Name Neal First Awards Wolf Prize in Agriculture | Died November 20, 2014 Role Biologist | |
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Education Michigan State University | ||
Neal Lloyd First (October 8, 1930- November 20, 2014) was an American biologist.
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Birth and education
Neal L. First was born in 1930 in the United States. He completed his M.S. and Ph.D. at Michigan State University.
Research
First was known for his contributions to animal genetics, and in particular for the development of systems of bovine embryo cloning, gene transfer, and in-vitro production of livestock embryos. His research helped to make major advances in the application of biotechnology to reproduction in farm animals possible, eliminating the need for brood cows in beef cattle breeding. His research focused on sperm and oocyte maturation, in vitro production of embryos, cloning of cattle, and methods for producing transgenic embryos.
Awards and honours
Neal L. First received several awards. He received the Animal Science Morrison Award, the Upjohn Research Award, the Society for the Study of Reproduction Research Award, the National Association of Animal Breeders Research Award and the Von Humboldt Award. In 1996/7, he received the Wolf Prize in Agriculture "for his pioneering research in the reproductive biology of livestock". He was at the faculty of the University of Wisconsin–Madison when he received the prize.
He was also a member of the National Academy of Science. First Died on November 20, 2014 from cancer.