June 30, 2011

UW professor receives regional animal science Distinguished Teacher Award

 
Dan Rule, a professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming, has received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Western Section American Society of Animal Science.

The award, presented during the association's meetings June 21-23 in Miles City, Mont., recognizes distinguished teaching accomplishments in the animal sciences.

"The University of Wyoming is truly fortunate to have professor Rule on our faculty," said Doug Hixon, professor and head of the Department of Animal Science.

Rule, in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has taught undergraduate courses in domestic animal metabolism and companion animal nutrition.

"Dan does a tremendous job of teaching organic chemistry principles within the context of the animal. In visiting his classroom, one finds the students totally engaged and interacting with Dan," said Hixon.  Rule has developed a study guide and PowerPoint presentation to support his lecture materials and to further explain information in the study guide. 

            Rule also teaches graduate-level courses.

 "Students consistently comment about his ability to explain complicated concepts in an easy-to-understand manner," added Hixon. "Dan relates these items to real-world production issues so they can understand how even the most basic scientific concepts might have industry application at some point in the future.  He also directs graduate students and serves on a plethora of graduate committees."

            Rule is adviser to the Block & Bridle Club and served as adviser to the Ag Ambassadors from 1998-2001. He was selected Outstanding Adviser in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources by Ag Council; Outstanding Teacher as selected by Ag Council; and received Top Prof recognition by the Mortar Board Honor Society in 2007 and 2008.

His research projects involve dietary effects on fatty acid composition of grass-fed beef. In addition, his research involves the study of lipid biochemistry.

Rule has written or co-written more than 90 papers in refereed journals and 10 book chapters and given numerous invited presentations. 

"Rule is also a great department, college and university citizen," noted Hixon.

Rule has served on the UW Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee since 1996 and has chaired it since 2000. He is chair of the College Tenure and Promotion Committee, served on the editorial board of the Journal of Animal Science from 1994-2000 and serves as an ad-hoc reviewer for eight different scientific journals.

Story contact:
Dan Rule
(307) 766-3404
dcrule@uwyo.ed

Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site: http://www.uwyo.edu/uwag/News/index.html