Prominent Equine Reproductive Scientist Ed Squires has joined the University of Kentucky's Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center as director of advancement and industry relations and executive director of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation.

Squires is considered a pioneer in equine reproductive techniques and the non-surgical collection and transfer of equine embryos. As the previous director of the Preservation of Equine Genetics Program at Colorado State University, Squires made significant contributions in foal birth from frozen embryo transfers and sex-sorted sperm.

Squires also has contributed to research in hormonal regulation of the estrous cycle, progesterone in pregnant mares, ultrasonography and the development of assisted reproductive techniques, including oocyte maturation, superovulation, embryo freezing and fertility of cooled and frozen semen. During his 33 years in the animal reproduction and biotechnology lab at Colorado State University, his focus on horses led to milestones in research in artificial insemination, equine reproductive physiology and endocrinology, preservation of stallion semen and techniques for embryo transfer, preservation and manipulation.

"We are fortunate to have Ed, a ‘big picture' scientist with a distinguished record of scholarship and discoveries that have been of great use to the horse industry and veterinarians alike," said Nancy Cox, associate dean for research in the College of Agriculture and director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. "Not only did Ed gain respect in the scientific world, but he gained the confidence of many horsemen and women, who in turn helped provide resources for first-class facilities. We will now have new power, like never before, to promote the accomplishments of Gluck Center scientists and to further enhance the public trust in our mission."

Squires is a Morgantown, W.Va., native who received his bachelor's and master's degrees from West Virginia University and his doctorate in endocrinology and reproductive physiology at the University of Wisconsin. Prior to his professorship at Colorado State University, he was an assistant professor in animal science at the University of New Hampshire.

"Kentucky is a great horse state, and the Gluck Center has a tremendous history of doing first class equine research. With Mats Troedsson -- a prominent reproduction expert -- coming on board as director, I felt that this was a chance to expand the reproduction emphasis at UK. I am excited by the opportunity to help build another program and to help it become one of the best equine reproduction programs in the country," Squires said.

            Squires said his immediate goals include learning more about scientific happenings at the Gluck Center and in Kentucky's equine industry. He also plans to develop materials to promote the Gluck Center and help it secure funds for research facilities.

"The addition of Dr. Squires will have a positive impact on public relations for the Gluck Center, and for the future of the equine reproduction program at the University of Kentucky. I am excited to have the opportunity to work together with Dr. Squires as an administrator and as a fellow scientist. His arrival at UK is good news for the horse industry here," Troedsson said.

Squires is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his research, including the Oliver P. Pennock Distinguished Service Award; the George Stubbs Award; Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award; and Horse Person of the Year Award from the Colorado Horse Council. He was inducted into UK's Gluck Equine Research Foundation Equine Research Hall of Fame in 2007.

Beyond his research, Squires serves as the editor of the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science and has written 14 books, 19 additional book chapters and more than 500 scientific publications in refereed journals and proceedings.

The Gluck Equine Research Center (http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck/index.htm) is one of the preeminent equine research centers in the world, and is home to International Reference (OIE) laboratories in equine influenza, equine viral arteritis and equine rhinopneumonitis. The Gluck Center has facilities located at four Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station research farms, and one primary research facility on the University of Kentucky campus. The mission of the Gluck Equine Research Center is scientific discovery, education and dissemination of knowledge to benefit the health and welfare of horses.