We are pleased to announce that Dr. Zachary Seekford joined our department as an assistant professor of livestock reproduction in January 2026. Raised on a dairy farm in western Virginia, he developed an early passion for animal agriculture and science.
Background and education
Seekford earned his BS in dairy science from Virginia Tech in 2018 and his MS in animal science in 2020, during which he learned applied reproductive technologies such as ultrasonography, embryo transfer, and IVF, as well as more basic science procedures, including cell culture and molecular biology. To stoke his passion for science and understanding biological mechanisms, he completed a PhD in animal science with a minor in reproductive biotechnology at the University of Florida in 2024, further developing his knowledge in cell and molecular biology. Deciding to remain in academia, Seekford pursued postdoctoral training at Texas A&M University, where he focused on grant writing, mentoring, and new research opportunities. He saw the job opening at WSU as a great opportunity to grow as a scientist, and he is extremely pleased to join the department.
“I am thrilled to join the WSU team. The existing early-career faculty and anticipated new hires open doors for collaboration,” he stated, and added, “Guidance from senior faculty members coupled with the department’s available resources will further enhance these opportunities.”
Innovations in reproductive biology
His research program aims to understand how the maternal immune system affects reproductive success, using cattle as his primary model, with plans to expand into the biomedical space. Seekford aims to define baseline immune activity at the maternal- embryo interface and to identify the immune and inflammatory pathways underlying pregnancy loss and uterine disease. He also wants to use the results to create decision-making tools and disease-prevention strategies for commercial dairy farms and other species, including humans. In the long run, he hopes to develop ways to predict which cows are more or less likely to conceive and which animals are at higher risk of pregnancy loss. His work connects practical farm applications with detailed cellular and molecular research.
Teaching and department involvement
Seekford’s role is mainly focused on research, with about 70% of his time devoted to research, 20% to teaching, and 10% to service and Extension. He started contributing to the department right away and now teaches Introduction to Animal Sciences and Dairy Management Laboratory, two important courses in the animal science program. One of his short-term goals, which he is particularly passionate about, is to revitalize the Dairy Club.
Training the next generation
Seekford is dedicated to creating an inclusive, curiosity-driven training environment and is especially excited to involve undergraduate students in his research. He is setting up his lab, has already recruited one master’s student, and plans to add another this summer.
Life beyond the lab
In his free time, Seekford enjoys hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. He and his fiancée like to play with their dog, Hank, and he also enjoys grilling a tasty steak!
Strengthening industry ties and tomorrow’s success
Dr. Seekford’s research and commitment to student training will drive innovation in cattle reproductive efficiency and build strong industry partnerships. We look forward to the significant and lasting contributions he will bring to research, education, and collaboration with producers.