Cori Cooper
Cori Cooper, Ph.D. (She/Her) is a passionate advocate for agriculture and a leader in the dairy industry. She currently serves as Director of Quality Assurance at Marshall Ridge Farms, LLC in State Center, Iowa, where she oversees milk quality and educational initiatives, and assists with overall farm operations. Combining hands-on experience with a deep understanding of animal health, Cori ensures the farm produces high-quality dairy products while connecting consumers to the story of where their food comes from. Cori earned her Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Iowa State University, with a minor in statistics, following a Master of Science in the same field. Her research focused on using wearable sensors and health metrics to improve feed intake and monitor the health of lactating Holstein cows. During her graduate studies, she gained extensive teaching experience, developing strong skills in communication and public education, which she now applies in farm tours and community outreach. Throughout her career, Cori has balanced research, education, and practical farm work, with prior roles including Commercialization Manager in Animal Health at Iowa State University and postdoctoral research associate. Recognized for her leadership and innovation, she is a member of Sigma Xi and Gamma Sigma Delta and has received multiple fellowships and awards. Beyond her professional work, she volunteers with One Heart Equestrian when time allows, reflecting her lifelong commitment to animals and her community.
• Iowa State University - BS, Dairy Science
• Iowa State University - MS, Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Iowa State University - PhD, Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Dr. Gene Freeman Graduate Student Travel Fund in Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Iowa Farm Bureau Graduate Fellowship
• William Riley Gillette Graduate Scholarship in Animal Science
• Caine-Bogle Family Graduate Fellowship
• Sigma Xi
• Gamma Sigma Delta
• American Dairy Science Association
What do you attribute your success to?
Cori Cooper attributes her success to a combination of grit, determination, and purposeful balance. She serves as Director of Quality Assurance at the (Blood) family-owned Marshall Ridge Farm, where she combines her lifelong passion for animals, especially cattle, with overseeing farm procedures, testing milk for quality, and supporting hands-on operations. Earning her Ph.D. while navigating the challenges of new motherhood is one of her proudest accomplishments, reflecting her commitment to pursuing both personal and professional growth. What drives her is the opportunity to contribute to feeding the world, educate others through farm tours, and share the story of where high-quality milk comes from. She also gives back through volunteer work with One Heart Equestrian. Cori encourages young women to know that an agricultural background is not required to succeed and that personal and professional goals can be achieved together with intention and resilience.
Locations
Marshall Ridge Farms, LLC
State Center, IA 50248