D.

Andrew Hestad
770-317-8002 drewhestad@gmail.com
EDUCATION
2016: DVM Candidate,
College of Veterinary Medicine
Auburn University
2012: Master of Science
Veterinary Science
University of Kentucky
2012: Graduate Certificate Statistics
University of Kentucky
2007: Bachelor of Science
Animal Science
Berry College
RELEVANT RESEARCH
Field and Laboratory Experience
2014 Auburn University
Objective: Investigate the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of altrenogest
in the foals of mares who are being given altrenogest, and associate foal
exposure to altrenogest with adult onset sub-clinical fertility

Determine the pharmacokinetics of altrenogest in mares (currently

unknown)
Consult with labs around the country on assays for measuring altrenogest
Process blood and milk samples for cryopreservation
Determine whether altrenogest is bioavailable in the foal

2013 Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Objective: Assessed the efficacy of the nucleophilic thiols penicillamine and
N-acetylcysteine in improving semen quality parameters associated with
fertility

Investigated the perfection of a successful artificial insemination program

in the Przewalskis Horse
Analyzed dose-responses in preservation of motility by adding of one of
two nucleophilic thiol compounds
Compared the effectiveness of these compounds between the Przewalski
horse and the domestic horse
Utilized computer-assisted sperm analysis to procure results

2012 Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky

Objective: Explored the effect of endophyte-infected tall fescue on the
reproductive efficiency of non-pregnant mares

Measured the vasoconstrictive effect of endophyte-infected tall fescue on

ovarian blood vessels
Operated Doppler ultrasound technology to complete assessments

D. Andrew Hestad
770-317-8002 drewhestad@gmail.com

Created and implemented a crossover experimental design in order to

investigate project parameters
Concluded that ingestion of ergot alkaloids did not affect length of the
follicular cycle in non-pregnant mares or serum concentrations of
progesterone and prolactin

2011 USDA-APHIS Lab, University of Kentucky

Objective: Profiled different biogenic amine receptor types and sub-types
within equine vasculature to which ergot alkaloids are theorized to bind

Applied 3 step process of RNA isolation, reverse transcription, and PCR to

determine the presence or absence of 7+ biogenic amine receptors
Employed Real Time-PCR to quantitate the present receptors

RELEVANT RESEARCH
Formal Presentations
An Unusual Response to Artificial Insemination in a Maiden Mare
August 2014
Society for Theriogenology national meeting

Report the results of an investigation into the cause of an immunemediated vasculitis in an apparently healthy mare who presented for
artificial insemination
Presentation involved a poster review, and won first place in the SFT
student poster competition

Pharmacokinetics of altrenogest in mares and foals

July 2014
Merial Veterinary Scholars Program, Auburn University
Showcase

Report proceedings from the Summers research which hypothesized that

altrenogest was bioavailable in the milk of pregnant mares, and is
consequently adversely affecting the foals reproductive performance
Presentation involved an oral literature review and brief overview of
research

Effect of Nucleophilic Thiols Penicillamine and N-acetylcysteine on Przewalski

(Equus ferus przewalskii) and Domestic (Equus caballus) Horse Sperm Motility
July 2013
Merial Veterinary Scholars Program national meeting

Reported results from the Auburn University/Smithsonian Conservation

Biology Institute joint research project concerned with the survival of the
Przewalskis Horse
Presentation of research involved both an oral review and poster review

The Effect of Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue on Cyclicity, CL Blood Flow, and

Steroid Hormone Profile in the Non-Pregnant Mare
May 2012
Masters Thesis Defense

Reported results from Masters thesis research which investigated the

effect of ergot alkaloids within endophyte-infected tall fescue on the
reproductive efficiency of non-pregnant mares
Oral presentation which included a brief literature review

D. Andrew Hestad
770-317-8002 drewhestad@gmail.com

The Importance of the Equine Vasoactive Response to Endophyte-Infected Tall

Fescue
Nov 2011
Gluck Equine Research Center

Literature review over current research concerned with detailing the

equine response to endophyte-infected tall fescue, and the equine
vasoactive response
Hour long oral presentation to the Department of Veterinary Sciences
continuing education program

Volunteer Experiences
Auburn Veterinary Educational Supply Service (AVESS) Board Member

Currently serve as Chairman of Legal Affairs

According to the AVESS mission statement, aide in the donation of funds
to the AUCVM
Cooperatively moderate donation requests such that each donation
maximally enhances student learning

Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine student Society for Theriogenology

chapter

Have served as Vice-President (2013) and as President (2014)

Seek to fulfill the SFT mission for the students of the AUCVM
Work actively with professors and outside speakers to provide
theriogenology related lectures and wet labs

30th Annual Symposium in Reproductive Science and Womens Health

Invited moderator
Assist with introductions of speakers
Assist with literature reviews prior to speaker arrival

10th Annual International Symposium on Equine Reproduction

Assist with audio/video setup

Assist with Poster presentation setup, tear-down, and clean-up
Assist with speaker setup and computer troubleshooting

Work Experiences
SEZARC/Birmingham Zoo, 2014-February 2015
Research Assistant

Assist Dr. Lara Metriones research associated with the South Eastern Zoo
Alliance of Reproduction and Conservation
Primary duties involve evaluation of elephant semen and applying lab
techniques in the shipping of semen
Research involves methods to improve certain parameters of elephant
semen associated with fertility

University of Kentucky, 2010- 2012

Graduate Research Assistant

D. Andrew Hestad
770-317-8002 drewhestad@gmail.com

Assisted with the ongoing research of Dr. Karen McDowell at the Gluck
Equine Research Center
Exploration of the equine vascular response to ingestion of endophyteinfected tall fescue
Created and implemented an original experimental design

Zent Farm, 2009- 2012

Assistant Farm Manager for Zent Farm

Night and weekend shifts

Responsible for the handling and care of all broodmares, foals, and riding
stock present on the farm
Responsible for general care of the farm property and on-call for
emergency response

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, 2008- 2010

Farm Manager for Mcgee Fertility Farm at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Responsible for the general care of a herd of mares used as recipients in

an embryo transfer program
Coordinated reproductive exams by veterinarians and wet labs for intern
instruction
Assisted the attending veterinarians in the coordination and record
keeping of embryo transfers
Involved in authoring standard operating procedures and client
questionnaires
Provided a professional interface for new and returning clients