Hector Menendez
Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Livestock Grazing Specialist
Biography
Dr. Hector M. Menendez III received his Ph.D. from South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University in biological sciences (2018). In 2020, he joined SDSU as an assistant professor in the Animal Science Department and serves as a state livestock grazing Extension specialist. Dr. Menendez’s research is focused on understanding complex grazing systems and identifying high-leverage solutions. He accomplishes this by using a combination of mathematical simulation modeling, precision livestock technology and through the evaluation of water-soil-plant-à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã interconnections. Dr. Menendez’s Extension programming applies a systems approach to enhance producer management of livestock grazing systems. He also serves as a committee member of the National Animal Nutrition Program, which guides national nutrient modeling resources, training and application.
Education
- Ph.D. in biological sciences | South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University | 2018
- Focus: Systems Thinking and System Dynamics Modeling and Natural Resource Management
- Dissertation: "Quantifying potential long-term changes in erosion, discharge and total suspended solids resulting from agricultural land use change in South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã."
- M.S. in agricultural sciences | Sam Houston State University | 2012
- Focus: Agronomy and Agribusiness
- Thesis: "Forage Quality Analysis of Annual Ryegrass Via Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy."
- B.S. in à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã science (minor in agricultural business) | Sam Houston State University | 2010
Academic and Professional Experience
Academic Interests
Academic Interests
- Grazing livestock
- Systems thinking
- System dynamics
- Modeling
- Precision livestock management
Academic Responsibilities
- Research
- Extension
Committees and Professional Memberships
- National Animal Nutrition Program
Research and Scholarly Work
Areas of Research
Students:
- Anna Dagel - M.S. in à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã science - ruminant nutrition and precision Heifer development
- Lily McFadden - M.S. in à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã science - ruminant nutrition and cover crop/soil carbon modeling
