Sheep Industry News August 2025

Sara Gurule Wins Sheep Heritage Scholarship

S ara Gurule, a Ph.D. student in Animal Science at New Mexico State University, has been awarded the 2025 Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship by the American Sheep Industry Association. Raised in Standing Rock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation, Gurule is now pursuing a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology—research that reflects both her personal roots and professional ambitions. Gurule began her academic career at New Mexico State, where she earned her bachelor’s in animal science and spent all four undergraduate years involved in research. Her early work focused on using sensor technology to de tect lambing and illness in sheep—an experience that laid the groundwork for her future in sheep-focused research. She went on to complete a master’s degree at Texas A&M University, using sheep as a model to explore neuro endocrine regulation related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). That led her back to NMSU for her Ph.D., where her current research investigates how low-level bacterial infections—often undetected by producers—disrupt endo crine and immune signaling pathways in sheep. “These infections may not show clinical signs, but they can impact fertility, hormone profiles, and potentially even lamb growth and wool quality,” Gurule said. “We’re studying how lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- a component of bacterial cell walls- affects the pituitary response and over all reproductive performance. Understanding how long LPS lingers in the system is critical for figuring out just how long these low-level infections are affecting animal health.” A second component of Gurule’s research examines the impact on lambs born from infected ewes, looking at how maternal immune stress shapes offspring development. “By understanding these subtle but significant disrup tions, we can develop management practices to help pro ducers minimize fertility losses and improve flock produc tivity,” she said. Gurule also takes pride in giving back to her commu nity. She’s presented extension talks on sheep reproduction to producers on the Navajo Nation and serves as a mentor to fellow students in research and applied sheep manage ment. “Seeing the lightbulb go off for a student is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Helping train the next generation of scientists makes this work even more meaningful.” Gurule said she felt honored and grateful to be selected for the scholarship. “It motivates me to keep producing

research that benefits both producers and the broader field of animal science. NMSU has a long history of impactful sheep research, and I’m proud to contribute to that legacy.” She credits much of her growth to longtime mentor Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford. “She took me into her lab as a freshman and has sup ported me through every phase—scientifically, profession ally, and personally,” Gurule said. “She pushes me to be a better scientist and a better leader.” Gurule has also received support from the USDA/NIFA Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program, which funds her dissertation research. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a career in animal science research—whether in academia or industry—while staying connected to the sheep sector. “Sheep have been central to my life since childhood,” she said. “I hope to stay involved in sheep research, extension, and maybe even keep a small flock of my own.” Her advice for others considering a career in sheep sci ence? “It’s incredibly meaningful work,” she said. “You’re help ing producers, animals, and communities. Don’t hesitate— there’s always room for passionate scientists who want to make a difference.”

14 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org