Animal Science New Faculty and Staff

Alumna Claire Moreno (Animal Science, ’23), whose interest in agriculture was ignited while attending high school in California’s Central Valley, has returned to Cal Poly to teach and to share with students her knowledge and passion for agriculture. 

While studying at Cal Poly, Moreno (pictured above) worked at the Meat Processing Center, an experience that sparked her passion for the meat industry. After graduating, she began her professional career as a supervisor at Central Valley Meat Co. in Hanford, California, where she managed a team of 50 employees in the offal department. 

In 2024, she joined the quality assurance team at Western Milling in Goshen, California, gaining experience in animal food safety and quality systems. Moreno, who began teaching ASCI 211: Meat Science in fall 2025, said she is excited to share her enthusiasm for meat science with students. She aims to create a welcoming and respectful environment where students feel encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and explore new opportunities. 

Jason Dubowsky 

Cal Poly alumnus Jason Dubowsky (Animal Science, ’23; Master’s in Agriculture, ’25), a new lecturer in Animal Science, is helping prepare the next generation of industry leaders. 

As a student, Dubowsky gained hands-on experience at the university’s Beef Unit and worked on several cattle research projects. Now back on campus as a faculty member, he emphasizes Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy by teaching courses in beef production and animal science, while also leading students in beef enterprises such as artificial insemination, calving and bull testing. 

Beyond the classroom, he advises the Young Cattlemen’s Association and serves as secretary for the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association. 

Dr. Leslie Sklena

Veterinarian and Cal Poly alumna Leslie Sklena (Animal Science, ’04), has built her career advancing companion animal health and expanding access to veterinary care. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in 2009. Her work has focused on shelter medicine, high-volume spay and neuter, and emergency and critical care.

Her extensive surgical experience includes teaching courses on anesthesia and surgical techniques in the U.S. and abroad, helping train students and professionals in diverse clinical settings. 

She started teaching in Cal Poly’s Animal Science Department in fall 2022 and has taught ASCI 310: Veterinary Technician Skills lab and ASCI 227: Companion Animal Science course. 

“I wanted to come back to Cal Poly because I am inspired to pass along my knowledge and share my experiences to the next generation of veterinary professionals,” Sklena said. 

Passionate about animal welfare, Sklena is dedicated to ensuring high-quality veterinary care is available to all companion animals, regardless of circumstance.

 

Read more stories in the Fall 2025 Newsletter