Student Spotlight: Keith Ou
March 3, 2025
Keith Ou is a doctoral candidate in animal science from San Francisco, California. He earned his B.S. in animal science at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and now studies animal nutrition optimization to promote sustainable egg production and improve public health nutrition under the guidance of Xingen Lei at Cornell.
What is your area of research and why is it important?
My research aims to optimize animal nutrition regimens to promote sustainable egg production and improve public health nutrition. Specifically, I study how feeding alternative feed ingredients, such as microalgae and hempseed meal, to laying hens can improve nutrient profiles of the eggs, reduce environmental impacts of the production, and enhance nutrient bioavailability in rodent models. The approach of biofortifying nutrients in foods is a promising and effective strategy to address widespread dietary deficiencies by increasing nutrient intakes across communities.
What are the larger implications of this research?
Soybean meal is one of the most used protein ingredients in poultry production. Replacing it with alternative protein ingredients, such as microalgae and hempseed meal derived from industrial byproducts, can reduce our reliance on soybean meal, mitigate food-feed competition, support the circular economy, and provide additional health benefits to animals. Many of these alternative proteins are rich in bioactive nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Eggs biofortified with these nutrients can be marketed as specialty eggs, enhancing public health while increasing profitability for egg farmers.
What have you gained by participating in the NextGen Professors Program?
I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet and learn from our cohort of dedicated scholars who share a passion for teaching and pursuing faculty careers. The NextGen Professors Program has provided an excellent platform for us to share our experiences and questions and receive peer feedback in a welcoming and supportive environment. I also appreciate learning about the different resources and support available both at Cornell and through external collaborations, all of which have been very helpful at different stages of preparing for faculty jobs.
How has this program been helpful in working toward your professional goals?
The program has been incredibly helpful to me particularly through the power mentoring sessions with our NextGen alumni and other speakers. Hearing their experiences navigating the transition from graduate student or postdoc to faculty member was insightful and provided practical guidance. Their stories have prepared me well as I will be transitioning into the role of assistant professor at a small primarily undergraduate institution in the fall as I wrap up my research this semester.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
Outside of work, I enjoy taking road trips, especially to explore new places, and experiencing the charm of small-town life. As an animal enthusiast and zoo professional, I love visiting zoos and learning about the different species and wildlife conservation efforts. It is my favorite way to unwind and stay inspired. I also enjoy watching movies, playing video games, and hanging out with friends.
Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?
I was drawn to Cornell’s renowned animal science program, and particularly Prof. Lei’s pioneering work integrating applied animal nutrition research with the molecular biology approach. The opportunity to develop interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty from other fields like human nutrition and veterinary medicine was particularly fascinating. Additionally, I was excited about the prospect of serving as a graduate teaching assistant, as it aligned with my aspiration to become a faculty member after graduate school.