Posted: July 23, 2018
Smarsh will work with the Extension Equine team and Pennsylvania's equine industry.
Danielle Smarsh has been named Assistant Professor of Equine Science and Equine Extension Specialist in Penn State's Department of Animal Science. A graduate of the University of Delaware in Animal Science, she earned her Ph.D. in equine exercise physiology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
She has been Assistant Professor of Animal Science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) most recently, where she taught equine production, and animal physiology, as well as a sustainable animal production class which featured a study abroad trip to Ireland.
Dr. Terry Etherton, Head of the Department of Animal Science, said, "We are very pleased to have Danielle as part of our equine program. She brings with her a wealth of information and experience that will be valuable for Pennsylvania's important equine industry and an asset to the Extension Equine Team."
Smarsh said, "I am very excited to be here at Penn State. The Department and the Extension Equine team have been extremely welcoming. I look forward to developing a robust equine extension program here at Penn State. With Pennsylvania ranked eighth in the United States for number of horses, and approximately 30% of PA households having equine enthusiasts, I believe there are many opportunities for the team and me to be involved in the equine industry and to help give Pennsylvanians the best possible care for their horses."
In graduate school and UWRF, she worked with equine extension activities, giving talks, running quiz bowl and helping with programs.
A native of Hunterdon County, NJ, Smarsh began riding at six. After school she would go to a neighbor's horse farm to help groom horses. She continued with English riding lessons through high school and since then enjoys the occasional trail ride.
As a 4-H'er, she worked with dogs in obedience, agility and therapy work through the PAWS 4-H club and was a member of Collegiate 4-H in college.
