URBANA, Ill. — The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) has announced new board members to advance its mission to sustain and grow the global dairy industry. Appointed to a three-year term as production division director is Phil Cardoso, associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and a faculty specialist for University of Illinois Extension, both part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

Cardoso runs the Dairy Focus Lab, where he and his students study the intersection of cow nutrition and reproduction to deliver data-driven best management practices to dairy producers. His research focuses on the mechanisms of metabolic adaptation from gestation to lactation and the impact of nutrition on metabolism, reproduction, and health.

“Dr. Cardoso leads a dynamic research and outreach program and is a wonderful teacher, too.  Election to the ADSA board is a testament to his substantial contributions to the dairy industry.  I’m excited to see him in this new national leadership role where he will have an even greater impact,” said Rodney Johnson, head of the Department of Animal Sciences. 

Cardoso received his doctor of veterinary medicine and master’s degrees from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil and his doctorate from Illinois. Since 2012, he has established a unique program and online presence that seamlessly blends his teaching, extension, and research efforts and places graduates in applied positions and academia. He and his students have published over 80 peer-reviewed manuscripts and three invited book chapters to date.

Cardoso currently teaches an online course on dairy nutrition and diet formulation that has enrolled over 70 students from more than 15 countries. His program is built on questions from dairy producers and focuses on the dairy cow’s diet as a medical prescription for improved performance, health, and fertility. Cardoso is a past president of the ADSA Midwest Section board of directors and was a member and chair of the Journal of Dairy Science Management Committee. He is currently the chair of the ADSA Foundation Scholar Awards Selection Committee.

To learn about ADSA’s other newly elected leaders, read the full announcement