The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is pleased to announce the selection of Laura L. Hernandez, PhD, as the next editor in chief of the Journal of Dairy Science (JDS), the most trusted journal on dairy science. Beginning in January 2026, when her three-year term officially starts, she will be the 22nd editor in chief for the journal and its first female leader, succeeding Paul J. Kononoff, PhD. Under his expert leadership, the journal has continued to grow, adapt, and thrive as a trusted source of the highest quality dairy research.
Hernandez is currently a professor of lactation physiology and associate chair of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin (UW)–Madison, as well as an affiliate professor of obstetrics and gynecology. She has been an active contributor to JDS since publishing her first lead-author manuscript in 2008 as a graduate student when completing her PhD at the University of Arizona. Over the years, Hernandez has remained a dedicated and visible scholar in the field, contributing as an author and reviewer to numerous publications, acting as an editorial board member of the Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia, and serving in key leadership roles within ADSA, including as a recent Production Division director on the board of directors and senior editor of the journal’s Physiology section.
Beyond her contributions to academic publishing, Hernandez has demonstrated strong leadership in dairy science as the director of graduate studies for the Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology Graduate Program at UW–Madison, where she led initiatives to enhance student experience, foster collaboration, and improve academic standards. Her contributions have been recognized via multiple awards, including an Arthur J. and Ellen A. Maurer Extra Mile Award, the 2022 ADSA Zoetis Physiology Award, and the 2017 ADSA Foundation Scholar Award in Production.
First published in 1917, JDS is the leading peer-reviewed general dairy research journal in the world. As editor in chief, Hernandez will assume responsibility for providing strategic leadership for the journal, its senior and section editors, and its highly visible initiatives in the dairy science community.
Announcing her appointment, ADSA President Michael VandeHaar said, “Laura has been a driving force in our community, and we are excited to welcome her to this new role. Her commitment to excellence and ability to foster collaboration will undoubtedly strengthen the journal and propel it forward. We also extend our deep gratitude to Paul as he transitions from the editor in chief role. Paul is a passionate advocate for scholarly publishing and inspires us with his deep commitment to improving our service to our authors and readers.”
Jerry Bowman, ADSA’s executive director, added, “With a deep understanding of dairy science and a proven track record of leadership, Laura is the ideal choice to lead JDS into its next chapter. Her vision and dedication will help ensure the journal continues to serve as the premier resource for dairy research.”
“I am honored to take on this role and look forward to continuing the Journal of Dairy Science’s long legacy of excellence and service,” said Hernandez. “In close partnership with the journal team and Jessica McArt, editor in chief of JDS Communications, I hope to continue to work ensuring our journals meet the changing needs of authors and readers, including the continuation of the loyalty program Paul spearheaded during his tenure. I began my career with JDS, and am deeply passionate about being in service to its success and building our growing community of scientists and their impact in the field.”
The Journal of Dairy Science—along with its sister journal, JDS Communications—plays a pivotal role in furthering dairy science. By publishing trusted, pioneering research, these journals foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable practices that strengthen the global dairy industry.
About the Journal of Dairy Science
The Journal of Dairy Science® (JDS), an official journal of the American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA), is co-published by Elsevier and ADSA. It is the leading general dairy research journal in the world. JDS readers represent education, industry, and government agencies in more than 70 countries, with interests in biochemistry, breeding, economics, engineering, environment, food science, genetics, microbiology, nutrition, pathology, physiology, processing, public health, quality assurance, and sanitation. JDS has a 2024 Journal Impact Factor of 3.7 and five-year Journal Impact Factor of 4.1 according to Journal Citation Reports™ (Source: Clarivate™ 2024). www.journalofdairyscience.org
About the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA®)
The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is an international organization of educators, scientists, and industry representatives who are committed to advancing the dairy industry and keenly aware of the vital role the dairy sciences play in fulfilling the economic, nutritive, and health requirements of the world’s population. It provides leadership in scientific and technical support to sustain and grow the global dairy industry through generation, dissemination, and exchange of information and services. Together, ADSA members have discovered new methods and technologies that have revolutionized the dairy industry. www.adsa.org
