Kirsten Nickles, PhD is Certified Angus Beef’s sustainability and animal care scientist. Growing up in agriculture, Kirsten Nickles knew she’d one day find a way to continue to make it even better. In her current role, that’s exactly what she’s doing as she leads the premium beef brand’s sustainability initiatives and serves as a technical expert, encouraging the company and its rancher owners to find ways to positively influence the future of beef production. She assists in validating the supply chain’s commitment to cattle care, measuring environmental impact, and sharing ranchers’ dedication to better beef and planet with restaurants, retailers, and consumers around the globe. Kirsten’s love for agriculture began on her family’s Ohio farm, where they raise cattle and grow crops. She followed her passion, obtaining her master’s and doctorate degrees in animal sciences at The Ohio State University. She joined Certified Angus Beef in 2022 and has since been working to bridge the science behind sustainability, efforts of the beef community and evolving consumer demands.