ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, U.S. — Carey Williams, an equine extension specialist at Rutgers University, was presented the Equine Nutrition Award at the 2019 Equine Science Society (ESS) Symposium in Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.

The Equine Nutrition Research Award is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association as part of its ongoing awards program, which dates back to 1948. Larry Mack, of Seminole Feeds, presented the award to Williams on behalf of the AFIA.

“Dr. Williams has made significant contributions to the field of equine nutrition and has successfully disseminated research-based information to horse owners and professionals around the world,” said Paul Davis, director of quality, animal food safety and education at the AFIA. “Her research and education efforts have resulted in improved nutrition and care for both equine athletes and recreational horses.”

Williams has developed a strong and collaborative research, extension and teaching program at Rutgers that focuses on equine nutrition and exercise physiology. She raised more than $1.1 million in support of the program.

Her research program has focused on antioxidant supplementation for equine athletes, examining stress and inflammation resulting from exercise, and improving equine grazing systems and their impacts on horse health, economics and the environment. Williams has published 47 journal articles, 11 book chapters, 17 conference proceedings, 34 extension publications and 77 abstracts on her research.

She has been appointed to the Coordinating Committee for the National Research Support Project of the National Animal Nutrition Program and serves on the ESS board of directors, among other national, regional and local equine-related boards and organizations.

Williams received a bachelor’s degree in equine science at Colorado State University and a master’s and doctorate degree in equine nutrition from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.