Contact Information:
970.491.0668
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Nancy A. Irlbeck was born June 6, 1955 in Carroll, Iowa and grew up on the family’s livestock and grain farm. She was oldest of eight children and took an active role in the livestock care and management until she entered Iowa State University in 1973. After 2 years she left college and, in addition to several other positions, worked for the Soil Conservation Service for four years as a state and federal technician. She returned to Iowa State University in 1981 and received her B.S. in Animal Sciences in 1983.

After receiving her B.S., Dr. Irlbeck accepted a position as an Adjunct Faculty member of Farm Operations in the College of Agriculture at Iowa State University. She served as an academic advisor and instructor from 1983-1986, while pursuing her M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition under the guidance of Dr. James Russell. During that time she was awarded the University’s Student Alumni Association Outstanding Academic Advisor Award and given honorary status in the Farm Operation Club. In 1986, she graduated from Iowa State University with a M.S. in animal nutrition with a thesis title of "Genetic, agronomic and ensiling effects on forage quality of corn whole plant and stover".

In 1986, Dr. Irlbeck began her Ph.D. program in Ruminant Nutrition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln under the guidance of Dr. Terry Klopfenstein. She served as a research associate and also as a teaching assistant under Dr. Dennis Brink. In September of 1988 she was awarded the Milton E. Mohr Teaching Fellowship and in May 1989, the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award for the College of Agriculture. She graduated with her Ph.D. in 1990 having a dissertation title of "Utilization of corn and sorghum crop residues for growing cattle."

Dr. Irlbeck came to Colorado State University in January 1990 in a temporary teaching position at the Department of Animal Sciences prior to finishing her dissertation. After completing her Ph.D. the summer of 1990, she returned to Colorado State University as an assistant professor. At Colorado State University, she is responsible for teaching AN320 (Animal Nutrition); AN322 (Pet Nutrition); AN300I (Zoo Nutrition); and VM624 (Veterinary Feeds and Feeding). She also teaches components in VM623 (Veterinary Nutrition and Metabolism), as well as guest lectures in others. Dr. Irlbeck serves as an undergraduate and graduate advisor, and is responsible for the College of Agriculture students during PREVIEW, the University’s freshman orientation. She has been recognized at the College, University and National levels for her teaching and advising.

Dr. Irlbeck has an active research program emphasizing captive wild animal nutrition and has served as the consulting nutritionist at the Denver Zoo since January 1992. She and her graduate students are developing a zoological browse database that has already received national and international attention. Dr. Irlbeck has also written a textbook entitled "Nutrition and Care of Companion Animals" and is in the process of writing texts for captive wild animal and alternative animal nutrition.

Education:

Ph.D. 1990 University of Nebraska - Lincoln

M.S. 1986 Animal Nutrition, Iowa State University

B.S. 1983 Animal Sciences, Iowa State University