Kansas State University Olathe has appointed Garret Ashabranner as program manager for the Scientific Review of Ingredient Submissions (SRIS), a partnership between the university and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Ashabranner will manage the scientific review process for animal food ingredient definition submissions, serving as the primary liaison between K-State Olathe and AAFCO while overseeing a team of subject matter experts conducting scientific evaluations of newly submitted ingredients for pet food and livestock feed.
Before joining K-State Olathe, Ashabranner worked as an animal scientist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where he reviewed animal feed ingredients and provided guidance on monogastric nutrition and environmental claims. He currently teaches agriculture sciences as an adjunct instructor at Athens Technical College in Athens, Georgia, U.S.
"This position is critical for ensuring the integrity of the ingredient definition process and advancing regulatory science through our partnership with AAFCO," said Haley Larson, director and scientific lead of the SRIS program and assistant professor of animal nutrition and health at K-State Olathe. "Garret brings deep experience in both animal nutrition and regulatory affairs, making him an exceptional fit for this role."
Ashabranner holds a doctorate in poultry science from the University of Georgia, along with master's and bachelor's degrees in agriculture from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has more than eight years of experience in poultry production, regulatory science and agricultural education.
"We are pleased to welcome Garret into this important position," said Austin Therrell, executive director at AAFCO. "His regulatory experience and broad expertise align perfectly with our mission and the scientific standards we uphold to safeguard animal and human health."
The SRIS program provides scientific review services for ingredient definition submissions to AAFCO, which establishes feed ingredient definitions and standards used by state feed control officials across the U.S.
