Following a national search, UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Pedram Rezamand, Ph.D. will serve as the next head of the Department of Animal Science. Rezamand will be taking over for Cindy Tian, Ph.D. who has served in an interim role since 2021.

“Dr. Rezamand is a recognized expert in his field, who brings valuable experience to UConn’s Department of Animal Science, including our award-winning dairy operation. He has also already exhibited strong leadership in previous roles and within national professional organizations,” says Dean Indrajeet Chaubey. “I am thrilled that Dr. Rezamand will leverage his talents within CAHNR as head of the Department of Animal Science.”

Rezamand, a UConn alum, served most recently as professor of dairy nutrition at the University of Idaho.

His research focuses on understanding the interactions between nutrient metabolism and inflammation, mastitis, retinol-binding protein (RBP), lipids and inflammatory mediators,  lactation and biology of transition cows. He has been involved with securing approximately $3.6 million in external research funding. In recent years, his research has focused on two areas: early life stressors in dairy calves and the impact of wildfires smoke inhalation on heath and productivity of dairy cows and calves. Rezamand also has extensive experience working with industry partners in conducting applied dairy nutrition research. He commonly teaches courses within animal nutrition area both at undergraduate and graduate levels.

“I am so excited to return to UConn to lead the Department of Animal Science,” Rezamand says. “I welcome the opportunity to help advance scholarship, workforce development, and extension outreach within the discipline of sustainable and safe animal production systems that positively impact humans and their communities.”

Rezamand’s appointment as department head will begin in late August 2024.

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