CV
CV
Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science (2025-Present)
Concentration: Animal Breeding and Genetics
Certificate: Teaching in Extension
GPA: 4.0
Colorado State University
Dissertation: “Genetic biology of feet and leg traits and cow longevity; A longitudinal study of factors impacting student performance in an undergraduate animal breeding and genetics course.”
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Master of Science in Animal Science (2023-2024)
Concentration: Animal Breeding and Genetics
GPA: 4.0
Colorado State University
Thesis: "Liver abscess effects on carcass performance and heritability estimates of liver abscess incidence and severity in beef on dairy heifers"
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Bachelor of Science in Animal Science (2019-2022)
Summa Cum Laude, GPA: 4.0
Colorado State University
Honors Program Thesis: "Analysis of scorer repeatability, correlation, and EPD reporting for beef cattle feet and legs traits"
Colorado State University
● Analyzed large-scale genomic, phenotypic, and pedigree datasets using R and Linux HPC systems
● Developed and implemented linear mixed models to estimate variance components and predict breeding values
● Conducted population genetic analyses to characterize genetic diversity, population structure, and environmental adaptation in national cattle populations.
● Presented research findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific conferences, and industry meetings.
● Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams of geneticists, statisticians, producers, and industry partners.
● Delivered instruction and training in animal breeding and genetics concepts through undergraduate teaching, recitation leadership, and student mentoring.
Colorado State University
● Recognized as “Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher” by the Colorado State University Department of Animal Science
● Analyzed structural soundness traits (claw set, hoof angle, and rear leg side view) alongside pedigree and contemporary group data to estimate genetic parameters for national beef breeding programs
● Estimated heritability, genetic correlations, phenotypic correlations, expected progeny differences, and covariate solutions
● Collected and validated scorer data by assessing intergroup differences
● Authored and presented Honors thesis and prepared manuscript for publication
● Presented findings to the American Simmental Association Board of Directors and at regional scientific meetings
Technical skills: Linux, R, Python, ASREML, Tableau, SQL, Excel, Power BI, PLINK 1.9, ADMIXTURE 1.3, MTDFREML, BLUPF90
Colorado State University
● Aid in research projects led by the CSU Animal Nutrition Group, such as weighing Wagyu cattle, performing in-vitro experiments, fistulated steer experiments, and cleanings
● Attend and participate in the weekly Animal Nutrition Seminar for graduate students
Colorado State University
● Dissected Greater Sand Hill Cranes for assessment of fat and feed composition
● Collected rumen fluid and performed an in-vitro experiment to determine the volatile fatty acid composition
● Attended and participated in the weekly Animal Nutrition Seminar for graduate students
● Communicated with the project leader
● Presented findings and experience in a meeting with other Undergraduate Research Fellows
Colorado State University
● Assisted with necessary processes for graduate student research, such as moving and sorting cattle and sheep, cleaning fistulated steers, collecting liver biopsies, administering intranasal vaccines and intramuscular antibiotics, manipulating a squeeze chute with 100% accuracy, fed livestock, etc.
● Communicated regularly with graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, veterinarians, and research facility staff
Teaching Assistant:
ANEQ 330: Principles of Animal Breeding
Spring 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026
● In Fall 2024, developed and implemented an optional weekly recitation for the course that provide worksheets to complete with the assistance of myself and their peers
● Continued recitation in subsequent semesters
● Collect performance and survey data to evaluate student performance and perceptions
● Teach at least 2 lectures a semester
● In Spring 2022, served as an undergraduate TA in the course
● Held weekly office hours, attended class, graded assignments, and interacted regularly with professor, other TAs, and students
● Class of approximately 70 students
ANEQ 328: Foundations in Animal Genetics
Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025
● In Spring 2024, taught one lecture due to professor absence and created one case study homework assignment used in the course
● Every semester, held weekly office hours, graded assignments, and interacted regularly with professor, other TAs, and students
● Class of approximately 100 students
ANEQ 293: Animal Science Career Exploration Seminar
Spring 2022
ANEQ 180A2: Student Seminar – Exploring Student Success
Spring 2020, Fall 2021
Executive Director (Dec 2022 - Present)
The Zuvich Family Foundation
● Evaluated and organized scholarship applications using structured criteria to ensure impartial selection
● Managed outreach campaigns, analyzing target populations to maximize engagement and participation nationwide by maintaining the website and LinkedIn
Volunteer (May 2025 - Present)
Poudre Library
● Volunteer with children's literacy programs
Graduate Advisor (May 2025 - Present)
Colorado State University Department of Animal Sciences
● Serve as a graduate advisor for the CSU Collegiate Stockgrowers Association
Graduate Peer Mentor (Aug 2024 - Present)
Colorado State University Graduate Peer Mentor Program
● Serve as a peer mentor to 3+ graduate students ranging across disciplines
● Attend annual mentorship trainings to continue developing and growing as a mentor
Professional Associations
American Society of Animal Science
North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Illinois Beef Association
Colorado Cattlemen's Association
Giannini, M., S. E. Speidel, R. M. Enns, S. Sanders, P. S. Bedwell, and H. D. Blackburn. 2026. Geographic characterization of Hereford cattle genetics in the United States. Proceedings 13th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. doi: 10.31274/wcgalp.23618
Zuvich, M. L., S. E. Speidel, T. N. Holt, and R. M. Enns. 2025. 236 Preliminary analysis of the relationship between heart score and carcass value in Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 103(Suppl. 3):26-27. (Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skaf300.032
Zuvich, M. L., R. M. Enns, R. Wilson, D. R. Woerner, M. Theurer, M. Cleveland, and S. E. Speidel. 2024. 344 Preliminary heritability estimate of liver abscess incidence in beef on dairy heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 102(Suppl. 3):47-48. (Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skae234.052
Zuvich, M. L., S. E. Speidel, I. F. Torres-Quijada, E. J. Raynor, P. H. V. Carvalho, S. E. Place, K. R. Stackhouse-Lawson, and R. M. Enns. 2023. 129 The relationship between pulmonary arterial pressure expected progeny differences and methane emissions. J. Anim. Sci. 101(Suppl. 3):20-21.(Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skad281.025
Zuvich, M. L., L. K. Giess, and R. M. Enns. 2022. 15 Evaluating repeatability and scorer differences when assigning feet and legs scores in Simmental heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 100(Suppl. 4):8-9. (Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skac313.011
Zuvich M. L., L. K. Giess, and R. M. Enns. 2022. Analysis of scorer repeatability, correlation, and EPD reporting for beef cattle feet and legs traits. Submitted to Colorado State University Honors Program.
Griffin, M. L., S. E. Speidel, S. E. Place, K. R. Stackhouse-Lawson, T. N. Holt, L. K. Giess, M. L. Zuvich, and R. M. Enns. 2024. 343 The relationship between pulmonary arterial pressure phenotypes and oxygen consumption in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 102(Suppl. 3):46-47. (Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skae234.051
Torres-Quijada, I. F. , S. E. Speidel, M. L. Zuvich, E. J. Raynor, P. H. V. Carvalho, S. E. Place, K. R. Stackhouse-Lawson, and R. M. Enns. 2023. 145 The relationship of methane emissions with stayability in Angus cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 101(Suppl. 3):33-34. (Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skad281.041
Levenson, J. R., R. Gonzalez Murray, G. Garcia, E. Davila, M. L. Zuvich, R. J. Gifford, R. Haggard, E. Chek, M. P. Thorndyke, O. A. Guimaraes de Bisneto, H. D. Hallmark, H. Yi Loh, B. V. Tangredi, J. J. Wagner, T. E. Engle and R. Goodall. PSVIII-13 Influence of Propionibacteria acidipropionici on short chain fatty acid and methane production in fistulated beef steers. 2022. J. Anim. Sci. 100(Suppl. 3):397-398. (Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skac247.727
Tangredi, B. V., H. Yi Loh, M. P. Thorndyke, O. A. Guimaraes de Bisneto, H. D. Hallmark, E. Chek, G. Garcia, M. R. Bigliardi, R. J. Gifford, A. N. Vautier, D. Osborne, J. A. Engle, S. M. Zuchegno, C. M. Athens, S. R. Gallop, M. L. Zuvich, A. C. Miller and T. E. Engle. 2022. PSIII-16 The influence of olive byproduct supplementation on American Wagyu feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 100(Suppl. 3):241-242. (Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skac247.437
Yi Loh, H., B. V. Tangredi, M. P. Thorndyke, O. A. Guimaraes de Bisneto, D. Osborne, S. M. Zuchegno, M. L. Zuvich, C. M. Athens, J. A. Engle, R. J. Gifford, and T. E. Engle. 2022. PSV-A-12 The influence of calcium dose and olive meal on in-vitro rumen fermentation characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 100(Suppl. 3):257. (Abstr.) doi:10.1093/jas/skac247.465
Relationship between heart score and carcass value in Angus cattle
Colorado State University Graduate Student Show Case (Poster)
Preliminary analysis of the relationship between heart score and carcass value in Angus cattle
American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting (Presentation)
Liver abscess effects on carcass performance and heritability estimates of liver abscess incidence and severity in beef on dairy heifers
Master's Thesis Defense (Presentation)
Preliminary heritability estimate for liver abscess incidence in beef on dairy heifers
American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting (Presentation)
Preliminary heritability estimate for liver abscess incidence in beef on dairy heifers
Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting (Invited Presentation)
Preliminary heritability estimate for liver abscess incidence in beef on dairy heifers
Beef Improvement Federation 2024 Symposium (Invited Presentation)
Preliminary heritability estimate for liver abscess incidence in beef on dairy heifers
Colorado State University CAS Grad Showcase (Poster)
The relationship between pulmonary arterial pressure expected progeny differences and methane emissions
American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting (Presentation)
Evaluating repeatability and scorer differences when assigning feet and legs scores in Simmental heifers
American Society of Animal Science Western Section Meeting (Presentation)
Analysis and variance component estimation of American Simmental Association feet and legs data
International Genetic Solutions Staff Meeting (Invited Presentation)
Analysis of scorer repeatability, correlation, and EPD reporting for beef cattle feet and legs traits
Honors Program Thesis Defense (Presentation)
Analysis and variance component estimation of American Simmental Association feet and legs data
American Simmental Association Board of Directors Meeting (Invited Presentation)
Beef Improvement Federation
Western Section of American Society of Animal Science
Western Section of American Society of Animal Science
Colorado State University Department of Animal Science
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University Department of Animal Sciences
National Western Stock Show
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University Honors Program
Denver Area Panhellenic
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
Colorado State University Honors Program
Colorado State University
Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences