The Department of Animal Sciences is excited to fully welcome Dr. Katie Shira, who will begin her appointment as an Assistant Professor-Beef Production on August 3, 2026. Her position includes teaching, research, and Extension responsibilities.
Dr. Shira specializes in beef cattle physiology, with research focused on bone and skeletal muscle growth and maturation. Her work is complemented by cross-training in livestock genetics, allowing her to better understand genome-to-phenome relationships and the genetic regulation of economically important production traits. While her research is highly molecular in nature, she remains deeply connected to applied cattle production and the needs of the beef industry.
Raised on a commercial cow-calf operation, Dr. Shira managed her own cattle alongside her family and continues to play an active role in the family business today. Her experiences in both the cow-calf and feedlot sectors, combined with formal training across all facets of cattle production, provide a strong producer perspective that informs her research, teaching, and outreach efforts. This position will help Dr. Katie reach a life long dream of serving the Beef industry, establishing science based solutions to current and impending challenges and education the next generation of Beef producers.
Dr. Shira is a familiar face in our department, having taught Animal Sciences courses during the Spring 2026 semester. Her passion for beef cattle production and dedication to student success made an immediate impact in the classroom, and we are thrilled to welcome her back in this new faculty role.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Katie Shira to the Department of Animal Sciences. We are excited to have her expertise, enthusiasm, and industry experience as part of our faculty and look forward to the many contributions she will make to our students, stakeholders, and the Washington State beef community.
Welcome, Dr. Shira!