Dr. Cope has been involved in the animal science industry for 10+ years. Dr. Cope received her B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science from North Carolina State University, and her Ph.D in Animal Science, Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Tennessee. Her research and extension efforts have focused on energy utilization and metabolic efficiency in small ruminants. Additionally, some of her previous research efforts have focused on the interaction between energy balance and reproductive efficiency in sheep. Though a North Carolina native, Dr. Cope has lived and worked in the Caribbean. While working on the island of St. Kitts, Dr. Cope worked closely with the Department of Agriculture to help local producers reach higher finishing weights on small ruminants. Dr. Cope lives in central NC with her husband and their three boys. She has a love of family, faith, farming, and food. She and her family enjoy spending time on the family farm where the pastures are spotted with painted quarter horses and Angus cattle.