Instructors

Dale Whitaker

Dale Whitaker has over 40 years experience performing bovine reproductive techniques in artificial insemination and embryo transfer. He is the owner/operator of Whitaker Embryo Transfer Services that provides conventional embryo transfer, and OPU service to beef cattle producers in 7 states in the Southeast United States. His company also serves as a satellite facility for TransOva Genetics doing OPU (oocyte asspiration and preparation for shipment to the TransOva IVF lab).

Dale brings his vast industry knowledge and practical skills to each embryo transfer course and shares tips and tricks he has learned over his many years in the industry with the students to make them more successful performing AI, ET, and OPU. Our students learn from one of the best instructors who can not only teach the technique but also discuss implementation logistics, pricing, and start-up expectations.

Dr. Riley Messman

Dr. Riley Messman, PhD, brings over 9 years of experience in the cattle reproduction sector. Growing up in a small farming community, a passion for agriculture was instilled in her from an early age. During her undergraduate years at the University of Missouri, she actively participated in beef cattle estrus synchronization research, interned at Select Sires, and worked as a research intern for the USDA.

Building on her foundation, Dr. Messman pursued a Master's in reproductive physiology, followed by a PhD from Mississippi State University. Throughout her academic journey, she remained deeply involved in cattle extension activities, including teaching AI schools, assisting producers with estrous synchronization and breeding, and conducting research on developmental programming.

Upon completing her PhD in June 2023, she assumed the role of a professor in reproductive physiology and animal health at Oklahoma State University. She also teaches some of the AI courses at the International Embryo Technology School.

Dr. Andre Dayan

We're pleased to introduce Dr. André Dayan, also known as the OPU Guy, who will be leading your Ovum Pick-Up course.

Dr. Dayan holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Paulista (Brazil, 1994) and a master's degree in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Reproduction from the Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (Brazil, 2008).

With more than 20 years of experience in bovine OPU, Dr. Dayan currently serves as an adjunct professor at Texas A&M, collaborates with major industry partners in Bovine OPU, and regularly conducts OPU workshops. He is a member of both the International Embryo Technology Society and the American Embryo Transfer Association.

Dr. Dayan has been a featured presenter on OPU multiple times at annual meetings of the International Embryo Technology Society and the American Embryo Transfer Association.

Brittany Scott

With over 15 years of experience in advanced reproductive technologies, Brittany Scott is an expert in her field. In 2011, she earned a masters in Reproductive Biology from Louisiana State University.

Brittany has been a driving force in transforming the small ruminant reproduction market with the establishment of SMART Reproduction, a company that specializes in importing and exporting top-quality embryos. Furthermore, Brittany works with Dale Whitaker and other major players in the industry on a range of services, including oocyte processing, semen and embryo collection, and IVF.