Hunter G. Perez is originally from Palm Coast, Florida, and earned his B.S. in Animal Science from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. He completed his M.S. in Animal and Dairy Science in 2025 at the University of Georgia and remained at UGA to pursue his Ph.D. His work integrates ruminant nutrition, rumen microbial ecology, and preharvest food safety, with an emphasis on applied science that improves cattle productivity, health, and sustainability. During his master’s research, he evaluated how abrupt shifts in forage quality influence Escherichia coli shedding, ruminal and fecal microbial communities, and methane emissions in beef cattle. His doctoral research examines various aspects of finishing beef cattle and its relationships with feedlot performance, carcass traits, stress physiology, and microbial ecology. In addition to his research program, Hunter is actively involved in teaching and graduate student leadership and is committed to translating science into practical outcomes for students, producers, and the beef industry.