Megan Rolf

My research program integrates traditional genetic and novel genomic approaches to address critical challenges facing the long-term sustainability of beef cattle production. This work is directed toward three interconnected goals: improving the profitability of beef cattle operations, reducing the environmental impact of beef production, and ensuring that cattle products meet consumer expectations for quality and standard of care. A central focus of my program is the development of selection and management tools for traits that are currently underserved by existing resources but essential to the future of the industry—namely, environmental adaptation, animal health, and production efficiency in cattle and other ruminants. By advancing genetic evaluation of these traits, my research lays the foundation for practical tools that producers can apply directly to selection and management decisions. Equally central to my program is a commitment to disseminating this knowledge broadly, to both the scientific community and the producers who depend on it, and to mentoring graduate students to become well-trained, ethical, scientifically rigorous, and effective communicators prepared to make meaningful contributions to the field.