Brett Ramirez, assistant professor in agricultural and biosystems engineering, is the recipient of the 2023 Early Achievement in Research Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. His work focuses on improving livestock housing. Recently, he has been leading research on state-of-the-art heating technology for managing piglet microclimates, which is improving energy efficiency and reducing piglet mortality. He has garnered substantial external funding for someone at this stage of his career. In addition, he is a leader in taking this work through to publication with 30 peer-reviewed publications to date. He is working to improve the use of engineering principles in animal housing, which will have great benefit to the industry long-term.
Ramirez works well with both engineers and other scientists, and is already being asked to lead interdisciplinary teams. He is active in training the next generation of engineers through his work in mentorship of graduate students, hiring undergraduates and advising senior capstone projects. He also is frequently invited to give Extension presentations throughout the country, helping producers improve the management of their facilities. A colleague states, “Brett is truly an exceptional agricultural engineer that is working to advance his discipline and serve his clients.”