Colorado State University Equine Professor Inducted into Research Hall of Fame

Edward L. Squires, director of the Preservation of Equine Genetics program at Colorado State University, was inducted into the Equine Research Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Oct. 8.

Dr. Squires is a pioneer in equine reproductive techniques and the non-surgical collection and transfer of equine embryos. As director of the Preservation of Equine Genetics program, his significant contributions include research breakthroughs in frozen embryo transplants and sex-sorted sperm. His discoveries benefit equine and human reproductive medicine and research.

"I feel honored to be included in the great group of scientists represented in the Gluck Equine Research Hall of Fame. This is by far the greatest honor I have received, and I am extremely appreciative to all of those individuals who supported my nomination," Squires said.

Established in 1990 by the University of Kentucky Equine Research Foundation, now the Gluck Equine Research Foundation, the Equine Research Hall of Fame honors international scientific community members who have made equine research a key part of their careers, recognizing their work, dedication and achievements in equine research.

During his 32 years in the animal reproduction and biotechnology lab at Colorado State, he began to focus his research on horses. This focus led to milestones in research in artificial insemination, equine reproductive physiology and endocrinology, preservation of stallion semen and techniques for embryo transfer, preservation and manipulation.

"Dr. Squires’ contributions to improving the breeding efficiency of both stallions and mares have revolutionized management practices throughout the equine industry," said Robert Stout, Kentucky’s state veterinarian. "To be recognized by his peers for induction into the Equine Research Hall of Fame reflects the quality and application of his research."

Squires also has contributed to research in hormonal regulation of the estrous cycle, progesterone in pregnant mares, ultrasonography and the development of assisted reproductive techniques, including oocyte maturation, in vitro fertilization, embryo freezing and fertility of cooled and frozen semen.

The 60-year-old Morgantown, W.Va., native received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University and his doctorate in endocrinology and reproductive physiology at the University of Wisconsin. Prior to his professorship at Colorado State, he was an assistant professor in animal science at the University of New Hampshire.

Squires is the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his research including the Oliver P. Pennock Distinguished Service Award, The George Stubbs Award, Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award, and Horse Person of the Year Award from the Colorado Horse Council. Beyond his research, he serves as editor of the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science and has written 14 books and 19 additional book chapters.

The nominees to the Equine Research Hall of Fame can be living or deceased, active or retired in the field of equine research. Once they are nominated by peers, they are then reviewed and selected by the current living members of the Hall of Fame.

The Equine Research Hall of Fame inducts honorees every two years. Past inductees include W. R. Allen; John T. Bryans; William W. Dimock; Elvis R. Doll, Jr.; Harold Drudge; Phillip R. Edwards; Baltus J. Erasmus; Harold E. Garner; Oliver J. Ginther; Harold Hintz; Sir Frederick Hobday; Leo B. Jeffcott; Robert M. Kenney; Travis C. McGuire, Jr.; C. Wayne McIlwraith; Peter D. Rossdale; Clyde Stormont; and Sir Arnold Theiler.

The Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, on the University of Kentucky campus, is home to the Equine Research Hall of Fame. For more information, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/gluck.

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