Following graduation from Crater High School, 1996 graduate Katie Dunlap attended Oregon State University where she earned her Bachelor Degree in Animal Science in 2001.  In 2002 Katie received her Masters Degree in Animal Science/Reproductive Physiology.  While working towards her Masters, Katie served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Oregon State University.  In 2002, Katie accepted a Graduate Teaching position at Texas A & M University.  In 2005, she was named the Laboratory Coordinator and instructor at Texas A & M.  Katie was confirmed her Doctorate in 2006; her dissertation entitled “The Role of Ovine Beta retroviruses in Uteroplacental Function”.

A paper just published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, by Kathrin Dunlap and her colleagues of Texas A& M University, shows that this gene plays a vital role in the development of some embryos.  The gene in question belongs to a retrovirus and the embryos belong to sheep.  But Dr. Dunlap’s work has implications for other mammals, including people.  (The Economist, September 2006)  ”.  Katie has been frequently published in Scientific Journals and has served as a presenter throughout the United States.  In addition, she has been awarded many honors ranging from “Sentinel”, Oregon State FFA Officer while at Crater, to “Excellence in Research” as a Doctoral Award Candidate at Texas A & M University.

Katie credits her alma mater in arriving at her current home.  “Programs such as Student Government and FFA . . . involvement in the Livestock judging program shaped my future.”  After graduation Katie competed on the Livestock judging teams at Linn- Benton Community College and Oregon State University, attaining the lofty status of All-American in 2000.  “Judging opened the doors of my research career.”  Her advisor saw in her the sense of self- reliance and style of analytical thinking that success was dependent on her performing at a high level

Today, Katie is Dr. Katie Dunlap is an assistant professor in the physiology of reproduction section of the Department of Animal science.  She is also Histology instructor and Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A & M University in College Station, Texas.