Dr. Celina Phillips

Professional Profile

·      Accomplished career in student-centered learning and experiential learning at the post-secondary level.

·      Effective communicator with excellent planning, organizational, and mediation skills that results in an ability to lead, reach consensus, attain goals and results.

·      Community-minded that ensures outreach and educational opportunities for our service region.

·      Explore various feeding and health research questions to support California small ruminant production, involving undergraduate students in the full research process.

Education

Ph.D., Animal Nutrition, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 2002.

Dissertation: Influence of forage quality, cow age, and milk production level on forage dry matter intake in mature beef cows. 

M.S., Animal Science, Minor in Ag Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 1999.

Thesis: Effects of nitrogen fertilization and harvest date on forage yield, in-vitro organic matter digestibility, and protein fractions of bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and stargrass. 

B.S. Agriculture, Option in Animal Science, California State University, Chico, 1996.

Academic/Teaching Experience

Professor, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2016 to Present.

Teaching 12 adjusted weighted teaching units (AWTU), allocate 3 AWTU to service of our program, College, and the University, oversee Sheep Unit at the University Farm and advise approximately 60 undergraduates annually.

Associate Professor, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2010 to 2016.

Taught 12 adjusted weighted teaching units (AWTU), allocate 3 AWTU to service of our program, College, and the University, oversee Sheep Unit at the University Farm and advise approximately 60 undergraduates annually.

Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2005 to 2010.

Taught 9-12 adjusted weighted teaching units (AWTU), allocate 3 AWTU to service of our program, College, and the University, oversee Sheep Unit at the University Farm and advise approximately 60 undergraduates annually.

Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO., 2002-2005.

Split appointment in which teaching was 30% of appointment (one course per semester) and youth livestock cooperative extension was 70% of appointment. Advised approximately 20 students annually.

Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK., 1999-2002.

Conducted research and served as a teaching assistant that assisted in class management, grading, and covered lectures as needed.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Animal Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL., 1996-1999.

Primary responsibility was coaching the livestock judging team and teaching the livestock evaluation courses, as well as research responsibilities.

Courses Taught

California State University, Chico

AGRI 180 – The University Experience

AGRI 482W – Agricultural Issues

ANSC 101 Labs – Introduction to Animal Science

ANSC 230 – Animal Feeds and Nutrition

ANSC 272 – Sheep Production

ANSC 330 – Animal Nutrition

ANSC 330L – Applied Animal Nutrition Research (new course developed)

ANSC 372 – Sheep Production (shifted to upper division)

ANSC 440 – Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals

PSSC 363 – Forage Crops

Colorado State University

ACC 192 – Orientation to Agricultural Systems

AN 320 – Principles of Animal Nutrition

AN 420A – Advanced Ruminant Nutrition

University of Florida

 ASG 4992 – Livestock Judging     

Academic Honors and Awards

Joy of Learning, Represented College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2022.

Faculty of the Year, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2017.

Outstanding Academic Advisor, California State University, Chico, 2016-2017.

Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Learning Catalyst Fellow. College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2013.

Meritorious Service Award, Butte County 4-H, 2009.

Support of Student Learning

Major Advisor in Animal Science, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2005-Present.

Annually advise over 60 undergraduates. Our college conducts mandatory advising and our program meets with advisees each semester. Through my advising appointment, I am able to help students meet degree requirements, seek career opportunities, and strive to improve time to graduation.

Advisor, Chico State Sheep Association, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2021-Present.

“Mental Health First Aid Program”, California State University, Chancellor’s Office, 2022.

This program is a certification program that trains people to be able to provide initial care in the case of mental health situations in the workplace. Our students have becoming increasingly fragile from a mental health point of view, and I want to better support and get our students to the resources they need. I will complete this training in September 2022.

“Canvas Pilot Program”, California State University, Chico, 2022.

Selected to participate in the pilot program as we shift from Blackboard Learn to Canvas. My goal is to be able to help colleagues with the transition over the next year.

“Go Virtual” Faculty Mentor, California State University, Chico, 2020.

Our university developed an immersive summer program in virtual instruction in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and shift to virtual instruction. I served as a mentor to one cohort of faculty (15 instructional faculty) through the process and into the Fall 2020 semester.  This role involved reviewing virtual instruction plans, brainstorming sessions, and providing one-on-one support.

“10,000 Strong: First-Generation Students at Chico State” FLC Coordinator, California State University, Chico, 2020.

I was selected by our Faculty Development office to lead a Faculty Learning Community (FLC) that dove into the mindset and assets of our first-generation students at Chico State. This FLC had about 20 participants and my responsibilities included curriculum development, leading discussions, and helping faculty redesign elements of a course to improve inclusivity of our first-generation students.

“Faculty-lead Curricular Design for Student Achievement in the CSU” Cohort 1 and 2. California State University, Chico, 2019-2021.

The Animal Science Program faculty and staff voted to pursue this funding source to provide resources to allow an intentional curricular evaluation and potential redesign of our program.  We have re-envisioned our mission and programmatic goals, developed and are currently implementing a stakeholder survey, and are exploring the development of two options in Animal Science to better serve our students and help them reduce their time to graduation.

“Theory and Practice of Teaching First-Year Students” FLC, California State University, Chico, 2020-2021.

Participant in this FLC exploring the first-year experience and curriculum development. Applying information to the Fall 2021 AGRI 180 University Experience course.

“Teaching First-Generation Students by Drawing on Cultural Strengths” FLC, California State University Chancellors Office, 2019-2020.

I have had the pleasure of working with this FLC in two different roles, first as a participant (2019), second as campus resource for the following cohort (2020). This FLC changed my perspective on teaching and instruction and what it means to be a truly inclusive, student-centered teacher.  The material and discussions were directly applicable to all my courses.  This FLC included members from campus throughout the CSU system and was supported by the Chancellors Office.

Leadership Roles

Faculty Supervisor, Chico State Sheep Unit, California State University, Chico, 2005-Present.

Oversee the Sheep Unit Management Team that consists of paid student employees and work experience students.  My role is to oversee annual budgets and report to the farm administrator, conduct quarterly inventories, and teaching activities involving the Sheep Unit. Additionally, I oversee the annual events put on and attended by the Chico State Sheep Unit. Each winter, we host an annual youth educational day and county 4-H event that has had 500-700 participants, including a switch to virtual event in 2021. The Sheep Unit has an active social media presence with live stream educational events and posts. The Sheep Unit Management Team also hosts 1-2 online lamb sales each year, and work to attend regional sheep shows and sales to promote our program, college, and the university.

Chair, College of Agriculture Animal Science Tenure-Track Search Committee, California State University, Chico, 2023.

Co-Chair, College of Agriculture Farm Director Search Committee, California State University, Chico. 2022.

Chair, College of Agriculture Curriculum Committee, California State University, Chico, 2021-present.

Chair, College of Agriculture Dean Search Committee, California State University, Chico, 2020-2021.

Program Lead of Animal Science, California State University, Chico,

2010-2014 and 2019-Present.

This role requires the oversight of our Animal Science Program and includes budgeting, scheduling and seeking resources to maintain our hands-on instructional mission. Over the past two years, we have developed a strategic plan, revitalized our curriculum and are exploring the potential of becoming an accredited program with the American Society of Animal Science.

Membership Committee and Campus Ambassador, North America Teachers and Colleges of Agriculture, 2019-Present.

Commencement Coordinator, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2016-2022.

Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Advisory Board Chair, California State University, Chico, 2014-2016.

Hiring Committees for the College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2005-Present. I have served as chair for 3 ANSC search committees and on several other disciplines search committees.

New Faculty Mentor, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, 2015 Cohort (DeAtley and Zakkeri).

Faculty Advisor for FFA Field Day Contests, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, Poultry and Best Informed Greenhand contests during 2010-2014.

Chair, College of Agriculture Scholarship Committee, California State University, Chico, 2005-2013.

University Faculty Recognition and Service Committee, California State University, Chico, 2008-2010.

Chair, College of Agriculture Steering Committee for Strategic Planning, California State University, Chico, 2008-2010.

Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, North American International Livestock Exposition, 2006-2009.

Faculty Advisor for Poultry and BIG Contests, FFA Field Day, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico

Faculty Advisor for FFA Field Day Contests, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, Light Horse Judging during 2005-2009.

Professional Affiliations

Memberships:

California Wool Growers Association (CWGA)

American Sheep Industry (ASI)

North America Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA)

American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS)

California Chapter of ARPAS

American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC)

California Suffolk and Hampshire Sheep Breeders Association

Western Stock Show Association

Oklahoma State University Alumni Association

University of Florida Alumni Association

California State University, Chico Alumni Association

Other:

Coordinator – Silver Dollar Fair Outstanding Cattle Feeder Contest (2022 - present)

Coordinator – Silver Dollar Fair Outstanding Lamb Feeder Contest (2021 - present)

Reviewer – Journal of Animal Science (2016-2019)

External Peer Reviewer – Tenure Applications

University of Minnesota, Crookston (2022)

University of California Davis (2022)

North Carolina State University (2019)

Community Service

California Wool Growers Association, 2021-Present. Member of the Board of Directors.

Youth Quality Care of Animals, 2021 – Present. Certified presenter of this youth livestock program for youth exhibiting at fairs.

Pine Ridge 4-H Volunteer, 2019-Present. Serve as a community volunteer leader for Pine Ridge 4-H.

Silver Dollar Fair, 2013-Present. Lead for market lamb and goat check in, oversee Outstanding Cattle and Lamb Feeding Contests, calculate lamb carcass contest. Member of the Junior Livestock Auction committee.

Member, Hope Commons Church, 2005-Present.

Recent Research Projects

• Impact of Prosper EO (Ralco) essential oil blend on digestion in finishing lambs. 2023.  In collaboration with Ralco Animal Nutrition. Research project for the ANSC 330L Applied Animal Nutrition Research class.

• Effectiveness of olive pomace as feed supplement for finishing lambs. 2022. In collaboration with Dr. Kasey DeAtley and Dr. Logan Smith.  Research project for the ANSC 330L Applied Animal Nutrition Research class.

• In vitro dry matter disappearance of summer cover crops. 2022-2023. In collaboration with Dr. Hossein Zakkeri.  Peyton Arnold honors in major research project.

• In vitro dry matter disappearance of olive pomace. 2022-2023. In collaboration with Dr. Kasey DeAtley and Dr. Logan Smith.  Josephine Bennett honors in major research project.

• Impact of ComforT (Ralco) essential oil blend on heat stress in finishing lambs. 2022.  In collaboration with Ralco Animal Nutrition (David Casper and Don Daley).  Josephine Hernandez honors in major research project.

• Impact of Prosper EO (Ralco) essential oil blend on growth and digestion in finishing lambs. 2021.  In collaboration with Ralco Animal Nutrition. Research project for the ANSC 330L Applied Animal Nutrition Research class.

• Impact of commercially available supplements on growth in finishing lambs. 2020.  In collaboration with Rule Supplements (Jed Asmus). Research project for the ANSC 330L Applied Animal Nutrition Research class.

• Efficacy of EnerGII fat supplement on growth and digestion in finishing lambs. 2019. In collaboration with Vitus Animal Nutrition. Research project for the ANSC 330L Applied Animal Nutrition Research class.

Selected Grants and Contracts

Student Learning Fees (SLF)

“Updating Analytical Balances” $7,000. Funded 2022.

“Sheep Shearing Equipment” $2,660. Funded 2021.

“Updating Sheep Working Facility” $7,200. Funded 2020.

“Updated Lipid Extraction Equipment” $13,220. Funded 2017.

“Updating Sheep Scales” $4,460. Funded 2016.

“Application of NIRS in Agriculture” $10,850. Funded 2014.

Internal Grants/Contracts (CSUC)

“Exploring experiential, collaborative learning in undergraduate agriculture programs”. 2012. $4,675.  CELT Learning and Teaching Scholarship Grant. Funded (completed).  Role – Principle Investigator.

Agriculture Research Institute (ARI)

“Sheep antimicrobial stewardship guidelines and best management practices”. 2019. $89,042. Funded (completed). Role – Co-Principle Investigator.

“Utilization of sprouted grains as an alternative source of energy in dairy cow rations”.  2013. $290,000.  Funded (completed).  Role – Co-Principle Investigator.

“Evaluation of Suffolk/Hampshire x Dorper crossbred rams as terminal sires for commercial sheep production in California”.  2011. $72,058.  Funded (completed).  Role – Principle Investigator.

“Evaluation of meat goat genetics in California”.  $17,000.  2010.  Funded (completed).  Role – Principle Investigator.

“Edaphic and cultural characterizations of the land application and utilization of fruit cannery by-products”. 2009. $233,276 – Funded (completed).  Role – Co-Principle Investigator.  

“Sustainable feeding strategies for Western Dairy Production”. 2008.  $400,000 – Funded (completed).  Role – Co-Principle Investigator. 

“Evaluation of residual feed intake as a measure of beef cattle feed efficiency”.  2007. $99,756 – Funded (completed).  Role – Collaborator. 

Other

“Delivering sustainable rangeland management training through multi-institutional collaboration:  a mechanism for improving academic quality and capacity.” 2014. USDA-NIFA-NLGCA. $293,645.  Funded (completed).  Role – Cooperator.

“Risk Management Tools for California Sheep Producers”.  2007. Western Center for Risk Management Education Grant. $20,000 – Funded (completed).  Role – Technical Advisor.

Selected Publications

Peer Reviewed Journals

Villatoro, K. M., Yang, F., Duarte, T., Phillips, C. R., Woerner, D. R., Chao, M. D., & Yang, X. (2021). Quality, proximate composition, and sensory characteristics of Dorper, domestic commercial crossbred, and Australian sheep meat: a comparative study. Translational Animal Science, 5(1), txab024.

Phillips, C.R., S.P. Doyle, A. Harl, C.B. Carpenter, and M. Aschenbrener.  2015.  Effect of almond hull level in a finishing diet on lamb growth and carcass performance.  J. Agriculture and Life Science. 2(2):2375-4214.

Johnson, C.R., S.P. Doyle, and R.S. Long.  2010.  Effect of feeding system on meat goat growth performance and carcass traits.  Sheep and Goat Res. J.  10:78-82. Available at: http://www.sheepusa.org/Sheep_and_Goat_Research_Journal_Detail/newsID/4115/volume/Volume_25,_2010#news_4538. 

Whittier, J.C., G.P. Lardy, and C.R. Johnson.  2005.  Symposium Paper:  Pre-calving nutrition and management programs for two-year-old beef cows.  Prof. Anim. Sci.  21:145-150.  Available at:  http://pas.fass.org/content/21/3/145.short.

Johnson, C.R., D.L. Lalman, M.A. Brown, L.A. Appeddu, D.S. Buchanan, and R.P. Wettemann.  2003.  Influence of milk production potential on forage dry matter intake by multiparous and primiparous Brangus females.  J. Anim. Sci.  81:1837.

Johnson, C.R., D.L. Lalman, J.D. Steele, and A.D. O’Neil.  2002. Energy and degradable intake protein supplementation for spring-calving beef cows winter grazing stockpiled bermudagrass. Prof. Anim. Sci. 18(1):52.

Lalman, D.L., C.M. Taliaferro, F.M. Epplin, C.R. Johnson, and J.S. Wheeler.  2000.  Review: Grazing stockpiled bermudagrass as an alternative to feeding harvested forage. Proc. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 

Johnson, C.R., B.A. Reiling, P. Mislevy, and M.B. Hall.  2001.  Effects of nitrogen fertilization and harvest date on forage yield, in-vitro organic matter digestibility, and protein fractions of bahiagrass, bermudagrass, and stargrass.  J. Anim. Sci. 79:2439.

Abstracts

Bennett, J.M., P.S. Arnold, L.B. Smith, K. DeAtley, H. Zakkeri, and C.R. Phillips. 2023. In-vitro DM disappearance comparison of whole soybean, whole sudangrass, alfalfa hay and dried olive pomace. Submitted for undergraduate poster competition at California Animal Nutrition Conference (May 2023).

Hernandez, J.N., K.A. Moore, H.L. Ortiz, D. Casper, and C.R. Phillips. 2023. Impact of ComforT® essential oil blend on growth and carcass performance in finishing lambs during summer months. Submitted for undergraduate poster competition at California Animal Nutrition Conference (May 2023).

Chamberlain, T.M., T.D. Campbell, P.S. Arnold, J.M. Bennett, P.D. Contreras, E. Cuevas Leyva, D.G. Dobras, P. Espinosa, A.A. Gueltzow, A.D. Hoyer, T.I. Lipelt, A.E. Moran, G. Otterson, C.I. Ramirez, C.M. Tanson, A.E. Valle, H.L. Ortiz, L.B. Smith, K. DeAtley, and C.R. Phillips. 2023. In-vivo digestibility of total mixed rations in finishing lambs containing olive pomace. Submitted for undergraduate poster competition at California Animal Nutrition Conference (May 2023).

Arnold, P.S, C.R. Phillips, K. Brasier, H. Zakkeri. 2023. Summer Cover Crops: Potentials as Forage and Possible Residual Impacts on Germination of Succeeding Crops. California Plant and Soil Conference Proceedings.

Conner, J., C. R. Phillips, K. A. Moore, S. P. Doyle, and K. L. DeAtley. 2017. Effects of supplementing CRINA ruminant blend essential oil blend to Suffolk x Hampshire feeder lambs on growth, intake, feed efficiency, and carcass traits. Western Section American Society of Animal Science.

Moore, K.A., K.D. DeAtley, M.A. Aschenbrener, and C.R. Phillips.  2016.  The impact of undergraduate perceived efficacy on academic performance in a lower division livestock nutrition course.  NACTA Annual Conference.

Moore, K.A., K.L. DeAtley, C.R. Phillips, and S.P. Doyle.  2015.  Incorporating case studies to enhance critical thinking in lower division animal science courses.  Innovations in Education:  An Animal Science Curriculum for the 21st Century.  Sponsored by American Society of Animal Science.

Moore, K.A., K.L. DeAtley, C.R. Phillips, and S.P. Doyle.  2014.  Effects of brewer’s yeast on growth performance and carcass measures of Angus-influenced feedlot finishing steers.  Western Section American Society of Animal Science.

C.R. Phillips, S.P. Doyle, and M.A. Aschenbrener.  2014.  Exploring experiential, collaborative learning in undergraduate agriculture programs.  North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Annual Conference. 

Van Buren, A.L, C.R. Phillips, and S.P. Doyle. 2013.  Effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculant on fermentation characteristics of ensiled grass hay with pear fruit waste.  California Animal Nutrition Conference Proceedings.

Carpenter, C.B., C.R. Phillips, and S.P. Doyle. 2013. Effects of feeding almond hulls in finishing diets on lamb growth performance and carcass characteristics.  California Animal Nutrition Conference Proceedings.

Doyle, S. P., J. N. Brimlow, and C. R. Phillips.  2013.  Phenotypic differences for growth, body composition, and feed efficiency among Angus, Hereford and Red Angus bulls grouped on residual feed intake.  J. Anim. Sci. (E-Suppl.).

Cardin, J. M., S. P. Doyle, J. A. Harrington, K. L. Cooprider, C. R. Johnson, and L. Rechel.  2008.  Relationship between residual feed intake and growth performance, EPD profiles, and value indices of spring-born Angus bulls.  J. Anim. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 2).

Doyle, S. P., C. R. Johnson, G. A. Darling, and W. R. Patton.  2007.  Effect of ram breed on pre-weaning growth performance of crossbred lambs.  J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 2):161.

Doyle, S. P., C. R. Johnson, J. W. Holt, and W. R. Patton.  2007.  Effect of ram breed and finishing diet on carcass traits of crossbred wether lambs.  J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 2):161.

Selected Presentations and Workshops

“Selecting and Sourcing Hay”, 2022, San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Staff.

“Outstanding Lamb Feeder Educational Workshop and Awards Presentation”, 2021-2022, Silver Dollar Fair.

“Youth Livestock Quality Assurance”, 2016, Tehama County 4-H.

“Marketing Goats Online”, 2016, Northern California Meat Goat Association.

“Show Animal Nutrition”, 2015, California State University, Chico Sheep & Meat Goat Educational Day.

“Show Animal Economics”, 2014, California State University, Chico Sheep & Meat Goat Educational Day.

“Livestock Photography”, 2014, West Coast Dorper Association Sale.

Professional Development Meetings and Workshops

California Animal Nutrition Conference, California Chapter of ARPAS, attended meetings in Fresno and Sacramento.

California Grain and Feed Association Annual Conference, California Grain and Feed Association.

North America Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Annual Conference, Attended meetings in Bozeman, MT, Honolulu, HI, and Twin Falls, ID.

Quality Assurance/Quality Online Learning and Teaching (QA/QOLT) Program, 2015. California State University, Chico.

Affordable Learning Solutions Program, 2015. California State University, Chico.

Academy e-Learning Cohort 7, 2015. California State University, Chico.

Center For Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Conference, 2009-2015, 2015. California State University, Chico

California Grazing Academy/Livestock Handling School.  2007. University of California, Davis Cooperative Extension, Grass Valley, CA

Western Region Teaching Symposium, 2005, Western Section American Society of Animal Science, Pingree Park, CO