Buff Brief Newsletter Archives

Buff Brief Newsletter 12/2/2024

Dates to Remember

• Dead Day - December 6
• Graduation - December 14

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • Great ideas are not owned. Often the best advancements occur by improving and implementing the ideas of others. 
• Buffs in Vegas
  • Two WTAMU Rodeo Team alumni are headed to the bright lights of Vegas to compete in the pinnacle of rodeo in their respective events.
  • Quade Hiatt ‘23, with over $101,000 in season-earnings, secured the 15th spot in the tie-down roping world standings. This guaranteed his first qualification for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the Super Bowl of rodeo. His season success included impressive wins at the New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo, the St. Paul Rodeo and the Las Vegas Days. The 24-year-old will be competing for 10 days from Dec. 5 to Dec. 14 in the infamous Thomas & Mack Center. During his time sporting the maroon vest as a Buff, he won the men’s all-around title at the College National Finals Rodeo in 2023. 
  • Jordon Jo Hollabaugh ‘12, ‘14 claimed her second National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR) qualification this year after her first in 2020. She will be competing Dec. 3 through Dec. 4 for the world champion title in the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas. The top 15 breakaway ropers will compete for $300,000 during the two-day, 10-round performance. While at WTAMU, Hollabaugh was the assistant rodeo coach and became the first Cheyenne Frontier Days Breakaway Champion in 2019. 
• Field Trip to New Mexico 
  • Dr. Jim Rogers, Professor of Environmental Science, led students on a two-day field trip to northern New Mexico for immersive lessons in human ecology and water management, as part of WTAMU's course, ENVR/BIOL 6509: Human Ecology. 
  • The trip began in Truchas, New Mexico, where students explored the complex relationships between politicians, businesses, and local water interests. From there, they traveled to Velarde, New Mexico, to study irrigation systems, planning, and human ecology, focusing on creating sustainable irrigation solutions for local communities.
  • The group also visited the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority and the Ute Lake Meredith Salinity Control Project Headquarters to examine ongoing efforts to reduce the salt load in the Canadian River.
  • The final stop was at El Vado Lake, where students learned about the San Juan-Chama Project, a Bureau of Reclamation initiative that channels Colorado River water into New Mexico via the San Juan and Chama rivers, ultimately supplying the Rio Grande.
• 2024 Champion NCHA Futurity Horse Judging Team 
  • The WTAMU Horse Judging Team has been crowned the 2024 Champion NCHA Futurity Horse Judging Team. Four of their members earned spots in the top ten, and the team brought home both the individual Champion and Reserve Champion titles.
    • Andie Byrd, a junior Animal Science major, claimed the individual Champion title.
    • Karlee Frank, also a junior Animal Science major, secured the title of Reserve Champion.
    • Chloe Hamaker, a junior Agricultural Media and Communication major, placed 6th; Morgan Holcomb, a senior Biochemistry major, finished 8th; and Laney Gates, a junior Agricultural Education major, rounded out the team in 11th.
• Giving Back 
  • On Saturday, Nov. 23, WTAMU’s chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) volunteered at the High Plains Food Bank for second time this semester, under the guidance of Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry and ACS faculty advisor. The event saw an overwhelming response, with more than enough students volunteering.  
• Kieth's Korner
  • The University's first doctoral program, a Ph.D. in agriculture, was established in 2003.
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • WT Ranch Horse Team Wins Reserve Championship, Two Individual World Titles
  • WT's Phi Delta Theta Chapter Earns National Recognition
  • 38 WT Students Win Nearly $10K in Scholarships After Financial Literacy Workshops 

Buff Brief Newsletter 11/25/2024

Dates to Remember

• Thanksgiving - November 28
• May Graduation Application Deadline - December 1
• Dead Day - December 6
• Graduation - December 14

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • One of the many things I have come to appreciate at WTAMU is how great things occur and why!
  • "There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit." -Ronald Reagan
• Happy THANKSgiving!
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels this Thursday, Nov. 28.
  • In honor of the holiday season, the COANS Dean's Team would like to share what they're thankful for this Thanksgiving.
  • What are you thankful for?
  • Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting: "God and my co-workers: Amy, Darci, Paige, Lexi, Callie, Gretchen, Brock and Dr. Pond."
  • Dr. Brock Blaser, Assistant Dean of Academic Programs: "I’m thankful for family at home, in the office and in the classroom!"
  • Mrs. Amy Newton, Business Administrator: "The goodness of God and French fries."
  • Ms. Gretchen Henley, Senior Academic Advisor: "I am thankful for the amazing community we have built here in Canyon, from my work family, to my friends who have become as close as family."
  • Mrs. Darci Hess, Administrative Associate: "My husband, my family and my friends. I am also very thankful that I can wake up every day and have the opportunity to work at a great place with the best people!"
  • Mrs. Callie Cross, Curriculum Coordinator: "I am thankful for change and the opportunities it fosters for growth and discovery. This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the recent changes that have led me back home to WTAMU!"
  • Ms. Paige Brandon, Graduate Assistant: "The little things in life."
  • Ms. Lexi Metz, Graduate Assistant: "I am thankful for my family, friends, and a place like WT to call home!"
• A Word to the WISE
  • On Nov. 9, Dr. Carolyn Bouma, Associate Professor of Biology, and Dr. Carla Eichler, Assistant Professor of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, volunteered at the Woman In Science Endeavors (WISE) annual conference.
  • Drs. Bouma and Eichler presented on "Germ Welfare," performing an experiment to demonstrate how germs are spread. They began by applying powder on one girl's hand, then proceeding with a line of handshakes. They determined the "germs" from one handshake were passed onto the hands of five other participants.
  • The conference hosted 67 presenters teaching 21 different activities and was attended by 275 participants from 27 schools.
• New Insights into Leadership
  • Clint Savoini, Executive Sales Representative at Elanco Animal Health, recently led an Insights Discovery training session for students in the AGRI 7303 PhD Leadership course. Insights Discovery is a powerful tool that helps individuals develop a better understanding of themselves and others, leading to more effective and positive working relationships.
  • The training, based on four color energies, helps participants identify their strengths and challenges. By gaining insight into their own personality traits and those of their colleagues, individuals can improve communication, collaboration and productivity in the workplace. One of the key benefits of Insights Discovery is its reminder that personality is not fixed; each person can adapt their behavior to suit different situations.
  • The doctoral students who participated in the training included Mason Carter, Megan Eckhardt, Megan Eikner, Kasi Schneid, and Daniel Young, as well as course instructor, Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education. This experience undoubtedly provided them with valuable tools and insights to enhance their leadership skills and relationships within their professional environments.
• Miss All-American Livestock Judger
  • Abby Scholtz, senior Agricultural Media and Communication major, was named a 2024 All-American by the Intercollegiate Livestock Coaches Association, in collaboration with the American Society of Animal Science, for her academic excellence and commitment to livestock judging.
  • This year marked the 25th anniversary of the All-American program, aimed at recognizing students who remained dedicated to collegiate livestock judging, while also excelling in academic performance, university and industry activities and community service.
  • Scholtz was one of twelve honorees representing eight universities. The average GPA of this year's recipients was an impressive 3.95. She was honored during the 119th National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest awards program on Nov. 19 in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • "This academic All-American honor is something that I have been praying about and working towards for four years," Scholtz said. "I am beyond grateful to the Lord, my family, friends, coach and teammates for helping me achieve this and believing in me all the way until the end of my collegiate judging career."
  • In addition to being a member of the Livestock Judging Team, Scholtz is an Agricultural Ambassador for student recruitment, a student worker in the COANS Department of Agricultural Sciences and a Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter member. Outside of the College, she is the creator and host of the podcast, "Limitless with Abby Scholz," where she interviews agriculture industry experts and WTAMU faculty and students.
  • Previously, Abby has helped coordinate the Tri-State Fair Livestock Judging Contest and the Buff Branding Steer and Heifer Show. She also served as a logistics intern for Cargill, in Amarillo, and as a cattle clerk intern for Magnum Feedyard in Wiggins, Colorado.
  • After judging collegiately for Northeastern Junior College, she competed for the WTAMU Meat Animal Evaluation Team and the WTAMU Livestock Judging Team.
  • Abby will graduate in May 2025 with plans to pursue a career in the feedlot industry, coupled with professional speaking.
• Research Highlight
  • Cole Phillips, M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies student, and Kyryl Shtefiienko, senior Physics major, worked on a project that was published in the American Physical Society Physical Review B on Nov. 18.
  • The researchers studied how electronic properties of a material called kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5 changes when pressure is applied, finding that pressure causes a sudden shift in magnetoresistance patterns and the disappearance of high-frequency oscillations. Computer simulations suggest this shift is due to a pressure-induced change in the material's electronic structure, which could influence properties like superconductivity and charge density waves.
  • Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, and alum Thinh Nguyen '21, '23 both assisted in the research.
• Exceptional Taste
  • On Nov. 14, the WTAMU Society of Physics (SPS) students held a bake sale fundraiser in the Natural Sciences Building lobby. The students baked science and fall-themed treats to sell. This event was organized by SPS President Mahan Khorsand, SPS Vice President Griffin McUne, and SPS Secretary Tucker Beekmann, with Dr. Christopher S. Baird, Associate Professor of Physics, overseeing as the faculty advisor.
  • The fundraiser was a success with all baked goods sold out in a few hours. 
• Kieth's Korner
  • The Texas Society of Daughters of the American Colonists asserts that the first Thanksgiving was observed by Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado and his expedition in Palo Duro Canyon in 1541, 70 years prior to the pilgrim's arrival on the east coast. Researchers, however, continue to dispute this claim.  

Buff Brief Newsletter 11/18/2024

Dates to Remember

• Thanksgiving - November 28
• May Graduation Application Deadline - December 1
• Dead Day - December 6

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • Trees are known by their fruit; humans are known by their deeds. 
• Gallery of Excellence
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences is proud to announce the following individuals who will be recognized in the 31st annual Gallery of Excellence:
    • Faculty Honoree: Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science, Distinguished Graduate Faculty
    • Staff Honoree: Amy Newton, COANS Business Administrator, Employee of the Year
    • Student Honoree: Caden Bonilla, Senior Biology/Pre-Dental Major, Student Employee of the Year
    • Student Honoree: Zane Platter, M.S. in Animal Science, Graduate Assistant of the Year
  • These individuals exemplify the dedication, hard work and excellence that contribute to the success and vibrancy of the COANS community.
• Dead or Alive? That is the Question
  • On Nov. 8, WTAMU welcomed guest lecturer, Dr. Dmitrii E. Makarov, from the University of Texas at Austin Department of Chemistry and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. Students, staff and faculty from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and the College of Engineering attended the lecture, titled, "Dead or Alive: Time Arrow in the Motion of Single Molecules" to learn about computational chemistry and the random motion of particles.
  • Dr. Makarov is renowned for his work in reaction rate theory, quantum rate theory, mechanochemistry and other related topics within theoretical and computational chemical physics. In 1992, he received a PhD in theoretical physics from the Institute for Chemical Physics in Moscow, Russia. He has worked for UT Austin since 2001.
  • Lecture attendees were captivated by Makarov's discussion on what is considered dead versus alive, relative to the object. He presented on the concept of a "Time Arrow," meaning objects get older, instead of younger, blurring the line between the state of alive and dead in non-living objects. He then explained his scientific approach for detecting the this Time Arrow.
• Meat Science Student Named WTAMU Intern of the Year
  • An animal science major who tackled major projects for the country’s largest sausage company is WTAMU’s Intern of the Year for 2024.
  • Helene Keiser, a junior animal science major from Gothenburg, Nebraska, was honored for her work at Johnsonville during a Nov. 13 reception in the lobby of WT’s Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building on the Canyon campus.
  • As Intern of the Year, Keiser will receive a $1,000 scholarship and will be submitted for the national Cooperative Education & Internship Association Academic Intern of the Year award.
• Badge of Honor
  • The Environmental Science Society, a WTAMU student organization, volunteered aid at the Boy Scouts of America's 17th Annual Environmental Science Society Scout Merit Badge event on Saturday, Nov. 9.
  • Environmental Science Society members helped scouts complete activities centered around surface water, land, air, aquifer and groundwater pollution, ecology, invasive species, endangered species, environmental sampling and more. Earning an Environmental Science Merit Badge encourages scouts to investigate the natural world by making observations and performing experiments.
• Helping Hands
  • WTAMU's Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) volunteered at the High Plains Food Bank on Nov. 9. Collectively, the students packaged 24,000 pounds of food, totaling 20,000 meals for families in the Panhandle.
  • "I feel privileged to work with such a dedicated group of students," said Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry and ACS faculty advisor. "They are a wonderful group to work with."
• Thought Leaders Series: Dr. Verbeck
  • On Nov. 7, Dr. Guido Verbeck, Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Augusta University, visited WTAMU to present "Chemical Smart City and the Utilization of In-Field Mass Spectrometry for Decision" as part of the Thought Leader Series. 
  • Throughout his career, Dr. Verbeck has authored/co-authored 90 peer reviewed publications, 14 awarded patents and has received $5 million in external funding.
  • The Thought Leaders Series, hosted by the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, offers participants the opportunity to explore innovative ideas, examine real-world applications and broaden their perspectives. Featuring guest speakers from a variety of industries and fields, the series highlights cutting-edge research and provides insights into the careers of leading experts.
• WTAMU Horse Judging Team Scores at AQHA World Show 
  • WTAMU’s Horse Judging Team placed third overall at a highly competitive annual competition.
  • Additionally, the team earned second-place finishes in both Performance and Reasons at the American Quarter Horse Association World Show, held Nov. 10 in Oklahoma City.
  • “I am incredibly proud of this team for earning third at this contest,” said Dr. Christy Petry-Adams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business & Economics and Horse Judging Team Coach. “This placing is a testament to their dedication, hard work and talent.”
• Kieth's Korner
  • By the end of the 1960s, WTAMU had acquired its own Board of Regents and established a School of Agriculture after raising over $100,000 locally to support agricultural research and development. 

Buff Brief Newsletter 11/11/2024

Dates to Remember

• Veterans Day - November 11
• Thanksgiving - November 28
• May Graduation Application Deadline - December 1
• Dead Day - December 6

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • Strive to be the dead dog or the view never changes. 
• Thank You for Your Service!
  • This Veterans Day, the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences honors and thanks all those who have served. The College would also like to express gratitude to current COANS students for their dedication and sacrifice.
    • Shelby Perkins, B.S. Equine Industry & Business
    • Thomas Grimes, B.S. Plant, Soil and Environmental Science
    • Clover Watson, B.S. Environmental Science
    • Adolfo San Miguel, B.S. Plant, Soil and Environmental Science
    • Brian Pettipiece, B.S. Physics
    • Paige Perdue, B.S. Science Education
    • Genesis Regalado, B.S. Animal Science
    • James Whitman, B.S. Science Education
    • Timothy Butcher, B.S. Biology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine
• Science Community Night
  • The Department of Chemistry & Physics and the Department of Life, Earth, & Environmental Sciences hosted their annual Science Community Night Nov. 2 in the Legacy Hall on WTAMU campus. The event brought together faculty, alumni, students and supporters to celebrate the natural sciences programs and raise funds for student scholarships.
  • The evening kicked off with students Jordan Bennett and Clover Watson serving as emcees, welcoming the audience. Cash Greathouse, board member of the Panhandle Producers & Royalty Owners Association (PPROA), spoke on behalf of the organization, which was the evening's primary sponsor.
  • After dinner, keynote speaker Lauren Salazar '10, an optometrist, inspired guests. Dr. Salazar, the first doctor in her family, shared her personal journey and key moments of her time at WTAMU. She credited her success to a combination of hard work, sacrifices, the education she received at home from her mother and her formal schooling.
  • Following the keynote, attendees were given an overview of the natural sciences' latest activities, with prizes awarded from a drawing hosted by Bennett and Watson. The evening concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Jason Yarbrough, Department Head and Ross Wilson Endowed Chair in Chemistry.
  • A highlight of the evening was the fundraising effort for the Joseph Bramhall Hoot Memorial Scholarship. Funds also supported a new scholarship for middle school students attending the inaugural WTAMU Science Camp this summer.
  • “Science Community Night was a great success," Dr. Jason Yarbrough said. "I am proud and thankful for the talented students and faculty in our science departments. I would like to thank the faculty that served on the Science Community Night steering committee, especially the chair, Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer. Their hard work and leadership paid off.”
  • In addition to the scholarships, the funds raised will support student science organizations in the natural sciences.
  • The event was made possible through the generous support of the Panhandle Producers & Royalty Owners Association. The College would like to extend a special thank you to PPROA and looks forward to their continued partnership.
  • Science Community Night was an evening of camaraderie, inspiration and shared enthusiasm for the future of WTAMU's Natural Sciences programs.
• From Education to Experience 
  • In a LinkedIn post for Warner Seeds, Research Technician Cole Novak '24 expressed his appreciation for his experience in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences.
  • "I attended West Texas A&M to study Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences (PSES) and graduated with a Bachelors May of 2024. Prior to my employment with Warner Seeds, I worked for Dr. Bednarz at the Semi-Arid Agricultural Systems Institute at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. While the primary focus was on cotton growth and development, I also got hands-on experience with a variety of research projects including multispectral remote sensing to monitor crop water stress, biochar production and application, eddy covariance flux tower construction and more. The work I did there opened my eyes to what is possible when agriculture benefits from advanced technology and to the environmental challenges of the Texas Panhandle.
  • I knew then that crop research would always spark my curiosity and maintain it through novel challenges. That passion is what brought me to Warner Seeds and sorghum research. What I like most about sorghum is its genetic diversity and its suitability for semi-arid environments. My interests include throwing pottery, fishing and hiking in the backcountry."
• The WOWW Factor
  • Representatives of the Department of Agricultural Sciences, the Agricultural Ambassadors, worked with Window on a Wider World (WOWW) to successfully host an educational event on Oct. 23 for 200 students in grades 6-8 from the Panhandle region. The goal of the event was to educate students about Panhandle Agriculture and provide Ag. Ambassadors with hands-on experience in planning and delivering an educational event.
  • Twenty-six Ambassadors worked hard to develop and present 4 one-hour workshops with the following titles: "Debunking the Myths & Misconceptions - The Food We Eat," "Backbone of the Texas Panhandle - Meat Production," "From Cows to Cones - The Science Behind Ice Cream," and "Campus to Careers - Preparing for College and Exploring Careers in Ag." Each workshop included engaging hands-on activities, such as making ice cream, using milk donated by Dairy Max.
  • The workshops were presented from a consumer's perspective, highlighting the positive impact agriculture has on their daily lives. Additionally, the middle school students and their teachers were provided with educational handouts and recruiting materials funded by the Ag Development Association and the Department of Agricultural Sciences.
• Research Spotlight 
  • Dr. Bailey Samper, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, and Dr. Mallory Vestal, Assistant Department Head and Associate Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, are collaborating on an innovative research project. They have received the prestigious Killgore Faculty Research Grant, awarded by the WTAMU Graduate School in partnership with the WTAMU Office of Sponsored Research Services.
  • The title of their project is Economic Perspectives of Beef-on-Dairy Calf Management on Texas Calf Ranches.
  • As part of their research, Dr. Sampers and Dr. Vestal will survey calf ranches across the Texas Panhandle and surrounding regions to establish a comprehensive benchmark of current industry practices in managing beef-on-dairy calves. Additionally, their study will assess producers' perspectives on the economic incentives and constraints associated with health and nutritional management strategies for these calves
• Special Speaker
  • The world's greatest bull rider, Dale Brisby, visited Dr. Pond's class Oct. 30.
  • Dr. Pond teaches Personal and Professional Leadership Development (AGRI 2300). It is an introduction to leadership practice with a focus on leadership styles and roles to build self-awareness, effective communication, ethical consideration and professional relationships.
  • At the beginning of each semester, Dr. Pond asks his class who they would like to have as a speaker. His class chose Dale Brisby, most known for his clothing brand, "Rodeo Time." Brisby spoke on his experience as an entrepreneur and business owner.
• Gallery of Excellence
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences is proud to announce the following outstanding individuals recognized in the Gallery of Excellence:
    • Faculty Honoree: Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science, Distinguished Graduate Faculty
    • Staff Honoree: Amy Newton, COANS Business Administrator, Employee of the Year
    • Student Honoree: Caden Bonilla, Senior Biology/Pre-Dental Major, Student Employee of the Year
    • Student Honoree: Zane Platter, M.S. in Animal Science, Graduate Assistant of the Year
  • These individuals exemplify the dedication, hard work and excellence that contribute to the success and vibrancy of the COANS community.
• Scholarship Workshop 
  • The WTAMU MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) chapter invites you to our Scholarship Workshop on November 11th at 6:00 PM in AGS 207.
  • What to Expect:
    • Learn about valuable scholarship opportunities available through MANRRS
    • Get personalized feedback on your scholarship application 
    • Opportunity to fill out a MANRRS scholarship application
    • Enjoy free food and great company
  • About MANRRS: 
    • MANRRS offers a supportive community of students from diverse backgrounds, dedicated to building a stronger future for professionals in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences. Their goal is to foster an environment that emphasizes students' success while advancing their career and professional development. As a member, students have access to industry connections, internships, conferences and opportunities in fields like science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM).
  • For more information, contact: Francisco Ortega -- fjortega1@buffs.wtamu.edu 
• Kieth's Korner
  • Many factors were involved in the location decision for WTAMU, but a pledge of 40 acres of land and $100,000 in cash made Canyon's bid particularly attractive. Although not mentioned in the official report, the city's lack of saloons also strengthened its case. 

Buff Brief Newsletter 11/4/2024

Dates to Remember

• Invited Talk - November 8
• Veterans Day - November 11
• Thanksgiving - November 28

Highlights:

• Pond's Ponder
  • This is a gem from the best basketball coach of his time, John Wooden. "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." 
• National Day of the Bison
  • This Saturday, the U.S. celebrated the National Day of the Bison. 
  • Buffalo or Bison? 
    • Did you know that WTAMU’s official mascot, the buffalo, is technically a bison? Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different animals. True buffalo are native to Africa and Asia, whereas bison are indigenous to North America and Europe. The confusion dates back to early settlers who nicknamed the American bison “buffalo,” a name that stuck despite the distinction. Scientifically, the American bison is classified as Bison bison, while the name, buffalo, remains a cultural mainstay.
  • History of the Mascot
    • In 1921, the student body debated which animal to choose as the mascot for West Texas State Normal College. Options included a badger, coyote, prairie dog, rattlesnake, chaparral, and buffalo. L. "Parson" Gough, a cowboy from the T-Anchor ranch, spoke in favor of the buffalo, telling the story of when he and another cowboy roped two buffalo calves on the site where Old Main was built in 1892. The students gave Gough's nomination a standing ovation.
    • The school purchased its first pair of buffalo in 1922, later named Charlie and Mary Ann, from the Goodnight family's T-Anchor Ranch. Charlie was the first to serve as the official mascot, running the sidelines at football games and participating in parades. 
    • The original T-Anchor Ranch headquarters, a two-room log cabin, resides permanently on the grounds of WTAMU's Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. It is the oldest Anglo-built structure in the Panhandle.
  • The Buffalo Legacy
    • Today, the legacy continues, with the buffalo still celebrated at university events and games.  The WTAMU Herdsmen Team are responsible for the care and management of the school mascot. 
    • The buffalo has been a steadfast pillar of strength, honor and majesty, and the words that appeared in a 1921 issue of the school's student newspaper, The Prairie, still hold true today—"Now, since the Buffalo is to be our mascot, what qualities are we to think of when we see him gracing all our insignia? First of all, he is strong and sturdy.
    • And his virtues are as prominent as his physical qualities. He always fights a clean fight, and he was never known to sneak away from his foe on the field of battle or to betray his friend. His broad shoulders tell you that he can endure physically, and his sincere eyes bespeak the soul which supports his physical power."
    • On, on Buffaloes!
• From Paw to Paper
  • In a unique twist for ARTS 2323 Drawing III-Life, Pawfessor Willow Kate, a Labrador Retriever, posed as a live model. In this class, Willow Kate helped students hone their life-drawing skills by focusing on anatomy, structure, and the action of a live subject. Her role allowed students to explore the intricacies of canine anatomy.
• Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences hosted the inaugural Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee last Monday. Leonard Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch donated 50 pumpkins for teams to carve or paint and enter in the decorating contest. Participants also enjoyed bingo, pumpkin golf and a caramel apple bar. 
  • Congratulations to the pumpkin decorating winners!
  • School Spirit
    • Carving: WTAMU Herdsmen
    • Painting: WTAMU Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow
  • Most Creative
    • Carving: Entomology Club
    • Painting: WTAMU Advising Services
  • Best Overall
    • The Ghostly Ghouls
• Haunted Happenings
  • The WTAMU Rodeo Team hosted their first jackpot Wednesday night. In honor of the season, it was Halloween-themed with prizes from Coolhorse and West Texas Western Store for the best costumes. Congratulations to the award winners: 
    • Men's Costumes: Weston Peters & Justin Wright
    • Women's Costumes: Tyla Maness & Lynley Wright
    • Barrel Racing:  Cole Nichols
    • Chute Dogging:  Logan Martin
    • Breakaway Roping:  Kashli Stouard
    • Tie-Down Roping:  Tryce Johnson
    • Steer Riding:  Gage Faulk
    • Goat Tying:  Taylor Thompson
    • Team Roping:  Gunner Truby & Logan Martin
  • The WTAMU Pre-Vet Club hosted a Monster Mash Food Bash on Halloween. Participants were invited to come in costume and a $10 entry fee or canned food donation was collected to benefit St. Helen's Outreach. The highlight of the event was a dog costume contest, showcasing an array of decked-out dogs, bringing joy to attendees while supporting a good cause.
• Horse Judging Team Shines Again
  • The WTAMU Horse Judging Team traveled to Tulsa, OK for the Arabian National Horse Judging Contest on Oct. 25. The team finished 1st Overall after achieving 1st in Halter, 1st in Performance and 2nd in Reasons.
  • “This may have been a smaller contest, but this win means a lot,” explained Dr. Adams , team coach and Clinical Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business & Economics. “It was the first time for some of our students to ever compete at the college level and a proud reminder of the legacy we continue to uphold. Watching them step up and achieve makes me incredibly proud and excited for what’s to come next year!”
• Ranch Horse Team Triumphs with Reserve Champion and Individual Wins
  • The WTAMU Ranch Horse Team earned the Division 1 Reserve Championship title at the 2024 Stock Horse of Texas (SHTX) World Championship Show, held Oct. 24-27 in Abilene. Competing against 14 collegiate teams.
  • WTAMU secured 2nd and 3rd place finishes in Division 1, with outstanding individual performances across the four competition classes: Ranch Reining, Stock Horse Pleasure, Ranch Trail, and Cow Work.
  • Notable achievements included Bella Bridges winning Overall World Champion Collegiate Novice, Cutter McLaughlin earning World Champion Collegiate Non-Pro, and multiple top place finishes by WTAMU riders in both individual events and divisions.
  • Head Coach, Dr. Lance Baker , commended the team’s depth and dedication, highlighting the numerous individual awards won by WTAMU riders.
• WT Meat Judging Team Dominates at Cargill Competition
  • West Texas A&M University’s Meat Judging Team recently took home another championship, powered by several perfect individual and team scores.
  • The team secured the Cargill High Plains Meat Judging Contest championship on Oct. 27 in Friona, with a score of 4,212.
  • “It is so exciting to see this team victorious as we head into the international contest next month,” said Dr. Loni Lucherk , Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging and team coach. “Most of these students had little to no experience in meat judging prior to coming to WT. Now, they are not just good at meat judging, they are leaders within University organizations and have an average GPA of 3.68. They are an all-around impressive group.”
  • The WT team placed first in pork judging and specifications, the latter with a perfect score. The team also placed second in reasons and beef grading, third in beef judging, fourth in placings and fifth in lamb judging.
• Kieth's Korner
  • Bison are the only animals that walk through blizzards, instead of heading in the opposite direction, because the instinctively know this will allow them to surpass the bad weather more quickly. 
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • WT Researchers Investigating New Ways of Growing Strawberries Following USDA Grant
  • WT Horse Judging Team Takes Arabian National Championship
  • A New Era for Bovine Health: Specialist Joins Texas A&M's VERO Campus

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/28/2024

Dates to Remember

• Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee - October 28
• COMET Training - October 29-30
• Science Community Night - November 2
• Invited Talk - November 8

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • Life experiences can be more bizarre than the wildest fiction. Hence my favorite and often used statement: "You can't make this stuff up!"
• Shocking Discovery
  • The Society of Physics Students (SPS) at WTAMU held a recruiting and science demonstration event in the lobby of the Natural Sciences Building. Interested attendees were able to view Van de Graaff generators being used to create sparks, shocks and hair-raising static electricity demonstrations.
  • SPS President Mahan Khorsand, SPS Vice President Griffin McUne, SPS Secretary Tucker Beekman, SPS Faculty Advisor Dr. Christopher S. Baird and other SPS members led the event.
• 2024 All American Quarter Horse Congress Judging Reserve Champions
  • The WTAMU Horse Judging Team returned from Columbus, OH as Reserve Champions at the prestigious All American Quarter Horse Congress. Competing against 14 teams and 59 individuals, the team achieved impressive results, including:
    • 2nd in Reasons
    • 2nd in Performance
    • 4th in Halter
  • Individual Highlights: 
    • Andrea Byrd finished 4th overall, earning a reserve in Halter, along with 9th in Performance and 7th in Reasons.
    • Karlee Frank secured 5th overall, with achievements that included 2nd in Performance, 2nd in Halter, and 4th in Reasons.
    • Aislin McStay placed 8th overall, achieving 4th in Performance and 2nd in Reasons.
    • Additional team members included Chloe Hamaker, Katelynn Horn, and Zachary Rich. The team is expertly coached by Dr. Christy Adams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business & Economics, with support from Lyndi Starr, Assistant Coach and graduate student, and Haley Bucher, Junior Coach.
• Soil Judging Team Qualifies for Nationals
  • The WT Soil Judging Team achieved an impressive 3rd place overall and also secured 2nd place in the team-judged pit at the Region IV Soil Judging Competition, hosted Oct. 13-18 by Texas A&M University. This achievement marks their third consecutive qualification for the national competition. 
  • Soil judging is a competitive activity that equips students with essential skills for careers in soil conservation, soil science, agronomy and agricultural education. During contests, participants analyze and describe soil morphology, geomorphology and landscape characteristics. Their evaluations are then scored against those of professional soil scientists in the region. 
  • Individually, the team saw notable successes: 
    • Riley Siders finished 5th overall and 1st in contest pit three.
    • Dayson Schacher placed 6th overall. 
    • Kassidy Langley finished 13th overall. 
    • Paige Richardson closely followed in 14th place. 
    • Other team members included Abigail Watson, Aspen Hughes, Bela Juarez, Christian Lockhart, Cristian Camacho, Landon Langenbau, Mia Key and Ryon Howell.
• Celebrating Boss's Day
  • In observance of National Boss's Day, faculty and staff in the Departments of Chemistry and Physics and Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences acknowledged the contributions of Department Head Dr. Jason Yarbrough and Assistant Department Head Dr. Erik Crosman.
  • This recognition highlights their dedication to leadership and the positive impact they make within the departments and broader academic community. Faculty and staff used this day to express their appreciation for Dr. Yarbrough and Dr. Crosman's professional guidance and support.
• Lunch & Learn 
  • On Oct. 15, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension hosted a Lunch and Learn session featuring an informational presentation from Josh Brooks, District 1 Extension Administrator. Brooks provided an overview of AgriLife Extension programs and services and highlighted the 20 paid-internship positions available for the summer of 2025. Internship applications are now available and will close in early November. Following the presentation, students interested in these internship opportunities were invited to participate in on-site interviews. 
  • Additionally on Oct. 18, Raley Kirk, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council's (TACC) Director of Member Services, spoke about TACC’s summer internship program. Kirk outlined TACC’s mission to support educational initiatives for agricultural cooperatives and disseminate information relating to the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products through cooperative organizations. The TACC internship program offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience at various co-ops across the state, engaging with daily operations and programs. 
  • Both events provided WT students with valuable insights and direct access to internship opportunities in agriculture and cooperative systems. 
• Area Optometrist to Speak at WT Science Community Night Nov. 2
  • An area optometrist will headline an evening dedicated to showing the impact of science education from West Texas A&M University.
  • Science Community Night, hosted by the Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Physics in the Paul Engler College Agriculture and Natural Sciences, will begin at 6 p.m. Nov. 2 in Legacy Hall inside the Jack B. Kelley Student Center on WT’s Canyon campus.
  • “This year, we’re focusing on building community and helping connect our students and faculty to the surrounding area, including our alumni, friends and related industries,” said Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer, WT’s Russell and Natrelle Hedrick Long Professor of Companion Animal Studies.
  • Tickets, which include dinner, are $40. For reservations, visit wtamu.schoolauction.net/sciencenight24.
  • The event is sponsored by Panhandle Producers and Royalty Owners Association...
• COMET Training
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences is hosting a COMET Training event in collaboration with Valley-Wide Health Systems and The Coffee Break Project. Designed to “align with rural cultural values of neighbor helping neighbor and communities being their own best resource,” this training will provide attendees with valuable information and resources to initiate supportive conversation about mental and emotional well-being.
  • This event will take place in the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion at the Ag. Complex. The training is free and each participant will receive a certificate in Changing our Mental & Emotional Trajectory - COMET™.
  • Students: Oct. 30th from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.
  • Faculty & Staff: Oct. 29th from 4:00-6:00 pm. Dinner will be provided.
• Kieth's Korner
  • Dr. Ron Thomason was the longest serving faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. He served for 37 years from 1969 to 2006.
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It 
  • WT Meat Judging Team Wins National Contest Decisively with Near-Record Score
  • WT Horse Judging Team Continues Winning Ways
  • WT Soil Judging Team Heading to Nationals for Third Year 

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/21/2024

Dates to Remember

• Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee - October 28
• COMET Training - October 29-30
• Science Community Night - November 2
• The Distinguished Lecture Series - November 8

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • The truly rich are those who enjoy and appreciate what they have. 
• Back-to-Back American Royal Champion Meat Judging Team 
  • For the second year in a row and with a record-breaking score, the West Texas A&M Meat Judging Team was crowned Champions at the American Royal Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest. The contest was hosted by the American Meat Science Association and held at Nebraska Beef in Omaha, NE on Oct. 13th. The 4283 point record-breaking score is the second highest score in intercollegiate meat judging history by one point.  
  • By an impressive 59-point margin, the team outscored Texas Tech University, followed by Texas A&M University, Kansas State University, and the University of Wyoming.
  • The team took first place honors in beef grading, lamb judging, pork judging, specifications, total beef, reasons and placings, and fourth place in beef judging.  
  • "As a coach I ask for students to do their best, but this contest was an exciting exception. The students had a perfect day. The team has now set a precedence of excellence for all meat judging teams in the country." - Dr. Loni Luckerk
  • Will Hauerland, a junior Agricultural Business and Economics major, from Sealy, won 1st high individual overall and received a $1,000 scholarship from the Bellinger Foundation. With a WT record score of 1079 points, Will placed 1st in beef grading, lamb judging, total beef, specifications, and 4th in total placings.  
  • A junior Agricultural Education major from Plainview, Campbell Offield was 2nd high individual overall, 1st in reasons, 2nd in lamb judging and 3rd in beef grading, pork judging and specifications.  
  • Daniel Raab, a senior Animal Science major from Fredericksburg, was 4th high individual overall, 1st in pork judging and total placings, and 3rd in lamb judging.  
  • Lane Golla, a senior Animal Science major from New Braunfels, was 6th high individual overall, and 5th in total placings and beef judging.  
  • Helene Keiser, a junior Animal Science major from Gothenburg, NE, was 1st high individual alternate, and Katie Labrum, a junior Animal Science major from Bear River, Wyoming, was 9th high individual alternate.
  • Other team members included Mya Alford, a senior Animal Science major from Brock, Lily Hooser, a senior Agriculture major from Chillicothe, and Clayton Stevenson, a junior Animal Science major from Earth.   
  • The team is coached by Will Boyd, M.S Animal Science student from Joshua, and Dr. Loni Lucherk from Grandview. 
• ACS Student Chapter Receives Outstanding Award 
  • The American Chemical Society (ACS) recognized the WTAMU ACS Student Chapter as outstanding for the second consecutive year. This is the highest award a chapter can receive, and it is given in recognition of the officers’ dedication and the chapter’s successes. Student chapters can be awarded as outstanding, commendable or honorable mention. WT's chapter was the only chapter in the Texas A&M system to receive the outstanding award this year. 
• King and Queen of Biology 
  • Two future medical professionals were named West Texas A&M University’s Homecoming Queen and King during halftime of the Buffalo football game Oct. 12.
  • Yadhira “Yaya” Avalos, a senior biology / pre-med major from Hereford, representing the Student Government Association and F1RSTGEN, was crowned queen, and Caden Bonilla, a senior biology/ pre-dental major from Amarillo, representing Students Assisting in Good Endeavors, was named king.
  • Other CoANS Representatives: 
  • Queen Finalists
    • Khaki Dubose, a senior Agricultural Media and Communication major from Abernathy, represented SAGE as a Homecoming queen finalist.
  • Queen Nominees
    • Queen nominees also included Bethany Bradley, a junior Agricultural Education from Muleshoe, representing the Residence Hall Association; Hailey Clark, a junior Animal Science major from Humble, representing Sigma Alpha and Gamma Theta; Cassidy Dotson, a senior Agricultural Education major from Krum, representing 13|30; and Audrey Rangel, a senior Animal Science major from Lyford, representing the Hispanic Students Association.
• Meat Science in Mexico 
  • Drs. Samuelson, Lawrence, and Schwartz traveled to Monterrey Mexico to speak at XXV Symposio UANL- Engordo de Bovinos en Corral on a variety of feedlot and meat science related topics for the symposium's 25th anniversary. The WTAMU faculty enjoyed the opportunity to interact with fellow speakers and feedlot producers, share expertise and research findings, and experience Mexican culture. 
• One Team, Two Titles
  • The WTAMU Ranch Horse Team left Ardmore, OK with not one, but TWO titles. They were crowned the Champion D1 Team and Reserve Champion D1 Team.
  • Member Success: 
  • Non Pro 
    • Thomas Binig secured the top spot of Non Pro Champion after finishing 2nd in every class.
    • Parker Ralston finished strong in 3rd place, highlighted by a 1st place finish in both reining and cow work.
    • Chloe Rourke took home 5th place, buoyed by her 3rd place finish in pleasure.
  • Limited Non Pro 
    • Audrey Hart achieved a remarkable reserve in the Limited Non Pro, after her 1st place finish in pleasure.
    • Layten Graham rounded out the top five with a solid 4th place finish.
    • Arielle Wortham finished in 10th, while Grace Hyde showcased her skills with a 2nd place finish in pleasure.
  • Novice
    • Lela Chisolm dominated the Novice All Around, clinching victory with first place finishes in cow work, reining, and pleasure.
    • Cora Onorato finished strong in 4th place in the Novice All Around.
    • Bella Bridges secured 5th place, while Tess Lewis concluded her performance with a 6th place finish after earning 3rd in trail.
• Collegiate Farm Bureau Attends Officer Retreat
  • Four students who serve in leadership positions with WTAMU Collegiate Farm Bureau attended an officer retreat at Texas Farm Bureau.  
  • During the three-day event, the collegiate officers visited the Texas State Capitol to learn about Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy process and meet with state lawmakers. 
  • “The officer retreat allowed us to meet with Farm Bureau staff and learn more about the state organization and resources available to us, while also strengthening our skills as communicators and leaders,” said Beth Martinek, WTAMU Collegiate Farm Bureau President. 
  • Together, the students also learned more about the outreach programs and leadership opportunities offered through Texas Farm Bureau, participated in a social media advocacy exercise, discussed recruitment efforts and attended sessions related to event planning, parliamentary procedure and servant leadership.
  • “This was a great networking and learning event," Martinek said. "We were able to connect with other chapters and discuss opportunities for growth, the challenges we face and offer solutions and guidance to one another. We’re bringing back some ideas that we’re excited to implement on campus and in the community.” 
  • Student leaders from Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University were in attendance.  
  • WTAMU Collegiate Farm Bureau meets every other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in AGS 102.  
• You're Invited! 
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences formally invite you to the Inaugural Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee. Where: Ag Science Complex Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion When: Monday, Oct. 28 at 5:00 pm Who: COANS students, faculty and staff Gather your friends and enter a team for the Team Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Contest Details:
  • In order to participate, your team must RSVP by Monday, Oct. 21
  • The first 50 teams to RSVP will be provided a pumpkin, courtesy of Leonard Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch's generous donation. After the first fifty, teams will need to supply their own pumpkin. 
  • Pumpkins can be painted or carved. Please bring your own decorating supplies - these will not be provided. Winners will be selected in both painted and carved divisions. 
  • *** You do not have to participate in the Team Pumpkin Decorating Contest to attend the Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee. 
  • We hope you will join us for the food, games and festivities!
  • RSVP Now! 
• COMET Training
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences is hosting a COMET Training event in collaboration with Valley-Wide Health Systems and The Coffee Break Project. Designed to “align with rural cultural values of neighbor helping neighbor and communities being their own best resource,” this training will provide attendees with valuable information and resources to initiate supportive conversation about mental and emotional well-being.
  • This event will take place in the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion at the Ag. Complex. The training is free and each participant will receive a certificate in Changing our Mental & Emotional Trajectory - COMET™.
  • Students: Oct. 30th from 11:00 am-1:00 pm Lunch will be provided.
  • Faculty & Staff: Oct. 29th from 4:00-6:00 pm Dinner will be provided. 
  • Register Here! 
• Kieth's Korner
  • Early Spanish explorers are believed to have dubbed the canyon "Palo Duro," meaning "hard wood" or "hard stick," in reference to the abundant mesquite and juniper trees populating the open areas. 
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • WT Student Research in Spotlight at 25th Anniversary Event for McNair Scholars

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/14/2024

Dates to Remember

• Annual Research Showcase - October 15
• Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee - October 28
• COMET Training - October 29-30
• Science Community Night - November 2

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • Last Friday, the University honored Paul Engler's contributions by unveiling a seven-foot-tall bronze statue of his likeness in front of the Agricultural Sciences Complex. 
  • The presence of this statue will be a daily reminder of his legacy and will encourage current and future students to follow in his footsteps toward excellence. 
• Dr. Paul Engler -- Philanthropy with Purpose -- August 23, 1929 - May 3, 2024
  • Paul Fredrick Engler developed entrepreneurial and business acumen from an early age, refining those skills throughout his life. At just 13, he bought his first 100 cows and from then on, he was committed to revolutionizing the cattle industry through passion, devotion and grit.
  • A natural innovator, he routinely challenged conventional practices and embraced calculated risks. This undaunted approach propelled him to remarkable achievements, including securing an interim financing deal with Jimmy Hoffa and the Teamsters Union, and challenging Oprah Winfrey in court for her disparaging remarks about beef.  
  • Dr. Engler, as he was affectionately known, pioneered a transformative method for determining the value of live cattle—by quality attributes and total carcass value rather than mere weight. This enhanced the quality of market animals and benefited consumers, elevating industry standards. 
• A Sculpted Legacy 
  • The creation of the Paul Engler sculpture was a meticulous, two-year journey led by expert sculptor David Anderson, Ph.D., renowned for his ability to blend artistry with storytelling. In this project, he captured the essence of Dr. Paul Engler, not just in likeness but in legacy.
  • The first step in bringing that legacy to life was selecting the perfect pose. Anderson combed through numerous images of Dr. Engler, eventually choosing a photo of him standing proudly in front of the Cactus Feeders entrance.
  • “That picture painted a story of pride,” Anderson said. “Dr. Engler said to the viewer, ‘I built this place.’ Not boastfully, but rather with the joyful pride of success. I wanted to project that same image here in front of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, and I learned from talking with him that he also took much pride in his support for WTAMU.”
  • With the pose chosen, Anderson’s team scanned a live model with a build similar to Dr. Engler’s, digitally modifying the scan to resemble him more closely. A half-scale mold was then 3D printed to create a clay maquette, a miniature version of the final sculpture.
  • Pat Kennedy, Anderson’s longtime collaborator, added intricate details to Dr. Engler’s clothing on the clay maquette. Once the maquette was complete, Dr. Engler reviewed it and had one request: to change his smile.
  • “He didn’t like the smile,” Anderson said with a laugh. “I honored his wishes and sculpted his smile away, but I left the sparkle in his eyes. He wanted to be remembered for his firmness, but I wanted his heart to shine through his eyes.”
  • The next phase involved scanning the maquette and enlarging it to full scale for production. The 3D printer produced the sculpture in seven sections, each made from thin layers of acrylic powder bonded with super glue. After being dipped in wax, the sections were sent to Loveland, Colorado, for bronze casting. Here, the wax was melted away, yielding ceramic shells ready to be filled with molten bronze. Once the bronze cooled and hardened, a patina was applied.
  • One of the unique aspects of Anderson's sculpting process is his use of innovative technology to incorporate and scan Dr. Engler’s personal items into the finished statue. 
  • “The hat is a scan of Dr. Engler’s actual Stetson hat (thickened a bit to have the strength to hold up in bronze). The shirt logo is the scanned Cactus Feeders logo. Dr. Engler’s actual belt buckle and cactus insignia were scanned, and 3D printed, the same for his Ostrich skin boots. Additionally, Paul wanted his Rolex watch as part of the sculpture,” Anderson said.
  • Positioning the sculpture was another thoughtful decision by Anderson. Ultimately, he chose to place the statue at an angle, ensuring that photos taken with the statue will be set against the backdrop of the building's brick relief mural.
  • “That mural was designed by “Images in Brick.” Prominent at the top of that relief mural is a row of beef cattle – which is appropriate for the legacy of Dr. Engler,” Anderson said. The sculpture came full circle—Dr. Engler, standing in front of cattle, with a stance that says, “I built this place,” as he welcomes students and guests to the college.
  • In every detail of the sculpture, from pose to personal items, Anderson ensured that Dr. Engler’s story, influence, and pride are eternally reflected in bronze for generations to admire.
• Thank you!
  • From the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, thank you all who joined in celebrating the Official Bronze Statue Unveiling, honoring the legacy and remarkable contributions of Dr. Paul Engler.
• You're Invited! 
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences formally invite you to the Inaugural Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee. Where: Ag Science Complex Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion When: Monday, Oct. 28 at 5:00 pm Who: COANS students, faculty and staff Gather your friends and enter a team for the Team Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Contest Details:
  • In order to participate, your team must RSVP by Monday, Oct. 21
  • The first 50 teams to RSVP will be provided a pumpkin, courtesy of Leonard Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch's generous donation. After the first fifty, teams will need to supply their own pumpkin. 
  • Pumpkins can be painted or carved. Please bring your own decorating supplies - these will not be provided. Winners will be selected in both painted and carved divisions. 
  • *** You do not have to participate in the Team Pumpkin Decorating Contest to attend the Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee. 
  • We hope you will join us for the food, games and festivities!
  • RSVP Now! 
• COMET Training
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences is hosting a COMET Training event in collaboration with Valley-Wide Health Systems and The Coffee Break Project. Designed to “align with rural cultural values of neighbor helping neighbor and communities being their own best resource,” this training will provide attendees with valuable information and resources to initiate supportive conversation about mental and emotional well-being.
  • This event will take place in the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion at the Ag. Complex. The training is free and each participant will receive a certificate in Changing our Mental & Emotional Trajectory - COMET™.
  • Students: Oct. 30th from 11:00 am-1:00 pm Lunch will be provided.
  • Faculty & Staff: Oct. 29th from 4:00-6:00 pm Dinner will be provided. 
• Kieth's Korner
  • "As an outstanding leader, Dr. Paul Engler had the ability to motivate people through words and actions." - Dr. Lance Kieth
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • WT Horse Judging Team Opens Season with Reserve Championship

Buff Brief Newsletter 10/7/2024

Dates to Remember:

• Dr. Paul Engler's Statue Unveiling - October 11
• WTAMU Homecoming - October 12
• Annual Research Showcase - October 15
• Science Community Night - November 2

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • Successful people or groups are often termed 'lucky.' Aristotle said it best: "Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives -- choice, not chance, determines your destiny." 
• Lending a Hand to National Clean-Up 
  • “Many hands make light work,” and the WTAMU Environmental Science Society exemplified this spirit during their recent contribution to the beautification of Amarillo. On Saturday, Sept. 21, the club participated in the Amarillo Parks Clean-Up program. Their hands-on efforts reflect the club’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. 
• Back When They Bucked: First Roughstock Practice in a Decade
  • The WTAMU Rodeo Team cracked open the chutes after an estimated 10-year hiatus and held their first roughstock practice on Sept. 17.  
  • The revival began last February when Mr. Cody Bonds, Head Rodeo Coach and Instructor of Animal Science, brought in a maintenance crew to remove trees that had grown in the bucking chutes on the east end of the arena. This was a crucial first step in restoring WTAMU's roughstock program.
  • On that September day, the team welcomed bucking stock from McCloy Rodeo Company in Morse, TX, Rawhide Rodeo Company in Claude, TX, and Mark Owens in Amarillo, TX. The pickup men on hand to support the athletes included Kyle Hash, T.J. Bohlender, and current rodeo team member Paden Jarosz. 
  • This comeback is fueled by support from the rodeo community and the enthusiasm of motivated student athletes. 
  • Success in Portales
    • Following the roughstock practice, the WTAMU Rodeo Team competed in their first college rodeo of the year at Eastern New Mexico State University in Portales, NM on Sept. 19-21. Notable achievements include:  
    • Josue Molina claimed 3rd overall in the saddle bronc riding with a 74.5 point ride.
    • Tryce Johnson roped in 4th overall in the tie-down roping.
    • Emma Smith earned 2nd overall in the barrel racing with a 17.51 second run.
    • The team’s impressive performances highlight their commitment and readiness for the competitive season ahead. 
• Ranch Horse Team Claims Reserve at the Aggieland Classic
  • The WTAMU Ranch Horse Team made an impressive debut at the Stock Horse of Texas Aggieland Classic in Bryan, TX, their first competition of the fall season. The team earned the title of Reserve Champion D1 Collegiate Team!  
  • Congratulations Members!
  • Non Pro Overall: 
    • Cutter McLaughlin claimed the title of All Around Collegiate Non Pro Champion after winning 1st in reining, trail and pleasure and tying for 4th in cow work.
    • Parker Ralston secured 5th overall, achieving 6th in cow work, tying for 3rd in reining, 8th in trail and 5th in pleasure.
    • Ashley Wortham finished 6th overall, with an 11th place in cow work, 7th in reining, 2nd in trail and 4th in pleasure.
    • Thomas Binig placed 7th overall, tying for 4th in cow work, and finishing 9th in both reining and trail, while tying for 2nd in pleasure.
    • Payton Porterfield came in 8th overall, tying for 3rd in reining, finishing 10th in trail and tying for 7th in pleasure.
    • Chloe Rourke rounded top ten with a 10th overall, tying for 6th in cow work and finishing 10th in reining.
  • Limited Non Pro Overall:
    • Audrey Hart earned 4th overall, with a 7th place finish in cow work and tying for 5th in reining, trail and pleasure.
    • Camry Mangum secured 7th overall, claiming 3rd in both the cow work and trail, while tying for 5th in reining.
    • Grace Hyde placed 9th overall, with a 4th in trail and 8th in pleasure.
    • Haylee Triplett placed 4th in the cow work and tied for 5th in the pleasure.
    • Arielle Wortham tied for 5th in the reining and 8th in the cow work.
    • Layten Graham finished 8th in trail and 10th in pleasure.
  • Novice Overall: 
    • Joslyn Topolnicki finished 4th overall, tying for 10th in reining and tying for 3rd in trail.
    • Cora Onorato claimed 7th overall after winning 1st in trail.
    • Tess Lewis tied for 2nd in reining and also tied for 7th in trail.
• Meat Science Success in Pennsylvania
  • The WTAMU Meat Science Team took home 4th High Team overall at the Eastern National Meat Judging Contest in Wyalusing, PA. The team’s performance highlights include: 
    • 2nd in Beef Grading
    • 2nd in Lamb Judging
    • 3rd in Specifications
    • 4th in Pork Judging
    • 4th in Placings
    • 5th in Beef Judging
  • Member Spotlights
    • Daniel Raab placed 4th overall, securing 3rd in Lamb Judging, 3rd in Reasons, 5th in Beef Judging and a perfect score in Specifications.
    • Lane Golla finished 6th overall with a remarkable 1st in Specifications (perfect score), along with 2nd places in Beef Grading, Beef Judging and Total Beef.  
    • Katie Labrum came in 12th overall, achieving a 3rd in Specifications with a perfect score.
    • Helene Kaiser excelled with a 1st place win in Lamb Judging.  
    • Campbell Offield secured 3rd in the alternate division.  
    • Will Hauerland finished 4th place in the alternate division, also achieving a perfect score in Specifications. 
    • Lily Hooser placed 6th place in the alternate division, with another perfect score in Specifications. 
    • Other team members included Clayton Stevenson and Mya Alford.  
    • Dr. Loni Lucherk, Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging, and Will Boyd, graduate student, coached the team. 
• Horse Judging Team Secures the Reserve
  • The WTAMU Horse Judging Team excelled at the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) horseIQ Collegiate World Championship in Fort Worth, TX , on Sept. 18-20, securing the title of APHA Reserve World Champion Collegiate Team among 14 teams and 57 individuals. Highlights include:
    • Tied in 1st in Reasons
    • 2nd in Halter
    • 3rd in Performance
  • Individual Highlights
    • Karlee M. Frank accomplished 2nd overall, excelling with a 1st place win in Reasons, a 2nd place finish in Halter and a 3rd place in Performance.
    • Aislin Mcstay placed 8th overall, accomplishing 4th in Halter, 8th in Reasons and 10th in Performance.
    • Andrea Byrd finished 9th overall, earning 8th in Performance, 12th in Halter and 13th in Reasons. 
    • Chloe J. Hamaker came in 13th overall, with a 14th place in Performance. 
    • Laney Gates placed 13th in Halter. 
    • Katelynn M. Horn finished 11th in Reasons.
    • Additional team members included Zachary T. Rich.
    • The team is coached by Dr. Christy Adams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Animal Science, with support from assistant coach Lyndi Starr and junior coach Haley Bucher. 
• Kieth's Korner
  • Baby bison are called "red dogs" because they are orange-red in color at birth. After a few months, their hair starts to change to dark brown and their characteristic shoulder, hump and horns begin to grow. 
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • WT Students Among Those Chosen for $100,000 in Scholarships from Certified Angus Beef
  • Bronze Statue of Paul Engler to Be Unveiled Oct. 11 at WT 
  • Rep. Price, Caviness Family Honored at WT Celebration of Donors

Buff Brief Newsletter 9/30/2024

Dates to Remember:

• Dr. Paul Engler's Statue Unveiling - October 11
• WTAMU Homecoming - October 12
• Annual Research Showcase - October 15
• Science Community Night - November 2

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • Even the smallest step toward a goal is better than a grandiose plan unstarted. 
• Behind the Scenes at the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo 
  • From Sept. 13 to 21, the air buzzed with the enticing scent of fried funnel cakes and the joyful sounds of laughter as the largest annual event in the Texas Panhandle—the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo—unfolded in WTAMU’s backyard.
  • Faculty, staff and student organizations seized this opportunity for hands-on experiences. Here are some key highlights: 
  • Horse Show Committee
    • Dr. Lance Baker, Professor of Animal Science and Equine Program Coordinator; Dr. Mallory Vestal, Assistant Department Head and Associate Professor of Agricultural Business & Economics and Dr. Christy Adams, Clinical Assistant Instructor of Agricultural Business & Economics and Horse Judging Coach, all played vital roles on the horse show committee. Additionally, a member of the WTAMU Horse Judging Team member served as the committee's social media intern.  
  • Horse Judging Contest
    • On Sept. 12, Dr. Adams and Ms. Sydney Dunkel, Instructor of Animal Science, hosted the fair's horse judging contest. WTAMU Horse Judging Team members acted as group leaders and reason takers, while members of the WTAMU Ranch Horse Team and Equestrian Team rode in the contest.   
  • Horse Shows
    • From Sept. 13 to 15, the horse show committee, along with Dunkel, helped with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) show, a Ranch Horse Association of America (RHAA) show, and an AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge (RHC). Members of the WTAMU Horse Judging Team served as scribes, while Ranch Horse Team members provided essential support as the cattle crew.
  • Exceptional Rodeo
    • On Sept. 7, the WTAMU Rodeo Team volunteered during the Tri-State Fair Exceptional Rodeo, helping participants with special needs experience the joy of roping and riding.  
  • PRCA Rodeo Slack 
    • The Rodeo Team also helped during the ProRodeo (PRCA) slack by untying calves for the tie-down roping on Sept. 18 and untying steers for the steer tripping on Sept. 19. 
  • Record-Breaking Livestock Judging Contest
    • Dr. Kevin Williams, Associate Professor of Agricultural Education, and Mr. Michael Semler, Livestock Judging Coach and Instructor, led the livestock judging contest, which broke a record this year with 489 contestants: 
      • 31 FFA teams represented 20 high schools 
      • 42 junior 4-H contestants represented 16 counties 
      • 20 senior 4-H teams represented 15 counties 
      • Over 119 collegiate freshmen and 73 collegiate sophomores represented 8 junior college teams 
      • Contestants from 5 states, including New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado 
    • Support from the 2025 Livestock Judging Team, the 2025 Wool Judging Team, multiple graduate students in agricultural education, Nance Ranch staff, and numerous undergraduates made this event possible. Dr. Bailey Samper, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, listened to 4-H reasons and served on the hog committee. 
  • Media Coverage
    • AGRI 2302: Communicating Agriculture to the Public, a freshman-level class, is led by Dr. Tanner Robertson, Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication.
    • The class photographed various fair events. They also captured video of all three rodeo performances and the footage aired live on The Cowboy Channel. In total, 60 students participated.
• Reading with Rover
  • Where has the infamous Willow Kate been? Why, she's been hitting the books!
  • Pawfessor Willow Kate, a Labrador Retriever, and her owner, Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer, Director of Companion Animal Studies, participated in a special reading event at the Canyon Area Library. On Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, the pair, a therapy dog team registered through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, helped children explore a variety of books tailored to their individual reading levels.
• Harvesting Connections
  • “Student-led. Industry supported.” This tagline captures the spirit of Fall Gather—the annual event that brings together community leaders, industry professionals, students and families, all united by a shared passion for agriculture. Set against the backdrop of a WTAMU football tailgate, this vibrant pre-game celebration featured a friendly competition among four local grill teams vying for the title of best Denver Cut. The Reinert Hay & Commodities grill team claimed the coveted grill set. This event boasted 83 volunteers and 522 plates of food were served. 
  • Attendees enjoyed live music from WTAMU students Colt Edrington and Nelson McKinney while visiting interactive booths with educational activities centered on agriculture. 
  • Organized by a dedicated group of WTAMU students, Fall Gather aims to promote Panhandle agriculture while blending America’s favorite pastime with America’s backbone. It serves as a unique opportunity to educate the community on the vital importance and significance of agriculture. 
• Kieth's Korner
  • According to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report, WTAMU ranks #5 among Best Value Universities in the West. This recognition highlights WT's commitment to providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. 
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It. 
  • Student-Run 'I Am WT' Podcast Launches Third Season 

Buff Brief Newsletter 9/23/2024

Dates to Remember:

• Career and Internship Expo - September 26
• Mrs. Bachman's Retirement Party - September 27
• Dr. Paul Engler's Statue Unveiling - October 11
• WTAMU Homecoming - October 12

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • The biggest barrier to innovation is: "We have always done it this way!"
• TCFA Beef Showcase Summary
  • WTAMU hosted the Texas Cattle Feeders Association Beef Showcase on Thursday, Sept. 12. This year’s event raised $18,000 for TCFA’s Education Foundation to benefit scholarships for graduate, Ph.D. and DVM students from West Texas A&M University, New Mexico State University, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University who want to pursue careers in the fed beef industry.
  • Over 250 registered guests attended, including members of the feedlot industry, general public, and students from across the Panhandle. The event included three educational contests.
    • Video/Carcass Match Contest
      • Dr. Loni Lucherk, Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science, led the first competition. “Participants determined the quality and yield grade criteria of 10 live steers via video and were then asked to match them to 10 carcasses displayed in the fabrication room" according to TCFA.
      • Congratulations to the winners: 
      • Collegiate Division
        • 1st Place -- Jayce Meyring -- Texas Tech University
        • 2nd Place — Emerson Dean – West Texas A&M University
        • 3rd Place — Dakota David – Texas Tech University
      • Public Division
        • 1st Place — Bryan Bernhard – Zoetis
        • 2nd Place — Blake Foraker – Texas Tech University
        • 3rd Place — Austin Adams – Clarendon College
      • Feedyard Division
        • 1st Place — Justin Gleghorn – Cactus Feeders
        • 2nd Place — Will Cantu – CanTex Feeders
        • 3rd Place — Zach Brown – Friona Industries
    • Beef Industry Knowledge & Skills Contest
      • Dr. Ty Lawrence, Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center and Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science, directed the second contest. Participants competed in an event similar to a beef skillathon, where they took a 50-question exam covering industry history, bovine anatomy and more.
      • Congratulations to the winners: 
      • Collegiate Division
        •  1st Place — Cole Petit – West Texas A&M University
        •    2nd/3rd Place — Megan Eckhardt, Ryan Heitschmidt, Helene Keiser – West Texas A&M University
      • Public Division 
        •  1st Place — Bryan Bernhard – Zoetis
        • 2nd Place — Austin Adams – Clarendon College
        • 3rd Place — Blake Foraker – Texas Tech University
      • Feedyard Division 
        • 1st Place — Justin Gleghorn – Cactus Feeders
        • 2nd Place — Tanya Stevenson – Frontera Feedyard
        •  3rd Place — Cutter Smith – Tascosa Feedyard
    • Beef Showcase Steer Awards
      • The final contest determined the Beef Showcase Steer Awards, where TCFA feedyard members “fed one steer to be graded on carcass attributes” according to TCFA. Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, led the group through a beef fabrication demo.
      • In preparation for this competition, WTAMU Meat Science harvested the 28 entered steers from 28 different feedlots.
      • Congratulations to the winners: 
        • Grand Champion Steer - CanTex Feeders
        • Reserve Grand Champion Steer - Cobalt Cattle Company, Tulia
        • Third Overall Steer - Cactus Feedyard
    • Chef Robert Hale of the Texas Beef Council provided a cooking demonstration on perfecting the restaurant steak. 
    • The event concluded with an awards banquet where the top three individuals from each division were recognized. A delicious sampling of short ribs, cheek meat and tri-tip were served. 
    • WTAMU Meat Science would like to congratulate the champion cattle feeders and participants.
• Research Highlight
  • Under the guidance of Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, students Duncan Miertschin, Thinh Nguyen, Cole Phillips, and Kyryl Shtefiienko recently published work in Physical Review B of the American Physical Society.
  • Their research focuses on exploring the fundamental physics of topological materials through the application of high magnetic fields. They conducted experiments at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, FL revealing that the material ZrSiS exhibits remarkable properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for future technological applications.
• The 50th Anniversary Career and Internship Expo 
  • WTAMU invites you to the 50th Anniversary Career and Internship Expo! Students are encouraged to meet with over 100 companies to explore career opportunities, connect with potential employers and discover internship and job openings.
  • 50th Anniversary Career and Internship ExpoThursday, September 26th10:00 am - 2:00 pm First United Bank Center
• Calling Animal Science Undergraduates!
  • The TExAS Scholar program is an undergraduate research program designed specifically for students studying animal science. The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences will select three WTAMU students to be part of the research program this year. Dr. Kendall Samuelson, associate professor of animal science, is now seeking applicants and faculty mentors from the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Students selected for the program will have the opportunity to:
    • Complete an undergraduate research project
    • Attend an educational tour
    • Participate in a job shadowing experience
    • Network with faculty, industry professionals, and other students
    • Attend a scientific meeting
    • Present research findings
  • Students selected to participate in the program will receive the following funding for one academic year: 
    • $4,500 scholarship
    • $500 for travel to professional meeting
    • $750 for research supplies
    • $75 for educational tour expenses
    • $75 for extension program expenses
    • $75 for job shadowing expenses
    • $200 for inter-university travel
  • Selected students can complete research in any area of animal science. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to apply and be classified as a sophomore starting in fall 2024. Students who have previously applied or participated in the program are encouraged to apply.
  • The application deadline is Sept. 27.
• $100,000 for Tomorrow's Beef Leaders
  • The Colvin Scholarship Fund, dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in agriculture, achieved a milestone in 2024 by awarding a record-breaking $100,000 in scholarships to 26 students. With increased scholarships presented, more students than ever are being empowered to pursue careers that advance the beef industry...
• Kieth's Korner
  • In the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences: 
    • The Department of Agricultural Sciences' 2024 enrollment surpassed 2023 enrollment with 1,144 students. It is WTAMU's second-largest department. 
    • The Department of Chemistry and Physics' 2024 enrollment increased by more than 15 percent compared to last year. 
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • WT Posts Across-the-Board Increases in Undergraduate Enrollment for Fall 2024
  • WT Grant Proposals Up Significantly, Shows Impact of Regional Research 

Buff Brief Newsletter 9/16/2024

Dates to Remember:

• Fall Gather - September 21
• Mrs. Bachman's Retirement Party - September 27
• Dr. Paul Engler's Statue Unveiling - October 11
• WTAMU Homecoming - October 12

Highlights:

• Pond's Ponder
  • Experience life to the fullest in the present, plan for the future and profit from lessons learned in the past. 
• Food, Friends and Fundraising -- Ag Day Tops $2 Million in ADA Support 
  • The annual Ag Day Reunion and Celebration was held on Saturday, Sept. 7 in the Bain Event Center at the WTAMU Agricultural Sciences Complex. The event is hosted by the WTAMU Department of Agricultural Sciences and the Ag Development Association (ADA).
  • This year’s celebration attracted a crowd of over 400 alumni, friends, and supporters to the event featuring food, fun and fundraising. Ag Day has become known as the largest single-day fundraising event in the area – and this year was no exception.
  • A total of $229,000 was raised on Saturday from the plentiful silent auction, the energetic live auction and donations.
  • “Ag Day is arguably our Department’s biggest event of the year,” said Dr. David Lust, head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences. “The funding raised is used for student recruitment throughout the year and the impact is undeniable. This is illustrated by the increase in enrollment the Department has seen due to the recruiting efforts of the past 20 years. Increased enrollment drives the success of our students and our Department.”
  • Some of the auction items included: 
    • Ten person ribeye dinner, cooked and prepared by the WTAMU Meat Judging Team with a signed championship helmet from the 2024 National Meat Judging Champions
    • The original Kenneth Wyatt painting, "That'll Learn Yew"
    • Four National Finals Rodeo tickets to the 1st Saturday performance
    • Bronze buffalo sculpture
    • Luxury Mediterranean SeaDream cruise for two
  • Mike and Gary Kuhlman were both awarded the ADA Buffalo Award for their revered generosity in helping the ADA fulfill their purpose of supporting the Ag Department
  • The Coors Cowboy Club provided a prime rib dinner.
  • The following ADA executive committee members were announced: Garrett Robinson, president; Nate Green, president-elect; James Graves, treasurer; and Alondra Meixueiro, information coordinator. 
  • The Department and the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences would like to thank the members of ADA, the Department faculty and staff, WTAMU Ag Ambassadors, donors and the community partners who organized and participated in Ag. Day. 
• Air Bud or Lake Bud? 
  • Anna Visalli, a senior Companion Animal student, is working with Laura Speight of Working Dogs for Conservation (WD4C) during her last semester of school.
  • Laura works with dogs who are trained to sniff boats to identify Green Lipped Mussel larvae at Lake Meredith. The mussel larvae are an invasive species in Texas.
  • Under Laura's guidance, Anna works with Arly, an 18-month-old golden retriever. Anna will complete her degree this December and will pursue conservation dog work after graduation.
• Residential Living Day
  • Residential Living invited all faculty members to a come-and-go breakfast on Monday, Aug. 12. Representatives from each college met with the Community Advisors (CAs), students who live on campus and act as resources for students within their respective living spaces. The college faculty oversaw conversations about meta-majors.
  • Introduced in Fall 2023, clusters of rooms in residence halls are designated for meta-major housing, where incoming freshmen with the same or similar majors are grouped. 
• The Buff Bulletin
  • Chemistry & Physics Help Lab Open House
    • The Department of Chemistry and Physics hosted an open house for the help lab on Sept. 5. The help lab assists WT students in 1000 and 2000-level chemistry and physics courses. The open house kicked off a semester full of help.
    • Open Hours: Mon-Thu: 10 am - 5 pm --- Fri 10 am - 3 pm --- Location: NSB 113
  • Pre-Healthcare Professionals Club
    • WT’s Pre-Healthcare Club is an organization dedicated to assisting all students pursuing a career in healthcare, such as medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, optometry, dentistry, physical therapy, and other related fields.
    • The Fall 2024 semester will feature speakers from medical, osteopathic medicine and physical therapy schools as well as community service activities.
    • Reach out to club president, Jordan Bennett, with any questions!
• Kieth's Korner
  • Twenty-eight students from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences were admitted to a professional school program in 2024. 
    • 23 in veterinary school
    • 3 in medical school
    • 2 in dental school 
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • Thunder to Roll onto WT's First United Field for All 2024 Home Football Games

Buff Brief Newsletter 9/9/2024

Dates to Remember: 

• TCFA Beef Showcase - September 12
• Fall Gather - September 21
• Mrs. Bachman's Retirement Party - September 27

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." Try to emulate those with great minds!
• Back to School Extravaganza Recap
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences hosted the Back to School Extravaganza last Tuesday, Sept. 3. This event is a celebration of the new semester.
  • Students met with various student clubs and organizations, ate tacos, enjoyed ice-cream and branded boards with the WTAMU brand and their graduation year.
  • It is estimated that over 700 students, faculty, staff and families attended. 
• Mentorship Program Workshop 
  • Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education and Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting, hosted the inaugural Mentorship Program for the College's assistant professors and instructors on Friday, Aug. 30.
  • The Mentorship Program is intended to be an ongoing partnership between tenure track professors and assistant professors, giving more experienced professors the opportunity to mentor new faculty members and promote professional growth.
• Research Highlight
  • Briley Jeter and Miriam Zanovello, M.S. Biology students, each defended their theses on Aug. 6. Their research was part of a larger, ongoing project of Dr. Byer's, Associate Professor of Biology.
  • They investigated the use of phytochemicals in combination with traditional chemotherapeutics to treat two different types of cancer and evaluated the effect on cell viability and expression of cancer target genes. 
  • Miriam treated ovarian cancer cells with a combination of cisplatin and EGCG, while Briley treated Glioblastoma multiforme with temozolomide and EGCG. Research results showed that their combination treatments increased cell death in cancer cells, but protected healthy control cells from the toxic effects of the cancer drugs alone. 
• Science Influencer Opportunity
  • Calling all undergraduate students! The Science Influencers Program from Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is searching for Science Influencers. This yearlong (Jan. 2025 - Dec. 2025) program is an integrated experience for undergraduates to learn about effective communication in science, technology, engineering and math, along with critical skills needed to promote food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences. This is a part of the USDA NIFA Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) program, which helps students acquire paid internships at research foundations, nationally ranked science and engineering institutions or large communication organizations.
  • This is a paid position.
  • Deadline is Oct. 15th. Selection decisions will be announced by Thanksgiving Break. 
• Kieth's Korner
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences will award approximately $900,000 in scholarships to students of the College this fall. 
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • WT Student-Organized Festivities to Celebrate Panhandle Agriculture Industry Sept. 21
  • 32 New Faculty Hired for WT's 2024-2025 Academic Year

Buff Brief Newsletter 9/2/2024

Dates to Remember: 

• Back to School Extravaganza - September 3
• Ag Day - September 7
• TCFA Beef Showcase - September 12
• Fall Gather - September 21

Highlights:

• Pond's Ponder
  • Often, time is spent talking too much and doing too little. Benjamin Franklin expressed it best: "Well done is better than well said." It is the hard work of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences that creates success. Today celebrates and honors the efforts of those who propel the future. 
• Researching Aoudads in West Texas
  • Tanner Sargent, M.S. Biology, under the guidance of Dr. Ray Matlack, James A. Davidson Professor of Wildlife Biology, started a research project on aoudads, an exotic ungulate in West Texas commonly confused with a Bighorn Sheep. Wildlife Biology seniors, Cooper Buxkemper and Brazos Massengale, have assisted on the project. At the study site, the aoudads are using rock shelters that contain pictographs and other artifacts from more than 8,000 years of human use. They are also studying the vegetation damage that differs from the surrounding areas.
  • They started the research project this summer at the Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site, outside of El Paso. They just returned from their second trip, where they set up a few game cameras and met with biologists from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TWPD).
  • The study's first phase consisted of determining when and which animals (males or females, young, etc.) are using the shelter. The study will expand to include vegetation sampling to understand the aoudad's impact on native plants. They are in discussion with TPWD to capture and place collars on animals to study their movements.
• The Future of Horticulture
  • Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education and Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting, served on a panel discussion for the educational session, Cultivating Collaboration: Navigating the Future of Horticulture with University Department Leaders, at the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association's annual expo in San Antonio, TX, on Thursday, August 15.
• Congratulations CAB Scholarship Winners!
  • Certified Angus Beef (CAB) announced four students and two alum as this year's Colvin Scholarship winners. Those named include:
    • 2024 Graduate Colvin Scholarship Winners:
      • Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D. Agriculture
      • Kasi Schneid, Ph.D. Agriculture
      • Becca Grimes Francis '20, '22
      • Taylor McAtee '22
    • 2024 Undergraduate Colvin Scholarship Winners:
      • Ryan Heitschmidt, Sr. Animal Science
      • Helene Keiser, Jr. Animal Science 
• RadNet Radiation Research 
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency RadNet system monitors air radiation in 50 states, 24 hours a day for seven days a week. RadNet sites will detect higher than normal radiation levels in the event of a radiological incident.
  • WTAMU's Natural Sciences Building is home to one of these sites. Students such as Maria Pantazi, Agriculture Ph.D. candidate, maintain the system under the guidance of Dr. Jim Rogers, Professor of Environmental Science.
  • Regardless of weather, filters are changed every four days (about 90 times a year), and have for the last six years.
• Cotton Maturity Podcast Now Live!
  • Dr. Craig Bednarz, the Stan and Gerry Sigman Associate Professor of Water Resources and the Director of the Semi-Arid Agriculture Systems Institute, was invited to speak on a podcast with Grow: Plant Health Exchange to discuss his cotton maturity work.
• Kieth's Korner
  • The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences remains steadfast in preparing students for careers in their respective industries. 
  • "WTAMU student interns have been an essential part of our team during the summers. Our only disappointment is that they have not finished school, so we can't keep them!" - Intern Supervisor, Summer 2024
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It
  • 10th Annual Sporting Clay Contest for WT Set for Sept. 21
  • WT Launches New Marketing Campaign Reflecting University Quality, Excellence 

Buff Brief Newsletter 8/26/2024

Dates to Remember: 

• Back to School Extravaganza - September 3
• Ag Day - September 7
• TCFA Beef Showcase - September 12
• Fall Gather - September 21

Highlights:

• Pond's Ponder
  • On this first day of classes at WT, I am drawn to thoughts from Dr. Seuss:
  • “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go.”
  • Have a great first week at WT!
• Meet New Faculty and Staff!
  • Dr. Olivia Villanueva -- Instructor of Chemistry and Lab Coordinator for the Department of Chemistry and Physics
  • Mr. Keshon Cervantes -- Instructor of Biology for the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
  • Dr. Carla Eichler -- Assistant Professor of Geology for the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
  • Dr. Dylan Maag -- Assistant Professor of Biology for the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
  • Dr. Dale Stevens -- Assistant Professor of Biology for the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
  • Dr. Qi Kang -- Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics for the Department of Agricultural Sciences
  • Dr. Bailey Samper -- Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics for the Department of Agricultural Sciences
  • Ms. Tabatha Taylor -- Instructor of Animal Science and Equine Industry & Business and is Head Coach of the Equestrian Team for the Department of Agricultural Sciences
  • Mrs. Lauren Ward -- Administrative Coordinator ll for the Department of Agricultural Sciences 
  • Mrs. Amy Newton -- Business Administrator for the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
  • Mrs. Callie Cross -- Curriculum Coordinator for the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
  • Ms. Lexi Metz -- Graduate Assistant for the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
• Congratulations to 2024 Texans Caring for Texans Honorees!
  • On August 8th at WTAMU's Legacy Hall, Texans Caring for Texans honored 67 state employees for professional excellence in service to the Panhandle region during their annual awards ceremony. Among those awarded were WTAMU's faculty and alumni:
    • Amy Newton
    • Hannah Sell '22
    • Marcus Preuninger '18
    • Jason Wade '20
    • Brittainy Crafton '23
    • Kody Graves '21
• Rodeo Team Member Awarded Top Hand
  • Lynley Wright, Jr. Equine Industry and Business major and WTAMU Rodeo Team member, was presented with the Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation Top Hand award.
  • "Ms. Wright has shown an admirable amount of work ethic and heart for the WT Rodeo Team and she showed that at the Spicer Gripp putting in long hours and hard work all weekend," the WT Rodeo Team wrote in their recent Facebook post.
• Faculty Abstract Selected for ACS Sci-Mix
  • Drs. Flynn, Baird and Byers were recently selected to present their research, "Effect of mentoring and leadership workshop on STEM student organizations," at the American Chemical Society Sci-Mix in Denver, CO. It is part of their collective work on a National Science Foundation sponsored S-STEM grant.
  • "This is a great honor and tribute to the hard work we have put into this grant," Dr. Flynn expressed. "I feel very fortunate to be able to work with such great faculty."
• Ag Ambassador Retreat
  • The 2024-2025 WTAMU Agricultural Ambassadors hosted their fall retreat August 16-18. The team discussed how to better serve the department and students, engaged in team building activities and established goals for the year. Guest speaker, Aaron Alejandro, shared wisdom and motivation with the group for the coming year.
  • Agricultural Ambassadors are student representatives of the Department of Agricultural Sciences. They are responsible for promotion and recruiting endeavors.
• Kieth's Korner
  • There have been 1,078 transfer students from Amarillo College to the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences from 2010-2021. 
  • A new addition to the Buff Brief -- Each issue will include a comment from Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education and Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting. His education expertise includes teaching courses in agricultural education and leadership. Kieth's Korner will provide agricultural or natural sciences tidbits, industry inside information or WTAMU verities. 
• #ICYMI -- In Case You Missed It 
  • WT Fall Semester Opens Aug. 26; Students to Return to Major Campus Advances 

Buff Brief Newsletter 8/19/2024

Dates to Remember: 

• Buff Branding - August 23
• First Class Day - August 26
• Back to School Extravaganza - September 3

Highlights:

•  Pond's Ponder
  • Classes start next week. New students are arriving on campus for orientation and Buff Branding, faculty are completing each class's course syllabus and the population and traffic on campus are growing. It is the beginning of the yearly cycle for a new group of students. How exciting—an immediate transformation to making one’s own decisions and the opportunity to experience freedom from parental control. It is also a scary time—trying to fit in, finding their people and making friends.
  • We can all help with this transformation. Whether it’s being welcoming, helpful or a friend, we all have a responsibility to our new student's engagement. Attendance and encouraging attendance at the Back to School Extravaganza on September 3rd is a great opportunity to engage our students. Hope to see you there!
• A Showcase Event
  • The Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) is hosting the Beef Showcase on campus at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 12. Event highlights include cooking demonstrations by Texas Beef Council chefs, beef industry knowledge and skills contest, beef harvest and fabrication presentations and an awards presentation. Participation in the Beef Showcase is free and open to the public, courteous of TCFA sponsors.
• Capturing Bats in New Mexico 
  • Two M.S. Biology students, Ciera Heinrich and Tanner Sargent, participated in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's bat capture and handling workshop, July 15-18. The three night workshop was held in Mill's Canyon, New Mexico on the Kiowa National Grasslands. It focused on capture, handling, identification and decontamination protocols to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome between bats. The bats were captured using mist nets set over water.
• Meat Science Success in Omaha
  • Students recently represented the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at the 2024 American Association of Meat Processor's (AAMP) convention in Omaha, Nebraska. AAMP hosts the American Cured Meat Championships, attracting contestants from across the U.S. Students were asked to help with this contest and evaluated over 800 processed meat products. WTAMU's team, led by Dr. Trent Schwartz, consisted of Cole Verret; Audrey Rangel, an Animal Science senior; Macy Lawrence; and Shelton Luedke. The team entered six products in the collegiate division. Competing against seven other schools, WTAMU took home the Grand Champion Braunschweiger.
• Rodeo Team Receives $100,000 for Scholarship Endowment
  • Spicer Gripp, a Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Famer, was a beloved resident of the Hereford community. He was born in 1925 in the Texas Panhandle, where he resided for the rest of his life. He farmed daily, roped in the evenings and competed in weekend rodeos. His greatest accomplishments included winning a steer roping round at the 1949 Cheyenne Frontier Days, and teaching his son, Kim Gripp, how to rope. This grew his affinity for encouraging youth in rodeo.
  • In honor of Mr. Gripp, his family and friends created the annual Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping and the Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation. The foundation provides funding for endowments that award scholarships for students on the WTAMU Rodeo Team. The proceeds of the roping go towards funding those endowments.
  • The WT Rodeo Team helped with the production of this year's roping on August 1-4. During their reception on July 31, the Spicer Gripp Memorial Youth Foundation presented a check for $100,000 for the scholarship endowment. This amount was matched by the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences Engler Fund for a total of $200,000 raised for the endowment awarding agricultural and rodeo team scholarships.
  • Mr. Gripp's legacy will live on perpetually through the next generation of rodeo athletes who walk the WTAMU hallways.
• SMA Honors 14 WT Students
  • The Southwest Meat Association (SMA) presented 14 Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences students with scholarships. Those named include:
    • Undergraduate: Cole Verret, Sr. Animal Science; Ryan Heitschmidt, Sr. Animal Science; Paul McCalister, Fr. Agribusiness; Ava Pluchino, Jr. Agricultural Business and Economics; Daniel Raab, Sr. Animal Science; Kamberlyn Salazar, Sr. Agricultural Media and Communication; Morgan Thorn, Sr. Animal Science; and Spencer Walahoski, Jr. Animal Science
    • Graduate: Shelton Luedke, M.S. Animal Science; Will Boyd, M.S. Animal Science; Bailey Lamb, M.S. Animal Science; Macy Lawrence, M.S. Animal Science; Bryant Sawin, M.S. Animal Science; and Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D. Agriculture
• Summer Clinic Rewind
  • Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences competitive teams continued their community support throughout the summer. Multiple teams hosted several learning opportunities for youth.
  • Meat Judging Clinic 
    • On August 1-2, the WTAMU Meat Judging Team hosted their 2024 Meat Judging Clinic. The team trained over 47 students ranging from eight to 18 years old. They traveled from Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. Highlights from the two day educational camp included a tour of the Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center and a chance to meet baby "Doc," WTAMU's buffalo mascot.
  • Horse Judging Clinic
    • From August 1-3, the WTAMU Horse Judging Team hosted their 2024 Summer Horse Judging Clinic. Highlights from the three day camp included lunch with baby "Doc," a mock judging contest and stick horse games.
• Support the Joseph Bramhall Hoot Memorial Scholarship
  • Joseph Bramhall Hoot was born in December of 1999. Everyone who knew him described him as generous—one to give the shirt off his back and open the door for anyone. He was a 2018 graduate of Ascension Academy in Amarillo, Texas, and a Sr. biology major at WTAMU. Joe passed unexpectedly on October 31, 2022.
  • Family and friends established a scholarship fund, the Joseph Bramhall Memorial Merit Scholarship, in March 2023 to recognize and perpetuate Joe’s generosity, engagement and kind spirit.
  • His parents, Andrew and Brenda Hoot, donated seed money to start the scholarship, which has grown to over $150,000. This year, the Hoot family will match every gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000.
  • The Joe Hoot Memorial Endowment is a part of WT’s Merit Scholarship Program, designed to attract top students based on their academic and community achievements. The Hoot Endowment is available to all students majoring in the natural sciences with a preference for biology majors.
• #ICYMI - In Case You Missed It
  • WT Student Leaders Ready for New Academic Year 
  • WT to Offer First Embedded Associate Degree in Fall 2024

Buff Brief Newsletter 8/12/2024

Highlights:

• Inspire
  • Inspiration is the driving force behind transformation, as it motivates individuals and students to pursue passions, and achieve a higher potential. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader,” John Quincy Adams. By fostering an environment where curiosity is encouraged and creativity is celebrated, inspiring leaders continue to help many pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to their fields. 
• An Inspired Hire
  • Paige Brandon grew up in Edgewood, New Mexico, and recently graduated in May with her B.S. in Agricultural Media and Communication. Paige is joining the Dean's Team as a Graduate Assistant while she pursues her M.S. in Agriculture with an emphasis in Agricultural Media and Communication. During Paige's undergraduate studies, she worked as the Public Relations Coordinator for Resistol, a renowned cowboy hat company, and also freelanced for magazines such as Western Horse, the American Quarter Horse Journal, Reined Cow Horse News, and the Team Roping Journal. Paige is excited to continue her education at her favorite alma mater. The Buff Brief will return to your inbox weekly beginning with Paige's first issue on August 19, 2024!
  • "Paige has been on our radar as a potential graduate student and addition to the Dean's Team since her arrival at WTAMU. We are glad she choose to join our team," Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education and Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting for the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, said.
• An Inspiring Hall of Fame Inductee
  • On August 2, in Omaha, Nebraska Mr. Terry Caviness, Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center and CEO of Caviness Beef Packers was inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame. Mr. Caviness was one of six inductees, alongside Oscar G. Meyer.
  • Caviness Beef Packers are family-owned and operated beef processing facilities located in Hereford and Amarillo, Texas that began in 1962. Mr. Caviness graduated from Texas Tech University in 1969 and returned home to Hereford to help his father operate the family business. The company is currently in its third generation of the Caviness family. Mr. Caviness and his two sons, Trevor and Regan, currently share the responsibility of directing the business.
  • Congratulations, Mr. Caviness!
• Faculty Who Inspire
  
  • In 2004, Dr. Ty Lawrence joined the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Dr. Lawrence is a Dalhart native and earned a B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science from West Texas A&M University, and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University. Dr. Lawrence spends his days at WTAMU teaching courses, processing beef, interacting with students and faculty, and drinking plenty of caffeine. Dr. Lawrence’s favorite part about WTAMU is being able to interact with the wonderful people on campus and in the beef industry. “We are building something special on this corner of campus. Our goal is to put WTAMU on the map as the first choice for people to send their children and grandchildren to school to earn a higher education in production agriculture,” Dr. Lawrence said. 
  • In 2007, Dr. Shiquan Tao joined the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Dr. Tao is originally from China where he earned a B.S. and M.S. from China University of Geosciences. Dr. Tao then earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Hiroshima University in Japan in 1996. Dr. Tao spends his days at WTAMU in the classroom teaching, in the research lab, and collaborating with his colleagues. Dr. Tao is proud of the accomplishments his student have achieved in his classes and research activities. “We send a magnitude of WTAMU students to professional programs, such as medicine, pharmacy, Ph.D. programs, and much more. We create the next generation workforce of high competitiveness for this country,” Dr. Tao said. 
• Print Inspired 2024: Imagine
  • Brooklyn Spencer, senior Agricultural Media and Communication major, Paige Brandon, M.S. Agriculture, Alison Mickelson, senior Agricultural Media and Communication major, Hayley King, senior Agricultural Business and Economics major, and Hadley Dear, freshman Agricultural Media and Communication major, recently attended the Slate Group, Print Inspired 2024: Imagine Conference in Lubbock, Texas on July 18.
  • Slate Group hosted a sold-out event for eager communication and marketing professionals in the West Texas area. The conference was filled with inspiration, networking, and learning. This was an opportunity for the students to connect with like-minded individuals, explore the latest trends in creative marketing, and learn from professionals in various forms of marketing such as advertisement, videography, and social media!
• Summer Inspiration
  • With the summer drawing to a close, we would like to thank Brooklyn Spencer, senior Agricultural Media and Communication major, for her contributions to the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences this summer working on several College projects.
  • “The role of a summer intern in the Dean’s Office is an opportunity to work with the team and to complete individual projects. Brooklyn completed the 2024 Engler Foundation Report and continued the Buff Brief during the summer, in addition to several other marketing pieces. She is creative, dependable, enjoyable to work with, and a great asset to our office! Our time together passed too quickly and we wish her well as she completes her degree in Agricultural Media and Communication. Thank you, Brooklyn, your future is bright,” Dr. Kevin Pond, Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, said. Join us in wishing Brooklyn well as she completes her final semester of undergraduate studies this fall, while working as the Administrative Assistant with the Canyon Chamber of Commerce! She has been an exceptional intern!
• #ICYMI - In Case You Missed It
  • WT Wins Grant for Key Biochemistry Equipment for Fermentation, Other Research 
  • WT Adds New Equipment to Further Science Education in Engineering, Environment
  • WT Student Selected for USDA Summer Internship in D.C. 
  • Countdown Begins for WT Homecoming 2024: Out of This World 

Buff Brief Newsletter 7/29/2024

Highlights:

• Time is a critical factor which can shape outcomes and experiences in both educational and professional environments. Many experiences in College, and beyond, are about making or taking time to be engaged with people, which can result in opportunities. William Saroyan once said, “In the time of your life, live — so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it.” Whether in education or the workplace, use time wisely.
• Race Against Time! 
  • One of the Department of Agricultural Sciences very own will be running in the 2024 Paris Olympics!
  • Benjamin Azamati, Animal Science '23, will be representing Ghana running the 100-meter and the 4 x 100 relay. You can begin watching Benjamin on August 3, at 3:35 PM in the preliminary rounds of the 100-meter!
• A Summer in Time
  • McKenna Murphy is a Calhan, Colorado native pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Media and Communication. McKenna has been given the opportunity to serve as an intern for the Junior Red Angus Association (JRA). McKenna has handled media platforms, photographed events, and writing recap articles for the events. In just a short amount of time, McKenna has created lasting connections with fellow beef entrepreneurs, improved her photography skills, and managed a new variety of mass media. McKenna will be traveling to Buffalo, New York this month for Junior Red Angus Roundup. McKenna aspires to play an influential role in the progression of the agricultural industry.
  • “My goal is to be a genuine advocate for this essential way of life, using my capabilities and skills to deliver impactful content and make a lasting impression in the industry,” McKenna said. 
  • Yadhira Avalos is from Hereford, Texas and is pursuing a B.S. in Biology. Yadhira was offered an opportunity to intern through Granada University for the Hospital of La Inmaculada. Yadhira has spent the summer in Granada, Spain shadowing physicians, preparing rooms, translating, and exploring medicine in Spain. Yadhira has aspirations to be a pediatrician, and hopes to open her own clinic to help low income families, and travel the world helping different communities with medical assistance. The internship served as an enhancer to Yadhira’s understanding of medicine and how different cultures operate.
  • “I have lots of plans for the future, and this internship helped me take a step into what I was so afraid of doing,” Yadhira said. 
• In the right place at the right time!
  • Mrs. Amy Newton, Business Administrator for the College, recently attended the International Association of Administrative Professional Summit (IAAP) held in New York City. 
  • Every year, the IAAP holds a conference to bring together thousands of administrative professionals from across the world for a one-of-a-kind experience packed with opportunities to learn, develop, and own their role by equipping professionals with invaluable skills, trainings, and tools needed to excel in their careers and enhance their workplace. This year, there were individuals from over 80 countries in attendance and all were represented in the annual flag parade.
  • "My favorite topics this year were: Transformational Change, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Conquering AI, " Amy said.
• In the Fullness of Time
  • Caroline Ellison graduated from WTAMU with her B.S. in Wildlife Biology and a M.S. in Biology. Caroline grew up in Northern California until she was 14 and her family moved east to Wellington, Colorado. Caroline now lives in Paducah, Texas and works for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as the Assistant Area Manager on the Matador Wildlife Management Area and a Wildlife Biologist. Caroline’s courses at WTAMU gave her a solid foundation of natural history and ecological knowledge, taught her how to conduct rigorous scientific investigations, and how to be an effective teacher and communicator. Caroline is thankful for the personal connections and skills that she built inside and outside of the classroom while in school at WTAMU. 
  • In 2017, Rodey Newton graduated from WTAMU with his B.S. in Agricultural Business and Economics. Rodey grew up in Canyon. He now calls Brooklyn, New York home. Rodey works for Capital One, as the Vice President of Agency Finance. Rodey uses his knowledge from economics and statistics daily. During Rodey’s time at WTAMU, the most important concept he learned was to wake up every day and work harder. Rodey is thankful for the connections he made at WTAMU, because they carved a path to his current position.
• A good time was had by all! 
  • The Department of Agricultural Sciences was well-represented at the Texas FFA State Convention in Houston, Texas July 8 – 11. Eighteen Buffs attended, including faculty, graduate and undergraduates students. During the event, the group had the opportunity to meet thousands of FFA students and promote West Texas A&M University!
• Time flies when you're having fun! 
  • Dr. Ray Matlack, James A. Davidson Professor of Wildlife Biology, began working with bats about 20 years age. Two graduate students have since completed their research on bats under Dr. Matlack’s guidance, and now Ciera Heinrich, M.S. in Biology, has joined Dr. Matlack’s research lab.
  • The main portion of Ciera’s project is studying the behavior of bats at their day roosts. This involves filming bats as they return to their roost before sunrise until they begin to emerge (depart roost) to forage at sunset. Ciera records the bats behavior using infrared lights and infrared sensitive cameras. The video will be analyzed to determine how the bats spend their time while on the roost. Knowing how much time on the roost is devoted to a behavior provides insight into the importance of the behavior. Additional projects are underway to address questions on the occurrence in this region of bats of conservation concern and to examine change in bat behavior relative to light level (predation risk).
• WT AG on the Road
  • The Department of Agricultural Sciences is hitting the road to meet with Buff Alumni in the Texas Panhandle. Representatives from the Department of Agricultural Sciences will travel with the Alumni Association and the Agriculture Development Association. 
  • 8/7: Reed Beverage 3701 SE 25th Ave., Amarillo 5:30-7:00 PM
  • RSVP for Dinner by August 2

Buff Brief Newsletter 7/15/2024

Upcoming Dates: Fall Gather - 9.21.24 3:00-6:00 PM 

Highlights:

• Discovery is essential in educational and professional environments, serving as a catalyst for growth and innovation. In academia, students are encouraged to actively discover knowledge and skills. This approach only enhances their understanding of subjects and fosters critical thinking and creativity. In a professional setting, the pursuit of discovery propels people to uncover new technologies, strategies and opportunities. Adopting a culture of discovery empowers individuals and enterprises to continuously learn in our communities and the world. 
• A Discovered Talent
  • Lexi Metz grew up in Monte Vista, Colorado. Lexi graduated with her B.S. with a major in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science and a minor in Agricultural Business and Economics in December of 2023.
  • Lexi is joining the Dean's Team as a Graduate Assistant while she pursues her M.S. in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science. During Lexi's undergraduate studies, she spent three and a half years working as a student assistant in the Human Resources and Payroll Department. Lexi has been in Florida completing a horticulture internship at Disney World, but can’t wait to be back in Texas at WT! “We are excited to have Lexi join our team! Her passion for WT, along with her previous on-campus work experience and commitment to excellence will be a great strength to the Dean’s Team, as well as the entire College,” Dr. Brock Blaser, Harman Professor of Dryland Farming and Associate Dean of Academics Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, said. 
• Discovering Careers
  • Aaron Garcia is from El Paso, Texas and is a junior Animal Science major with a minor in Political Science. Aaron has been given the opportunity to serve as an intern for Congressman Ronny Jackson’s Office in Amarillo. Aaron's primary duties are to provide information about federal government entities to constituents, conduct research, engage with constituents across the district, and gather information from farmers and ranchers in the area to report back to Congressman Jackson so their voices are heard in the House Committee on Agriculture. Aaron hopes this internship will serve as an opportunity to sharpen skills and learn firsthand how government functions, especially related to agriculture.  “I hope the skills I learn in this internship will transition directly into law school and my interest in agricultural law in the near future,” Aaron said.
  • Ngan Pham is an Amarillo native and is a senior Biology major. Ngan has been selected as a summer intern for the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM) located in Edinburg, Texas. Ngan's objectives in this internship are to develop crucial skills such as communication and studying habits. Ngan hopes to learn from professional speakers, medical school faculty, practicing physicians, and her peers by networking and making connections. Ngan is aspiring to be a physician and the JAMP summer internship is a step in the right direction. “This internship will provide me with an opportunity to be around other pre-medical students and medical professionals which is an important and rare experience I would not get anywhere else,” Ngan said.
• Discoveries at Feed Yard Camp
  • Each year, Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) puts on the Junior Fed Beef Challenge commonly known as Feed Yard Camp. This camp is designed to provide young people opportunities for practical experience in feeding commercial beef cattle. The four day camp gives students an in-depth look into all aspects of the industry.
  • “This year’s camp was a huge success with students from all over Texas along with a few students from Oklahoma. This was a great group to work with and they were taught by some of the best and brightest leaders in the beef industry. We look forward to next year’s camp and hope some of this group will someday return to enroll at WT,” Dr. Kevin Williams, Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor and Associate Professor of Agricultural Education said.
  • Throughout the years, many campers have joined the Buffalo herd. Wilsey Wendler, pursuing a M.S. in Animal Science from College Station, Texas, and Clayton Stevenson, a senior majoring in Animal Science from Earth, Texas, are two great examples.
  • "Feed Yard Camp was something I truly enjoyed. I had the opportunity to meet a great group of people, many of whom I still keep in touch with. For me, Feed Yard Camp really opened my eyes to just how involved WT is in the beef industry, and its commitment to producers. This solidified WT as the ideal institution for my education," Clayton said.
• New Discoveries in Agricultural Media and Communication
  • Dr. Tanner Robertson, Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication, Mrs. Ellis Vidmar, Instructor of Agricultural Media and Communication and Events Coordinator, and Ashtyn Kardosz, senior Agricultural Business and Economics major with a minor in Agricultural Media and Communications, recently attended the Association for Communication Excellence Conference (ACE) in Salt Lake City, Utah. ACE is an association for communication professionals and educators who want to extend their knowledge about agriculture, natural resources, and life and human sciences.
  • “The theme for this year’s conference was: Big Ideas Start Here. We learned about these big ideas: artificial intelligence (AI), social media trends, and storytelling science. It was great to connect with other academic and industry professionals in communication,” Mrs. Vidmar said. 
• Discovering WTAMU
  • Meet three students beginning graduate degrees this Fall in the College!
    • A recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio will be packing her bags and headed to Canyon to continue her education. Kate Kampman, a native from Cibeolo, Texas, recently obtained her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science, and will be pursuing her M.S. in Environmental Science at WTAMU this fall. Kate chose to continue her education at WTAMU because of the human and ecological risk assessment specialization. Kate is excited to step onto campus this fall! She is looking forward to growing as a student and taking advantage of the opportunities WTAMU provides, including making long-lasting connections with peers and mentors, expanding her scope of knowledge, and gaining experiences that will create a solid foundation for her career. 
    • In the recent May graduating class, Cole Phillips graduated with his B.S. in Physics. Cole plans to pursue a M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Professional Chemistry at WTAMU this fall. During Cole's undergraduate studies, he learned how important it is to be involved with people, especially ones with similar goals and interests. Cole’s most cherished thoughts about WT are the wonderful faculty. Although the Physics program is small, with only three professors, Cole is confident that they are some of the most knowledgeable, hardworking, and helpful people at WTAMU.
    • Lucas Watson, an Exton, Pennsylvania native now resides in Dumas, Texas as he continues his education at WTAMU. Lucas graduated from Pennsylvania State University with his B.S. in Animal Science. He then earned his M.B.A. at WTAMU, and now is pursuing his M.S. in Animal Science. The kindness Lucas experienced during his visits at WTAMU played a big role in his decision to enroll in the College. Lucas looks forward to working with knowledgeable faculty and gaining connection in the industry. Lucas hopes that after earning his M.S. he will have the opportunity to gain acceptance into veterinary school, with plans of having a veterinary practice in the Panhandle. Lucas currently works for Trans Ova Genetics as a Professional Service Embryologist providing bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) services in the Panhandle and surrounding areas. Lucas's interest in this field comes from his quadruplet sisters! 
• Discovery at WT Ranches
  • National Day of the Cowboy, on the fourth Saturday of July, recognizes the stoic, hardworking symbol of the American West. Hats off to those who are contributing at WT's two working Ranches!
  • The Nance Ranch is 2,500 acres with 400 acres of crop land. West Texas A&M University runs 50 commercial cow/calf pairs (including our PrimeOne cloned cows). There are three employees on the Nance Ranch: Cooper Autrey, (B.S. '23) manager, Miranda Stotz, an Agriculture Ph.D. student, and Mia Encinias, a senior majoring in Animal Science. The Gerdsen Ranch is 2,400 acres with 600 acres of crop land. There are 50 commercial cow/calf pairs, and also three employees. The current manager is Ramiro Villeda, pursuing a M.S. in Animal Science, and the other cowboys are Michael Lehmann, a senior majoring in Animal Science, and Boone Begert, a sophomore majoring in Agriculture.
  • “The Nance and Gerdsen Ranches provide exceptional opportunities for WTAMU students to gain valuable experience and skills that can be used back home on their family ranches or in their future careers as ranch managers after graduation,” Dr. Tommy Perkins, Associate Professor of Animal Science and Director of WT Nance and Gerdsen Ranches said.
  • The cowboys and cowgirls play an essential role in the maintenance and management of both ranches. They manage feeding, watering, mowing, fence or equipment repair, and advanced animal practices such as estrous synchronization. Workers also assist in tours for student recruitment.
  • “Our ranch employees are invaluable to the success of the overall mission of the Agricultural Sciences department and the University. I am thankful for the skills, work ethic and dedication each one of our ranch crew members gives back to us,” Dr. Perkins said.
• A New Zealand Honey Bee Discovery 
  • Erin Jones, a student pursuing her Ph.D. in Agriculture, recently attended the New Zealand Honey Bee Research Symposium at Plant and Food Research's Ruakura site in Hamilton, New Zealand. She won second place in the student competition with her presentation over her Ph.D. research, "Effort of Colony-Wide Physiological State on Honey Bee." Erin and her research advisor from Texas A&M University, Dr. Julianna Rangel, attended the Industry Summit Day Conference hosted by Apiculture New Zealand and the unique Manuka Factor Honey Association at Waikato University in Hamilton, as well as met with collaborating beekeepers, and toured blueberry, avocado, dragon fruit, and kiwi production facilities.
  • "I am blessed to have been able to explore the honey bee research and honey industry in this wonderful country,” Erin said.

Buff Brief Newsletter 7/1/2024

Highlights:

• Attitude plays a pivotal role in shaping both academic and professional achievement. As a student, a positive attitude cultivates resilience, fosters a growth mindset, and enhances learning experiences. In a professional context, attitude becomes equally crucial. A proactive and positive attitude boosts work ethic, teamwork, and overall job satisfaction. Whether you are a student or a professional, cultivating a constructive attitude is key. Key to overcoming obstacles, achieving your goals, and maintaining long-term success.
• A Visionary Attitude
  • An unrealized vision of Paul Engler was to have the world's best education and research Beef Cattle Feedlot located at West Texas A&M University. Why not? Located in the heart of the beef cattle feeding and processing region of the United States, WTAMU already has a state-of-the-art meat science and innovation center. Why not have world-class facilities on the live side of beef cattle feeding? 
  • West Texas A&M University serves as a major contributor of workers and leaders in the feeding industry and conducts research directly applicable for use in the industry. 
  • With support from leaders and members of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA), plans were undertaken to build a state-of-the-art education and research center. Supporters gave land for the program, a water source was identified to meet needs, and a pipeline was designed to deliver water to the new feedlot site.  
  • State support for personnel and operations was obtained through an initiative to advance food animal production in the Panhandle and federal support through USDA-Rural Development was obtained to build the education and training facility. Support from key industry providers augments the funding to build a feedlot for the future where new technologies can be tested and further developed. 
  • The facility will include 50 large pens with a capacity for 70+ animals each and 90 research pens with capacities of 10 to 15 animals each. Automation of feed mixing, feed delivery, bunk reading, animal health, and well-being will be developed with industry partners. Technologies and camera placement in the feedlot and processing areas will allow for live training in the classrooms of the education center. Planning and resource identification continues, but we are getting closer to realizing Paul Engler’s vision and dream! 
  • Groundbreaking is planned during the Fall of 2024.
• An Attitude of Excellence
  • WT's two Quiz Bowl Teams faced off in the finals at the 2024 American Meat Science Reciprocal Meats Conference on June 16, emerging as National Champion and Reserve National Champion. This achievement adds WT to the exclusive list of only four universities who have secured the top two positions since the contest began in 2002. 
  • In addition to the prestigious team trophies, individual students also earned awards. 
    • Team Results: 
      • Champion! and Reserve Champion!
    • Individual Results: 
      • Will Boyd, M.S. Animal Science: 2nd Master's ePoster Category
      • Megan Eckhart, Ph.D. Agriculture: Hunter International Travel Award 
      • Ryan Heitschmidt, Sr. Animal Science: AMSA Undergraduate Scholastic Achievement Award
    • Individual Results in Competitive Events:
      • Undergraduate Division
        • Cole Petit, M.S. Animal Science: 1st
        • Jozie Petit, Soph. Agriculture Media and Communication: 2nd
        • Jacob McMillian, B.S. Animal Science '24: 3rd
        • Daniel Raab, Sr. Animal Science: 4th
        • Cole Verret, Sr. Animal Science: 5th
        • Helene Keiser, Jr. Animal Science: 6th
        • Ryan Heitschmidt, Sr. Animal Science: 7th
      • Graduate Division
        • Zane Platter, M.S. Animal Science: 2nd
        • Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D. Agriculture: 4th
• An Attitude of Servant Leadership
  • Mrs. Amy Newton, Business Administrator, was recognized for being selected as the Employee of the Year!
  • Mrs. Rebekah Bachman, Assistant Dean, was recognized for twenty-five years of service!
  • Ms. Gretchen Henley, Assistant Director of Advising Services, was recognized for five years of service!
  • Congratulations to these three outstanding employees as they marked a significant milestone in their respective careers. Dr. Pond, Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, shared comments of support for all.
  • “Amy came to WTAMU with excellent experience developed in the private sector and within Canyon ISD. She quickly learned the WTAMU system and leads the accounting and bookkeeping efforts in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. She is a highly valued employee and so deserving of Employee of the Year."
  • "Rebekah has excelled at everything she has attempted. From a National Champion Equestrian Team Coach to the ‘all everything’ for academic programs in the College, she sees something that needs to be done and it is done. She is a perfectionist and everyone who has the pleasure of working with her is a better person because of her influence. Twenty-five years is great, but I believe thirty would be better."
  • "As a proud alumna of our College, Gretchen is very knowledgeable as an advisor and a great part of our College family. She is a member of the Dean’s Team who consistently keeps us updated and improves the college experience of our students. Looking forward to continuing a great partnership!”
• An Attitude of Curiosity
  • The Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) understands the importance of connecting students to the fed cattle industry and supporting these students through their research endeavors, as they are likely to become future consultants to the industry. To continue TCFA’s support of graduate student research, the TCFA Research Committee established the TCFA Distinguished Student Fellowship and has selected the first recipient, Kasi Schneid, Ph.D. student at West Texas A&M University. 
  • “Working alongside future employees, researchers, and consultants of the fed-beef industry as they pursue graduate degrees and conduct research is one of the bases the TCFA Research Committee operates on,” said Max Harrison, chairman of the TCFA Research Committee. “The health of cattle in feed yards is a top priority for cattle feeders, and Kasi’s research on liver abscesses directly aligns with the industry’s goal of continuously improving the health of fed cattle.” Kasi is conducting liver abscess research under Dr. Kendall Samuelson, Associate Professor of Animal Science. Kasi will be awarded $25,000 from TCFA to conduct her research.
  • “It is a tremendous honor to have been selected for this fellowship, and I cannot thank the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and everyone affiliated enough for making this opportunity possible,” Kasi said. “I look forward to interacting with the TCFA membership and the opportunity to share my research with our industry stakeholders.”
• An Attitude of Giving
  • It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Phyllis Ann Gerdsen, a generous and longtime supporter of WTAMU, specifically WT Agriculture. Phyllis graduated from Canyon High School in 1962 and received her B.S. in Education from West Texas State University. Phyllis, her sister, and her late brother generously gifted the Gerdsen Family Centennial Ranch to the West Texas A&M University Foundation for agricultural education and research, ensuring a lasting legacy for future students.
  • “Phyllis Gerdsen was a delightful, fun-loving person with extreme gratification for her family roots and their contribution to the region. She loved West Texas A&M University and was so proud of the gift of their family land to Agricultural Sciences. Her brother, who worked the land, and her sister were equally excited to participate in the Land Legacy Program of WTAMU in the gift of their Centennial Ranch. I fondly anticipated letters or notes from Phyllis. She had an excellent choice of words to clearly tell a story and her handwriting was exquisite. I saved her correspondence and enjoy rereading it on occasion," Dr. Pond said.
• A Teachable Attitude
  • PSES 4302/5302, Range/Forage/Wildlife, offered during May Intersession and taught by Dr. Tim Steffens, Professor and Rangeland Resource Manager, explores with students how natural processes can be managed, primarily through grazing management, to provide more reliable and higher quality livestock grazing. Improvement of the resources on which that livestock enterprise depends and enhancing the wildlife habitat that may be used as another potential profit center are key topics.
  • During the course, students learn how to have the right number of the right class of the right animal at the right place at the right time for the right duration and at the right frequency, in order to improve watershed function and change the opportunities for plants of different types to compete with each other so that desired species are favored. In doing so, animals can take care of themselves more reliably, and the whole operation is more resilient to weather and economically related disturbances that decrease risks, lower expenses, and increase the potential for profit for land managers.
  • Each May Intersession, BIOL 3099/5099, Field Biology is taught by Dr. Ray Matlack, Professor of Biology, and is held in a different region of the country to learn about the ecology and wildlife species present while examining wildlife management activities along the way. This year's trip was to Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in San Antonio, New Mexico, then on to the Chiricahua Mountains in southeast Arizona. This area is biologically diverse because of the geology, location, and the resulting diversity of habitats were observed. Many habitats from Chihuahua desert to oak/juniper to ponderosa pine forest. More than 100 species of birds, more than 20 types of lizards, along with deer, javelina, aoudad and much more were identified.
• An Attitude of Service
  • A few Agricultural Media and Communication students volunteered their expertise at the 2024 Coors Cowboy Ranch Rodeo June 6-8. Students produced and provided live videos to the big screen on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances.
• The 4-H Attitude
  • Dr. Christy Petry-Adams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education and Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting for the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Sciences, Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center, and Dr. Kevin Williams, Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor and Associate Professor of Agricultural Education, traveled to College Station, Texas June 3-6 for the Texas 4-H Roundup. The Roundup is the pinnacle event of the state 4-H Program. The event consists of approximately 50 competitive events, with many contests requiring each individual or team to qualify at the county and district level to compete.
  • The Texas 4-H Foundation Gala serves as an opportunity to raise funds for the education and leadership development programs for the Texas 4-H Program. The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences purchased a table in honor of Dr. Martha Couch for her 36 years of service to the Texas 4-H Program and for her family’s support of West Texas A&M University. Dr. Lance Kieth serves as the Couch Family Professor of Extension Education.
• A Leaders Attitude 
  • The Harvard Management Development Program is a week-long conference hosted on Harvard's Cambridge Massachusetts camps. The program helps higher education managers acquire knowledge and insight to think more strategically, balance competing demands, and engage in more forward-thinking leadership. This year Dr. Brock Blaser, Harman Professor of Dryland Farming and Associate Dean of Academics Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Dr. Rick Haasl, Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Mrs. Kimberley Cornelsen, Executive Director of Rogers LEAD WT, were selected to represent WTAMU as part of 90 participants from over 70 institutions around the country. It was a great opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and realize ways that we can better help our students succeed.
  • “The Harvard Leadership Conference is designed for leaders in academia to learn and discuss new concepts and leadership opportunities and challenges. We are delighted that Dr. Brock Blaser participated in this year’s conference. I am certain that it was time well spent and that his West Texas values rubbed off on others," Dr. Pond said.

Buff Brief Newsletter 6/17/2024

Highlights:

• Experience
  • Experiencing hands-on learning inside and outside of the classroom is indispensable for development. Learning inside the classroom allows for educational exercises and experiments that provide a foundation for concepts. Beyond the classroom, internships and class field trips offer an opportunity to apply our educational experiences. Together, learning inside and outside the classroom nurtures well-rounded individuals for the challenges and triumphs they might face in their professional career. 
• A Hands-on Experience
  • Katelyn Aguirre is junior pursing a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She was selected to intern for the Doctors of Italy Fellowship Program. Originally, from Seminole, Texas, Katelyn will now be spending her summer in Ferrara, Italy. Katelyn will be shadowing doctors closely whether it is patient or coworker interaction, or how he/she performs in the operating room. It is crucial that Katelyn consistently asks questions and takes notes so that she can reflect and remember topics from that work day. Katelyn’s experience in Italy will allow her to learn techniques that are not routine in the U.S. and she hopes to grasp a better understanding of medicine globally. Katelyn plans to continue chasing these dreams and become a pediatric surgeon. For Katelyn, her passion for medicine has grown and has pushed her toward a new love that she didn't know she had, for surgery.
  • Abby Scholz is a Bertrand, Nebraska native pursuing a B.S. in Agricultural Media and Communication. Abby has been selected by Cargill to serve as an intern this summer. This internship allows Abby to oversee the management of macro ingredient supplies for feed mill plants, coordinate and schedule freight logistics to maintain a continuous supply of ingredients, and liaise with suppliers and carriers to guarantee timely pickup and delivery. Abby hopes to acquire comprehensive knowledge on independently maintaining plant operations, understand Cargill's processes, and collaborate with colleagues to enhance proficiency. This internship is allowing Abby an opportunity to take a step toward her future plans by learning and understanding a new side of agriculture.
  • Kyryl Shtefiienko is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Physics and a minor in Mathematics. Kyryl has been selected by the Texas A&M University Material Science and Engineering department to intern this summer in College Station, Texas. This is a two-year project that is funded through the Texas Semiconductor Institute. This project allows for collaboration between WT professors and Texas A&M University professors to co-mentor WT students. Kyryl will be learning about thermal transport properties of materials using computer simulations. Kyryl has plans to obtain his Ph.D. This internship allows Kyryl hands-on experience as a scientist. Additionally, it will broaden his professional network and deepen his understanding of the field, enabling him to choose a more focused area of interest after finishing his Bachelor's degree.
• Buffs Travel Experiences
  • During the summer, the herd scatters, venturing to various destinations like back home, new towns for internships, or even different continents. Nonetheless, our College remains well-represented, with Buffs dispersed across the globe. Throughout June, students and faculty proudly showcased our College's presence not only across the United States but also in Spain and New Zealand, recruiting, presenting and learning. 
• Insect Week
  • Insect week: June 24-30 a week for celebration of all insects. Joy Newton, Instructor of Biology, shared that most insects are highly beneficial to the environment and ecosystems and therefore to humans. The landscaping of native plants can allow you to create your own little habitat for insects. Native pollinators are much more important to help and support than honeybees, which are not native. While honeybees are important, they can spread pests to our native bee population which in result creates a competitive environment for food. Ms. Newton suggests reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides whenever possible. Reading the label will help eliminate the misapplication of pesticides, and thus decrease the unintended effects.
  • For more information about Insect Week, visit https://www.insectweek.org/about-insect-week/ 
• Experiences at the Front of the Classroom
  • In 1995, Dr. Lance Baker, Professor of Animal Science, joined the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences and he has remained here since. Baker earned his B.S. from Texas Tech University and then continued his education at Oklahoma State University where he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. Baker spends his day at WT teaching, advising, overseeing the Horse Center, and then hosting Ranch Horse Team practices several times throughout the week. Baker’s favorite part about being at WT is his role as the coach of the Ranch Horse Team, the reigning SHTX World Champions.
  • In 2004, Dr. David Craig, Associate Professor of Physics joined the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Dr. Craig earned his B.S. in Physics from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. He then earned his M.S. in Physics Instrumentation specialty from New Mexico Tech, and his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Mississippi. Dr. Craig spends his day’s at WT teaching courses and spending nice evenings in the astronomy lab with telescopes. Dr. Craig enjoys working with students whether it is incoming freshmen or graduate students, as well as collaborating with faculty and staff. 
  • In 1997, Dr. Jim Rogers, Professor of Environmental Science joined the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Dr. Rogers earned his B.S. and M.S. in Biology from West Texas State University and his Ph.D. in Fish and Wildlife Sciences with a focus on Environmental Toxicology. Dr. Rogers spends his days teaching morning and night classes, plus researching and maintaining the joint WTAMU/Texas Commission on Environmental Quality toxicological database that calculates protective cleanup levels at chemical spill sites. Dr. Rogers enjoys seeing hardworking students obtain great educations and acquire meaningful career positions.
• May Intersession Course Experiences 
  • ENVR 4306/5306, Hazardous Waste Site Assessment, is an opportunity for students to address a toxic spill. Students gain an understanding and hands-on experience using appropriate personal protective gear and emergency response actions as well as the limitations of personal protective equipment. The class provides the students with an OSHA CFR 1910:120 certification to add to their experience and resume. Students work as a team and as a class final project must plan and execute a first response action followed by a written after action critique. 
• A New Experience 
  • Callie Cross will be joining the Dean’s Team as the curriculum coordinator. Callie is a Canyon native who graduated from Texas Tech University in 2019 with a B.S. in Animal Science. Before Callie started in the College, she worked as a pharmacy technician while she was enrolled in pharmacy school. Callie’s education and experience in professional health programs prepares her for managing degree plans for all areas of study in the College. Callie looks forward to building relationships with faculty, staff, and students at the place that played a significant role in her childhood, the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. "We are excited for Callie to join the Dean's Office as she brings a unique skill set to serve the College. Her educational background and experiences will serve our students well as they navigate their academic programs at WT and beyond," Dr. Blaser, Harman Professor of Dryland Farming and Associate Dean of Academics said.
• ICYMI - In Case You Missed It
  • WT Biology Professor Wins Grant to Study Panhandles Pheasant Population 
  • WT Student to Study Cloud Formation During Internship at National Lab 
  • WT Rodeo Star Qualifies for National Finals 
  • Behind the Buffs: Tristen Zikuhr
  • WT Spring 2024 President's and Dean's List Announced: Full Graduate List Released 

Buff Brief Newsletter 6/3/2024

Highlights:

• Growth
  • Growth is a paramount to higher education as it fosters the shaping and developing of well-rounded professionals. Academic growth lays the foundation for knowledge in various fields. Personal growth allows for students and faculty to navigate challenges. Ultimately, growth represents a stepping stone that serves as an enhancer to students and faculty, enriching their knowledge personally and professionally. 
• Growing the Herd
  • The first New Student Orientation (NSO) was recently held on May 30-31. NSO's are required for all incoming freshmen. NSOs serve as an opportunity for students to register for fall courses, start navigating the logistics associated with college, and ask any questions before their arrival on campus. Our college had the pleasure of hosting 65 students during this first NSO, more than any other college on campus!
• Fueling Our Growth
  • The Department of Agricultural Sciences was represented at the National Conference of American Association for Agricultural Education in Manhattan, Kansas on May 20-23. Those attending were Dr. Kevin Williams, Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor of Agriculture Education, Mrs. Paighton Gouldy, Instructor & Department Student Success and Industry Coordinator, Ms. McKinley Begert, M.S. Agriculture and Ms. Lindsey Lankford, M.S. Agriculture. At the conference, they presented research on student internships at WT along with an assessment of experiential learning opportunities sponsored by the CHS Foundation. They also participated in professional development sessions covering artificial intelligence and workforce development. 
• Know to Grow!
  • June is full of culinary delights and environmental awareness. It is no surprise that June is National Steak month as it is the perfect weather to heat up the grill! Amidst the sizzling of steaks, June also honors the dairy industry, recognizing its contribution to nutrition and of course ICE CREAM! Beyond the table, June 5 recognizes World Environment Day, a day to inspire action in protecting our planet. While we relish in delicious steaks and all things dairy, let us reflect on the environment that sustains these essentials. 
    • National Beef Steak Month
      • Texas is the leading state in cattle production in the U.S. Texas produces approximately 12 million head of cattle, with 10.2 million from the panhandle.
      • Doc's Prime Cuts has some of the best steaks located right on campus! Doc's has five different steak options, hamburger patties, and a variety of brats. 
      • Steaks are one of the preferred treats in the Dean's Office. Some of our favorite steaks are tenderloins (filet mignon), juicy ribeye’s, and porterhouses!
    • World Environment Day: June 5, 2024 
      • "When the well is dry, we know the worth of water." - Benjamin Franklin
      • World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. This year, the theme focuses on restoration of the land, desertification, and drought resilience. "Texas primarily relies on groundwater to meet our water demands. The Ogallala Aquifer is the largest in the USA. It is an incredible resource the is critical for our regional economy and we must continue to work to slow the rate of decline to ensure we have sufficient water supply for future generations," Dr. Erik Crosman, assistant department head and assistant professor of environmental science said.
    • National Dairy Month 
      • WTAMU had three different operating dairies since the university's start in 1910. In 1993, the final dairy on campus closed. However, the use of this building would continue on. The dairy building has been utilized as a surgical room for Pre-Vet Sciences, a facility to raise poultry for contests, a t-shirt printing facility for agriculture media and communications, and much more. 
• Capturing your Growth
  • AGRI 3308, Outdoor Photography, held in the May Intersession, is an intensive three-week course that focuses on photography basics and outdoor subjects. Students this semester were able to attend a branding, visit a working ranch, and visit various locations in the Canyon/Amarillo area. These photos were captured by agricultural media and communication majors.
• Buffs Growing into New Positions
  • Lauren Ward was recently promoted to Administrative Coordinator II in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Lauren graduated from WTAMU with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Media and Communication in 2018. Upon graduation, she served in a variety of administrative roles with the American Quarter Horse Association, Expo Digital Marketing, and Triangle Realty. Lauren returned to WT Agriculture as a full-time Administrative Associate in June of 2021. Lauren and her husband, Seth, and their son, Holden, live in Canyon. "We are excited to have Lauren Ward in this new position. Lauren is calm, efficient and is unfazed by any responsibility. Just as important, she truly has a heart for helping others. She is a valued member of our Ag team," Dr. David Lust, Department Head said.
  • Brooklyn Spencer grew up on a cow/calf operation in the small peach town of Porter, Oklahoma. Throughout high school and junior college, Brooklyn was involved in meats judging, which allowed her to spend time on WTAMU's campus. This played an integral role in her decision when choosing a school to continue her education. Brooklyn is a senior agricultural media and communication major and will be graduating this fall with plans to attend graduate school. Brooklyn will be interning in the Dean's Office this summer and will be the voice behind the Buff Brief. "We are so pleased to have Brooklyn join our team for the summer. Her skill set coupled with her positive attitude has brought a new enthusiasm to our office," Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education and Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting said.

Buff Brief Newsletter 5/20/2024

Highlights:

•  Attebury Honors Recognized
  • The Attebury Honors Program was founded in 2001 with the goal to provide an enriched learning community and honors opportunities for some of the best and brightest students attending West Texas A&M University. Students from all majors are involved in and successfully compete the Attebury Honors Program requirements each year. 
    • Emily Field, Sr. Biology, "Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette's Syndrome: The Rationale of surgery for relief of symptoms including psychiatric comorbidities" Advisor: Dr. Phillip Spencer
    • Emily Klein, Sr. Biochemistry, "Music Recital: Oboe and English Horn" Advisor: Dr. Robert Krause
    • Jaden Davenport, Sr. Agribusiness, "Real Estate Investment Business Plan" Advisor: Dr. David Howe
    • Kassidee Clark, Sr. Agricultural Education, "Experiential Learning: A look into student teaching" Advisor: Dr. Kevin Williams, Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor and Associate Professor of Agricultural Education
    • Riley Moore, Sr. Agribusiness, "Navigating Your Law School Journey" Advisor: Dr. Mallory Vestal, Assistant Department Head and Associate Professor of Agriculture Business and Economics, Plug  Piehl Professor of Agriculture
    • Roy Thomason, Sr. Biochemistry, "Frequencies Effect on the Fermentation Process" Advisor: Dr. Nick Flynn, Professor of Biochemistry
• The Ag Gathering Awards at a Glance
  • Each year, seniors in the Department of Agricultural Sciences are selected to receive the award of Outstanding Senior in their respective program. Congratulations to each senior! Your hard work has been recognized!
  • 2024 WT AG Outstanding Seniors
    • Jayci Mekelburg - Agribusiness
    • Austin Cook - Agricultural Business and Economics
    • Shannon Anderson - Agriculture - Certified Teacher
    • Leanna Sarman - Agriculture
    • Lauren Fritzler - Agricultural Media and Communication
    • Ryan Heitschmidt - Animal Science 
    • Jacob McMillan - Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Specialization
    • Anna Wilhelm - Equine Industry and Business 
    • Grady McAlister - Plant, Soil and Environmental Science 
  • Smallwood Leader Award
    • The Smallwood Leadership Scholarship was established in 2002 in support of students majoring in Agricultural Sciences. Dr. Charles M. Smallwood served as the first Dean of the WTAMU Division of Agriculture from 1971 - 1978. He joined WT faculty as Department Chair of the Department of Agriculture in 1958. Smallwood was instrumental in helping WT obtain the Nance Ranch and was the driving force behind the creation of the Horse Center.
    • Based on merit that was exhibited by Dr. Charles Smallwood and is expressed through individual students, students are nominated by department faculty and staff on the premise of their actions during their time as a WT Ag student.
• Climate Science at Hodgetown Stadium
  • Dr. Naruki Hiranuma, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education, Associate Dean of External Relations and Recruiting, Maribel Martinez, Jr. Biology, and Oyshrojo Talukder, So. Mechanical Engineering and Climate Science Society officer, provided science outreach to approximately 400 students from across the Texas Panhandle at the Hodgetown Stadium.
  • "It was a great grassroots recruiting opportunity to promote WT’s science programs to future buffs. As part of the regional STEAM day event, the team taught sublimation phase transformation and environmental thermodynamics as well as the impact of carbon dioxide in a fun way!" -Dr. Naruki Hiranuma
• End-of-the-Semester Team Results
• 2024 Texas A&M AgriLife Hemphill County Beef Conference
  • The Hemphill County Beef conference was held April 23rd and 24th in Canadian, TX. WT had a very large presence at this event. Dr. Kevin Pond, Dean, spoke on a panel titled, “20 Years from now what will our beef cows look like & how will our ranches be different than now” along with other agriculture industry professionals.
  • Dr. Loni Lucherk, Dr. Gordon W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science, spoke about “The Power of Beef.” She touched on the impact of finishing points of cattle and how it translates to the finished beef yield and consumer product, as well as beef marketing, and the benefits of beef consumption.
  • Megan Eckhardt, Ph.D. Agriculture, Ambri Harrigal, M.S. Animal Science, Taylor Loeffler, M.S. Animal Science, Wilsey Wendler, M.S. Animal Science, and Helene Keiser, Jr. Animal Science, performed a fabrication-yield test on four beef ribs to demonstrate the impact of cutability and quality on total value. We also had numerous undergraduate and graduate students set up at booths, speaking to industry members and recruiting for WT Ag!
• #ICYMI - In Case you Missed It
  • Beyond the 9-5 with Dr. Nick Flynn
  • Newest Issue of The Brand, Student-Driven Ag Magazine, Available Now
  • Around 100 WT Ag Students Honored at Year-End Celebration
• Buffs at Home - Guests who visited the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences in May!
  • Area 1 FFA
  • Cintas
  • Huvepharma
  • Leadership Amarillo/Canyon
  • Panhandle Grain and Feed
  • Panhandle PBS
  • Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization
  • TEXAS Musical 
  • VERO Dust Ball
  • West Plains High School FFA 
• Buffs on the Move - Students, faculty and staff represented the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences traveling in May!
  • Arizona
    • Coronado National Forest, Cochise County
  • Texas
    • Hueco Tanks State Park Lubbock 
  • North Carolina
    • Millspring
  • New Mexico
    • Las Cruces, Socorro Nature Area, Bosque del Apache
  • Oklahoma
    • Tulsa 

Buff Brief Newsletter 5/13/2024

Highlights:

• Spring 2024 Commencement by the Numbers
  • 212 Total Graduates
  • 19 States Represented, 3 Countries represented
  • Six Attebury Honors Graduates
    • Kassidee Clark
    • Jaden Davenport
    • Emily Field
    • Emily Klein
    • Riley Moore
    • Roy Thomason 
•  Thank you and Farewell!
  • Many thanks to the faculty and staff in (and outside!) the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences who contributed to create these word clouds for Kyndall and Paige! What accurate reflections of their contributions!
  • Join us in wishing them well as they begin their careers. Paige has accepted the position of Director of Policy Communication with the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and will be moving to the Austin area. Kyndall has been chosen to serve as Marketing Coordinator for the Working Ranch Cowboys Association based in Amarillo. 
• 2024 Professional School Acceptance: Attending Professional Schools Fall 2024
  • Texas A&M University School of Dentistry
    • Kylie Yanez
    • Haley Nguyen
  • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
    • Taylor Williams, Fall 23
    • Jonathan Chavira, Fall 23
  • University of Texas Health Houston McGovern Medical School
    • Brandon Blair
  • Schools of Veterinary Medicine
    • Texas A&M University VERO
      • Cole Myers
      • Makenzie Norden
      • Maddie Thompson
      • Rebecca Tracy
    • Texas Tech University
      • Megan Cordry
      • Cassie Dorsett
      • Tayla Juarez-DeCook
      • Morgan Martin
      • Arienne Martinez
      • Cord Matchett
      • Mackenzie Miller
      • Faith Snapp
      • Ramiro Villeda
    • St. George University
      • Calli Glidmeyer
    • Texas A&M University College Station
      • Wren Fairrow
      • Michayla Hawkes
      • Marty Kacsh
      • Caroline Olson
    • Kansas State University
      • Savannah Krivanek
    • Lincoln Memorial University
      • Cherisa Price
    • Louisiana State University
      • Ashley Zolttowski 
• Tyson Foods Taiwan Visitors
  • Tyson Foods Taiwan Shuh Sen Co Ltd., a meat manufacturing company in Taipei City, recently received a beef grading, fabrication and safety short course at WTAMU from Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center, Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Meat Science, and Dr. Loni Lucherk, Dr. Gordan W. Davis Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science. 
• The Value of Digital Agriculture on Cropping Systems Research 
  • Dr. Guillermo Marcillo, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Statistics, was recently invited to attend the Plant Biology and Crop Sciences Spring Seminar Series at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he spoke about "The Value of Digital Agriculture and Computer Simulations in Cropping Systems and Agroecosystems Research." Dr. Marcillo talked about previous and current research using ag systems simulation models and machine learning to advance fundamental and applied knowledge on soil/water conservation under climate and market instability. 
• Plains Nutrition Council Meeting
  • The Plains Nutrition Council (PNC) Meeting was recently held in San Antonio. Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Professor of Animal Science and Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center (BCRC), delivered an invited presentation, and Dr. John Richeson, Paul Engler Professor of Beef Cattle Feedlot Management and Professor of Animal Science and Graduate Program Coordinator, was elected as a member of the PNC executive committee. Sabine Harmer, Sr. Animal Science, served as a meeting intern. 
  • Graduate Students Daniel Young, Ph.D. Agriculture, Maddy Kimbrough, M.S. Animal Science, Wilsey Wendler, M.S. Animal Science, and Kasi Schneid, Ph.D. Agriculture, presented research in the graduate student poster competition. 
  • Graduate Student Poster Competition Results
    • Kasi Schneid: 1st Place, "Inducing liver accesses in finishing steers with high dietary starch and erratic feed management and their effects on growth performance, rumen buffering characteristics, and carcass outcomes." Kasi was also selected as the first place winner of the inaugural "Future Beef Industry Leadership" scholarship awarded at the Midwest Consulting Nutritionist Forum. 
    • Anna Kobza, M.S. Animal Science '22: 2nd place for research completed at University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 
    • Taylor McAtee, M.S. Animal Science '22: 3rd place for research completed at Kansas State University. 
    • Wilsey Wendler: 4th place, "Effects of beta-agonist type and timing of Experior feeding on calculated cumulative ammonia gas emissions, live growth performance, and carcass outcomes of feedlot steers." 
• #ICYMI
  • Rogers LEAD WT Cohort Announced for 2024-2025 
  • Spring '24 Attebury Honors Graduates Celebrated at WT
  • Outstanding WT Faculty, Staff Honored in Year-End Ceremony
  • Paul Engler's Memory Honored with Formation of Four New Professorships at WT

Buff Brief Newsletter 5/6/2024

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]
    • 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
• 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 3/4/2024 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.
• 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 
• 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 09/18/2023 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 09/11/2023 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). 

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
• 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. 
• 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.  
• 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.