By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor
Jessica Sperber, Ph.D., is a young lady with an adventuresome nature. Her educational and professional endeavors have led her from the Great White North of Canada to the warm climate of Texas.
Born on a diversified cow-calf and grain operation in central Alberta, Canada, she grew up providing excellent help to her family and enjoyed showing 4-H market steers. The show ring experience was such a positive influence in her life, it left an indelible mark. “4-H gave me skillsets that definitely helped me advance in my career – public speaking, ability to defend my position, networking and general livestock production,” she explains.
She studied biological sciences at MacEwen University in Edmonton, Alberta. Additionally, Sperber participated in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program and was introduced to an alumnus of West Texas A&M University. The contact led to Ty Lawrence, Ph.D., who recruited Sperber into a master’s program in meat science and carcass quality.
Upon graduation, she moved from Texas to the University of Nebraska, earning a doctorate degree in beef cattle nutrition under Galen Erickson, Ph.D. A stint home to Alberta brought Sperber to a feedlot consulting job for a year before returning to the Cornhusker State. She currently holds the position of statewide feedlot Extension specialist. The job gives her a continuing opportunity to be engaged in the large feedlot sector and combine research with production education.
Sperber is passionate about all things cattle related. She maintains an interest in judging cattle shows, sitting on judging contest committees and has a particular interest in the Charolais breed. She travels home to Alberta as often as time permits to help her dad harvest canola and barley and tend their commercial Charolais/ Red Angus cow herd.
Prior to following her calling into cattle production, she once contemplated a career in optometry. How lucky we are that she changed her mind.
