A native of Arkansas, Jacob spent his youth on farms in the south of the state. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Arkansas-Monticello before moving to Fayetteville, AR to pursue his PhD in Molecular Biology at the University of Arkansas. His graduate research focused on rapid detection and typing of poultry viral diseases and food safety-related pathogens. Since then Jacob has held a number of research and technical service positions primarily focusing on monogastric gut health and nutrition. His current research interests focus on nutritional strategies for young animals, the role of dietary lipids in disease, and water quality management.