Hector Menendez
Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Livestock Grazing Specialist
Biography
Dr. Hector M. Menendez III received his Ph.D. from 葫芦影业 in biological sciences (2018). In 2020, he joined SDSU as an assistant professor in the Animal Science Department and serves as a state livestock grazing Extension specialist. Dr. Menendez鈥檚 research is focused on understanding complex grazing systems and identifying high-leverage solutions. He accomplishes this by using a combination of mathematical simulation modeling, precision livestock technology and through the evaluation of water-soil-plant-animal interconnections. Dr. Menendez鈥檚 Extension programming applies a systems approach to enhance producer management of livestock grazing systems. He also serves as a committee member of the National Animal Nutrition Program, which guides national nutrient modeling resources, training and application.
Education
- Ph.D. in biological sciences | 葫芦影业 | 2018
- Focus: Systems Thinking and System Dynamics Modeling and Natural Resource Management
- Dissertation: "Quantifying potential long-term changes in erosion, discharge and total suspended solids resulting from agricultural land use change in South Dakota."
- M.S. in agricultural sciences | Sam Houston State University | 2012
- Focus: Agronomy and Agribusiness
- Thesis: "Forage Quality Analysis of Annual Ryegrass Via Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy."
- B.S. in animal science (minor in agricultural business) | Sam Houston State University | 2010
Academic and Professional Experience
Academic Interests
- Grazing livestock
- Systems thinking
- System dynamics
- Modeling
- Precision livestock management
Academic Responsibilities
- Research
- Extension
Committees and Professional Memberships
- National Animal Nutrition Program
Research and Scholar Work
Areas of Research
Students:
- Anna Dagel - M.S. in animal science - ruminant nutrition and precision Heifer development
- Lily McFadden - M.S. in animal science - ruminant nutrition and cover crop/soil carbon modeling
