Welcoming New Research Scientist to TACLP

A huge welcome to the new Research Scientist, Dr. Aghata Elins Moreira da Silva, who has joined the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) team at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.

Silva comes to Olds College with a plethora of research experience over the last 15 years – completing internships in Brazil and the United States, being a PhD student at the University of Nevada and a Research Fellow at Auburn University. Her most recent position was as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Alberta.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Animal Sciences from the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco in 2017 and completed her Master of Science (MS) in Animal Sciences from the Universidade Federal de Vicosa in 2019. She achieved her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Animal Nutrition from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2022. 

Originally from a small rural town called Paudalho in northeastern Brazil, she cherished growing up in a town where everyone knows each other. One of the reasons Silva is excited to move to Olds is for the sense of community and to become part of a smaller town again. She is slowly getting used to the cold in Canada! Outside of work, Silva enjoys spending time with her family — including her husband and one-year-old son.

Seeing research translated into a practical solution for producers is what drives her research. For her thesis, she looked into how diet may influence water requirements of animals and how those requirements can be affected through an animals lifespan. 

“I love watching science move from theory into real-world application and making a difference on farms,” says Silva. “I am deeply motivated to help demystify some common misconceptions about livestock production – especially the idea that it is only harmful to the environment – by showing when managed responsibly, how it can also be part of the solution.”

“I know that connecting research to real-world impact is a priority at Olds College, and I am excited to be part of a team that values that connection.”

The Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) uses its resources — which include a 1,000-head capacity feedlot, commercial cow/calf herd, Purebred Red Angus herd, sheep flock, and broadacre native and tame pasture — to demonstrate and optimize technologies with potential to improve animal health and welfare, increase production efficiency, and enhance environmental sustainability.

“We are pleased to welcome Aghata to our research team and are confident that her skills and dedication will greatly benefit TACLP,” says Sean Thompson, Director of TACLP and Smart Farm Operations.

She looks forward to working directly with producers and contributing to producer-focused research at Olds College. 

Welcome Aghata!