Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Karen Christensen (Doctor of Philosophy in Poultry Science 2010) has been the senior director of animal welfare for Tyson Foods, one of the world's largest protein companies, for the last five years. She manages the Poultry Welfare Team and the Tyson Foods Broiler Welfare Research Farm.

Her dedication to the welfare and management of food animals, especially poultry, began early in life when she built an incubator for a science project in fifth grade. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science from Washington State University. After earning her Ph.D. from MSU, she served on the faculty at the University of Arkansas, Center of Excellence in Poultry Science. In June 2023, she will graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a master's degree in animal behavior and welfare.

Dr. Christensen credits her time at MSU for opening many doors in the industry and beyond. As a non-traditional student while working in the industry, she emphasized the support she received from professors, including Drs. J. Paul Thaxton and Yvonne Vizzier Thaxton, who helped her achieve her goals.

Christensen and her husband, Nick, raise registered Simmental Cattle and live in Huntington, Arkansas, with their Australian Cattle dogs.