泌乳生理学的研究生课程侧重于乳腺如何利用营养素来组装牛奶。此外，它的重点是在乳腺内产生的激素和生长因子如何协调母亲的新陈代谢。该研究领域的学生利用多种哺乳动物模型（牛，啮齿动物，人类，体外培养）检查乳腺在泌乳过程中发挥功能的能力，以使母亲在这种具有挑战性的生理过程中保持适当的健康状况。事件。此外，将分子和细胞生物学技术和模型与应用研究相结合，可以了解乳腺在泌乳过程中发挥功能的能力。该计划的研究生可以通过内分泌和生殖生理学（ERP）和营养学系间研究生训练计划（IGPNS）参加联合研究生训练计划。
The graduate program in lactation physiology is focused on studying how the mammary gland develops and utilizes nutrients to assemble milk. Additionally, it is focused on how hormones and growth factors made within the mammary gland coordinate maternal metabolism, particularly to meet calcium requirements, and how environmental stressors might impact the development trajectory of the mammary gland.<br><br>Students in this area of research utilize multiple mammalian models (bovine, rodent, human, in vitro culture) to examine the ability of the mammary gland to fully develop and function at capacity during lactation and in order for the mother to maintain adequate health status during this dominant physiological event. They will also explore the dynamic physiology that occurs over the course of mammary gland development and lactation. Students will learn about fetal programming of mammary physiology emphasizing on the implementation and development of management interventions to influence the establishment of an adequate foundation beginning in early life. Additionally, students interested in the interaction of the mammary gland and regulation of whole-body physiology in the dam, the effects of pharmaceuticals on mammary gland function and maternal physiology during pregnancy and lactation, are encouraged to apply. Furthermore, students in all areas of our program will be exposed to a combination of hands-on field work as well as state of the art molecular and cellular biological techniques and models with applied and basic research to understand the fascinating ability of the mammary gland to synthesize milk during lactation, and regress during involution.