Equine science faculty represent Penn State at Equine Science Society Symposium

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences were recently recognized at the 2023 Equine Science Society Symposium.

Danielle Smarsh, assistant professor of equine science and equine extension specialist, was elected to the board of directors for the Equine Science Society, while Burt Staniar, associate professor of animal science, received the American Feed Industry Association’s Equine Nutrition Research Award.

“It’s an honor,” said Smarsh. “Being elected to the board of directors is a big responsibility and I look forward to working with the board in the coming years.”

The symposium was hosted by Texas A&M University at the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas, June 6-9.

The Equine Science Society is an organization that connects equine professionals to share their research, ideas and expertise on a wide range of equine-related topics, including biosciences, exercise science, genetics, nutrition, reproductive physiology, production and management, and teaching and extension.

The society’s objectives include the promotion of quality research in equine science, conducting periodic symposia, cooperating with other organizations having similar or related interests, and establishing effective communication among researchers, teachers, extension and production personnel regarding equine science.

Since joining the Equine Science Society in 2009, Smarsh said she has connected with many equine professionals who have inspired her.

Staniar nominated Smarsh, who ran against six other people who competed for the position on the board of directors. The position is held as a six-year term in which the board meets monthly to discuss and make decisions regarding the biennial symposium and how it can serve the equine industry as a whole.

Staniar said he was thrilled to be recognized for his research over the last 16 years at Penn State, which has focused on multiple approaches to improving horse health and performance through nutrition and exercise modifications.

“I’ve been doing equine nutrition research for over 20 years,” said Staniar. “So, it is an honor to be recognized among some of the past recipients of this award who I have looked up to.”

Earlier in his academic career at Penn State, Staniar’s research focused on the growth and development of young horses, including how their development may be optimized to better support successful athletic performance. He studied how horses could be utilized as an athletic animal model to benefit and learn more about human athletes. Both humans and horses are top-tier mammalian endurance athletes, he explained.

More recently, Staniar’s research has transitioned to a collaboration with Smarsh that focuses on how subclinical inflammation and oxidative status influence equine health and performance.

“Staniar and I make an excellent team,” said Smarsh. “His background in nutrition is complementary to my background in exercise physiology, which really broadens the opportunities available for us to explore through research. We also mentor our students together, which is something I think they really value.”

Smarsh earned her degree in equine exercise physiology. She has been a professor in animal science departments for nearly a decade, having taught at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for a few years before joining Penn State, where she has remained for the past five years.

In her position as an extension specialist, Smarsh teaches horse owners across Pennsylvania how to better care for their horses and horse farms.

“I love the diversity of my job, and all the ways I get to be involved with learning and teaching about horses and other animals,” said Smarsh.

In addition to her role on the board of directors, Smarsh is involved with the society’s exercise committee and serves as a chairperson on the diversity, equity and inclusion committee.

“For being a relatively new staff member, it is quite impressive that Smarsh has been recognized and elected to the board of directors of the Equine Science Society,” said Staniar. “It speaks volumes to her recognition in the field.”

Earlier this year, Staniar received the 2023 President’s Award for Engagement with Students, in part due to his role in developing the Penn State Equine Research Team, an official student organization committed to providing undergraduate students with opportunities to discuss, learn and experience the field of equine research. Staniar and Smarsh advise the team together.

“Students are vital to the future of academia and equine science,” said Smarsh. “It is really exciting to be engaged with a student who is passionate about animal science and research.”

Both Smarsh and Staniar said they thank Penn State and its students for the experiences they have helped make possible.

“The amazing people, facilities and horses we have here at the equine center at Penn State are a large part of what has provided me with the opportunity to receive this award,” said Staniar. “Both the graduate and undergraduate students have played a significant role in helping to make this possible, especially the Equine Research Team.”