AMES, Iowa -- Swedish post-doctoral research associate Linda Engblom and her family are calling Iowa State University (ISU) home for the rest of 2009, thanks to ISU animal science professor Ken Stalder. After meeting Engblom and learning of her research with sow longevity at the European Association for Animal Production in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2005, Stalder decided to recruit her to join the IPIC staff on a temporary basis.
“I enjoyed my previous experience with former post-doc Timo Serenius from Finland, so when I learned that Linda had completed her dissertation on culling and mortality in Swedish crossbred sows, I welcomed the opportunity to add another international aspect to our research,” Stalder said. “There aren’t many animal scientists who focus on sow longevity, and the few of us who do are a close-knit bunch. That’s another reason why I wanted Linda to come here.”
Based on his experience with and respect for Engblom’s major professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Stalder first contacted him to ask whether the ISU post-doc position might be of interest to Engblom. With that positive reply, Stalder then approached Engblom about working here in Iowa.
“Her research focuses on analyzing data on sow longevity, including statistical analysis, which is a big industry area,” Stalder said, “She brings a different perspective to our staff, which is great, because I challenge my graduate students to look at things differently.”
Stalder’s request was successful, and Engblom and her family moved to Ames in January of this year.
“I’ve never done anything like this, so I thought, ‘why not?’” Engblom said. “It’s also a unique chance to work with research, and I like to find answers to questions that no one knows. It is a challenge.”
Currently she’s working on finding the best way to include longevity in a breeding evaluation. She also has visited ISU hog teaching and research buildings, and uses her statistical background to assist ISU animal science graduate students.
“I thought coming to Iowa State would be a fun experience for the whole family, and we made the decision as a family,” Engblom said. “My husband Richard, three-year-old son Anton, six-year-old daughter Frida and I have adjusted in many ways, such as living in an apartment instead of a house, and doing without a garden.”
In addition to her assistance with students, Engblom also may be asked to present information to a variety of groups, including producers and scientists. Those interested in learning more about this sow longevity research should contact Stalder at (515) 294-4683.
-30-