Research
Our primary research objective is to understand the fundamental biological processes governing organismal responses and adaptation to acute and chronic environmental stressors. We study how environmental perturbations, particularly heat and poor air quality, modulate metabolic and mammary physiology, shape development and behavior, and impact immune function and health. Within this context, we have 3 main research directions, 1) physiological contributions to poor performance and health under environmental heat stress, 2) physiological responses to air pollution and consequences for animal health and production, and 3) programming of offspring development and phenotype from environmental stress. Our approach integrates multiple levels of biological organization, link subcellular and molecular processes to whole-organism outcomes. At the subcellular level, we are particularly interested in the role of mitochondria as key sensors and coordinators of cellular stress responses, as well as the limits of their adaptive capacity.
Current research projects
1. Physiological responses linking wildfire smoke inhalation to adverse health and production outcomes in dairy cattle
2. Programming of calf growth, metabolism, and health associated with pre- and post-natal exposure to poor air quality from wildfires
3. Mitochondrial mechanisms underlying stress-induced milk production declines
© 2026 by Amy L. Skibiel. All Rights Reserved.