CAHNRS > People Directory > Katie Shira

Katie Shira

  1. Faculty-Instructional
Email Addresskatie.shira@wsu.edu
LocationClark 117
Phone509-335-5274

Biography

My research focuses on beef cattle physiology, with an emphasis on bone and skeletal muscle growth and maturation. I have also cross-trained in livestock genetics to deepen my understanding of genome-to-phenome relationships and the genetic regulation of economically important production traits. Although my work is highly molecular in nature, I remain very connected to applied cattle production.

I was raised on a commercial cow/calf operation where I also managed my own cattle alongside my family. I continue to be actively involved in our family’s operation, maintaining a strong producer perspective that informs my research and teaching. My background includes experience in the feedlot sector as well as formal training across all facets of cattle production.

Supporting cattle producers and the beef industry is my career passion. Currently, I am supporting the industry through research and educating future generations about beef cattle production. I look forward to contributing to the Washington State beef industry through high-quality instruction in cattle-related coursework and continued research in cattle growth and development.

Selected publications

  1. A. Olagunju, B. D. Rosen, H. L. Neibergs, G.M. Becker, K. M. Davenport, C. G. Elsik, T. S. Hadfield, S. Koren, K. L. Kuhn, A. Rhie, K. A. Shira, A. L. Skibiel, M. R. Stegemiller, J. W. Thorne, P. V. Villamediana, N. E. Cockett, B. M. Murdoch, T. P. L. Smith. “Telomere-to-telomere assemblies of cattle and sheep Y-chromosomes uncover divergent structure and gene content”. Published in Nature Communications, September 2024. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52384-5.
  2. K. A. Shira, K.J. Thornton, B.M. Murdoch, G.M. Becker, G.E. Chibisa, G.K. Murdoch. “Expression and secretion of SPARC, FGF-21 and DCN in bovine muscle cells: Effects of age and differentiation”. Published in PLOS ONE July 2024. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299975.
  3. K. A. Shira, B.M. Murdoch, K.J. Thornton, C.C. Reichhardt, G.M. Becker, G.E. Chibisa, G. K. Murdoch. “Myokines Produced by Cultured Bovine Satellite Cells Harvested from 3- and 11-Month-Old Angus Steers”.Published in Animals, February 2024. DOI: 10.3390/ani14050709
  4. K. A. Shira, B.M. Murdoch, G.M. Becker, S. Xie, K.M. Davenport, A.M. Colacchio, P.D. Bass, M. Colle, G.K Murdoch. “Advanced Skeletal Ossification is Associated with Genetic Variants in Chronologically Young Beef Heifers”. Published in Genes, August 2023. DOI: 10.3390/genes14081629

Complete Publications List (ORCID)