Aaron Norris, a specialist in livestock production and grazing lands management, has been named a research assistant professor in Texas Tech University's Department of Natural Resources Management, according to officials within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He officially steps into his new research post on Sept. 1.

The Thrall, Texas, native indicated that his research program broadly focuses on progressing and facilitating stakeholder adoption of livestock and forage management regimes in rangeland and cultivated production systems. His program will concentrate on enhancing the nutritional and health status of livestock, improving forage management practices, and utilizing strategic grazing to promote system resistance and resilience.

His primary goal at Tech is to help strengthen and expand the livestock and range management components in the Department of Natural Resources Management, and to foster research collaborations among other Departments within CASNR. The focus will be on supporting stakeholder and producer goals through the formation of cooperative relationships and their involvement in applied research.

Prior to accepting his new position, Norris served as a postdoctoral research associate in beef cattle production at the University of Nevada-Reno, and a research assistant with Texas A&M AgriLife Research in College Station and Stephenville, Texas. He also worked as a teaching assistant at Texas A&M University-College Station and Tarleton State University.

His bachelor's degree in animal production with a minor in range management and his master's degree in agriculture and natural resource sciences are from Tarleton State University. His doctorate in agronomy is from Texas A&M University-College Station. He is a member of the American Society of Animal Science.

CONTACT: Aaron Norris, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-0172 or Aaron.Norris@ttu.edu

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