Dr. Karyn Malinowski, Director of the Equine Science Center at Rutgers recently received the Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s 2021 Service To Youth Award at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, New Jersey. She was surrounded by her colleagues and friends for the presentation.

Dr. Malinowski is an accomplished equine scientist, a Professor of Animal Science and is the Founding Director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES).

She has served as a faculty member at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences since 1978 in various roles including: Extension Specialist in Equine Sciences, Animal Sciences Professor, Founding Director of the Equine Science Center and Director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Her research and extension programs concentrate on improving the well-being and quality of life of the equine athlete while ensuring the vitality and viability of the equine industry, both statewide and nationally. She played a lead role in building the equine science program at Rutgers University and in the formation of the Rutgers Equine Science Center.

Dr. Malinowski is the author of over 50 refereed journal articles and abstracts, and numerous book chapters. Her expertise in the area of aging and stress management in horses has resulted in her speaking at numerous international venues, and her extension project entitled, “Careers in the Green Industry: Youth Sow Seeds for Their Future,” which involved horses and adjudicated youth, has served as a model for similar programs around the world. 

In addition, Malinowski was a member of the team which conducted the prize-winning study, "The New Jersey Equine Industry 2007: Economic Impact," which has been used by the New Jersey horse industry to show its value to the Garden State.

Malinowski has spent much of her career working with youth in 4-H programs and developed with her students and staff the famous website portal, “Equine Science 4 Kids,” which is enjoyed by youth around the globe as they learn about the basics in caring for and managing horses. 

Long overdue, this award to Dr. Malinowski is a small recognition for her career-long dedication and efforts on behalf of youth, college students and the Standardbred industry.

(HHYF)