ACADEMIC PROGRAM PROPOSAL FORM (Revised: March 2016)

DIRECTIONS: Use this form when proposing a new major or primary field of study, new emphasis, or new degree program.

DATE SUBMITTED: 5/24/17 Date of AAC Approval:

INSTITUTION: University of Nevada, Reno June 7, 2017

REQUEST TYPE: New Degree Date of Board Approval: New Major or Primary Field of Study New Emphasis New Certificate of Achievement (AAC approval only)

DEGREE (i.e. Bachelor of Science): Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

MAJOR (i.e. Animal Science): Animal and Rangeland Sciences

EMPHASIS (i.e. Equine Studies):

CREDITS TO DEGREE: 24 credits from a completed master's degree or post-baccalaureate graduate studies, 24 credits of dissertation, and 24 credits of additional coursework, with at least 30 700-799 coursework credits.

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT:

PROPOSED SEMESTER OF IMPLEMENTATION: Spring 2018

Action requested: Approve formation of this degree program

A. Brief description and purpose of proposed program The Animal and Rangeland Sciences PhD Program will prepare students for successful research, academic, and other demanding careers in fundamental and applied sciences, agriculture, rangeland management. Graduates will be prepared to address critical regional and worldwide needs to sustainably feed people, care for animals and agricultural enterprises, and manage 40% of both the U.S. and Earth’s terrestrial surface for multiple uses and values. Students may focus on various sub- disciplines related to animal science including: , physiology, genetics, health, reproduction, welfare, livestock production, meat industry and food safety. Specific areas of study within the rangeland ecology and management specialty include: riparian ecosystems, ecology, hydrology, restoration, landscape ecology, soil-plant relations, rangeland animal and wildlife interactions, grazing and habitat management, planning, management, monitoring, invasive species, 1

(ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 1 of 17 and remote sensing. Graduates are needed to meet the needs of the agriculture profession including industry and agency research, administration, consulting, and land-grant and other colleges and universities.

B. Statement of degree or program objectives The Animal and Rangeland Science PhD Program will prepare students to address critical regional and worldwide needs in animal science and rangeland ecology and management by meeting these degree or program objectives. Students will be able to: • Apply scientific concepts to systematically create new knowledge related to the sustainable management of agricultural and natural resources. • Plan and execute a diversity of experiments using appropriate science and statistical approaches to address research questions relevant to their dissertation projects. • Effectively compose and articulate scientific concepts through written and oral communication. • Evaluate and apply professional ethics in the design and application of their research.

C. Plan for assessment of degree or program objectives Program objectives are centered on student achievement and the answer to D (below) is central to assessment of program success. Beyond this we will maintain professional relationships with our graduating students, noting their career successes and progress. We will also track the reasons that any students provide about why they leave the program prior to graduation.

D. Plan for assessment of student learning outcomes and the use of this data for program improvement Candidates will be required to register for and attend two units of AGSC 7XX Animal and Rangeland Science Seminar (1 unit x 2 semesters) as they begin and end their program of study. At the beginning of their tenure, students will develop and present a thesis/professional paper study plan. At the end, candidates will present all or parts of their scientific or professional research to fellow students and faculty. Student plans and progress will be assessed by their advising committee regarding their plan of study (coursework) and study plan (research). Candidates will also complete a written and oral comprehensive examination created by their advising committee and present their dissertation defense for an open audience. These opportunities provide faculty with an opportunity to assess the development of each student and to adapt the program as needed to achieve or improve success in meeting program objectives 1-4.

E. Contribution and relationship of program objectives to

i. NSHE Master Plan The NSHE Master Plan calls for alignment between public higher education and the state economy. A significant portion of Nevada agriculture is directed primarily toward rangeland livestock production. Cattle and calves are Nevada’s leading agricultural industry, totaling 62.5% of all farm receipts (Nevada Department of Agriculture, 2011). Collectively, animal products and forages account for more than 75% of Nevada commodities. Yet most cattle and sheep are sold on the hoof due to a lack of meat processing facilities, "a potential growth area for the agriculture sector" (Nevada Department of Agriculture, 2013). Range livestock production is governed by management agency regulations and the ecosystems characteristic of Nevada and adjoining states. Livestock grazing is also a fundamentally important tool for ecosystem management including fuels treatments, habitat enhancement, and sustainable production of ecosystem services. The USDA (2015) estimates that between 2015 and 2020, there will be 57,900 average annual job openings, of which 35,400 are expected to be fulfilled by graduates with higher degrees and expertise in food, agriculture, and renewable resources. This proposed Ph.D. Degree in Animal and Rangeland Sciences is essential for crafting the strategies needed to sustain 2 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 2 of 17 Nevada's agricultural economy in this most arid State, while simultaneously expressing a collective voice for rational rangeland stewardship.

ii. Institutional mission The Graduate Program in Animal and Rangeland Sciences (GPARS) will mentor competent and confident leaders inspired by UNR's land-grant foundation that has always and must always connect the University to the land and to the growing population of people who depend upon the land. Rangelands comprise 80% of Nevada's land surface area, 40% of the US, and between 50- 70% of the world's terrestrial ecosystems, providing food and other ecosystem services for human populations. The proposed graduate program will be at the heart of the vibrant and outstanding learning community dedicated to this endeavor. It will be focused on discovery and engagement so that the University is central and relevant to stewardship of our lands and our agricultural enterprises.

Our teaching, research and extension programs will serve the economic, social, environmental, and cultural needs of the citizens of Nevada, the Nation, and the World through our emphasis and current leadership in animal agriculture and rangeland ecology and management.

To do this we have and will continue to embrace the critical importance of diversity in preparing students for global citizenship and we are committed to a culture of excellence, inclusion, and accessibility. The work force that manages Nevada rangelands is extremely diverse, including employees of agencies and industries committed to diversity and multiple generations of Native, Mexican, Basque, and other European American ranch families, as well as a diverse array of other rangeland users. Around the world rangelands have sustained diverse human populations for millenia and the learning, discovery, and engagement of this program is needed now more than ever for continued sustainability in a time of change, variation, and economic challenges. iii. Campus strategic plan and/or academic master plan Graduate education is the innovation platform for academic excellence and integrity based on discovery from a foundation of research. In striving for classification as a “Carnegie Research University/Very High” University with "emphasis" in "Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Great Basin Studies, Integrated Earth Systems, and Renewable Energy," and in achieving our objectives (above), we fully anticipate the following contributions toward fulfilling the UNR 2015-2021 Strategic Plan:

Increased enrollment of a diversity of graduate students seeking mentoring for rewarding employment, and skills developed through engagement with faculty dedicated to the application of new research knowledge, while also dedicated to citizens and constituents seeking solutions.-- This will come through the integration of Land Grant University and faculty roles in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources, the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

Excellence in animal and rangeland ecosystem management sciences with paradigm changing research about the synergistic application of innovative strategies. -- Examples will include the adjustment of microbial communities within ruminant animals to better utilize coarse forages to create human food, and the exploration of new alignments between land management and knowledge derived from new research.

Success in research contributing to the cutting edge sciences taught throughout graduate and undergraduate classes. -- Adaptation of the beef cow and sheep model to arid rangeland

3 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 3 of 17 production systems through animal genetics optimized for topography and weather/climate variation.

Opportunities for students to become engaged in hands-on learning through research experiences. -- Students will have opportunities regarding the safe creation of nutritious food from grass-fed animals at Main Station Farm, Gund Ranch, and how to obtain safe products at Wolf Pack Meats.

Engagement in real-world applications of science and the art of management. -- Students will understand the integration of knowledge about Great Basin rangeland and riparian ecosystem functions through creation of state-and-transition model based ecological site descriptions and the engagement of communities to restore and sustain resilience.

Improvement in the lives of people sustaining themselves and the rangeland ecosystems of Nevada and the World. -- Fulfilled in part through the creation of the science for fire and fuels management through application of targeted grazing and vegetation management in landscapes increasingly vulnerable to megafires.

Application and support for UNR Core research facilities for genomics, proteomics, in-vivo imaging, bioinformatics, biosafety and high performance computing. -- Remote sensing of rangeland ecosystems with analysis that integrates ground, aerial, and satellite hyperspectral imagery. Animal science advancement will generate significant use of the UNR genomics/proteomics facility while addressing genetic matching of grazing animals to habitat characteristics.

iv. Department and college plan The GPARS will link to the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Science (ANVS) theme of "Sustainable Food Systems" and provide the essential graduate student collaborators for faculty and program success with the undergraduate majors of Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, and Rangeland Ecology and Management. Development of a departmental graduate program was a "very high priority" in the current ANVS strategic plan.

v. Other programs in the institution It is anticipated that many of the graduate classes offered through the Natural Resources and Environmental Science and Biology Departments will better achieve critical mass with enrollment of GPARS students. Furthermore, the GPARS faculty will be able to offer graduate classes of value to NRES and Biology students. Creation of this program will allow students to pursue a degree program that better fits their needs and will be recognized as such by their future employers. The interdisciplinary nature of GPARS will allow students to participate and interact in core disciplines offered by the following programs: M.S. and Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, M.S. and Ph.D. in , M.S. in Biology, M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, M.S. and Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology, M.S. and Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, M.S. and Ph.D. in Economics, M.S. and Ph.D. in Education, M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences and Health, M.S. and Ph.D. in Geography, M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Science, M.S. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience, M.S. in Nutrition.

vi. Other related programs in the System There is no closely related graduate degree program within NSHE that focuses on animal and rangeland sciences.

F. Evaluation of need for the program

4 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 4 of 17 i. Intrinsic academic value of program within the discipline Most of Nevada and 40% of the terrestrial U.S. is rangeland, grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, wetlands, and deserts that are grazed by domestic livestock and other managed large grazers. These lands support the largest sector of Nevada Agriculture, and rangelands are used worldwide to convert animal forage into human food. Animal agriculture systems with animals designed genetically and behaviorally to match the ecosystems they utilize, are widely known to restore and ecologically sustain resilience to ecosystems. Applying production systems borrowed from elsewhere has left many opportunities for optimization through animal genetics, nutrition, and husbandry. Arid land agro-ecosystem management requires the integration of animal and range sciences to ensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability. UNR, situated in the most arid State, has a unique opportunity to study, restore, and maintain ecological resilience in the Great Basin and in international settings as well. The GPARS is essential to that mission. ii. Evidence of existing or projected local, state, regional, national and/or international need for program Each of the states west of the 100th Meridian offer a Ph.D. in animal science and eleven offer a rangeland PhD. Additional colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world offer classes in rangeland ecology and management. Because rangeland is a kind of land that occupies 40% of the terrestrial surface of the U.S. and world, students in rangeland ecology and management are equipped to address research, teaching, and administration needs for a large diversity of agencies, industries and academic programs. When managers fail to understand the structure and function of the public land based industry or arid ecosystems, mistakes can be costly.

Additionally, there is a significant opportunity for the State to optimize its agriculture production by improving the knowledge base for animal-feeding management systems, animal reproduction, and discovering sustainable management methods that include water conservation, pasture utilization, wildfire fuels management, invasive species management, pinyon-juniper encroachment treatments, wildlife habitat enhancement, and epizootic disease occurrence and outbreaks. Sustainable livestock production systems must efficiently provide affordable, high- quality food to an estimated 9.55 billion people by 2050 (United Nations, 2013) while competing for prime resources (land, water, energy) under constantly changing weather conditions. Increasing population will demand animal products that already face enormous environmental and cultural challenges. Grazing animals provide the most viable food production source in our region and around the World where wild and domestic ungulates convert rangeland forage to useable human food and fiber. In addition to animal protein foods, rangelands also provide an array of ecosystem services such as fiber, water, recreation, minerals, wildlife, biotic diversity, and medicinal plants for both rural and urban populations, and are a major sink of soil organic carbon (10 to 30% of global stock). Research created from the GPARS program will provide answers for a society that is growing more dependent upon rangelands in Nevada and throughout the world.

iii. If this or a similar program already exists within the System, what is the justification for this addition NA iv. Evidence of employment opportunities for graduates (state and national). Include information on institutional review of the need for the program based on data from the Nevada P-20 Workforce Research Data System (https://www.nevada.edu/ir/Page.php?p=workforce ), including the supply/demand reports at http://npwr.nv.gov/reports/student-completion-and- workforce-part-ii/. 5 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 5 of 17 The P-20 Workforce Research Data System identifies a large gap between current enrollment and projected need for employees. Jobs for Conservation Scientists, Soil and Plant Scientists, Animal Breeders, Farm Advisors and Agricultural Managers is projected to be 1,543 by 2024. NSHE total enrollment in the undergraduate agricultural related programs is currently 115. The supply/demand report statistics for 2012-13 state that 32% of STEM graduates with an MS are employed in Nevada with a salary of $47,019. Demand for scientists and teachers with a PhD is reflected in these numbers.

Many states, industries, and land management agencies have research focused on animal and rangeland sciences. USA Jobs is currently advertising 43 positions in the GS-11/12 grade range (scientist and project manager positions) for the rangeland conservationist series GS-0454 and the interdisciplinary or natural resource specialist series 0408 or 0401 with annual salaries between $59,246. - $92,316 (www.usajobs.gov/search/?k=401. Accessed May 16, 2017). GS- 11/12 grade series is considered entry level position for government scientists and managers.

In the private sector job market, at the national level, Indeed.com currently lists 878 full-time positions in the Animal Science field with starting salaries greater than $45,000 per year (www.indeed.com/jobs?=q=animal+scientist. Accessed May 16. 2017). Additionally, six Rangeland Scientists positions with starting salaries in excess of $50,000 per year and over 4000 natural resource related science positions are currently advertised (www.indeed.com/jobs?).

Additional jobs are available in private industry in both fields including but not limited to: mined-land reclamation, environmental consulting, open space managers, private and corporate ranching enterprises, feedlot specialists, pharmaceutical enterprises, animal research facilities, and agro-chemical companies.

v. Student clientele to be served (Explain how the student clientele is identified) Animal science oriented students interested in this degree seek professional careers in animal agriculture and agricultural research. Many students who do not enter veterinary school go on to work in animal related fields by pursuing graduate degrees that build on their undergraduate education in animal science or agriculture. Those who do well in research or who thrive on the challenge of teaching, often seek to stay in science or academia, or to become capable of contributing at a higher level.

Rangeland ecology and management students who wish to advance can do so with this degree. Often students are unaware of rangeland ecology and management until after they take range courses as part of their undergraduate studies or attempt to find a job in land management and realize the myriad of employment opportunities available to people with rangeland management credentials. They can pursue this focus with this advanced degree.

Students who seek to make a difference internationally often find that understanding the integration of animal and range sciences is essential for management of arid rangeland systems in vast areas of the world, like Central Asia where ANVS has had a major presence for over a decade. International and domestic scientists positions require the Ph.D.

UNR currently loses students to other universities in the West due to the lack of a Ph.D. program in Animal and Rangeland Science.

G. Detailed curriculum proposal

i. Representative course of study by year (options, courses to be used with/without modification; new courses to be developed) 6 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 6 of 17 Courses should be selected to complement the student’s fields of interest and enhance his/her conceptual and research skills. A minimum of 72 graduate credits beyond the baccalaureateare required. As many as 24 credits may be used from a completed master’s degree. A minimum of 24 credits of dissertation are required and thirty (30) 700-799 level credits of coursework are required, with as many as 18 that may be used from a completed master’s degree.

Several 700-level courses will need slight adjustment for the catalogue and course offerings (prefix change to ARS etc.). They include: ANSC 729 Advanced Biotechniques ANSC 782 Advanced Topics in Reproduction ANSC 783 Advanced Topics in Animal Nutrition ANSC 788 Colloquium: Genetic Adaptation ANSC 790 Seminar ANSC 791 Special Topics ANSC 792 Special Problems ANSC 796 Professional Paper

ARS 799 Dissertation must be developed.

ii. Program entrance requirements Students who seek admission to the program should have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 300, and, for international students, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper version), 250 (computer version), or 100 (internet version). Each student must have an advisor among the ARS faculty before they are accepted into the Program. Students must meet a set of coursework requirements consistent with career objectives in either animal science or rangeland ecology and management. Required undergraduate classes must be taken prior to admittance or while in their graduate program. Students emphasizing animal science must complete course work in physical sciences (6 credits), university mathematics including calculus (6 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (6 credits), and biology, agriculture, or natural resources (24 credits, including genetics, anatomy, physiology, soils, hydrology, ecology or plant or animal science). Students emphasizing rangeland ecology and management, must have completed an undergraduate degree or complete coursework that qualifies them under the US Office of Personnel Management GS-454 series (Rangeland Management Specialist). iii. Program completion requirements (credit hours, grade point average; subject matter distribution, preprogram requirements) Candidates for the PhD in Animal and Rangeland Sciences must satisfy the general requirements of the Graduate School. Students must select a PhD graduate advising committee consisting of at least five members of the graduate faculty, including the advisor, at least one other member from the advisor's department, a member representing a closely allied discipline to the area of specialization, and one member serving as the Graduate School Representative.

Students must present a dissertation proposal within their first year. It will clarify how their research will create new knowledge in a variety of related sub-disciplines.

Courses should be selected to complement the student’s fields of interest and enhance his/her conceptual and research skills. A minimum of 72 graduate credits (with grades of “B” or better) beyond the baccalaureateare required. As many as 24 credits may be used from a completed master’s degree. A minimum of 24 credits of dissertation are required and Thirty (30) 700-799

7 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 7 of 17 level credits of coursework are required, with as many as 18 that may be used from a completed master’s degree. Only 9 credits of satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading are allowed.

Required Core Curriculum (The animal science or rangeland science requirement below can be waived if students enter the program with strength in that field): AGSC 790 Animal and Rangeland Science Seminar (1 unit x 2 semesters) Graduate level statistics class (3 units) AGSC 610 Sheep Management, OR AGSC 618 Beef Cattle Management, OR AGSC 606 Advanced Nutrition Management. NRES 698 Restoration Ecology, OR AGSC 613 Rangeland Livestock Interactions, OR AGSC 608 Rangeland Ecosystems

Students will take and pass a comprehensive examination (for 1 credit) in order to be admitted into Candidacy for the Doctoral Degree. The comprehensive examination will be administered by the student's advising committee.

Each candidate will write and defend in public their dissertation. The student's advising committee will pass judgement about the quality and sufficiency of the dissertation and its defense. The dissertation must also be accepted by the Graduate School.

iv. Accreditation consideration (organization (if any) which accredits program, requirements for accreditation, plan for attaining accreditation - include costs and time frame) The Society for Range Management accredits undergraduate programs and this GPARS will clearly be seen as relevant in that accreditation process anticipated for the ANVS undergraduate Rangeland Ecology and Management program in spring of 2017. SRM does not specifically accredit graduate programs. UNR is fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) meets regularly.

v. Evidence of approval by appropriate committees of the institution N/A

H. Readiness to begin program

i. Faculty strengths (specializations, teaching, research, and creative accomplishments Dr. Amilton de Mello joined the University of Nevada, Reno as a Meat Science and Food Safety program leader in 2015. He serves as assistant professor for CABNR and also has extension appointment with UNCE. Dr. de Mello generated more than 80 publications including peer reviewed articles, technical reports, and abstracts in conference proceedings. Dr. de Mello was one of the pioneers studying the effects of feeding distiller grain diets on beef quality, and developed the Bonanza steak, a novel value–added beef cut. Dr. de Mello's international collaborations include the development of value-added programs for U.K., Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and Costa Rica, participation in food safety projects with Russia and Netherlands, and introduction of alternative beef cuts for Japanese and Korean recipes. As a meat industry professional, Dr. de Mello worked as technical specialist and food safety/quality assurance superintendent for the largest meat processor in the world. His industrial background is related to HACCP, GMP, BRC, export programs, and robust food safety systems. His broad meat research program approaches all stages from farm to table including animal welfare, product development, process improvement, and pathogen control. Dr. de Mello offers undergraduate and graduate courses that focus on meat production, food safety, and advanced meat science. He 8 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 8 of 17 serves as academic chair for the Nevada Food Safety Task Force and chief-editor for the Horizons Newsletter. Since 2013, Dr. de Mello is an active research committee member for the American Meat Association, where he serves as judge for graduate research competitions.

Dr. Antonio Faciola is an animal nutritionist and has been an assistant professor in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno since June 2013. Dr. Faciola earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil, and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He did post-doctoral work at Cornell University and at the USDA-U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in Wisconsin. The Faciola Lab overall research goal is to further the understanding of ruminant nutrition to improve the efficiency of nutrient utilization in order to enhance animal production and minimize environmental impact of livestock operations. Since his arrival at UNR, Dr. Faciola has published over ten peer-reviewed scientific articles, was awarded Outstanding Reviewer by Elsevier Publishing Company, and was named Associate Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology (Systems Microbiology). In 2016 Dr. Faciola was awarded the Researcher of the Year Award in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. Dr. Faciola has been an invited speaker in Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Italy, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Turkmenistan, U.S.A., and Uzbekistan. and is an Ad Hoc reviewer for several prestigious scientific journals including the Journal of Dairy Science, Journal of Animal Science, and Animal Feed Science and Technology, among others. At Nevada Dr. Faciola teaches Fundamentals of Animal Nutrition and Advanced Nutrition Management. The Faciola Lab currently has one postdoctoral researcher, one visiting professor, four Ph.D. students and six undergraduate students. Dr. Faciola is a member of the American Society of Animal Science and the American Dairy Science Association. For more details on Dr. Faciola’s research projects, lab personnel, and publications, please visit: http://naes.unr.edu/Faciola.

Dr. Mozart Fonseca joined the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Sciences at University of Nevada, Reno in 2016. With an appointment in Beef Cattle Production and Applied Modeling. Dr. Fonseca has taught graduate and undergraduate course levels in the United States, China, and Brazil, in Nutritional Methods Applied to Ruminant Nutrition, Digestive Physiology, Ruminant Nutrition, Energetics of and Growth, Precision Diet Formulation and Fundamentals of Mathematical Models Applied to Dynamics of Fermentation. Currently, he teaches Beef Cattle Production and Management for undergraduates, and graduate courses in Applied Quantitative Methods and Biometry for Animal Sciences. Dr. Fonseca holds a B.Sc.Eng. in Agronomy Engineering, and a Masters, PhD, and Postdoc in Animal Sciences with focus on mathematics of growth and digestion, and dynamic modeling of complex systems. Dr. Fonseca’s research focus on unraveling the systematic mechanisms associated with intake and nutritional requirements (e.g.: water) of beef cattle raised in adverse environmental conditions as frequently observed under arid and semi-arid climates. Prior to joining the UNR team, Dr. Fonseca worked for Texas A & M University and AgriLife Research (TAMUS) at the Mathematical Nutrition Modeling Laboratory focusing research efforts on the thorough understanding of dynamics of fermentation, indirect calorimetry, metabolism and (bio)energetics of growth of ruminant animals. Dr. Fonseca has published 28 peer-reviewed journal articles, over 60 conference abstracts, and four book chapters; edited four books; and (co)advised 12 undergraduates, two PhD, and three Postdoctoral Researchers through The Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program USDA/TAMUS.

Dr. Barry L. Perryman joined the UNR faculty in 2000 as a rangeland ecologist and was promoted to full professor in 2012. Dr. Perryman has researched a broad spectrum of issues important to Nevada, the region, and internationally. He has published 30 journal articles on sagebrush demography and nutrition, sage grouse habitat and health, mined-land reclamation, invasive species management (cheatgrass), international rangeland management, and poisonous 9 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 9 of 17 plants to name a few. He has also published two plant identification books that have become the industry standard for rangeland professionals in the Great Basin. During his career, he has mentored 20 graduate students and taught almost every rangeland related course offered at UNR. He has received Presidential and Gubernatorial appointments, appeared on major national and international news programs, and is cited in numerous major newspapers such as the San Francisco Chronicle (front page Sunday edition).

Tracy Shane is an Instructor of Rangeland Ecology and Management and although she will not be the advisor for a PhD student, she will contribute to their learning through coursework. She has been employed in the rangeland management profession for almost 20 years: three years with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, five years as a private rangeland consultant, and ten years teaching rangeland management and other agriculture and natural resources courses at both Great Basin College and UNR. Having taught more than 19 different courses in the discipline, the most pertinent classes she has taught include principles of range management, elements of livestock production, senior seminar, agricultural issues, principles of ecology, introduction to environmental science, and range and livestock interactions. She has produced numerous technical reports ranging in scope from community wildfire risk assessments to transmission line impacts on vegetation communities. Her completed thesis focused on effects of chipping in Pinyon-Juniper woodlands. She is a certified range management professional through the Society for Range Management. Her specialty has been creating curriculum for agriculture and range management courses for both traditional and online classroom environments.

Dr. Juan Solomon is an assistant professor in the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition & Veterinary Sciences. His primary focus is on grassland management and utilization in arid and semi-arid water deficient environments. He has broad training in agronomic science and animal nutrition focusing on the plant-animal interface. He currently mentors three graduate students and his teaching assignments are at the 200 (Principles of Agronomy), 400-600 (Forage Science), and 700 level (Independent Course for Graduate students).

Dr. Tamzen K. Stringham has held the Donna Anderson Endowed Professorship in Grazing and Rangeland Management in the Dept. of Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Science since arriving at UNR in 2008. She has a diverse background with a Ph.D. in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Oregon State University (OSU), an M.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics also from OSU and a B.S. in Economics from California State University, Chico. Her professional career has focused on developing research and education and outreach programs focused on promoting economically and ecologically sustainable resource management. Dr. Stringham has worked diligently at building collaborative projects and in cooperation with multiple agencies and private stakeholders. We initiated the first extensively instrumented research watershed in the Great Basin – Porter Canyon Experimental Watershed (PCEW) – to determine the impact of pinyon-juniper encroachment and treatment on plant diversity, wildlife habitat, watershed hydrology and forage production. PCEW provides a high quality outdoor laboratory for undergraduate and graduate students while generating needed research to improve land management decisions relevant to many facets of society. Dr. Stringham also leads an extensive research effort focused on the development of state-and- transition models (STMs) for Nevada rangelands. Her efforts on STMs garnished national attention in 2013 when she was awarded the USDA Honor Award for Excellence and a Certificate of Recognition from Governor Sandoval. She has published over 20 peer reviewed journal articles, and dozens of research reports, proceedings and abstracts. She teaches two undergraduate / graduate courses; one focused on rangeland restoration and the other on the measurement and monitoring of vegetation. In addition, she offers a graduate level course in riparian ecology and restoration. She has mentored four Ph.D. students and over 20 M.S. students and currently serves as faculty mentor to the Range Club. In recent years, the Range 10 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 10 of 17 Club has won national recognition at the Society for Range Management meetings in various student competitions.

Dr. Sherman Swanson came to UNR as a range extension specialist and rangeland ecologist in 1983. His career in Nevada has addressed a multitude of rangeland management issues and he has taught seven 400-600 or 700 level classes in 20 semesters. With his focus on riparian ecohydrology and rangeland ecology and management, he has mentored 44 students as their graduate advisor and he has published one book, two book chapters, 49 technical peer reviewed journal articles, and 68 other peer reviewed (mostly extension) publications. He was appointed by the Governor to represent the general public on the Nevada Sagebrush Ecosystem Council and is the recipient of 10 awards including the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Society for Range Management.

Dr. Mike Teglas DVM, PhD, began his career at the University of Nevada Reno in 2006. He serves the department as veterinary microbiologist and his research interests include the ecology and evolution of infectious pathogens, especially those transmitted by ticks. He has taught 600 and 700 level graduate courses on a variety of topics and mentors and advises graduate and undergraduate students. Dr. Teglas is a faculty member in the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (EECB) graduate program and currently serves as the chair of the UNR Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

ii. Contribution of new program to department’s existing programs (both graduate and undergraduate) and contribution to existing programs throughout the college or university The GPARS will strongly complement the undergraduate majors in Agricultural Science, Veterinary Science, and Rangeland Ecology and Management with opportunities for undergraduate student employment in research projects and with graduate student engagement in the learning community. While most of the faculty (see i. above) currently mentor graduate students in related programs, this proposed graduate program is viewed as essential for the continued success of the ANVS faculty. Without a graduate program, Animal and Rangeland Sciences faculty find it very difficult to attract the students most focused on their specific discipline and conduct the research necessary for grant procurement and publication. It is anticipated that many of the graduate classes currently offered through the Natural Resources and Environmental Science and Biology Departments will better achieve critical mass with enrollment of GPARS students. Furthermore, the GPARS faculty will be able to offer graduate classes of value to NRES and Biology graduate students.

iii. Completed prior planning for the development of the program (recent hires, plans for future hires, securing of space, curricular changes, and reallocation of faculty lines) Recent hires including a large ungulate nutritionist, meat and food safety scientist, forage agronomist, beef cattle specialist, and an animal physiologist, have served to assemble a core group of animal scientists at the assistant professor level that are in need of a graduate program. An animal science and rangeland ecology instructor was also recently hired, and an offer has been made to a remote sensing specialist in rangeland ecology and management. Faculty recruitment has generated an imperative need for a graduate program. These and related ANVS research faculty (horticulture, entomology, and human nutrition) will enhance and enrich the education and research experience for graduate students and undergraduates that participate in laboratory and field experiments as well. Additional faculty hires are anticipated and will accrue from the recently approved cluster hire for aridland agriculture.

iv. Recommendations from prior program review and/or accreditation review teams 11 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 11 of 17 There has not yet been an ANVS program review. However, internal reviews have consistently recognized the critical importance of this program to the direction of the agricultural science, veterinary science, and rangeland ecology and management teaching, extension, and research programs in the Department and College.

v. Organizational arrangements that must be made within the institution to accommodate the program We will need to officially designate a departmental committee to administer this program, with recommendation authority for student admissions and program adjustments.

I. Resource Analysis

i. Proposed source of funds (enrollment-generated state funds, reallocation of existing funds, grants, other state funds) The program will not require additional funds. Faculty currently fund and advise graduate students that are attached to graduate programs in other departments within CABNR and interdisciplinary graduate programs. These graduate programs, although solid in their own disciplines, are not designed for the needs of current and future animal science and rangeland ecology graduate students.

Faculty in ANVS have never relied on institutional funding for graduate students. Almost all graduate students over the last two decades have been funded by extramural grants obtained by ANVS faculty.

ii. Each new program approved must be reviewed for adequate full-time equivalent (FTE) to support the program in the fifth year. Indicate if enrollments represent 1) students formally admitted to the program, 2) declared majors in the program, or 3) course enrollments in the program.

a. (1) Full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment in the Fall semester of the first, third, and fifth year.

1st Fall semester Based on current advisees of relevant faculty, four students will likely become GPARS students in the first fall.

3rd Fall semester After advertisement of this program, the enrollment is likely to reach seven students by the third fall semester.

5th Fall semester After continued success of this program, the enrollment is likely to reach 10 students by the fifth fall semester.

(2) Explain the methodology/assumptions used in determining projected FTE figures. Eight full time research/teaching faculty members will anticipate 1 or 2 PhD students on average, for a total of 10 students by the 5th fall semester.

b. (1) Unduplicated headcount in the Fall semester of the first, third, and fifth year.

1st Fall semester 4

3rd Fall semester 7

12 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 12 of 17 5th Fall semester 10

(2) Explain the methodology/assumptions used in determining projected headcount figures. All graduate students in the program are expected to be full time students.

iii. Budget Projections – Complete and attach the Five-Year Budget Projection Table. No additional funding is necessary. Rather, this program will enable faculty to compete for research funding.

J. Facilities and equipment required

i. Existing facilities: type of space required, number of assignable square feet, space utilization assumptions, special requirements, modifications, effect on present programs It is anticipated that this program, (faculty, labs, and students) will come to occupy the equivalent of much of the Knudtsen Resource Center on Valley Road. Space has already been allocated to current faculty so no additional space will be needed with the exceptions of the new animal physiologist and remote sensing positions. Much of this space is temporarily occupied by Mechanical Engineering while the Palmer Engineering Building is being renovated.

ii. Additional facilities required: number of assignable square feet, description of space required, special requirements, time sequence assumed for securing required space None.

iii. Existing and additional equipment required This program will not require equipment beyond the start up for faculty that are currently slated to be hired.

K. Student services required – Plans to provide student services, including advisement, to accommodate the program, including its implications for services to the rest of the student body Individual students will be advised by their associated graduate advisors. No additional services will be required and the student body will not be affected.

L. Consultant Reports – If a consultant was hired to assist in the development of the program, please complete subsections A through C. A copy of the consultant’s final report must be on record at the requesting institution.

i. Names, qualifications and affiliations of consultant(s) used NA

ii. Consultant’s summary comments and recommendations NA

iii. Summary of proposer's response to consultants NA

M. Articulation Agreements 13 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 13 of 17

i. Articulation agreements were successfully completed with the following NSHE institutions. (Attach copies of agreements) N/A

ii. Articulation agreements have not yet been established with the following NSHE institutions. (Indicate status) N/A

iii. Articulation agreements are not applicable for the following institutions. (Indicate reasons) This is a graduate program.

N. Summary Statement The animal science and rangeland ecology and management potential within the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Science Department and CABNR can only be met with a graduate program adapted to meet the needs of the faculty and potential students. The need for basic and applied research and professionally educated graduates from this program is substantial in Nevada and around the world where arid land agro-ecosystem management suffers from the lack of knowledge and personnel to address urgent and persistent problems. Based on past employment indications and current predictions, every graduate of the proposed GPARS program can or will be employed in their chosen area of expertise.

14 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 14 of 17 New Academic Program Proposal Five-Year Program Cost Estimate (Revised December 2015 )

Institution: UNR Program: Animal & Rangeland Science PhD Semester of Implementation: Spring 2018 DIRECTIONS: Complete the Student FTE and following cost estimates for the first, third, and fifth for the proposed new program in Section A. Any "new" costs in year one must be noted by source in Section B.

STUDENT FTE: Year 1: 4 Year 3: 7 Year 5: 10

Section A. Year 1/Start-up Year 3 Year 5 Existing1 New2 Total FTE Total FTE Total FTE PERSONNEL Faculty (salaries/benefits )3 134,756 0 134,756 1.1 180,963 1.4 219,654 1.7 Graduate Assistants 68,000 0 68,000 2.0 119,000 3.5 170,000 5.0 Support Staff 5,040 0 5,040 0.1 5,716 0.1 6,484 0.1 Personnel Total $207,796 $0 $207,796 3.2 $305,679 5.0 $396,138 6.8 OTHER EXPENSES Library Materials (printed ) 0 0 0 0 0 Library Materials (electronic ) 0 0 0 0 0 Supplies/Operating Expenses 0 0 0 0 0 Equipment 0 0 0 0 0 Other Expenses 0 0 0 0 0 Other Expenses Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 TOTAL $207,796 $0 $207,796 $305,679 $396,138

Section B. Amount % EXPLANATION OF "NEW" SOURCES2 Tuition/Registration Fees 0 Federal Grants/Contracts 0 State Grants/Contracts 0 Private Grants/Contracts 0 Private Gifts 0 Other (please specify ) 0 TOTAL $0 0.0% 1Resources allocated from existing programs to the proposed program in Year 1 should be noted in the "Existing" column. 2Any "New" resource utilized to fund a new program must include the source to be provided in the "Explanation of New Sources" section. Total "New" sources for the first year must equal the total under "Explanation of New Sources." 3Budget estimates for faculty salaries and benefits must include estimated merit and COLA increases in Year 3 and Year 5.

EXPLANATION (Please provide any additional information pertinent to the budget projection, including for example, explain for any new funding sources that are not guarnateed receipt by the institutions how the program will make-up for the potential loss in expected new funding.):

1. All faculty salaries plus benefits are assumed to increase by 2% per year. Staff salaries plus benefits assumed to increase by 6.5% per year (4.5% merit; 2% COLA).

2. Faculty associated with the Animal and Rangeland Sciences PhD program (11 faculty in year 1 and 12 in subsequent years) are expected to spend 10% effort in year 1, 12% effort in year 3, and 14% effort in year 5 of the program.

3. All Animal and Rangeland PhD students will be funded through GAs. GAs (both GTAs and GRAs) associated with the program will number 4 in year 1, 7 in year 3, 10 in year 5 (GAs are 0.5 FTE each). GA funding will originate from a combination of departmental teaching assistantships and faculty grant fund support.

4. Administrative support to the program from the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Science is estimated at 10% of department support,

(ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 15 of 17 (Revised December 2015) (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 16 of 17 (ACADEMIC, RESEARCH AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 09/07/17) Ref. ARSA-7b, Page 17 of 17