Three Standout Hires Join K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry

MANHATTAN, KS - The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University has announced the addition of three new faculty.

Dr. Bailey Harsh joins the department as an assistant professor of meat science. She hails from the University of Illinois, where she has spent years teaching a variety of meat science classes, including Meat Technology and Grilling & BBQ Science. After earning her undergraduate degree from Ohio State University, Harsh went on to pursue her master’s degree at Oklahoma State University, followed by her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom, having previously served as a professor at the University of Florida before returning to teach at Illinois.

“What drew me to K-State and ASI was the opportunity to be part of a program that values both student development and strong ties to the animal industries. I’m looking forward to teaching, mentoring students, and building applied research that serves producers, processors, and consumers,” Harsh said. “I’m also excited to include more purple in my wardrobe!”

Two additional faculty members will join a world-renowned team within the department—the Applied Swine Nutrition Team. The department is pleased to welcome Dr. Josh Flohr as a swine teaching and extension faculty member and Dr. Katelyn Gaffield to a swine research and teaching faculty position.

Flohr returns to Kansas State University after ten years in the industry. After earning both his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, he went on to roles with NutriQuest and Seaboard Foods, working with nutritionists and producers across many aspects of the industry. He brings a unique, applied perspective to the classroom.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to K-State to help prepare students to be successful contributors in the swine industry,” Flohr said.

Gaffield has been with the Applied Swine Nutrition Team since 2024. She came to Manhattan in August 2021 to pursue her Ph.D. following her education at the University of Illinois. Since joining the department, Gaffield has served as an assistant research professor in a 100% research appointment, working with both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as commercial systems. Her research has primarily focused on improving digestibility, efficiency, and sustainability through nutrition.

“I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have had at Kansas State University as part of the Applied Swine Nutrition Team, both during my Ph.D. and throughout my two years as an assistant research professor. I am excited to continue supporting the team through research, as well as in a new capacity through graduate student teaching, as I transition into this new role,” Gaffield said. “I cannot imagine a better position, team, department, or university to be a part of as I continue to grow my career with the main goal of supporting swine producers.”

These three hires represent the department’s commitment to excellence. The department looks forward to the impact these individuals will have on students and producers.

“The addition of Dr. Bailey Harsh, Dr. Katelyn Gaffield, and Dr. Josh Flohr marks an exciting moment for our department,” said Teresa Douthit, interim department head of the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. “Dr. Harsh joins us with a strong record of productivity and a wealth of experience in meat science. Dr. Gaffield has excelled in grant writing, research, and publication, and she is eager to bring that same dedication to the classroom. Dr. Flohr’s industry experience and long-standing ties to K-State will be invaluable in his teaching and extension work. Together, they bring expertise, energy, and a shared commitment to serving our students and stakeholders.”