dean for Instruction, Dr. Urschel chairs both the undergraduate and graduate curriculum committees, works with faculty members from across the College to prepare curricular proposals, and supports the annual submission of Program Student Learning Outcomes reports for programs in the College. Dr. Urschel also chairs the University of Kentucky Undergraduate Council and serves on multiple committees at the department, college, university, and professional society levels. Dr. Urschel's area of research focus is equine nutrition and muscle physiology, with an emphasis on protein and amino acid metabolism. She is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Teaching Award, the 2023 University Senate Outstanding Service Award and the 2021 Equine Science Award.

Professional Biography

Classes Taught

ASC 325: Animal Physiology

ASC 410G Equine Science

ASC 782 Macronutrient Metabolism in Domestic Animals

Research Skills and Training

• spectrophotometric assays for plasma metabolites
• HPLC analysis for plasma and tissue amino acid concentrations and hydrolysate samples
• radioisotope and stable isotope analysis and kinetics calculations
• Western blot procedures
• ELISA procedures, RT-PCR procedures
• aseptic technique
• jugular, femoral, cephalic and umbilical vein catheterization
• placement of gastric catheters; various suturing techniques
• necropsy procedures
• preparation of sterile elemental diets
• primed constant isotope infusions
• indicator amino acid oxidation studies
• breath sampling procedures in horses
• frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests
• hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp procedures.

Assistant Professor, Equine Science

University of Kentucky, Department of Animal and Food Science
August 1, 2008 - Current
60% research, 40% teaching

Studying protein and amino acid requirements and metabolism in horses of all ages and physiological states. Determining the factors that regulate muscle protein synthesis and how these factors change during the aging process.

Additional Information

Scholarships and Awards

2007

American Society of Nutrition Procter and Gamble Graduate Student Oral Competition Winner

2007

American Society of Nutrition- Experimental Animal Nutrition Research Interest Section Poster Competition Winner

2007 American Society of Nutrition- Energy and Macronutrient Metabolism Research Interest Section Abstract Competition Winner

2007 American Society of Nutrition Abstract Competition

2007 Banff Pork Seminar Graduate Student Competition- winner

2006 AFNS Graduate Student Travel Award

2006 Mary Louise Imrie Graduate Student Travel Award

2006 American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Abstract Competition; also selected as 1 of 12 finalists in the ASN Procter and Gamble Graduate Student oral competition

2005 Canadian Society of Animal Science, Graduate Student Oral Presentation, First Place

N/A Dean's Medal in Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics