Animal science PhD student’s determination and love for horses drives impactful research

Lauren Wesolowski was determined to keep horses at the forefront of her life from a young age. Wesolowski, PhD student at Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Sciencehad to convince her parents, who had no experience with horses, to sign her up for riding lessons at age 10. Now, as a graduate research assistant, she is pushing the boundaries of exploring equine health and performance.

Setting the stage for a research career

A surprising change in her intended path to veterinary school led Wesolowski to discover a passion for research. Now, she credits her time in the Department of Animal Science with playing a crucial role in preparing her for a career in equine research. Through her high-impact learning experience as a graduate research assistant, Wesolowski is immersed in research directly related to her area of ​​interest and is developing skills that will easily transfer to her professional career.

Wesolowski earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in equine pre-veterinary science and a minor in biology from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Later in her undergraduate studies, she discovered an interest in the research side of the equine field and decided to pursue graduate studies.

To maximize her graduate school experience, Wesolowski sought a research assistant position. She sought out professors who conducted equine research and was captivated by the work being done in the Department of Animal Science, especially under the guidance of Sarah White-Springer, Ph.D., associate professor of equine physiology.

Finding a research focus

In the fall of 2020, Wesolowski made Aggieland his next home and began his master’s program in animal science, focusing on equine exercise physiology.

“From elite competition horses to aging metabolic horses, adequate immune responses are essential for overall health,” Wesolowski said. “I want to learn how to treat and manage horses to promote an optimal immune system and inflammatory responses.”

Under White-Springer’s guidance, Wesolowski studied the effects of nutrition on mitigating chronic inflammation in thoroughbred horses early in race training. Wesolowski’s work was motivated by the need to combat the series of health problems resulting from the disease.

Understanding how the immune system plays a role during an inflammatory response was a critical piece of the research.

Wesolowski explained that immune systems are complex. On the one hand, an inflammatory response signals the immune system to remove harmful pathogens from the horse’s body. However, chronic or extensive inflammatory responses can harm the body because they interfere with normal cellular functions and prevent the body from returning to homeostasis. This can increase your risk of injury and decrease athletic performance.

Building on research that vitamins and other nutritional supplements benefit inflammatory responses in humans, Wesolowski’s research studied how a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids could reduce inflammation in racehorses. The results showed a favorable reduction in inflammation in horses that received the nutritional supplement.

White-Springer described Weslowski’s research as “groundbreaking.”

“His master’s research underscores his dedication to pushing the boundaries of our understanding of equine physiology and performance,” White-Springer said. “Most of the research procedures in this project had never been used on horses. So not only did Lauren conduct a highly relevant and impactful study, but her findings could also shape the future of equine training and feeding programs.”

Since beginning his graduate program as a master’s student, Wesolowski has presented research at eight conferences around the world, including conferences focused on animal science, equine science, and human health. Her breadth of research does not begin and end with horses; Wesolowski’s work spans multiple species, including beef cattle, sheep, pigs and rodents.

“The data and insights Lauren generates have advanced our understanding of animal health, nutrition and performance,” said White-Springer. “In addition, her research results have practical applications in the areas of equine and cattle management, providing valuable information to an exceptional range of stakeholders.”

In his doctoral studies, Wesolowski continues to study the immune system, but is now investigating how to promote healthy immune systems by managing circadian rhythms through exposure to blue light.

Department support provides inspiration and growth

The research didn’t come naturally at first, Wesolowski said. However, with a lot of desire and eagerness to learn, he accepted the challenge of wearing the researcher’s cap. The new learning environment taught Wesolowski the importance of adaptability, learning from mistakes and moving forward.

Wesolowski certainly faced challenges along the way, but she wasn’t alone. She credits her faculty and departmental mentors for helping her overcome obstacles.

“I learned and grew so much working with my animal science mentors and teachers,” she said. “As an undergraduate student entering graduate school and research, I had no idea what I was getting into. The biggest lesson I learned from my mentors is how to think, work and write as a researcher and scientist.”

She believes that the people in the department, especially the graduate students she learns from, make it a special place to learn and conduct research.

“One thing I enjoyed most about being a research assistant was the other graduate students I met along the way,” Wesolowski said. “Working with other graduate research assistants who share my passion for animal science is incredibly fun and inspiring.”

When asked what advice she would give to a new graduate research assistant, Wesolowski said taking the initiative is important.

“Teachers and researchers will appreciate it when you take the time to delve into the literature, prepare to graph before a meeting, or prepare materials for sample collection without being asked,” she said. “Once you understand what needs to be done in the lab, take the initiative to do it and go above and beyond when you can.”

Emerging leader and mentor

In addition to her research efforts, Wesolowski extends her student experience through extracurricular activities, serving as a teaching assistant, mentoring undergraduate and master’s students, and participating in various animal science and equine industry professional organizations.

Wesolowski advocates for other students as graduate student representatives of the international equine research organization, the Society of Equine Science, ESS. This role allows her to provide a student perspective to the ESS board of directors to shape beneficial programs and resources for students. Through his leadership and direction, Wesolowski coordinated and hosted five webinars for students in the first four months of his role.

“Lauren’s role as tutor, mentor and speaker has fueled the academic growth of countless students, demonstrating her commitment to sharing knowledge and education in the life sciences,” said White-Springer.

Wesolowski plans to graduate in May 2026 and hopes to pursue a career as a research director in the pharmaceutical or equine nutrition industries.

“I am passionate about studying the immune system because I believe this research can improve the well-being of horses at many different stages of life,” Wesolowski said.