CLEAR Center Director Frank Mitloehner Named Animal Science Chair

Frank Mitloehner, an air quality specialist, professor and director of the CLEAR Center, will be the new chair of the Department of Animal Science, which has the highest undergraduate enrollment in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Dean Ashley M. Stokes called Mitloehner a distinguished member of the faculty who has had a significant impact in animal agriculture, environmental sustainability and public engagement.

“Frank brings tremendous experience and a strong commitment to the department’s teaching, research, extension and outreach missions,” she said in an email announcing his appointment, which takes effect June 1.

Mitloehner said he was deeply honored to lead one of the nation’s premier animal science programs.

“This department has long been recognized as a global leader in animal agriculture, research, and extension,” Mitloehner said. “I look forward to working with our incredible faculty, staff and students, as well as our industry partners, to build on this work and ensure the department continues to be recognized around the world for its leadership in animal science and for solutions that support both agriculture and the environment.”

Mitloehner joined UC Davis in 2002 as an assistant extension specialist for air quality. He is the founding director of the CLEAR Center, which stands for Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research. The center focuses on bridging research, community and outreach and works closely with industry to measure and reduce livestock emissions. Recently, he initiated a project to grow corn silage on campus to feed dairy cows and better align their diets with industry standards, bolstering research and sustainability efforts.

Since 2016 he has served as an adjunct professor in the College of Animal Science at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in China. He earned his master’s degree in animal science and agricultural engineering from University of Leipzig in Germany and his doctorate in animal science from Texas Tech University.

“Over the coming months, I look forward to listening, learning, and engaging broadly across the department as we continue to build on the strengths of animal science at UC Davis,” he said.

Mitloehner replaces Michael Mienaltowski, who served as interim chair when Anne Todgham was named associate dean of agricultural sciences in October 2025.