Ph.D.
Assistant Professor & State Beef Extension Specialist
Division of Animal Sciences
Research at a glance
Area(s) of Expertise
Research Summary
My research focuses on using genetics, genomics and reproductive technologies to help beef producers build more productive, profitable and sustainable herds. I study how genetic and genomic information can be used to improve economically important traits, including fertility, productivity and adaptability, and how these tools can be integrated into practical breeding and management decisions. Ultimately, my goal is to translate advances in genetic technology into tools producers can use to make better decisions about the cattle they keep and the genetics they introduce into their herds.
Courter’s research focuses on applying genetics, genomics and reproductive technologies to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of beef cattle production. Her research combines quantitative genetics, genomics and reproductive management to address practical challenges facing beef producers, with an emphasis on economically important traits, including fertility and cow productivity. Her work includes evaluating and validating genomic prediction tools, improving the use of EPDs and selection indexes, investigating genetic influences on reproductive performance, and developing strategies for more effective replacement heifer selection and breeding-system design.
Her research also explores the integration of genetic selection with reproductive technologies, including sex-sorted semen, artificial insemination and fixed-time artificial insemination, as well as genetic selection in beef-on-dairy systems. Across these areas, Courter focuses on translating advances in genetics and genomics into practical tools that producers can use to make better breeding and management decisions. As Director of the National Center for Applied Reproduction and Genomics, she also works to connect research, technology, education and industry application to accelerate the adoption of science-based approaches that improve beef herd productivity and profitability.
Educational background
- Ph.D., Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
- M.S., Animal Breeding and Genetics, South Dakota State University
- B.S., Animal Science, Minor in Genetics, North Carolina State University