Katelyn Gaffield

Originally from Illinois, Katelyn completed her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at the University of Illinois. As an undergrad, she was heavily involved in undergraduate research and completed internships with Smithfield and Cargill, which established her interest in graduate school. Katelyn completed her master’s degree with a focus on meat science at the University of Illinois in 2021 where she conducted applied pork quality research. Katelyn joined the Kansas State University Applied Swine Nutrition Team in August of 2021 for her PhD.

Following completion of her PhD in 2024, Katelyn started her position as an Assistant Research Professor in Swine Nutrition with a 100% research appointment. Katelyn focuses on conducting applied swine nutrition research including improving profitability, efficiency, and sustainability for pork producers. This work includes addressing some of the industry’s leading challenges as a part of the K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team. In 2026, Katelyn accepted a new position as an Assistant Professor with an 80% research and 20% teaching appointment. As part of this appointment, Katelyn teaches graduate-level courses including Applications in Swine Nutrition (ASI 879) and Advanced Swine Nutrition (ASI 835), along with leading the swine laboratory section of the Undergraduate Research Course (ASI 560). Katelyn aims to utilize her inter-disciplinary background to conduct collaborative, applied research that can directly benefit swine producers along with facilitating the learning of the next generation of swine nutritionists.