Dr. Tom J. Baas is Professor of Animal Science at Iowa State University (ISU) with
a joint appointment in extension, research, and teaching. He has a B.S. in Animal Science, M.S. in Animal Breeding, and PhD in Animal Breeding with a minor in Statistics, all from ISU. His emphasis in both undergraduate and graduate teaching is to motivate students to understand concepts and principles, and apply them to real-world situations. His philosophy is to teach fundamental concepts, promote critical thinking, and help students develop decision-making and problem-solving skills. He describes the importance of the pork industry in the US and the world and emphasizes its role in the eld of agriculture.

Tom grew up on a pig farm in northern Iowa and has been part of the pork industry his entire life. He and his wife, Cindy, are very active in church and community activities, and can be found at most Cyclone athletic events. ey have three children and four very special grandchildren.