Dr Kelsey Pool is currently a lecturer and research fellow in a joint position between the University of Western Australia and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Her research focuses primarily on understanding how the environment impacts reproduction, through both multigenerational drosophila melanogaster models and sheep and cattle production systems. Prior to moving to the University of Western Australia to undertake the role of Lefroy Research Fellow, she completed her PhD in late 2020 at the University of Sydney and INRA, Nouzilly, France. Dr Pool’s PhD research in reproductive seasonality resulted in the registration of a commercial Australian product to improve ovine reproductive efficiency.

Dr Pool currently uses her cross-disciplinary roles to actively advocate for better integration of applied and fundamental research in the field of agricultural science, with particular emphasis on involving producers in research and the benefits of livestock as models for mammalian fertility.  She is very supportive of outreach and science communication, escpecially in remote and regional communites, and was recognised for her work in this space with a 2024 Young Tall Poppy award.

Current research projects:

• Development of strategies to measure ovine fetal physiology in-situ
• Investigating how phytoestrogens impact bull fertility
• Twin-lambs as a model for in-utero interventions to improve neonatal cognitive function
• Understanding the impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals on fertility under a changing climate
• Strategies to improve the climate resilience of Western Australian livestock systems

Teaching:

• ANIM3306
• SCIE5507
• EVNT4422
• ANHB3310
• AGRI5503
• AGRI1001
• AGRI4409