Jackie Pisenti, New Avian Facilities Manager

We are pleased to welcome Jacqueline Pisenti as our new Avian Facilities Manager. Jackie has been working with birds on campus since she was an undergraduate. The California native obtained her bachelor's degree in Animal Science, followed by a MS in Avian Sciences and a PhD. in Genetics, all at UC Davis. Jackie's fascination with chickens and avian embryos began when she took Dr. Ursula Abbott's course on fertility and hatchability of the avian embryo in 1978. It was in this course that she first studied chicken embryo mutations that mimic a variety of human birth defects. Two of these mutations formed the basis for her dissertation research. More practically, her work with the mutant chicken stocks led to a job with the Genetic Resources Conservation Program, where she conducted a nationwide survey of poultry research stocks kept at universities and other institutions. Jackie has had extensive practical experience dealing with chickens, turkeys, ducks and Japanese quail, which will serve her well in her varied new tasks. Her new job will keep her hopping between teaching, supporting faculty research projects, and conducting outreach programs, along with supervising the daily maintenance of the Avian Sciences Research Facilities, the hatchery and the animal units in Meyer Hall.

Mark Rubio Brings Experience