2020 Research Award

Dr. John Cole

The 2020 NAAB Research Award recipient is Dr. John Cole. Dr. Cole earned a B.S. in Dairy Production Systems, a M.S. in Animal Breeding and Genetics, and a Ph.D. in Animal Breeding in Genetics from Louisiana State University. Between his M.S. and Ph.D., Dr. Cole also studied Animal Breeding and Genetics at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, Dr. Cole received a Certificate in Legislative Studies from Georgetown University following his Ph.D. Dr. Cole was a Research Geneticist at USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). While at USDA-ARS, he was also the Acting Research Leader from 2016 to 2020, managing and overseeing projects, budgeting of $8.2 million annually, and scientists. Dr. John Cole is currently the PEAK Sr. Vice President of Research and Development at URUS Group LP. Some of Dr. Cole’s biggest contributions was his work on the development and application of genomic selection in dairy and his work in the implementation and improvement of the Net Merit Index.

Dr. Cole has authored a total of 126 peer-reviewed articles and 15 book chapters and/or technical reports. Many of those receiving a large number of citations. This is illustrated by his h-index of 46. An impressive feat in a relatively short tenure. His collaboration efforts are an incredible representation of his contributions to the industry. Dr. Cole was instrumental in securing fourteen federal grants, ranging from NIFA to NIG to NSF, totaling more than $8 million in external funding and collaborating with several groups at different universities and agencies. This is critical in the development of US animal genetics and animal scientists.

Dr. Cole’s work is highlighted by honors and achievements. In 2015, Dr. Cole was the recipient of the Jay L. Lush Award in Animal Breeding and Genetics, the highest recognition in the US for the field of study. Articles written by Dr. Cole have been featured by the Journal of Dairy Science Editor’s Choice articles of the month nineteen times. Dr. Cole also received an Award of Recognition by the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding for his work on the development of genomic selection. He has also received the USDA Secretary’s Honor Award, Cattle Genetics Consortium for helping promote sustainable agricultural production and biotechnology exports as America works on increasing food security.

Dr. Cole has demonstrated his commitment to the industry. This is evidenced by his receipt of the outstanding service award in 2018 by the National Dairy Herd Information Association. Dr. Cole cares deeply about the dairy industry. He has written 13 popular press articles in the last 15 years and has engaged in 69 invited talks in academia and industry. He also participated in more than 20 committees and groups servicing the dairy industry in varying capacities. Dr. Cole has mentored many individuals, between postdoctoral fellows, Ph.D.’s, M.Sc.’s, and hosting international visiting scholars.

The sum of Dr. Cole’s competencies, contributions, and service make him a leader in the industry. He is seen as a selfless, enthusiastic, and positive collaborator. He is known for putting the achievement of knowledge and the advancement of science above his own recognition. Due to the well-established and instrumental role in the industry, he is very worthy of the receipt of the 2020 NAAB Research Award.