Buff Brief Newsletter Archives

Buff Brief Newsletter 4/29/2024

Dates to Remember: 

• May 11: Donuts with the Dean and Commencement 

Highlights:

• Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences 2023-2024 Awards
  • Instructional Excellence Award: Dr. Kevin Williams - Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor and Associate Professor of Agricultural Education 
  • Intellectual Contributions Award: Dr. Ty Lawrence - Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center
  • Professional Service Award: Dr. Ray Matlack - James A. "Buddy" Davidson Professor of Wildlife Biology and Professor of Biology
  • Young Faculty Award: Dr. Joshua Brown - Assistant Professor of Biology 
  • The Rebekah Bachman Yardstick of Quality Award: Mrs. Rebekah Bachman - Assistant Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
  • The Rebekah Bachman Yardstick of Quality Award: Mrs. Paighton Gouldy - Instructor of Agriculture and Department Student Success and Industry Coordinator
• Departmental Awards: 
  • Instructional Responsibilities:
    • Dr. Kevin Williams, Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor and Associate Professor of Agricultural Education
    • Dr. David Khan, Paul Engler Professor of Natural Sciences and Professor of Biochemistry
    • Dr. Maitreyee Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Biology
  • Professional Service:
    • Dr. Tanner Robertson, Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication
    • Dr. David Craig, Associate Professor of Physics
    • Dr. Ray Matlack, James A. "Buddy" Davidson Professor of Wildlife Biology and Professor of Biology
  • Intellectual Contributions:
    • Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center
    • Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry
    • Dr. Naruki Hiranuma, Associate Professor of Environmental Science
  • Young Faculty:
    • Dr. Emilie Baker, Assistant Professor of Animal Science
    • Dr. Juganta Roy, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
    • Dr. Joshua Brown, Assistant Professor of Biology
• WTAMU 2023-2024 Academic Awards
  • Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center, was the recipient of the West Texas A&M University Intellectual Contributions award.
• Student Employee of the Year Ceremony
  • WT's Office of Career and Professional Development hosted the Student Employee of the Year reception where the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Employees of the Year and 12 of 33 nominees were students in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences!
  • We are proud of the work ethic exhibited by our students recognized by offices all across campus!
    • Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year: Caden Bonilla, Sr. Biology Orientation and Academic Success
    • Graduate Student Employee of the Year: Zane Platter, M.S. Animal Science Department of Agricultural Sciences 
    • Ava Pluchino, So. Agricultural Business and Economics; Student Government Association 
    • Brady Wilson, So. Agricultural Media and Communication; Orientation and Academic Success
    • Cole Verret, Sr. Animal Science; Department of Agricultural Sciences 
    • Elizabeth Bierman, Sr. Animal Science; Residential Living
    •  Gracie Oates, Sr. Agricultural Media and Communication; Residential Living
    • Guy Wright, Jr. Agribusiness; ECU Buff $mart Program
    • Jennifer Ofili, M.S. Environmental Science; ECU Buff $mart Program
    • Jordon Muller, So. Wildlife Biology; Recreational Sports and WT Outdoors
    • Kendra White, Sr. Plant, Soil and Environmental Science; Career and Professional Development
    • Kennedy Fritzler, Sr. Biology Education; University Bookstore
    • Megan Cordry, Sr. Animal Science; Orientation and Academic Success 
    • Sydney Landers, So. Agribusiness; Orientation and Academic Success
• The Welch Foundation Equipment Grant
  • Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry, and Dr. Shiquan Tao, Professor of Chemistry, were recently awarded a $75,000 equipment grant from The Welch Foundation, one of the nation's largest private funding sources for basic chemical research.
  • The proposal was titled "GC-MS Instrument for WT Chemical Research." 
  • Congratulations to Dr. Flynn, as this is his third award since the beginning of the fiscal year!
• Slate Group Printing Tour
  • Dr. Tanner Robertson, Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication, is the instructor of AGRI*4380, Capstone in Agricultural Media and Communication.
  • In this course, students write stories, create advertisements and capture content to piece together to create the Department of Agricultural Science's magazine: The Brand.
  • As part of the course, students got the opportunity to tour Slate Group, a multi-faceted printing company in Lubbock. While on the tour, students learned the process of printing and packaging magazines and print materials.
• Water Quality Outreach with Dr. Erik Crosman
  • Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Department Head and Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, recently visited Benji Wall's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) classes at Austin Middle School in Amarillo. In the classes, Dr. Crosman taught approximately 55 students about water quality and the Lake Meredith Water Quality and Microbiology study at WT. Dr. Crosman also did some hands-on demonstrations  with professional quality sensors on water salinity, conductivity and pH.
• #ICYMI -- In Case you Missed It
  • Grant to Improve STEM Education for Underrepresented Students
  • Ranchland Gift Secures Location for New WT Research Feedlot
  • Top WT Students, Others Honored at End-of-Year Ceremony
  • WT Scientists Taking Part in Research into Costly Cattle Liver Abscesses
  • Annie Valicek, Student Regent, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics, featured on I Am WT Podcast 

Buff Brief Newsletter 4/29/2024

Dates to Remember: 

• May 1: Last Class Day
• May 2: Dead Day
• May 3: Finals Begin
• May 11: Donuts with the Dean and Commencement 

Highlights: 

• AMSA South Region Student Board Member
  • Ryan Heitschmidt, Sr. Animal Science, was elected by meat industry student peers as the 2024-2025 South Region Student Board of Director. This coming year, Ryan will represent his meat science student community at multiple American Meat Science Association and meat industry events nationally, as well as work behind the sciences to prepare meat science content and events. 
• ACS Demonstrations: Don Harrington Discovery Center
  • Every year, the American Chemical Society (ACS) takes a week to celebrate Earth Day with a specific theme. This year's theme was the “celebration of batteries and the role that they play in generating a more sustainable world.”
  • Members of the WT ACS Student Chapter, along with their adviser, Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry, presented 14 different demonstrations to over 300 elementary students at the Don Harrington Discovery Center on April 19th. Attending students had the opportunity to ask questions about batteries and see demonstrations ranging from an energy tube to a solar cricket to a lemon battery.
• Digital Marketing Competition: Top Four Finalists
  • Kyndall Hill, M.S. Agriculture, and teammate Mehrdad Samimi, M.B.A., were top four finalists in the Digital Marketing Competition, a national marketing competition hosted by Perdue University Northwest's College of Business.
  • As part of Dr. Mary Liz Brooks' MKT*5343, Emerging Media in Advertising, the students had to develop a digital marketing campaign in less than two months for LuvSeats, an event ticketing platform based in Las Vegas. The campaign had to incorporate digital marketing tactics, research, target markets, campaign strategy, a timeline and budget, and methods to measure success of the campaign.
• Southwestern Entomological Society Conference
  • Ms. Joy Newton, Instructor of Biology, Ms. Erin Jones, Instructor of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science, and two entomology competitive teams made of six students, recently attended the 2024 Entomological Society of America Southwestern Branch Annual Meetings in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  • Ms. Newton and Ms. Jones both presented research and students competed in the Linnaean games and an entomology quiz bowl tournament.
  • The student teams are comprised of students studying invertebrates. 
    • Team 1: Jacie Guerrero, Jr. Plant Soil, and Environmental Science, Ms. Erin Jones, Ph.D. Agriculture, Tiffany Montana, Jr. Biology, Jesus Elliot Lopez, So. Wildlife Biology 
    • Team 2: Grace Millsap, Sr. Wildlife Biology, Athena Newman, Sr. Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science, Chambie Elliott, So. Wildlife Biology
    • Coached by Ms. Joy Newton 
• Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association Convention
  • WT AG was well represented at the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association convention by interns, employees, vendors and graduate student poster contest competitors.
  • Poster Contest
    • Kenleigh Wells, M.S. Animal Science, 3rd place
    • Ashby Dauer, M.S. Animal Science
    • Emily Efird, M.S. Animal Science
    • George Graybill, Sr. Animal Science, served as a convention intern and was an integral part in the behind-the-scenes work to makes the convention possible for association members and industry stakeholders.
  • Also in attendance were Jacie Pennington, So. Agricultural Media and Communication, who served as the policy spring intern in Austin, Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting and Couch Family Professor of Extension Education, and Annie Valicek, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics. 
• Texas Society for Circadian Biology and Medicine Research
  • The Texas Society for Circadian Biology and Medicine Conference was recently held at Texas A&M University. Dr. Stephen Karaganis, Associate Professor of Biology, Joey Zimmerman, M.S. Biology, and David Hardin, Sr. Psychology. Joey presented on their behalf: "Circadian Rhythms in Mice: Entrainment of Peripheral Serotonin and Platelets."
• Beef Industry Safety Summit
  • Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center (BCRC), Dr. Loni Lucherk, Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Meat Science, Zane Platter, M.S. Agriculture, and Taylor Loeffler, M.S. Agriculture, attended the 2024 Beef Industry Safety Summit.
    • • •  

Buff Brief Newsletter 4/22/2024

Highlights: 

• Happy Administrative Professionals Day: Wednesday April 24, 2024
  • The success of our College, in large part, is due to the work these individuals complete. Thank you for all that you do for faculty and students! 
    • Mrs. Darci Hess, Dean's Office 
    • Mrs. Lauren Ward, Department of Agricultural Sciences
    • Mrs. RoseAnne Platt, Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
    • Mrs. Berlin McIntosh, Department of Chemistry and Physics
• Best of the Best in the College
  • These student groups well represent their Departments as they serve and promote academic programs in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Students are selected to serve and work diligently throughout the year at a variety of activities and events on- and off- campus. We couldn't be more proud of these students.
  • Science Representatives:
    • Briley Jeter, M.S. Biology 
    • Emily Klein, Sr. Biochemistry 
    • Grace Millsap, Sr. Wildlife Biology 
    • Heather Nguyen, Sr. Wildlife Biology 
    • Heather Ogle, Sr. Environmental Science
    • Jory Barrera, Jr. Health Sciences Pre-Health Care Professional
    • Quincy Nakamura, Sr. Biology 
    • Ray Thomason, Sr. Biochemistry 
  • Agricultural Ambassadors: 
    • Anna Bonnet, Sr. Ag Media and Communication
    • Annie Valicek, Sr. Ag Business and Economics
    • Bryce Hutson, Jr. Ag Media and Communication
    • Caleb Frick, Sr. Ag Media and Communication
    • Cole Petit, Sr. Animal Science
    • Eli Weisensee, Sr. Agribusiness
    • George Graybill, Sr. Animal Science
    • Grady McAlister, Sr. Plant, Soil and Environmental Science
    • Jayci Mekelburg, Sr. Agribusiness
    • Kassidy Langley, Sr. Ag Education
    • Kirby Russell, Sr. Ag Business and Economics
    • Kyli Kraft, Jr. Agribusiness
    • Lane Remmich, Sr. Ag Business and Economics
    • Lauren Fritzler, Sr. Ag Media and Communication
    • Mia Encinias, Sr. Animal Science
    • Ryan Heitschmidt, Sr. Animal Science
    • Shannon Anderson, Sr. Ag Education
    • Tres Pennington, Sr. Animal Science 
• Every Day is Earth Day: April 22, 2024
  • Tips for the Texas Panhandle
    • Conserve Water
    • Utilize Rainfall (capture or otherwise as much as possible) 
    • Set thermostats high in summer and low in winter to save energy
  • Erosion Facts
    • It takes an average of 500 years to form one inch of soil, so soil is considered a finite resource. 
    • 33% of Earth's soils are already degraded because of deforestation, erosion, pollution, or other processes. 
    • Soil erosion in the U.S. results in losses of ~$37.6 billion every year. 4.3 to 12 tons per acre can be lost in one single dust storm. 
  • How You Can Help
    • #1: Keep the soil vegetated. Whether it is your yard or your farmland, maintaining permanent vegetation stabilizes the soil and adds organic matter.
    • #2: Control runoff. Using vegetation or mulch protects soil surfaces and helps slow down runoff water.
    • #3: Prevent over-fertilization. Apply fertilizers only as needed and at recommended rates to prevent pollution and maximize plant growth.
    • Thank you, Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Department Head and Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, and Ms. Lauren Selph, Instructor of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences, for providing this insightful information!
• WT AG on the Road
  • The Department of Agricultural Sciences is hitting the road to meet with Buff Alumni in the southwest Texas Panhandle. Representatives from the Department of Agricultural Sciences will travel with the Alumni Association and the Agriculture Development Association. 
  • 5/1: Hereford Country Club 11:30 am - 1:30 pm, lunch provided
• April is Research and Innovation Month across the TAMU System
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences was well represented at the 19th Annual Faculty and Student Research Poster Session and Research Fair.  A total of ten faculty researchers from all three departments participated!
  • Faculty Presentations: 
    • Crosman, Erik; Mukherjee, Maitreyee; Cuthbert, Robyn; Ogle, Heather; Mbanefo, Simon; Olatunbosun, Afolarin; Pool, Grayson; Taylor, Darby - Environmental Drivers of Water Quality Variability in Lake Meredith, Texas [Killgore grant recipient]
    • Karaganis, Stephen; Zimmerman, Joey - Circadian regulation of peripheral serotonin and platelets in mice
    • Marcillo, Guillermo - Monitoring cotton growth in the Texas Panhandle using computer simulations [Killgore grant recipient]
    • Mukherjee, Maitreyee; Jones, Evan; VeneKlasen, Bentli; Crosman, Erik - Analysis of microbial population diversity in Lake Meredith, Texas [Killgore grant recipient]
    • Shrestha, Keshav; Phillips, Cole; Shtefiienko, Kyryl - High Magnetic Field Characterization of Quantum Materials [Killgore grant recipient]
    • Shrestha, Maha L. - Flexible Foams and Elastomers from Castor Oil [Killgore grant recipient, Welch Departmental Grant]
    • Tao, Shiquan; Kutelev, Ivan - Chemometrics-assisted FTIR spectroscopy for discriminating closely related species [Killgore grant recipient]
    • Thomason, Roy; Flynn, Nick - Frequency Effect On Yeast Fermentation [Welch Foundation grant recipient]
    • Das; Pronob; Aria, Saman; Devadoss, Timothy; Hiranuma, Naruki; Bhattacharia, Sanjoy; Bithi, Swastika - Engineering of a Microfluidic Platform for Investigation of Immersion Freezing in the Atmosphere [Department of Energy- Research Development and Partnership Pilot grant]
    • Nguyen, Marytrinh; Burciaga, Betty; Ghosh, Nabarun - History of implementation of Nanotechnology in the novel air purifiers with a special reference in reduction of Pollen, Mold Spore and PM2.5 Indices
    • Faculty and Student Research Poster Session and Research Fair Committee Dr. Marty Rhoades, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences
• Rodeo Austin
  • Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting and Couch Family Professor of Extension Education, Dr. Kevin Williams, Associate Professor of Agricultural Education and Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor, and Dr. Nate Wolf, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Education and Leadership, took 25 Department of Agricultural Science students to plan, organize, operate and manage the youth swine show at the Rodeo Austin Livestock Show and Rodeo.
• Daniels Scholars Honored at Luncheon
  • The Daniels Fund, established in 2000, has awarded more than $260 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 scholars. This scholarship fund was established by cable TV pioneer Bill Daniels and is dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
  • The Daniels Scholars, current and alumni, were recently honored at a Luncheon hosted in the Fairly Group Club at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium.
  • Students honored from our College include:
    • Cameron Frantz, Sr. Animal Science, Shaylee Gee, So. Agricultural Business and Economics, George Graybill, Sr. Animal Science, Jordan Hisel, So. Animal Science, Kacyn Kessinger, Sr. Animal Science, Raquel Lieurance, Fr. Agriculture, Paityn Nicholson, So. Agricultural Media and Communication, Grace Pendleton, Sr. Animal Science, Lane Remmich, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics, Zachary Rich, Jr. Agriculture, McKenzie Riddle, Fr. Agriculture, Faith Vernier, Fr. Animal Science, Corey Zimmerman, So. Agriculture

Buff Brief Newsletter 4/15/2024

Highlights: 

•  Wild West Rehabilitation Center Visits Companion Animal Club
  • Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Amarillo recently visited the Companion Animal Club to share their mission of serving the animal community and to educate on proper animal care. Lisa Talley, Education Coordinator, and Tyriek Kimble, volunteer and handler, were accompanied by many of their exotic animal ambassadors and attendees were able to engage hands-on and interact with a variety of animals.
• Spring Break Lending a Helping Hand
  • Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) started with aiding the panhandle by doing a "fill the trailer" drive where we tailgated at one of WT's last basketball games. After putting the word out that we were doing a provisions drive, before we even got out there on Saturday morning, we already had the trailer full. Alpha Gamma Rho had to use a bigger trailer. By the end, people donated hygiene products, canned foods, other food items, clothes, cases of water, and sports drinks, as well as bags of pet food.
  • The following Sunday, we scattered and organized several thousand articles of clothes into size, type, male or female in AGS 101. We had help from other organizations, sororities, as well as the Omega Delta Phi fraternity.
  • That Monday, AGR boys drove all around the panhandle to supply drop-off points and centers and distributed the provisions.
  • Fast forwarding to Spring Break, a handful of us went up to Canadian and helped build pens and fences for livestock producers up there. That included concreting posts, welding H's together, stretching wire, and setting T-posts. In addition, we helped run skid steers at supply drop-off points for producers in moving pallets of feed for livestock.
  • Then, the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd, we went up to Canadian and aided farmers and ranchers. We stayed with Boone Begert's, So. Agriculture, family in Allison to make a shorter drive. His family was very hospitable to us and fed us way too well. Staying there became our base of operation. Our first day, we helped an elderly couple pull clean out a cargo/storage freight that had been burned up. The whole thing was ash with the exception of freezers and metals. After that, we had received a call about another fencing gig, there was a church mens group from Oklahoma that was building traps for producers. We quickly jumped on with them and continued to clear our debris with skid steers, drill T-posts, stretch wire, clip fences. We had 50mph wind that second day and it started raining on us sideways. Everyone one of us had dirt in our eyes, ears, and mouth. The other side to that was the place we were working you couldn't get trucks in there where we were working. We had to get on skid steers and some of us had to walk. We were in rough terrain.
  • "This is our backyard, if we don't help these people, who will? Although a terrible event, we are glad we got to meet and connect with salt-of-the-Earth people. We are grateful to lend a helping hand to those who would do the same to us." Reflection written by Kirby Russell, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics
• Conference of Texas Society of Microscopy
  • Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Professor of Biology, and students, Beatriz Burciaga, M.S. Biology, Shaily Goyal, M.S. Biology '22, Anna Nguyen, Jr. Pre-Engineering, and Marytrinh Nguyen, M.S. Biology, rec in San Marcos, TX. Dr. Ghosh served on the Executive board and also delivered a speech on “The benefit of student involvement and research activities and the reminiscent of the past  of the Texas Society for Microscopy.”
  • Their research was published in the Texas Journal of Microscopy, Vol. 55, No. 1 (2024). 
• WT Meat Science Officiates Contests
  • Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Meat Science and Superintendent of Rodeo Austin's Swine Skillathon, recently led a team of animal science undergraduate and graduate students to assist with Rodeo Austin's Swine Skillathon. Approximately 40 competitors were placed into one of three divisions (junior, intermediate, senior) and competed in four skill stations (genetics, management, meats, anatomy/physiology), a written exam. The top five individuals had to conduct an in-person interview in front of WT students and industry experts.
• JAMP: Accepted!
  • The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) is a statewide scholarship program for pre-medicine students funded by the State of Texas. The program is an undergraduate pipeline program intended to close gaps between participation and success for economically disadvantaged Texans who are pursuing becoming a doctor. JAMP collaborates with 69 colleges/universities and 13 Texas medical schools.
  • Four students from WT have been accepted this year, which is the largest cohort ever accepted from WT!
  • "JAMP currently accepts 150 students per year, chosen from 68 undergraduate institutions in Texas. To have four students accepted from WT underscores not only the academic achievement exhibited by these students, but also the quality of their science courses provided by LEES and CP departments!"  -Dr. Carolyn Bouma, Associate Professor of Biology and JAMP Faculty Director at WTAMU
• Amarillo Environmental Lab
  • ENVR*4404/5404, Environmental Sampling, taught by Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Department Head and Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, recently toured the Amarillo Environmental Lab.
  • Ben Orr, Sr. Environmental Science, is the Programs Manager for Water Utilities for the City of Amarillo. He gave students a tour of the lab where Amarillo water is tested for many different pollutants.
  • The Environmental Laboratory conducts various types of water testing, including analysis for drinking water, wastewater (residential and industrial), stormwater, water wells, playa lakes, PCB oil transformers, emergency management unknown samples, and more.
• Polish Delegation to WTAMU
  • The Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) program proudly hosted the 6th delegation of Polish Agribusiness Leaders since 2011, a program where the Polish study Texas agriculture. This group traveled from Amarillo to Lubbock, Junction, Kenedy, Panna Maria, San Antonio, Austin, Waco, College Station, Bryan, Lufkin, Houston, East Bernard, and El Campo. This program has initiated the TALL Emerging Leaders Poland-Texas Study Abroad Program exchanging over 200 university students. The total exchanged between both programs is over 450 people between Texas and Poland. There is no doubt Poland is a Pro-American country and ally in Europe!
  • The group made a stop at the Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building to take a tour of the building and surrounding facilities and to partake in a meat tasting done by students and faculty in the Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center.
  • There are three graduates of WT AG in the current TALL Cohort XVIII (2022-2024). Trent Tyson, B.S. Agribusiness '99, M.S. Animal Science '01 Andrew Sprague, B.S. Agriculture '15 Tyler Randolph, B.S. Agribusiness '08
• Climate FieldView Presentation 
  • Bayer held a hands-on FieldView training session for farmers in the area on Tuesday, February 27th in the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion. Students and faculty interested in learning more about how farmers are using technology to improve their operations were welcomed.
  • Climate FieldView is a digital agricultural data platform that helps farmers collect, map, and manage data from every pass across every field in their operation from virtually any make/model of equipment. Backed by Bayer Crop Science, FieldView is used by farmers in over 20 countries on more than 200 million acres worldwide. FieldView also provides farmers with access to in-season NDVI imagery, field specific weather reports, easy to use variable rate scripting tools, detailed spray reporting and robust analysis tools to give farmers instant feedback on the yield impact of different practices.

Buff Brief Newsletter 4/8/2024

Dates to Remember: 

• April 10: Graduate School Open House

Highlights: 

• WT Hosts 2024 Invitational CDE Contests: 
  • On March 22, the Departments of Agricultural Sciences and Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences hosted an Invitational Career and Leadership Development event for FFA and 4-H students. 
  • The total attendance for this event was about 2,500 students from all across Texas as well as New Mexico, Oklahoma and Colorado!
  • The total number of schools represented was 198, with the total entries of over 2,900 in 19 competitions!
• Affordable Learning Champion of the Month!
  • Dr. Naruki Hiranuma, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, was the recipient of March/April's Low-Cost, No-Cost, and Open Educational Resources (OER) Affordable Learning Champion award!
  • The award is awarded by the Cornette Library. 
• 19th Annual Student Research Poster Session and Research Fair
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences was well-represented at the 19th Annual Faculty and Student Research Poster Session and Research Fair. This year all three departments participated with a total of 16 student researchers!
• Stewarding Our Water Future Conference 
  • ENVR*4404/5404, Environmental Sampling and Interpretation, recently attended the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference, hosted by Ogallala Commons. At this conference, the students participated in conversations about groundwater depletion and expanding stakeholder coalition to improve water realities. A "thank you" to Ogallala Commons for reducing the rate and registration fee for the students who attended!
  • In attendance: Camden Wienecke, M.S. Environmental Science, Jennifer Ofili, M.S. Environmental Science, Oluwaseyi Sanusi, M.S. Environmental Science, Chloe Smith, Sr. Environmental Science, Clover Watson, Sr. Environmental Science, Heather Ogle, Sr. Environmental Science, Israel Tarango, Sr. Environmental Science, Shwe Yi, Sr. Environmental Science, Dayton Varnado, Jr. Environmental Science, Seth Parker, So. Environmental Science, Joshlyn Perez, B.S. Wildlife Biology '23 and Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Department Head and Assistant Professor of Environmental Science.
• Living to Serve: From FFA to WT 
  • We would like to recognize and commend those who have served at a state or national level of FFA, who are now students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. These individuals bring with them a wealth of experience and passion for agriculture, enriching our campus community with their diverse perspectives and unwavering dedication!
  • Past Officers: 
    • Windsor Godfrey, Fr. Agriculture Education: Texas State President, 2022-2023 
    • Campbell Offield, Jr. Agriculture Education: Texas Area 1 State Vice President, 2022-2023
    • Eber Reyes, Jr. Animal Science: Texas State President 2021-2022 
    • Grady McAlister, Sr. Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science: Texas Area 1 State Vice President, 2021-2022
    • Faith Snapp, Sr. Animal Science: Texas Area 1 State Vice President, 2020-2021
    • Annie Valicek, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics: Texas Area 3 State Vice President, 2020-2021
    • Kirby Russell, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics: Texas Area 4 State Vice President, 2020-2021
    • Montana Goodman, So. Agribusiness: Colorado State President, 2021-2022
    • Tyson Schneider, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics: Colorado State Vice President, 2020-2021
    • Brandon Melnikoff, Sr. Agriculture: Colorado State Treasurer, 2019-2020
    • Zach Rich, Jr. Agriculture Education: New Mexico State Vice President, 2021-2022
  • Current Officers:
    • Summer Bowman, So. Animal Science: Texas 
    • Henry Downing, So. Agricultural Business and Economics: Texas 
    • Weston Parr, Fr. Agriculture: Texas

Buff Brief Newsletter 4/1/2024

Highlights: 

• Developing and Readying Underrepresented Minority Researchers: (DRUMR) Intern to Ph.D. Candidate
  • Ilse Paredes Mares, Sr. Biochemistry, is a first-generation college student from Mexico, and was a recipient of the Developing and Readying Underrepresented Minority Researchers (DRUMR) 2023 summer internship. After completing this internship, DRUMR encouraged Ilse to apply directly to their Ph.D. program in Medical Sciences. Ilse will be graduating with her B.S. in Biochemistry in May 2024 and is set to start in the Ph.D. Medical School program in the fall of 2024!
• 104th Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases
  • A group of undergraduate students, vet students, VERO graduate students from WT and TAMU, post-docs, and faculty recently traveled to Chicago, IL to present 18 presentations at the 104th Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases (CRWAD).
  • Dr. Paul Morley, Professor, Director of Food Animal Research and Sally Rau McIntosh Endowed Chair (VLCS – VERO) Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, was a keynote speaker on "Does vaccination prevent antimicrobial resistance?" The group brought home six different awards - Daniel Young, Ph.D. Agriculture, was awarded three out of the six!
• Clean Drinking Water, Global Warming, and Arctic Amplification.. Oh, my!
  • Oluwaseyi (Victor) Sanusi, M.S. Environmental Science, has a passion for bringing clean drinking water to people with limited access. He is currently in Svalbard, Norway, helping an international research team investigate global warming and Arctic amplification with another WT student, Ava Sealy, Jr. Environmental Science. 
• International Livestock Congress Keynote Speaker 
  • Dr. Bridget Guerrero, Associate Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, was a keynote speaker at the 2024 International Livestock Congress: Adapting Livestock and Meat Production for the Future on February 28, 2024. Her presentation titled “Water Availability and Policy Concerning Crop, Livestock, and Meat Production” generated lively discussion among approximately 250 attendees.
• Environmental Science Society: Rebuilding Natural Recovery Structures 
  • The Environmental Science Society, led by Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Department Head and Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, volunteered with Wildcat Bluff and Ogallala Life. Ogallala Life is working out at the Wildcat Bluff area to build natural structures from brush, logs, and other natural sources in the area. The barriers are meant to help recover the creek bed flow and slow erosion from wash out during storms.
• Where in the World is Willow Kate?!
  • Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer, Dr. Russell and Natrelle Long Professor and Director of the Companion Animal Program, and Willow Kate, AKC Labrador Retriever, are a registered therapy dog team through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). Willow Kate and Dr. Newcomer were invited to a therapy dog play session with a little girl who was staying with her family at the Ronald McDonald House in Amarillo.

Buff Brief Newsletter 3/25/2024 

Upcoming Dates: 

• March 29: Good Friday - No Classes

Highlights: 

Past

• Stanley Schaeffer Agricultural Education Learning Lab: Built in 2007
• Thunder Lodge, Home to the Live Mascot: Moved into in 2007
• Horse Center: Built in 1970s
• Rodeo Arena
• Greenhouse: Built in early 1980s
• Natural Sciences Building: Built in 1970s
• Beef Cattle Facilities
  • WT Nance Ranch
    • Est. 1971 
    • 2,393 acres
    • 107 hd. of cows
    • hosts 15 classes
  • Doc's Prime Cuts
    • 438,000 servings of beef processed in 2022, of which 13,800 servings were part of the food bank partnership with Cactus Cares
  • Caviness Meat Science & Innovation Lab
    • 206 of head of livestock harvested in 2023
    • 36 out of 39 employees are students
  • WT Research Feedlot
    • 825 hd. capacity 
    • Installed technology provides cutting edge data collection for behavior, health, and management research

Present 

• Gerdsen Family Centennial Ranch
  • Est. 1908
  • 1,772
• Texas A&M Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach
• WT Land Legacy Program: Gruner Family Irrigated Farmland
  • 23 acres
• Swine Teaching Unit
  • 80 hd. capacity
  • 8 farrowing crates
  • 80 hd. finishing floor self-contained
• Center for Advancing Food Animal Production in the Panhandle
  • $6 million to enable students to specialize in animal health, care, nutrition and pre- and post-harvest food science/safety
• Natural Sciences Building
  • The NSB has received upgrades to teaching laboratories and research spaces. Thirteen classrooms, 41 teaching and research laboratories, and 47 faculty offices surround the atrium. Two 24-foot murals were created from data provided by four faculty members using a method of data visualization. The final effort in this stage of renovation was the arrival of new furniture. 

Future

• Feedlot Expansion: USDA Rural Development Education Center
  • The Research Feedlot has served WT over the last 40 years, but will soon be getting an update!
  • The Research Feedlot expansion will be renamed as the USDA Rural Development Education Center and will expand another 40 acres. This expansion will include 40 70-head pens and 90 10-head pens for research purposes. 
• Graduate Student Housing
  • New housing is in the works for graduate students who live on site at several WT AG animal units, including the Nance Ranch, the Research Feedlot, and the Horse Center. 
• Greenhouse Expansion
  • A preliminary proposal for a new greenhouse of 30,000 sq. ft. - estimated cost $10,000,000!
  • The greenhouse plan anticipates expandable bays, 10 offices, two large classrooms, a research lab and walk-in drying oven. Also proposed is a soil teaching lab, which would include a soil and plant grinding room with bay door/air filtration system climate controlled soil storage room and space for tools and equipment! 
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center
  • The new facility is under construction to the east of the Charles W. Graham DVM Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) building. 
  • Two-thirds of the funding for the multi-million-dollar facility will come from the Texas A&M University system, about $10 to $13 million will be raised through fundraising. The construction completion is anticipated in the summer of 2025.

If you share an interest in supporting The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences endeavors by contributing to vital projects such as facility renovations and upgrades, we invite you to explore the link provided below. 

Your generous donations play a pivotal role in enhancing our campus and providing students with exceptional learning environments. 

One West at WTAMU 

Buff Brief Newsletter 3/18/2024 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates: 

• March 26: "How to Prepare for Success as a Doctoral Student" Information Session

Highlights: 

• Aubry Heinrich, Spring and Summer 2019 Editor
  • B.S. Agricultural Media and Communication '21. 
• Zach McMeans, August 2019 - January 2021 Interim Editor as Needed
  • B.S. Agricultural Media and Communication '17
• Kylie (Scott) Diaz, October 2019 - April 2020 Editor
  • M.S. Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science '23
• Emily Merrill, Summer 2021 Editor Intern
  • B.S. Agricultural Media and Communication '21
• Ellis Vidmar, May 2020 - August 2022 Editor
  • M.S. Agriculture '22
• Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences At A Glance 
  • 477 confirmed event bookings in academic year '18/'19
  • 727 confirmed event bookings in academic year '22/'23
  • 21,182 total semester credit hours for Fall 2023
  • Graduates by the Departments 22/23 
    • Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences:116
    • Agricultural Sciences: 232
    • Chemistry and Physics: 15
  • Faculty and Staff by the Departments 2018 | 2023
    • Chemistry and Physics 10 | 11
    • Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences 18 | 22
    • Agricultural Sciences 28 | 39
• Top Awards of the College
  • Man and Woman of the Year
    • 2021 - Kylie (Scott) Diaz, M.S. Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science '23
    • 2022 - Hannah Scarborough, B.S. Agricultural Media and Communication '22
    • 2023 - Tucker Gattis, B.S. Agriculture '22 and Annie Valicek, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics 
  • Presidential Order of the Silver Buffalo
    • 2021 - Horse Judging Team
    • 2022 - Benjamin Azamati, B.S. Animal Science '23 
    • 2023 - Horse Judging Team 
  • WTAMU Chancellor's Council Award
    • 2023 - Annie Valicek
  • Intern of the Year
    • 2019 - Andrea Althoff, Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences '20
    • 2020 - Kylie (Scott) Diaz
    • 2022 - Renee Padilla, Animal Science '23
    • 2023 - Kylie Henneberry, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics

• Buff Brief Newsletter 2/26/2024 Highlights 
  
  A popular feature of Google Photos for many is “Memories”. How many times have we been reminded of a past experience with a photo that may have otherwise been forgotten?? Monday, February 25, 2019 at 5:24 PM was when the very first Buff Brief was sent out from the Dean’s Office. During March, please join us in reminiscing how much has occurred in the past five years.

  • Spring 2018
    • Agricultural Science Complex: In 2018, the Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building was completed, along with the Bain Event Center and the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion. 
    • Department of Agricultural Sciences Move: When the Ag Complex was complete, the Department of Agricultural Sciences transitioned from the former Agricultural and Natural Sciences (ANS) Building to the new complex. 
    • Record-Setting MCAT Score: Amanda Bell, B.S. in Biochemistry and Biology '18, achieved one of the top two Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores ever earned at WTAMU! 
  • Fall 2018
    • Texas A&M VERO Building Construction: Texas A&M VERO hosting the groundbreaking event as construction began on the $95 million investment. 
  • Spring 2019
    • WT Herdsmen Move Under the Care of the College: Thunder, WTAMU's live mascot, and his leaders moved under the direction of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. 
    • National Science Foundation Gifts Federal Supporting STEM Grant: The National Science Foundation awarded a federal grant of almost $1 million to support the recruitment, retention and graduation of low-income students in STEM. Led by: Dr. Nick Flynn, Prof. of Biochemistry, Dr. Christopher Baird, Assoc. Prof. of Physics, Dr. Donna Byers, Assistant Prof. of Biology, and Dr. Greg McGovern, Lab coordinator and Inst. of Chemistry. 
  • Summer 2019
    • Study Abroad: Ag in Australia: In 2019, the Department of Agricultural Sciences took a Study Abroad trip to Australia, for the first time. The travelers consisted of 19 undergraduate and graduate students, as well as Dr. David Lust, Assoc. Prof. of Animal Science, Dr. Dan Posey, Clinical Prof. TAMU VERO, Dr. Tim Steffens, Assistant Prof. Rangeland Resource Management, Dr. Bridget Guerrero, Assistant Prof. of Ag Bus and Eco., and a friend of the college, Mr. Andy Holloway, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent. 
    • Study Abroad: Ag in Panama: Nine undergraduate students along with Dr. Mallory Vestal, Assoc. Prof. of Ag Bus and Eco., and Susan Amos, Instructor of Spanish, traveled to Miraflores, Panama. The group focused their study abroad trip on international agriculture systems and trade. 
  • Fall 2019
    • National Science Foundation Awards Environmental Science Federal Grant: The National Science Foundation awarded a highly coveted CAREER Award with a $500,000 grant in support of a five-year project led by Dr. Naruki Hiranuma, Assoc. Prof. of Envr. Sci. 
  • Spring 2020
    • COVID-19: Online: Due to COVID-19, and the CDC, West Texas A&M University moved to all online courses after Spring Break of the 2020 spring semester. 
  • Fall 2020
    • Cactus Cares Partners with WTAMU and Doc's Prime Cuts: Cactus Cares, a 501 (c)(3), purchased over 2,000 lbs. of ground beef from Doc's Prime Cuts to help feed the community. Cactus Cares also started a new initiative with WTAMU to provide meat to students in need. 
    • COVID-19: Half Capacity: The College chose to return to many in-person classes at half classroom capacity, still wearing masks, and hosting events at half-capacity. 
    • Department of Chemistry & Physics Receives New Equipment: -12 Orion SyQuest XT8 Classis Dobsonian Telescopes and Telescope Eyepiece and Filter Set. -Three Coronado 40mm f/10 1.0A H-Alpha Personal Solar Telescopes. -40 Project STAR handheld spectrometers. -RSpec Explorer Classroom Video Spectrometer for Gas Tube Spectrum. -Two Tel-Atomic Speed of Light Kits. -Ultraviolet/Visible Spectrophotometer (UV-VIS)
  • Spring 2021
    • Natural Science Building: Construction Begins: A $3.5 million projected began to renovate teaching laboratories for biology, wildlife biology, environmental sciences, geology and biochemistry programs in the Chemistry and Physics and Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences departments. 
    • Texas A&M VERO and Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Grand Opening: The grand opening of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. 
  • Fall 2021
    • Master of Agriculture Online Program Launches: The online Masters of Agriculture Program launched!
  • Spring 2022
    • Ten Year Anniversary: Prime-One Alpha: The Department of Agricultural Sciences partnered with Viagen Inc. and other scientists to take genetic material from Prime 1 Yield Grade 1 beef carcasses and create cloned calves. The first clone, Alpha, a bull calf and three heifers, Gamma 1-2-3, were born in 2012. During phase two of the research, offspring of the clones were born. The initial nine bull and four heifer calves were the first offspring to be born to bovine clones.
  • Fall 2022
    • Natural Science Building Atrium Gets an Update: Two 24-foot murals were created from data provided by four faculty members using a method of data visualization and painted by the WT Mural Squad, a group of students studying art under the direction of Jon Revett. The final touch was the arrival of new furniture! 
    • WT Ag Hits 1,000 Students: The Department of Agricultural Sciences made history with an enrollment of over 1,000 students!
    • New Companion Animal Program Launches: The $2.1 million planned gift by former WTAMU President, Dr. Russell C. Long and wife Natrelle Long, helped to establish a program designed for students interested in pet-related careers under the direction of Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer. 
  • Spring 2023
    • A Tiny Earth Network Institute: Dr. Maitreyee Mukherjee, Assistant Prof. of Biology, successfully completed training to become a certified Tiny Earth Partner Instructor and WTAMU becomes a Tiny Earth Network Institute!
    • Agronomy Club: National Club of the Year: The WT Agronomy Club was awarded the National Club of the Year award after entering the President's Trophy competition at the Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences (SASES) national meeting. This is the first time a Division ll school has been awarded this title in the history of the 16-year contest! 
  • Summer 2023
    • Student Regent Named: Annie Valicek, Sr. Ag Bus and Eco., was appointed Student Regent for the Texas A&M University System!
    • WT Natural Sciences: Instagram Launch: Dr. Ray Matlack, Prof. of Biology, launched the WT Natural Sciences Instagram account! 
  • Fall 2023
    • National Champion Meat Judging Team: First National Championship in Meat Judging in WT History! 
    • Science Representatives: The Science Representatives, outstanding students in the Departments of Chemistry & Physics and Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, launched in support of the Departments. 
    • Regents Professor, Director of Equine Retires After 30 Years of Service: Dr. John Pipkin, Regents Professor, Paul Engler Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Equine Industry Program, completed his final season as the Horse Judging Team coach.

Buff Brief Newsletter 2/26/2024 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates:

• March 8: Midterms

Highlights: 

• San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Swine Skillathon
  • Each year a group of undergraduates and graduate students are selected to help develop the Skill Stations for the Swine Skillathon competition at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. This year, led by McKinley Begert, M.S. Agriculture, these students spent many hours planning and preparing to put on this contest. WT Agricultural Sciences has supervised the competition for several years. Dr. Loni Lucherk, Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Kevin Williams, Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor and Associate Professor of Agricultural Education, and Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Meat Science, officiated the Swine Skillathon.
• Chemistry Alum Visits American Chemical Society
  • Ottis Scrivner, B.S. Chemistry '15, Process Engineer at Pantex, recently spoke to the American Chemical Society about H2S production in cells and how it has a role in inflammation and reduction of ischemia reperfusion injuries. After the military, Ottis received his Associate's degree in Chemistry from Amarillo College, and continued his education at WT graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Chemistry in 2015. Ottis is the founder of the WTAMU American Chemical Society Student Chapter! Ottis now serves as the Process Engineer at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo.
• Dr. Rogers: Ask the Professor
  • Dr. Jim Rogers, Professor of Environmental Science, was recently featured on WT's Ask the Professor, a section of The Prairie News that features questions, asked by students, answered by professors!
• Inaugural Teaching Certification Pinning Ceremony 
  • As a new tradition, future teachers were formally welcomed into their profession at a pinning ceremony hosted by WT's Educator Preparation Program on February 6th. Among 57 students recognized were several students from the Department of Agricultural Sciences including, Taylin Atwood, Jr., Zoey Casey, Jr., Emilea Cole, Sr., Cassidy Dotson, Jr., Brylea Ervin, Jr., Jasmine Farfan, Jr., Makayla Madrid, Sr., Grace Mortenson, Jr., Ashlyn Smith, Jr., Steleigh Stegall, Jr., all students planning to be certified to teach in  Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
• Dr. Ghosh: Presentations in India
  • Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Professor of Biology, recently visited the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary Post Graduate College in Rahara, Kolkata, India, to give a lecture on "Current aspects of Biotechnology covering the story of COVID Vaccination and Medicine."
  • Dr. Ghosh visited the Biotechnology Laboratory at Birla Industrial and Technological Museum to give a lecture on "Global Warming, Particle Pollution, Diseases and Sustainability of the Biosphere." Dr. Ghosh also presented a hands-on activity on "Assessing Chlorophyll - the Biomolecule Controlling the Sustainability of Higher Life Forms."
• 6th Annual No-Till Texas Soil Health Symposium 
  • On February 13 and 14, WT hosted the 6th Annual No-Till Texas Soil Symposium in the Piehl-Schaffer Pavilion, where Dr. Craig Bednarz, Stan and Gerry Sigman Professor of Water Resources, Associate Professor and Director of the Semi-Arid Agricultural Systems Institute, and Dr. Tim Steffens, Associate Professor of Rangeland and Resource Management, were featured as guest speakers! 
• Simmons Pet Foods On Campus
  • Leah Lambrakis, Vice President of Research and Development, Nutrition & Scientific Affairs, and Amanda Hes, Project Leader of Pet Research and Development, B.S. Animal Science '08, from Simmons Pet Foods recently visited BIOL 3321*Companion Animal Science II . They talked about the complexity and scientific detail that goes into each aspect of pet food through a lecture entitled "What's in Your Pet's Food Bowl." 
• Southern Agricultural Economics Association
  • Dr. Lal Almas, Dr. Chelsea Arnold, Dr. Bridget Guerrero and Dr. Mallory Vestal, SAEA Executive Committee Director, recently attended the Southern Agricultural Economics Association's Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Paige Holbrooks, M.S. Agriculture, was selected to present a poster proposal during the event. 

Buff Brief Newsletter 2/19/2024 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates:

• March 8: Midterms

Highlights: 

• 2024 National Cattlemen's Beef Association CattleCon Intern
  • Ryan Heitschmidt, Sr. Animal Science, served as one of 18 of the 2024 National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) CattleCon Interns, hosted January 31 - February 2, in Orlando, Florida!
• McNair Scholars Present at National Conferences
  • Wendy Galvan, Sr. Biochemistry, and Samuel Narvaez-Sanchez, Sr. Animal Science PVET Specialization, recently presented research at the Ronald E. McNair 38th Annual Celebration and 14th Research Symposium at North Carolina AT&T State University. Wendy presented "Synthesis and Characterization of Epoxidized Limonene" and Samuel presented "Investigating Multi-Decadal Patterns of Changing Temperature and Their Effects on the Growing Season Length in the Texas Panhandle."
• Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Team 
  • On January 28th, the first ever WTAMU Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon team competed at the American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky! Academic Quadrathlon Teams participate in four events: Laboratory Practicum, Written Exam, Oral Presentation, and Quiz Bowl. The team placed 8th overall out of 17 other universities from the Southern Region! The team also placed 2nd in the practicum portion where they showcased their applied education and experience. Notable accomplishments in the practicum were 1st place in meats (with a perfect score!), 1st in equine, 2nd in breeds, and 3rd in feeds.
• Visiting Scientist Program
  • Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, recently received funding from the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) through the Visiting Scientist Program! The Visiting Scientist Program provides greater access to the NHMFL facilities and seeds research programs to advance the laboratory! This funding primarily supports travel and local expenses while researchers are visiting the laboratory.
• Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow: Linay Williams, TTU Davis College
  • On February 5th, ACT hosted Linay Williams, the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications for the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University.
• Competitive Team Results
  • Equestrian Team
    • TTU Interncollegiate Horse Shows Assoc. Spring Western Show
      • Team Results: Saturday: High Point Team, Sunday: Reserve High Point Team
    • OU Intercollegiate Horse Shows Assoc. Valentines Show
      • Team Results: Saturday: Overall High Point Team, Sunday, Overall High Point Team 
  • Meat Judging Team
    • Southwestern Meat Judging Contest, FWSSR hosted by Columbia Packing Co., Inc
      • Team Results: 3rd Overall, 1st: Lamb Judging, 1st: Specs, 1st: Reasons, 2nd: Beef Judging, 5th: Beef Grading 
  • Ranch Horse Team
    • Bridles & Brains Collegiate Ranch Horse Team Competition at FWSSR
      • Team Results: 3rd: Overall, 3rd: Team Interview, 4th: Ranch Reining, 4th: Ranch Roping, 6th: Team Speech, 6th: Ranch Sorting, 7th: Ranch Trail 
• Extension Education: Lunch and Learn
  • Josh Brooks, District 1 Director for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and team consisting of Dr. J.D. Ragland, M.S. Agriculture '90, Randall County 4-H Extension Agent, Josie Hicks, B.S. '21, M.S. Agriculture '23, Assistant County Agent for Randall County Extension, and Kayla Lanford, B.S. Agricultural Media and Communication '11, Randall County 4-H Agent, hosted an Extension Education: Lunch and Learn for students! They spoke to students about employment opportunities as a county agent, they taught about internship opportunities through AgriLife Extension, and touched on their daily duties. Students also had the opportunity to interview with Mr. Brooks for summer positions!

Buff Brief Newsletter 2/12/2024 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates:

• March 8: Midterms

Highlights: 

• Dr. Jason Rolland was the Thought Leader Series Spring speaker and also spoke to the Honors and Pre-Professional Chemistry II students. Dr. Rolland discussed the use of Carbon in 3D printing, and the ideation-to-production platform for end-use parts by a team of industry and technical experts who help accelerate better products in less time!
• The WT Herdsmen took a trip to Denver, Colorado, where they attended the National Bison Association Winter Conference. They spent Friday competing in the bison judging contest. For a first time competition, the students had a successful run! The Herdsmen had two teams: one team finished as the Reserve National Champion Collegiate Team and the other finished as 4th place Collegiate Team! Hayden Holwick, Jr. Animal Science, PVET Specialization, was 1st place Collegiate Individual and received a $1,500 scholarship! Friday evening they got to attend the awards banquet and meet vendors, and Saturday they attended the Gold Trophy Show and Sale at the National Western Shock Show.
• Mrs. Berlin McIntosh, Department of Chemistry and Physics Administrative Associate, has been an avid hand-knitter for seven years! Each semester she knits over 100 ear-warmers, hats and scarves to donate to WT students during the early weeks of the Spring semester.
• The Livestock Judging Team traveled to Denver, Colorado to compete in the National Western Stock Show Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest.
  • Team Awards: 2nd: Goats, 4th: Sheep/Goats, 5th: Feedlot Cattle, 6th: Cattle Reasons, 8th: Reasons, 8th: Overall
  • Individual Results:
    • Emma Carley, Jr. Equine Industry and Business: 3rd Sheep/Goats, 4th Goats
    • Dexter Small, Jr. Animal Science: 10th Sheep/Goats 
    • Anna Decker, Fr. Animal Science, traveled to Denver, Colorado, to compete in the National Western Stock Show FFA Livestock Judging Contest on behalf of Texas FFA. Anna and her teammates qualified for the contest at the 2023 Texas FFA State Livestock Judging Contest. Anna completed the contest as Reserve High Point Individual, 2nd in Cattle, 4th in Reasons and 7th in Goats.
• The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences hosted an Amarillo College Transfer Student Day on Friday, February 9^th.  Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting for the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and Couch Family Professor of Extension Education, facilitated the visit for students interested in transferring to WT to pursue majors in one of the three departments of Agricultural Sciences, Chemistry & Physics, or Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences.
• The official Instagram of West Texas A&M University hosted a five-week long scholarship contest over the Holiday break. For students to be entered into the contest, they had to submit a photo of themself wearing or holding WT gear, which clearly showed the college logo, as well as tagging the official Instagram account (@wtamu). Out of around 40 submissions, the third-place winner was from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences!
  • Brenlea Broyles, Fr. Animal Science, submitted the third place photo, where she is standing in front of Niagara Falls. 

Buff Brief Newsletter 2/5/2024 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates:

• March 8: Midterms

Highlights: 

• Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences 2024SP Enrollment
  • 1,421 Total Graduate and Undergraduate Students 
    • 117 Graduate, 1,304 Undergraduate
    • 919 Females and 502 males
    • Total Number of Students 

      	2023 Spring	2024 Spring
      AGS	946	1,005
      LEES	390	359
      CP	60	57

  • Semester Credit Hours Generated by College
    • Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences: 19,230!
• Congratulations to Ms. Gretchen Henley, Academic Adviser and Advising Liaison to the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, for being named the new Assistant Director of the Office of Advising Services!
• All are Invited to Hear Dr. Jason Rolland! 
  • Thought Leader Series: 02.08.24 | 6:00 PM | Natural Sciences Building 102, Corner of 4th Ave & 26th Street | All WT and community members welcome!  
    • Dr. Jason Rolland, Senior Vice President of Materials at Carbon, INC and chemistry entrepreneur, presents "Reinventing Production: Carbon's Digital Synthesis Platform."
• Back-To-School Palooza Recap
  • Students enjoyed a frito pie meal, a hot chocolate bar, and many games and activities! The event successfully hosted around 230 students, faculty and staff members! 
• Dr. Flynn Published: Chemist Brewers
  • Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry, recently had a book published through De Gruyter Publishing, Chemist Brewers: Insights from Chemists and Biologists in the Brewing Industry. 
• Dr. Samuelson: Critical Feedlot Cattle Research
  • Dr. Kendall Samuelson, Associate Profess of Animal Science, was recently awarded $300,000 by the International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture, which will be matched by WT.

Buff Brief Newsletter 1/29/2024 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates:

• Jan. 30: Back-To-School Palooza

Highlights: 

• National Junior Board Members
  • Boone Begert, So Agriculture, was named the Director of the North American Limousin Junior Association Board. Kyli Kraft, Jr. Agribusiness, was named the Director of the National Junior Angus Association Board. 
• Alumni Named Palo Duro Canyon State Park Superintendent 
  • David Fischer, Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences '19 with a specialization in Geology, was named the Superintendent of Palo Duro Canyon Stat Park! 
• National Western Meat Judging Contest 
  • The Meat Judging Team traveled to Greely, CO to compete in the National Western Meat Judging Contest hosted by JBS Foods. 
    • Team Awards: 3rd High Team Overall, 1st Pork Judging, 2nd Lamb Judging and Placings, 3rd Beef Grading, Beef Judging, Specs and Reasons 
    • Individual Results:
      • Daniel Raab, Jr. Animal Science: 1st High Individual Alternate, Perfect 100 in Specs!
      • Helene Keiser, Jr. Animal Science: 5th High Individual, 1st High in Specs (perfect 100!) 
      • Katie Labrum, So. Animal Science: 2nd High in Specs
      • Campbell Offield, Jr. Agriculture Education: 1st High in Pork Judging
      • Will Hauerland, So. Agricultural Business and Economics: Perfect 100 in Specs
    • Coached by Dr. Loni Lucherk, Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science, and Will Boyd, M.S. Animal Science. 
• 243rd American Astronomical Society Meeting
  • Dr. David Craig, Associate Professor of Physics, and Andrea Skyberg, Jr. Physics, recently attended the 243rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society in New Orleans, Louisiana. 
• Dr. Lance Kieth was featured on WT Advising and Transfer Services podcast: Advisers Ask. 
• Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, Cole Phillips, Sr. Physics, and Kyryl Shtefiienko, Sr. Physics, recently visited the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida, to conduct research on quantum materials.

Buff Brief Newsletter 1/22/2024 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates:

• Jan. 30: Back-To-School Palooza

Highlights: 

• Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences students, staff, and faculty, you are invited! 
  • Back-To-School Palooza
  • Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion Ag Complex | Jan. 30, 2024 | 5:30 - 8:00 PM | Meal, Games, & Hot Chocolate Bar! 
• WT Volleyball: A 33-Win Season Ends as National Runners-Up
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences is a proud supporter of student athletes and would like to congratulate the WTAMU Volleyball team on being named the National Runners-Ip of the 2023 NCAA Division II Tournament season! 
    • Blair Moreland, Jr. Equine Industry and Business
    • Sharlotte McClintock, Fr. Animal Science 
• Dr. Ghosh Attends World Allergy Congress 2023 
  • Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Professor of Biology, attended the World Allergy Congress (WAC) 2023, in Bangkok, Thailand. At WAC, he presented his research "Two Decade analysis of Aeroallergen with a special reference to PM2.5 in increase in allergy and asthma cases." He participated in a discussion on the "Xantines mechanism of action and the usage of Theophylline in controlling Asthma." 
• USDA Feeder Cattle Grading Training
  • The Department of Agricultural Sciences Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center serves as one of three of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cattle and Carcass Training Centers. In December, the Department hosted a USDA Feeder Cattle Grading Training, where attendees evaluated a variety of feeder calves. Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science, Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center (BCRC), presented Feeder Cattle Evaluation 101, as well as led the group in viewing and evaluating the feeder cattle. The 20 head of feeder calves will be put on feed at the WT Feedlot to be finished out and later evaluated at the summer USDA Cattle Grading Training.
• Research in Compounds and Computing
  • Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, Thinh John Nguyen, M.S. Chemistry '23 and Cole Phillips, Sr. Physics, were part of a research team that published a study on a new metal compound which could help in the search of more efficient electronics. The team examined a vanadium-based compound which could impact the development of quantum computing.
  • This team also recently published a study on electronic properties of Kagome Metals in the Physical Review B journal, the world's most prominent journal devoted to physics.
• Recipient of the 2023 W.D. Farr Scholarship 
  • Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D. Agriculture, was a recipient of the 2023 W.D. Farr Scholarship, a $15,000 scholarship awarded by the National Cattlemen's Foundation in honor of the late W.D. Farr, a third-generation pioneer rancher, statesmen and banker from Colorado. This annual scholarship program recognizes graduate students for academic performance, leadership, and dedication to improving the beef industry. 

Buff Brief Newsletter 1/15/2024 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 1.16.2024: Classes Begin

Highlights: 

• Fall 2023 Commencement by the Numbers 
  • 142 Total Graduates
  • Degrees: 115 Bachelor of Science, 27 Master of Science
  • 13 States represented, 2 Countries represented: United State and Bangladesh
  • 55 First Generation Students 
  • Oldest: 36 years 
  • Youngest: 20 years
  • One Attebury Honors Graduate: Madison Harmon 
  • Department of Agricultural Sciences
    • Animal Science: 26, Agricultural Business and Economics: 12, Agribusiness: 5, Agricultural Media and Communication: 2, Agriculture: 5, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (Grades 6-12) Certification: 7, Equine Industry and Business: 1, Plant, Soil and Environmental Science: 10
  • Department of Chemistry and Physics
    • Chemistry: 4
  • Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Science
    • Biology: 32, Wildlife Biology: 8, Environmental Science: 3
• New Year, New Faces
  • Dr. Christian Chan, VERO Clinical Assistant Professor
  • Mrs. Darci Hess, Administrative Associate V 
  • Dr. Michael Kleinhenz, VERO: Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
  • Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Meat Science 
  • Mr. Don Scroggins, Instructor of Biology 
  • Mrs. Ellis Vidmar, Instructor of Agricultural Media and Communication and Events Coordinator
  • Mr. Brandon Winters, Facilities Operations Specialist
• New Year, New Roles
  • Dr. Brock Blaser, Associate Dean of Academics of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
  • Dr. Mallory Vestal, Assistant Department Head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences 
• Where in the World is Willow Kate?!
  • Willow Kate is our Companion Animal Program Director, Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer's registered therapy dog. Willow Kate and Dr. Newcomer participated the VERO "Pet the Stress Away" event as students started final exams to provide comfort and encouragement.
• Highlighted in the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District Newletter
  • Emily Brorman, M.S. Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science, recently has research published in the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District Newsletter. 
• Agriculture Future of America Advisory Board
  • Alexis Camara, Sr. Animal Science, was recently selected as a member of the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leader Advisory Board! 

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/23/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 11.3.23: Science Community Night

Highlights: 

• Soils Judging Team to Nationals.. Again!
  • The Soil Judging team placed second overall in the Region IV Collegiate Soil Judging contest! WT also placed second in the team pit contest. The team's placing qualified them to compete in the National Soil Judging contest for the second year in a row, which is scheduled April 2024 in Ames, IA. 
• Oozing Pumpkins (*Adult supervision is recommended while experimenting.*) 
  • Experiment 1:
    • Materials Needed: One large carved jack-o-lantern, baking soda, glitter, dish soap, vinegar, glass jar, food coloring, tray/cookie sheet 
    • Start by placing the jar on the tray and fill it halfway with vinegar. Add a few drops of food coloring and glitter; mix in a big squirt of dish soap. Finally, add about a teaspoon of baking soda and hum an incantation. Move your hands over the jar in a magical, witch-like stance, then stand back as the foaming and bubbling begins!
  • Experiment 2:
    • Materials Needed: One large carved jack-o-lantern, one large glass, hot water, a cup of salt, dry ice
    • When choosing a pumpkin, make sure you pick one that is large enough to hold a large can inside. Use a glass taller than the eyes of the pumpkin to get the fog flowing through all of the openings of the carving. Fill the large glass about halfway with hot water and mix in the cup of salt. Place the glass inside the pumpkin. Wearing gloves, drop two or three large pieces of dry ice into the cup of water and close the top of the pumpkin, making sure the top is snug so that air currents do not dissipate the fog. As the water cools, add more hot water to maintain the fog. One pound of dry ice should create around 2-3 minutes of fog effect, so add more dry ice as necessary to prolong the effect!
  • Where in the World is Willow Kate?! 
    • Willow Kate is our Companion Animal Program Director, Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer's registered therapy dog. Willow Kate and Dr. Newcomer participated in Therapy Dog Day hosted by Student Counseling Services and the Companion Animal Program, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month. 
  • Save the Date: Science Community Night! Celebrate with the Sciences! 
    • Nov. 3, 2023 | 6:30 pm | Legacy Hall (203 Victory Dr., Canyon, TX) 
    • Meal | Silent Auction | Keynote Speaker | Cash Bar
    • Alumni | Community | Faculty and Staff | Current Students 
  • Leaving a Legacy
  • November 17, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM with remarks at 3:00 PM
  • Retirement Reception honoring Dr. John Pipkin, Regents Professor, Paul Engler Professor of Animal Science, and Director of Equine Industry Program | 30 years of serving as a: Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Friend | Sigman Grand Lobby, Happy State Bank Academic & Research Building 600 WTAMU Drive, Canyon, TX 79015
• Celebrating December Graduates: Doughnuts with the Dean
  • Celebrating Graduate with families and friends | December 9, 2023
  • 7:30 - 9:00 AM | Come 'n' Go | Stan and Gerry Sigman Grand Lobby 600 WTAMU Drive Canyon, TX 79015 
  • RSVP by November 30th | Call (806) 651-2585

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/23/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 11.3.23: Science Community Night

Highlights: 

• National Physical Therapy Month
  • October is celebrated as National Physical Therapy Month by the American Physical Therapy Association to raise awareness with consumers about the benefits of physical therapy.
  • Autumn Carroll, Sr. Biology specializing in Pre-Physical Therapy, feels she has been prepared for the industry through the active learning she has employed with other students during her labs.
• ANSC*1319 and AGRI*4305: Little International Livestock Show
  • Twenty-five senior-level students in AGRI*4305 provide guidance and instruction for approximately 250 students enrolled in ANSC*1319 to participate in a livestock show, hosted by WTAMU students, called the Little International.
• Society of Physics
  • The student chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) held a physics demonstration and recruiting event in the lobby of the Natural Sciences Building. Led by SPS President Cole Phillips, Sr. Physics, Vice President Mahan Khorsand, Jr. Physics, and Secretary Andrea Skyberg, So. Physics, the SPS organization demonstrated quantum magnetic levitation using liquid-nitrogen-cooled superconductors, a simple electric motor made from scratch, and electric sparks created by a Van de Graaff generator. The event was successful in leading over a dozen students to sign up to be part of the SPS. Dr. Chris Baird, Associate Professor of Physics, is the SPS adviser. 
• Competitive Team Results 
  • Meat Judging Results
    • The Meat Judging team traveled to Omaha, NE to compete in the 2023 American Royal Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest hosted by American Meat Science Association. With a record WT score of 4,237, the team was named the Champions of the contest! This is the second American Royal win in WT history!
  • Ranch Horse Team Results
    • Johnson Performance Horses National Intercollegiate Ranch & Stock Horse Association Show: Team Results: Champion D1 Team
    • Stock Horse of Texas Show at the Aggieland Classic: Ashley Wortham, Fr. Agribusiness: Reserve Champion of the Collegiate Non Pro Division, Camry Mangum, Jr. Animal Science: Champion of the Collegiate Novice 
  • Horse Judging Results
    • All-American Quarter Horse Congress: 3rd Overall
    • American Paint Horse Association Collegiate World Champion: 3rd Overall
  • Rodeo Team Results
    • Eastern New Mexico University Rodeo: Men's Team 4th Overall
    • Sul Ross State University Rodeo: Women's Team 10th Overall 
  • Equestrian Team Results
    • Western Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Sean Opening Competition: High Overall Team Point Total and secured High Point Team 

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/16/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 11.3.23: Science Community Night

Highlights: 

• Celebration of Donors Event 
  
  • Dr. Russell and Natrelle Long were recognized for their gift to WTAMU, as well as being this year's recipients of the Pinnacle Award. This gift established the new Companion Animal Program, as well as a new professorship. Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer has been named as the Dr. Russell and Natrelle Long Professor and Director of the Companion Animal Program.
• Trip to the Wichita Mountains 
  • Dr. Ray Matlack, Profess of Biology, took students in BIOL*4434/5434, Mammalogy, to the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. 
• Ruben on the Road at WTAMU 
  • Ruben on the Road, a NewsChannel 10 segment, on showing sights and stories of the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas, recently visited WTAMU's Doc's Prime Cuts and the Meat Science Program, where he learned about the hands-on experience students receive while in the program.
• Tiny Earth Labs 
  • Dr. Maitreyee Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Biology, and students in BIOL*2420, Applied Microbiology, have started working on a lab called Antibiotic Hunters, a Tiny Earth focused lab! 
• Amarillo Tri-State Fair Volunteers
  • Students in AGRI*2302, Communicating Agriculture to the Public, volunteered time and talents at the Amarillo Tri-State Fair. Students took over 7,200 photos of all events and also videoed and produced three nights of the rodeo, which aired live to the Cowboy Channel. This is an introductory course, taught by Dr. Tanner Robertson, Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication, so many of these students have been in college for about five weeks before assisting with the fair project! 
• Processing Samples from Lake Meredith
  • Dr. Maitryee Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Department Head and Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences, have been working on a study on the microbiology and water quality of Lake Meredith in Sanford, TX. October marks the seventh continuous month of sampling and collecting data from Lake Meredith. Dr. Mukherjee and student researchers have been collecting multiple sets of data, including microbial community structure-diversity-composition, microbial pathogenic contamination, and occurrence and prevalence of superbugs, and variations in physicochemical factors in these waters. 
• Destination WT Transfer Fair at Amarillo College 
  • Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting, and Dr. Jason Yarbrough, Department Head of Chemistry and Physics and Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ross W. Wilson Chair in Chemistry and Associate Professor of Chemistry, represented the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at the Destination WT Transfer Fair held at Amarillo College of Tuesday, October 3rd. The transfer fair hosted a record number of students this year, with 87 Amarillo College students who checked in! 

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/9/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 10.13.23: Midterms

Highlights: 

• Inaugural Fall Gather Honoring Mr. Paul Engler 
  • On September 30, 2023, over 650 people gathered to celebrate agriculture and WTAMU at Fall Gather. 
• 2023 Homecoming: The Buff Playlist, October 14, 2023 
• 2023-2024 CoANS Football Student Athletes
  • Kobe Burgess, So. Agribusiness, Niko Castaneda, So. Biology, Kanon Gibson, So. Agribusiness, Ethan Hart, Fr. Biology, Taylyn Hickerson, Jr. Animal Science, Asten Kirby, Fr. Agribusiness, Brayden Klafka, So. Animal Science, Thomas Meyer, Jr. Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, Tashaun Pennington, Fr. Biology, Bowie Schmitz, Fr. Agribusiness
• 2023-2024 Spirit Squad
  • Tyler Chase, Fr. Animal Science, K'Dee Dowdy, Fr. Animal Science, Karyme Martinez, Fr. Biology 
• 2023-2024 Herdsmen
  • Led by: Dr. Kelly Jones, Clinical Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Herdsmen Adviser, and Dalton Keener, M.S. Animal Science and Herdsmen Graduate Assistant  
  • Returning Members: 
    • Makenzie Norden, Sr. Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine Specialization, Mia Encinias, Sr. Animal Science, Hayden Holwick, So. Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine Specialization 
  • New Members: 
    • George Graybill, Sr. Animal Science, Kaden Husband, Jr. Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine Specialization, Jett Mizer, Jr. Agribusiness, Rebecca Tracy, Sr. Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine Specialization, Jaden Vititow, So. Animal Science
• Panhandle Partners
  • Recently, faculty and students from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences were invited to participate on panels for the Office of Career and Professional Development. 
  • Dr. Mallory Vestal, Plug Piehl Professor of Agriculture and Associate Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics and Dr. Tanner Robertson, Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication, participated on the faculty panel. Grady McAlister, Jr. Plant, Soil and Environmental Science, participated on the student panel.
• Reserve Champion Team at the Eastern National Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest 
  • The Meat Judging team traveled to Wyalusing, PA to compete in the 2023 Eastern National Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest, hosted by Cargill. The team was named the Reserve Champion Team of the contest!
  • 2023 Meat Judging Team
    • Juan-Carlos Buentello, Sr. Animal Science, Madison Colvin, Jr. Agriculture, Colt Edrington, Jr. Agricultural Business and Economics, Parker Franz, Jr. Animal Science, Noah Harrell, Sr. Agriculture Education, Ryan Heitschmidt, Jr. Animal Science, Mikayla Hudnall, Jr. Animal Science, Bryce Hutson, Jr. Agricultural Media and Communication, Elijah Mathis, So. Agribusiness, Megan Miller, Sr. Agribusiness, Caleb Olfers, Jr. Animal Science, Payton Ownbey, Jr. Animal Science
    • Coached by: Dr. Loni Lucherk, Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science, and Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D. Agriculture 
  • Overall Team Results: 1st Beef Grading, 2nd Pork Judging, 3rd Beef Judging & Reasons, 4th Specs, 5th Placings
  • Overall individual Results: 6th high individual: Ryan Heitschmidt, 7th high individual: Madison Colvin, 9th high Individual: Eli Mathis, 2nd high alternate: Mikayla Hudnall, 3rd high alternate: Noah Harrell, 4th high alternate: Megan Miller

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/2/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 10.13.23: Midterms

Highlights: 

• The Paul Engler Scholar Program
  • Class of 2021: Madison Colvin, Jr. Agriculture | Bryson Colt Edrington, Jr. Agricultural Business and Economics | Grady McAlister, Jr. Plant, Soil and Environmental Science
  • Class of 2022: Ember Reyes, Jr. Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine Specialization
  • Class of 2023: Jesus Ramirez-Munoz, Fr. Agricultural Business and Economics | James Kendel Cleere, Fr. Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine Specialization
• Where in the World is Willow Kate?
  • Willow Kate is our Companion Animal Program Director, Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer's registered therapy dog. Willow Kate and Dr. Newcomer took many visits to the Canyon Farmers Market this summer! 
• Couch and Robinson Professorships Established
  • Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting, has been appointed as the Couch Family Professor of Extension Education. 
  • Mr. Michael Semler, Livestock Judging Coach and Instructor, has been appointed as the Dr. Bob and Cleo Robinson Professor of Livestock Judging. 
• Circadian Rhythms in Mice
  • Joey Zimmerman, B.S. Chemistry '23, now M.S. Biology, and Jeff Jackson, B.S. Biology '23, collaborated with Dr. Stephen Karaganis on a chronobiology study. 
• USDA ARS and Texas A&M AgriLife Field Day
  • USDA Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and Texas A&M AgriLife hosted a Field Day in Bushland. More than 17 highly relevant and impactful agricultural research trials were presented throughout the day. 

Buff Brief Newsletter 09/04/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 9.19.23: TCFA Beef Showcase

Highlights: 

• 2023 Back-To-School Extravaganza
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences hosted the 5th annual Back-to-School Extravaganza with over 650 attendees! 
• Fall Gather Honoring Dr. Paul Engler
  • Students in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences invite you to join for the Inaugural Fall Gather Honoring Paul Engler, hosted on September 30, 2023!
  • Food produced right here in the Panhandle | Fellowship | Buffalo Football
  • The purchase of a ticket includes a t-shirt, local beef and sides, live music, interactive educational activities and entry to the WT Football game! Purchase tickets here!
• Ruidoso Downs: Summer Lead Rider
  • Dylian Martinez, So. Agricultural Business and Economics, is a 2023 scholarship recipient of the John Andreini Scholarship in honor of Outstanding Performance. Over the 2023 summer, Dylian worked as a Lead Rider at Ruidoso Downs, where he was awarded this scholarship!
• 2023 Mortar Board Inductees
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Science had 16 seniors inducted into the 2023-24 Mortar Board class! 
• Life Twins
  • Hannah Harris, Sr. Animal Science, and Chloe Davidson, Sr. Animal Science, became friends their freshman year of high school. They had multiple classes together and soon after became really good friends. During their sophomore year of high school, they decided to start planning their schedules together and they've had almost every class together since then!
• Friends of 4-H Award
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences was recognized as a 2023 Randall County Friend of 4-H for the continuous support of Randall County 4-H!
• Save the Date: Science Community Night! Celebrate with the Sciences! 
  • Nov. 3, 2023 | 6:30 pm | Legacy Hall (203 Victory Dr., Canyon, TX) 
  • Meal | Silent Auction | Keynote Speaker | Cash Bar
  • Alumni | Community | Faculty and Staff | Current Students 
• WTAMU Rodeo Team Fall Event Schedule
  • 9/14 - 9/16, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM
  • 9/21 - 9/23, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX 
  • 9/28 - 9/30, Vernon College, Vernon, TX
  • 10/12 - 10/14, Frank Phillips College, Canadian, TX
  • 10/26 - 10/28, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
• WTAMU Art Subscription Series: Opera Cowgirls, Sept. 28, 2023
  • The WTAMU Arts Subscription Series presents Opera Cowgirls with WT Opera. Patrons can enjoy this concert as subscription series members or by purchasing a $50 ticket that includes food, drink, and exquisite entertainment.
  • If you prefer to purchase your admission with cash or check, email opera@wtamu.edu or call 806-651-2840.

Buff Brief Newsletter 09/25/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 9.28.23: Opera Cowgirls
• 9.20.23: Fall Gather Honoring Dr. Paul Engler

Highlights: 

• Thank you and Farewell! 
  • Mrs. Emma Deer has been a Graduate Assistant in the Dean’s Office for the past two years and has been an invaluable resource in assisting students and faculty with academic information in regard to degree plans, progress towards degree completion, graduation, commencement, as well as selflessly assisting with all of the events our office manages.
• Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences 2023 Fall Enrollment 
  • Total Enrollment: 1,499 Undergraduate and 128 Graduate
  • First Generation Students: 605 Undergraduate and 47 Graduate
  • Total Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity
    • White: 1,067
    • Hispanic: 362
    • Other: 170
    • African American: 28 
  • Students by Gender: 64.72% Female and 35.28% Male
  • Retention Rates
    • 74.4% University 
    • 67.8% Chemistry and Physics 
    • 77.8% Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
    • 79.6% Agricultural Sciences
• Thought Leader Series: Don Close 
  • Don Close, the Chief Research & Analytics Officer at Terrain, was the first Thought Leader Series speaker brought in by the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Don discussed risks/challenges and opportunities that U.S. agriculture faces. 
• Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional 
  • Emma Eickhoff, B.S. Environmental Science '16, was recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional from the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce! 
• 2023 Scholarship Banquet and Ag Day Celebration 
  • Ag Day, hosted by the Ag Development Association, served 550 meals and raised $203,415.00! 
  • 306 Students were awarded scholarships in the amount of $736,250.00! 
• TCFA Beef Showcase Feedyard Carcass Steer Educational Contest
  • Texas Cattle Feeders Association hosted their Annual Beef Showcase in the Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building on Tuesday, September 19th. 
  • Participants competed in steer judging from videos and a carcass match, a beef industry knowledge and skills contest, a beef harvest and fabrication presentation, a Texas Beef Council Chef presentation, and ended the day with a reception and awards presentation!
• Ultrasound Certification Event for International Ultrasound Technicians
  • Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center (BCRC) and Dr. Tommy Perkins, Associate Professor of Animal Science and Dean Hawkins Chair in Cow/Calf Mgt., hosted the 2023 Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) Field Certification

Buff Brief Newsletter 09/04/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 9.19.23: TCFA Beef Showcase

Highlights: 

• Semester Start Up: Buff Branding
  •  The Freshman class of 2027 enjoyed a luncheon and faculty introductions during the Buff Branding 2023 event. Between both locations, there were about 350 total students who were hosted for lunch! 
• 2023 Certified Angus Beef Colvin Scholarship Recipients
  • Undergraduate Colvin Scholarship
    • Chloe Hamaker, Jr. Agriculture
  • Graduate Colvin Scholarship
    • Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D. Agriculture 
  • Production Agriculture Colvin Scholarship 
    • Tucker Huseman, So. Animal Science
  • Production Agriculture Colvin Scholarship
    • Will Hauerland, So. Agricultural Business and Economics
• Chemistry and Physics Help Lab
  • Under the leadership of Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, tutors are available to assist all students enrolled in any 1000 or 2000-level CHEM or PHYS courses.
  • Natural Sciences Building 113 | Mon - Thu: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fri: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Champion Collegiate Team at BBQ Cook-Off
  • WT Meat Science team was named Champions of the Collegiate Red Raider Meats BBQ and Ribeye Championship! 
    • Bryant Sawin, M.S. Animal Science, Zane Platter, M.S. Animal Science, Cole Petit, Sr. Agricultural Business and Economics, Clayton Stevenson, Jr. Animal Science
• Electronic Properties at Mizoram University
  • Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, recently spoke on 'Electronic Properties of Kagome Metals (Cs, K, Rb)V3Sb5' in the International Conference 'Recent Advances in Energy Materials and its Applications (ICRAEMA-23)' held at Mizoram University in Aizawl, India!
• Agriculture Future of American Ambassador 
  • Helene Keiser, So. Animal Science, named an ambassador for the Agriculture Future of America (AFA). 
• The Importance of Studying Biology
  • Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Professor of Biology, delivered a lecture on "The Importance of Studying Biology in the Present-Day World and Career Development in Biology Abroad." This lecture was delivered at a Seminar organized by the Department of Botany in collaboration with IQAC Rammohan College, City College, Kolkata, India.

Buff Brief Newsletter 09/04/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 9.4.23: Labor Day Holiday - Campus Closed
• 9.19.23: TCFA Beef Showcase

Highlights:

• WTAMU Ag Development Association invites you to the 2023 Ag Day Celebration!
  • Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm | Lunch at 11:00, Auction at 12:00 
  • WTAMU Ag Sciences Complex | Bain Event Center | For more information call (806) 651-2550
• Where in the World is Willow Kate?! 
  • Willow Kate is our Companion Animal Program Director, Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer's registered therapy dog. Willow Kate and Dr. Newcomer took a visit to hospice patients in Hereford. 
• Busy Summer for Meat Scientists
  •  American Meat Science Association, Reciprocal Meat Conference
    • Dr. Loni Lucherk, Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging, Assistant Professor of Animal Science and Meat Team Coach, served as a panel member on how to coach a meat judging team for the student reciprocation session
    • Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center (BCRC) gave a how to “Excel” in stats reciprocation session 
  • Texas Youth Livestock Association, 4-H Livestock Youth Ambassadors
    • The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassadors spent three days at WT getting their hands dirty during live evaluation, ultrasound, harvest, grading and fabrication of four beef! They also cleaned up for an etiquette dinner and steak sensory demo!
  • American Student Leaders Conference 
    •  WT Meat Science students travelled to Fort Worth, TX for the Student Leaders Connecting Conference hosted by the American Meat Science Association.
• Microbes on Water Quality at Lake Meredith
  • Dr. Maitryee Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Department Head and Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences, began conducting a study on the reservoir at Lake Meredith in Sanford, TX. 
• Agricultural Research Service Field Day
  • Dr. Craig Bednarz, Stan and Gerry Sigman Professor of Water Resources, Associate Professor and Director of the Semi-Arid Agricultural Systems Institute, spoke at the USDA Cropping Systems Research Laboratory Field Day.

Buff Brief Newsletter 08/28/2023 Highlights

Upcoming Dates:

• 8.29.23: Back-To-School Extravaganza
• 9.4.23: Labor Day Holiday - No Classes
• 9.19.23: TCFA Beef Showcase

Highlights:

• New Faculty Members
  • Mr. Cody Bonds, Rodeo Coach and Instructor 
  • Dr. Joshua Brown, Assistant Professor of Biology
  • Dr. Fernando Diaz, Assistant Professor of Biology
  • Ms. Sidney Dunkel, Instructor of Animal Science
  • Dr. Kelly Jones, Clinical Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Herdsmen Adviser
  • Dr. Juganta Roy, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
  • Ms. Sara Back, Instructor of Biology and Lab Coordinator
  • Ms. Joy Newton, Instructor of Biology
  • Dr. Malachi Williams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Biology 
• Faculty Promotions
  • Promotion to Professor: Dr. John Richeson, Paul Engler Professor of Beef Cattle Feedlot Management, Professor of Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences Graduate Program Coordinator
  • Award of Tenure and Promotion to Rank of Associate Professor: Dr. Kendall Samuelson, Associate Professor of Animal Science
• The Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences was awarded their 24th annual contract with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality!
• Equine Industry and Business students, alumni and faculty assisted in various roles at the American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Championship show and contests. 
• Dr. Bridget Guerrero, Associate Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, served as the 2022-2023 Universities Council on Water Resources President. 
• Dr. Maitreyee Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Biology, had a Gulf Coast Water research study published in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institutes (MDPI) Journal 'Water!' 

Buff Brief Newsletter 08/21/2023 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates: 

• 8.21.23: First Class Day
• 8.29.23: Back-To-School Extravaganza

Highlights:

• 2023-24 Magister Optimus: Dr. David Craig, Associate Professor of Physics
• The Dean's Team Roles
  • Dr. Kevin Pond, Dean
  • Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting
  • Mrs. Rebekah Bachman, Assistant Dean
  • Dr. David Lust, Department Head of Agricultural Science
  • Dr. Jason Yarbrough, Department Head of Chemistry and Physics and Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
  • Ms. Gretchen Henley, Sr. Adviser, Advising Services CoANS Liaison
  • Ms. Paige Holbrooks, Graduate Assistant
  • Mrs. Emma Deer, Graduate Assistant
  • Ms. Kyndall Hill, Graduate Assistant
• 2023 Fall Semester Dates
  • August 21 - First Class Day
  • September 4 - Labor Day Holiday, WT Closed
  • October 13 - Midterms
• Science Community: Meet and Greet! 08.24.23 | 12:20 PM | NSB 101 
• Back-To-School Extravaganza! 08.29.23 | 5:30 - 8:00 PM | Ag Sciences Complex 
• Looking Back: PrimeOne Cloning Project
  • The Department of Agricultural Sciences made headlines and history for its PrimeOne cloning project where they took genetic material from Prime 1 Yield Grade 1 beef carcasses and created cloned calves. 
  • Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center (BCRC)
  • Dr. Dean Hawkins, Former Dean of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and Former Department Head & Professor of Animal Science
  • Dr. David Lust, Department Head & Professor of Agricultural Science
  • Dr. Tommy Perkins, Dean Hawkins Chair in Cow/Calf Management and Associate Professor of Animal Science
  • Landon Canterbury, M.S. Animal Science, now Beef Business Development Manager at Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health North America
  • Kelly Jones, M.S. Animal Science, now Clinical Assistant Professor of Agriculture
• Meat Science Summer Events
  • WT Meat Judging Camp hosted 52 3rd - 12th grade students from TX, NM, OK, and CO. 
    • Dr. Loni Lucherk, Assistant Professor of Animal Science and Meats Team Coach 
    • Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D. Agriculture
    • Will Boyd, M.S. Animal Science
  • American Society of Animal Science 
    • Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center (BCRC) 
    • Aubrey Thompson-Smith, M.S. Animal Science
    • Kara Belt, M.S. Animal Science 
    • Taylor Loeffler, M.S. Animal Science 
    • Wilsey Wendler, M.S. Animal Science 
• Save The Date: TCFA 2023 Beef Showcase 
  • Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 
  • No Registration Fee. Please RSVP by Sept, 5, 2023 to rachel@tcfa.org.
  • For additional information contact brady@tcfa.org, rachel@tcfa.org, or call (806) 358-3681. 
• Happy Birthday to Dr. Paul Engler, who will turn 94 years young on August 23, 2023! 

Buff Brief Newsletter 08/14/2023 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates: 

• 8.14.23: New Student Orientation
• 8.18.23: Buff Branding Event 
• 8.21.23: First Class Day

Highlights:

• Thank you and Farewell
• 2023-24 McNair Scholars
• Conferences, Conventions and More! 
  • Institute of Food Technologisits (IFT) Conference
  • 67th Annual Southwest Meat Association Convention
• Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Professor of Biology, Summer Workshops and Research 
• Drink Your Water!
  • Dr. Eric Crosman: Extreme Heats research in Palo Duro Canyon 
• Ice, Ice... Germany! 
  • Dr. Naruki Hiranuma, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, participated in leading a discussion session on "what needs to be measured and how" at an atmospheric ice nucleation research workshop in Karlsruhe, Germany. 
• Buff Branding Schedule 

Buff Brief Newsletter 08/07/2023 Highlights 

Upcoming Dates: 

• 8.14.23: New Student Orientation
• 8.18.23: Buff Branding Event 
• 8.21.23: First Class Day

Highlights:

• Where in the World is Willow Kate?! 
  • Willow Kate is our Companion Animal Program Director, Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer's registered therapy dog. Willow Kate and Dr. Newcomer volunteered at The Alliance of Therapy Dogs
• 2023 American Society of Animal Science Western Section Annual Meeting 
• Mari Ferrel, B.S. Enviornmental Science '22 now local forecaster and reporter for KAMR Local 4 News and Fox 14 News
• WT Quiz Bowl: Applied Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA) Academic Quiz Bowl
• Teaching Climate Science in Japan: 
  • Dr. Naruki Hiranuma, Associate Professor of Enviornmental Science, Ava Sealy, So. Enviornmental Science, and Jacob Hurst, B.S. Physics '23 conducted science outreach. View their trip photos, HERE.
• Hands-On Learning for Agriculture Teachers

Buff Brief Newsletter 07/31/2023 Highlights

• Countdown to the Fall 2023 Semester: 21 Days! 
• The weekend of July 21-22, WT alumni gathered in Ruidoso, NM for a weekend of fun and networking! Click the Alumni Association to get involved!
• Congratulations, Dr. Maitreyee Mukherjee, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Dr. Rebecca VanderLeest, Assistant Professor of Geology on their awarded grants!
• WT Equine Industry and Business Faculty, UG and GR students, and almuni assisted with the National Equine Championship events during the month of June. 
• Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Professor of Biology in the news! 
  • Watch a feature from the BBC on climate change affecting the prevalence of hay fever HERE
  • Read his published article HERE
• American Cured Meats Championship at the American Association of Meal Processors Conference in Charleston, South Carolina

Buff Brief Newsletter 07/17/2023 Highlights

• Dr. Temple Grandin joined WTAMU on July 11th in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex for an invitation-only viewing of the documentary: An Open Door: Life and Influence of Temple Grandin 
  • Dr. Grandin was also awarded a Passion For Agriculture award from Texas FFA
• 98.3 KXDJ (Spearman, TX radio) Featuring Dr. Matlack: 
  • Dr. Ray Matlack, Professor of Biology was interveiwed on the abundance of frogs following the recent rains
  • The Woodhouse Toad is the most common in urban areas of the Texas Panhandle 
• The American Chemical Society (ACS) of WTAMU was awarded the Student Communities Engagement Grant!
• Student Organization Highlights: 
  • The Natural Sciences Student organizations welcome new students to WTAMU before Fall 2023 semestser begins
• Congratulations to the College National Finals Rodeo All-Around Cowboy 2023, Quade Hiatt, Sr. Marketing! 

Q&A with the Dean: Please consider joining us for this Zoom event to ask any questions that have arisen in anticipation of your student starting at WTAMU this Fall

• RSVP to Jamie Fischer jfischer@wtamu.edu for the Zoom link 

Buff Brief Newsletter 06/05/2023

• Congratulations to Students attending Veterinary School Fall 2023 
• Congratulations to Students attending Professional Programs in Fall 2023 in the field of Dentistry
• Rogers LEAD WT: 
  • View article here about our College scholars
  • Click here to learn more about the program
• CAMP Scholar of the Year: Juan Castaneda
  • View article here
  • Click here to learn more about CAMP
• Area 1 FFA Annual Convention
  • Click here to learn more about Area 1 FFA

Buff Brief Summer Schedule: Beginning June 5, 2023, tune in every other week to catch up on College highlights! 

Buff Brief Newsletter 05/29/2023 Highlights 

• Companion Animal Art Contest: 
  • Congratulations to Christi Dawson, Sr. Graphic Design on creating the winning art piece for the program! 
• The 2023 Edition of the Department of Agricultural Sciences magazine, The Brand is out! 
  • Thank you to the outstanding Agricultural Media and Communication students that have made this possible! Read the magazine here.  
• Texas Society for Microscopy: 
  • Under the direction of Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Professor of Biology, four research students attended the TSM 57th Annual Meeting and presented their research, all of which were published in the Journal of Microscopy. 
• Ag Gathering Awards

Buff Brief Newsletter 05/22/2023 Highlights

• Congratulations to Herdsmen Graduates, Logan Paetzold, Joseph Gerlach, and Dalton Keener
• Best Wishes to Dr. Logan Burleson, Assistant Professor of Horticulture
  • Dr. Buleson is pursuing a new position in his home state of North Carolina - we wish you well on your next adventure and thank you for Advising the Herdsmen at WTAMU from 2021-2023!
• Good Luck at Carnegie Hall, JAMS Quartet!
• Excellence Awards: Congratulations, Attebury Honors Award Recipients! 
  • Click here to learn mroe about the Attebury Honors Program
• Congratulations, Leslie Tiburcio, Sr. Biology: The Doctors in Italy Fellowship
  • Learn more about Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program
  • Learn about the Milan Program
• Crop Judging Team Places 3rd at the National Conference

Buff Brief Newsletter 05/15/2023 Highlights

• May 2023 Commencement by the Numbers: 
  • 14 states represented
  • 182 B.S. Degrees, 21 M.S. and 1 Ph.D
  • 5 countries represented: United States, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Vietnam
  • 4 Attebury Honors Graduates
• American Oil Chemical Society: 
  • Dr. Maha Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, attended the AOCS Conference where they preseneted research on optimizing reaction for conditions and characterization for synthesis 
• May is National Beef Month!
• Congratulations, to scholarship recipient, Ms. Kyndall Hill, graduate assistant in the Dean's Office on receiving a scholarship at the Hemphill County Beef Conference!
• Beef: It's what's for dinner
• 2023-2024 American Meat Science Association Student Board of Directors

Buff Brief Newsletter 05/08/2023 Highlights

• Congratulations to our College faculty on their awards from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences!
  • Ms. Lauren Selph: Instructional Excellence Award
  • Dr. Naruki Hiranuma: Intellectual Contributions Award
  • Dr. Nick Flynn: Professional Service Award
  • Dr. Chelsea Arnold: Young Faculty Award
• WTAMU Academic Awards: 
  • Department of Life, Earth and Enviornmental Sciences: Assessment and Assurance of Learning Award for the 2021-2022 academic year
  • Dr. Naruki Hiranuma: Distinction in Sponsored Research Award
  • 2022 Horse Judging Team: The President's Silver Buffalo
  • Annie Valicek and Tucker Gattis: 2023 Man and Woman of the Year
  • Dr. Nick Flynn: Open Educational Resources Educator Award

Buff Brief Newsletter 05/01/2023 Highlights 

• Congratulations to the National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association: Reserve National Champions!
• Dr. Ray Matlack, Professor of Biology and Instructor of BIOL*4433/L, Ornithology, organized an observational assignment in further studying and identifying birds.
• Happy 2nd Birthday, Thunder XIV! Thunder was celebrated by our WT Herdsmen by leading the Buffalo Football Team on the field for the first football game of the year! 
• Research Experiments at Idaho National Laboratory: 
  • Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, conducted research experiments, while collaborating with INL scientists.