Dr. Peter J. Hansen has conducted research regarding the nature of the interaction between the maternal system and developing embryo. Among his accomplishments was development of embryo transfer to improve fertility in heat-stressed cows, elucidation of the role of maternal molecules that regulates embryonic development, and exploitation of heat-resistance genes to develop thermotolerant dairy cattle. Graduate education has been at the center of his research efforts. He has mentored 30 Ph.D. students and 23 Master’s students and sponsored 65 postdocs and visiting scientists. Currently, 7 graduate students are in his laboratory. He has also opened his laboratory to undergraduate students. He has been recognized by the University of Florida with the Doctoral Dissertation Mentoring Award (2003), by SSR with the Trainee Mentoring Award (2010), and by the International Embryo Transfer Society with the inaugural Mentor of the Year Award (2012).