By Jeff Wilson
Growing up surrounded by animals on a family farm in Lincoln, Illinois, Cierra Crowell brings unique passion to her studies at Southern Illinois University.
“I came to SIU in 2018 to study animal science with a specialization in equine science. Later, I decided to get my master’s degree in equine science, and after going out in the world to get a job, I decided I still had a lot of questions and returned to SIU to get my Ph.D. in canine science.”
During her first semester, Crowell had a class with Dr. Erin Perry, an award-winning scientist and author who is also a canine search specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Dr. Perry took me underneath her wing,” Crowell said. “She helped me find my passion. We always had animals growing up. I was happiest in the barn and hauling on the road.”
Crowell has been the recipient of multiple scholarships, which have aided her during her education journey and allowed her to focus on research at the highest level.
“Scholarships take the financial stress off. I do not have to work as much or focus on paying for school,” she said.
Crowell has collaborated with Royal Canin and the Search Dog Foundation. She focuses on how dietary factors impact dogs in particular situations.
“Our canine research program focuses primarily on working canine and companion canines, including fitness capabilities, odor detection, gastrointestinal health, and nutritional and dermatological aspects,” she said.
Not only have donors impact Crowell through scholarships, funds from alumni and friends of the university impact her research directly.
“By utilizing donor funds, we are able to do more research and put SIU out there,” she said. “We are up there with some of the top institutions when it comes to canine research. Donations to the Canine Research Center fuel the passion, research, and opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow in the field.”
In the future, Crowell plans to continue her research and drive the next generation of students forward as they improve the lives and health outcomes of canines.
“It’s my goal to be able to teach the next generation, keep doing research, and eventually have graduate students of my own,” she said.
To learn more about the Canine Research Center, visit canineresearch.siu.edu. To make a gift, visit siuf.org.