Posted: June 11, 2026
Dr. Bradley Back has been named Assistant Clinical Professor of Equine Reproduction in Penn State’s Department of Animal Science, beginning July 1.
Bradley Back, DVM
Rebecca Krisher, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Animal Science, said, "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Back as part of our Animal Science faculty. We look forward to the skills and experience he brings, which will greatly enhance our Extension work and teaching in the equine area. His background within the equine industry will benefit both the University and the industry throughout the Commonwealth."
Dr. Back will concentrate on equine reproductive technologies including embryo transfer and IVF. As part of his collaboration with the Equine Extension Team he will support equine teaching, extension and research efforts, including developing programming in equine reproduction, health and performance. His undergraduate teaching will focus on equine management and reproduction.
He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in animal sciences with an equine production option, becoming a technician at the largest equine hospital in Kentucky, with a focus on neonatal medicine and reproduction. One breeding season, he worked alongside a veterinarian whose practice included famous thoroughbred horses on breeding farms, and this solidified his love of equine reproduction, a passion that continues.
With a move to PA in 2008, Dr. Back worked for an equine practice at Fair Hill Training Center in northern Maryland. Barbaro, who had broken down in the Preakness Stakes, had been stabled there.
In 2009, he moved to Prince Edward Island and began at Atlantic Veterinary College in 2011, earning his DVM in 2015. In 2016, he was a founding partner of Abington Equine Hospital, now located in Port Matilda, and was there until he began his residency at Cornell University in 2021. His residency was in comparative Theriogenology, and he became board-certified in 2024. Equine and companion animal Theriogenology have become passions for him.
Most recently, he was part of SmartEQ Sports Medicine and Reproduction in Saratoga Springs, NY, where he served as associate veterinarian and reproduction specialist.
Dr. Back learned of his affinity for teaching both at Cornell and at Ontario Veterinary College, and said, "Students are like sponges, and it is exciting when what interests you also interests them. I am looking forward to moving to Penn State and having the opportunity to teach and to work with researchers, as well as with the Equine Extension Team, getting to know the industry and working together with equine leaders throughout Pennsylvania."
He has a son, Tyler, 15, who will be a junior at State College High School.
