The Poultry Science Department at Texas A&M University has a long and rich history, reaching back to 1910. Throughout the years the department has undergone many changes that have facilitated the modernization of the poultry industry. Today, the department has research emphases in poultry management, environmental stewardship, product quality and safety, as well as avian and human and health. These research areas cross the broad spectrum of disciplines such as physiology, nutrition, microbiology, genetics, fundamental biology, genomics and medicine. Program focus of faculty ranges from adaptive field-ready research to fundamental cellular biology, all aimed at issues affecting the poultry industry. The primary interface between the industry and the department is facilitated through the programs and activities of Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists. These individuals provide a wide array of pertinent and timely programming tailored to the needs of the poultry industry. The undergraduate teaching program of the department is the largest poultry science program in the United States and offers the most comprehensive and relevant curriculum. Departmental facilities include well equipped laboratories, classrooms and a wide variety of poultry facilities that support the broad range of research project conducted by faculty. As well, there are processing facilities, including a BSL2 processing laboratory which allows the study of pathogen and product interactions in poultry processing. The department is also home to the Center for Electron Beam Research which conducts research projects ranging from poultry health and product safety to space-bound food for NASA. Several faculty hold joint appointments In Poultry Science and the departments of Veterinary Pathobiology or Nutrition and Food Science. This cooperation greatly enhances teaching and research programs. As well, there are numerous cooperative efforts with USDA-ARS, TVMDL and several other state and federal agencies. The faculty and students of the department have national as well as international impact through a vast network of collaborators and stakeholders throughout the state, nation and world.