Crystal Levesque named inaugural Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production
Crystal Levesque, professor of monogastric nutrition at South Dakota State University, has been named the inaugural Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production. The appointment recognizes her strong research program and commitment to student success.
“Dr. Levesque’s research bridges the gap between basic and applied swine research. She integrates the teaching and research missions of SDSU well. Thanks to Dr. Levesque’s work, our undergraduate and graduate students are included in impactful research projects that not only benefit the swine industry but also improve our students’ preparedness to enter the workforce,” Michael Gonda, interim department head of animal science, says in a release.
The endowed chair position honors the late Rick Wahlstrom, whose 36-year career at SDSU helped establish the university as a leading academic and research hub for swine production.
“Rick’s groundbreaking research in swine nutrition established SDSU as the premier land-grant university in the field,” says Richard Wahlstrom, Rick Wahlstrom’s son, when the endowment was announced. “A humble man who never sought the limelight, this is the ultimate capstone to his career. That his gift for research, teaching and love of students will be a legacy passed on by future professors. That his name will be forever remembered as a family, as well as university treasure.”
Levesque was born and raised on a broiler and mixed small grain farm in central Saskatchewan, Canada. Growing up, she developed an appreciation for livestock production and the role research plays in improving animal agriculture. She earned her doctorate at the University of Alberta, where her research focused on amino acid metabolism during pregnancy, before completing postdoctoral training at the Prairie Swine Center at the University of Guelph. Those experiences helped shape a fulfilling career centered on improving the health and productivity of swine and poultry, SDSU said in a release.
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