MACKENZIE DICKSON
Hi, my name is Mackenzie and I am a PhD student working with Dr. Bromfield at the University of Florida. I am originally from Ames, Iowa and have both a bachelor’s degree (dairy science) and master’s degree (animal physiology) from Iowa State University. My interest in research began during my bachelor's degree and my first exposure was being a caretaker for genetically-modified neonatal pigs. I also worked in other laboratories, studying digital dermatitis in dairy cattle, and effects of chemotherapy drugs on rat lungs.
Prior to my beginning my master's, I moved abroad and worked on a dairy in New Zealand where I had the opportunity to learn more about seasonal grass-based dairy production. After working for 6 months, I decided to take the long way back to Iowa around the globe and see the world. I was fortunate to be able to visit old friends and meet new friends along the way.
During my master’s degree in Dr. Aileen Keating’s laboratory, I became intrigued with the ovary, female reproduction, and molecular biology research. I was also co-advised with Dr. Lance Baumgard and was exposed to whole animal research, specifically nutritional physiology and metabolism. My thesis was titled "Impact of endotoxemia on ovarian signaling and function". I had a myriad of experiences, working on farm and in the laboratory, with pigs, cows, and mice.
I applied to do my PhD here at University of Florida and to work with Dr. Bromfield because I am really interested in his area of expertise, specifically long term effects of uterine infection on female fertility. I started my PhD program in August 2017.
I love research because it is a constant pursuit of knowledge. There is never an endpoint because when one question is answered, many more arise. I am eager to learn and discover more about reproduction, research, and science here at UF.
PUBLICATIONS
Dickson MJ, Piersanti RL, Ramirez-Hernandez R, de Oliveira EB, Bishop JV, Hansen TR, Ma Z, Jeong KC, Santos JEP, Sheldon IM, Block J, Bromfield JJ. Experimentally induced endometritis impairs the developmental capacity of bovine oocytes. Biol Reprod. 2020; 103(3):508-520.
Piersanti RL, Zimpel R, Molinari PCC, Dickson MJ, Ma Z, Jeong KC, Santos JEP, Sheldon IM, Bromfield JJ. A model of clinical endometritis in Holstein heifers using pathogenic Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes. J Dairy Sci. 2019; 102(3):2686-2697.
Mackenzie J Dickson, PhD Thesis. 2021. "Long-term impacts of uterine infection on fertility in dairy cows."