Scientific Director, NextGen Precision Health

Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development
Curators Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences, CAFNR

Dr. Spencer was appointed scientific director of the NextGen Precision Health building in 2020, and currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development. Prior to serving in these roles, he worked with MU leadership as associate vice chancellor for research and strategic initiatives.

Scientific discovery and research leadership define Dr. Spencer’s career. Elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 2019, Dr. Spencer is an internationally recognized reproductive and developmental biologist.

He has authored or coauthored more than 300 research articles, reviews and book chapters and has been the editor-in-chief of Biology of Reproduction, a premier journal in reproductive biology research. His research program has been continuously funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health.

A native of Auburn, Alabama, Dr. Spencer earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Auburn University and a doctorate in reproductive biology from Texas A&M University.