Erin L. Richter is currently pursuing a master's in nutritional sciences, with an emphasis on ruminant nutrition and rumen microbiology, at Iowa State University under the guidance of Stephanie Hansen. She plans to complete the degree in May 2011. Her research is focused on sulfur toxicity, mineral metabolism, and rumen population changes that occur when animals experience dietary shifts. Her research interests also include development of direct-fed microbials for ruminal acidosis prevention.