About Bailey Harsh

Education:

B.S. Ohio State University - 2013
M.S. Oklahoma State University - 2015
Ph. D. University of Illinois - 2018

Bio Brief:

Dr. Bailey Harsh grew up in central Ohio on a registered Angus and row crop farm, active in 4-H and the National Junior Angus Association. She earned her B.S. in Animal Sciences from Ohio State University, where she competed on both meats and livestock judging teams. Harshcompleted her graduate training in meat science at Oklahoma State University (M.S.) and the University of Illinois (Ph.D.) Following graduate school, she spent six years on faculty at the University of Illinois. In 2026, Harsh joined Kansas State University, where she holds a 60% teaching and 40% research appointment.

Dr. Harsh’s research is highly collaborative and industry-focused, with an emphasis on developing practical, science-based solutions that address current challenges in commercial meat production systems. Her research interests include meat color stability and shelf life, variationsin carcass characteristics, consumer perception and fresh pork demand, and strategies to enhance functionality and consistency in further-processed products.

Teaching and student mentorship are also central to Dr. Harsh’s role at K-State. She uses applied examples, hands-on activities, and industry context to help students understand how muscle biology, animal management, and processing decisions influence meat composition, safety, quality, and consumer acceptance. Her courses include online Meat Science (ASI 350), Animal Harvest and Processing (ASI 361), and Advanced Meat Science (ASI 930).

Outside of work, Bailey and her fiancé, Dimitri, enjoy hiking, traveling internationally, and spending time with their blue heeler, Comet.