Graduate Research Assistant
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Cooper grew up in Concord, North Carolina, and was heavily involved with local 4-H programs,
which led to a passion for the livestock industry. This passion led him to pursue a Bachelor's
degree in poultry science at North Carolina State University. While at NCSU, he joined the
livestock judging team, which allowed him to travel the country and learn from producers and
their individual experiences. Through internships and undergraduate research opportunities,
Cooper discovered that he had an interest in swine production and nutrition.
After completing his undergrad degree, Cooper went on to complete a Master's degree at NCSU
in animal science. His research revolved around feeding alternative sources of phosphorus to
growing pigs. Through this experience, he gained knowledge in managing a research project,
statistical analysis, and communicating its findings. After his Master’s, he was offered the
opportunity to join Smithfield Premium Genetics as a Technical Support Specialist. This gave
him real-world experience in a swine production system and seeing the interactions of genetics
and their effects on feed efficiency. He also got to work and manage new feeding technologies
while overseeing other data intake procedures for his genetic nucleus location.
Cooper looks to continue his passion for the swine industry as he starts his Ph.D. program at
Kansas State University in the fall of 2024 with the Applied Swine Nutrition Team.
Monday, March 10, 2025
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM CST