Four Rivers Kennel & Canine Senior Center

Team

Dr. Craig Coon

Dr. Coon spent his early years at Texas A&M University, earning his B.S. in animal science, M.S. in plant physiology and biochemistry, and Ph.D. in biochemistry and biophysics. Dr. Coon has been a faculty member involved in research, teaching, and extension at the University of Maryland, Washington State University, University of Minnesota, and now the University of Arkansas. Dr. Coon is a world-renowned poultry nutritionist and is now applying his extensive knowledge to canine nutrition. Dr. Coon developed Four Rivers Kennel as part of a mission to provide independent nutrition research for the companion animal and pet food industries.

Mary Ann Boggess

If you’ve visited the kennel, you’ve probably met Mary Ann Boggess. Mary Ann is Craig’s partner and co-founder of Four Rivers Kennel. Originally from West Texas, Mary Ann graduated from Texas Tech University and went on to own & manage a cattle ranch in Belize. After building the kennel and facilities, Mary Ann moved to the kennel full-time, in 2012. Mary Ann is the co-owner and chief financial officer of Four Rivers Kennel.

Claire Timlin, PHD

Claire Timlin, PhD, is the Director of Research & Development at Four Rivers Kennel and has extensive experience in animal science and reproduction. Prior to her time at FRK, Claire spent several years working to improve reproductive efficiency of beef cattle using assisted reproductive technologies. Claire earned her PhD in Bovine Reproductive Physiology from Virginia Tech, and her BS in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign. In her free time, Claire enjoys volunteering for the National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC) and playing with her three dogs

Fiona McCracken, BS

Fiona McCracken is the Lead Research Assistant for Four Rivers Kennel. Fiona received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cottey College, where her undergraduate thesis focused on the role of serotonin in gut function and dysregulation. Fiona is currently earning her master’s degree through the University of Florida, focusing on the role of the microbiome in health and disease. Before joining FRK, Fiona worked with a diverse team from UTHealth Science Center San Antonio on systematic reviews of COVID-19 and MIS-C in pediatric patients. Fiona is a passionate supporter of equitable access to science education, she has previously coordinated a peer mentorship program and gives career talks to students ranging from elementary school classrooms to high school seniors. In her free time, Fiona enjoys reading and hiking with her dog.

Mary Fuqua

Mary Fuqua is the Supervisor for the Animal Care and Research Technician (ACRT) Team at Four Rivers Kennel. Mary joined FRK in 2022 as an ACRT and was promoted to ACRT Supervisor in 2023. Mary serves as our general kennel manager and oversees the daily care of our dogs, with a strong commitment to ensuring a clean, safe environment for both dogs and kennel staff. Mary knows the history of all our pet partners by heart, and her devotion to providing the best quality care possible allows us to collect the most meaningful research results. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and playing with her dogs.

ACRT Team Leaders

(Machelle Mullanix, Tanya Webb, Brooke Wilkinson, & Rachael Gilpin)

Animal Care Research Technicians and Research Staff

(Pictured left to right: Tanya Webb, Jason Fowler, Oliver Fuqua, Clinton Denny, Paxton Selby, Brooke Wilkinson, Mary Fuqua, Salem Jonker, Deszmind Johnson, Claire Timlin, Machelle Mullanix, Fiona Mccracken, Sarah Dickerson, & Patrick Skaggs)