On August 15, Travis Williams, a dedicated and important member of our laboratory since 2017, successfully defended his PhD dissertation titled “GENOMIC ARCHITECTURE OF WOODEN BREAST DISORDER IN FAST GROWTH COMMERCIAL BROILER CHICKENS.” This significant academic milestone not only marks the culmination of Travis’s journey in our lab but also highlights the impactful research he has conducted.
Groundbreaking Research on Wooden Breast Disorder
Travis’s research has focused on utilizing whole genome sequencing to identify structural variants in the genome associated with wooden breast disorder, a condition affecting commercial broiler chickens. This condition significantly affects the poultry industry, affecting meat quality and production efficiency.
Funded by a grant from the USDA to PI Athrey, Travis’s work has contributed critical insights into the genetic underpinnings of wooden breast disorder. His findings provide insights into causative factors behind wooden breast, and will make important contributions towards mitigating the condition.
An Integral Member of Our Lab
Travis has been an integral part of our lab throughout his time in our lab. His dedication and commitment to scientific excellence have made a lasting impact. Travis’s willingness to collaborate and mentor other students has enriched our lab’s culture, fostering an environment of learning and mutual support.
Celebrating Success and Looking Forward
Following his successful defense, we celebrated Travis’s achievement with a party commemorating both his contributions to our lab and the exciting next steps in his career. As Travis moves forward, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors and are confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to the field of poultry science.