Hometown: Kokomo, IN

Concentration: Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Alexis Benson, our Outstanding Freshman Student, is passionate about animal health and welfare. Her degree in Animal Sciences serves as a foundation for her future, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of animals. Alexis believes her studies will provide her with numerous opportunities to refine her skills and interests, paving the way for a successful career.

Hometown: Evansville, IN

Concentration: Animal Agribusiness

Kylie Bedel stands out as an exemplary sophomore student with a focus on Animal Agribusiness. She sees her degree as a means to become a better livestock producer, driven by her desire to ensure the best possible life for her animals. Kylie is committed to making a positive impact on the agricultural industry by promoting sustainability and profitability for farmers.

Hometown: New Palestine, IN

Concentration: Biosciences

Erica Long, our Outstanding Junior Student, is dedicated to expanding her knowledge of animal agriculture through her concentration in Biosciences. She values the diverse opportunities provided by Purdue’s Animal Sciences program, which has equipped her with a solid foundation to pursue various career paths. Erica’s studies have reinforced her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field.

Hometown: Gypsum, CO

Concentration: Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Shayden Jones, our Outstanding Senior Student, has found a home away from home at Purdue. The connections she has made, from friends to mentors, have been invaluable in her academic journey. Shayden’s degree has opened doors for her, allowing her to explore her passions globally and prepare for a successful career in veterinary medicine and research.

Hometown: Frederick, MD

Concentration: Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Jaclyn Bryant, recognized as our Outstanding Transfer Student, views her Animal Sciences degree as more than an academic achievement. It represents the vast opportunities she has had to network, serve, and prepare for a career in agriculture. Jaclyn is grateful for the support from advisors, professors and the community, which has helped her pursue her goal of giving back to the agricultural sector.

Country: Nigeria

Program: PhD in Animal Sciences

Opeadura Osunbami, a recipient of the Book-Harmon Leadership Scholarship, began her journey in Fall 2019 under the mentorship of Layi Adeola, PhD. After earning her Master’s in 2021, she is now pursuing a doctoral degree. Opeadura’s leadership is exemplified by her initiative to develop the department’s first-ever "buddy program," pairing new graduate students with experienced peers to foster a supportive and welcoming environment.

Country: Nigeria

Program: PhD in Animal Sciences

Emmanuel Alagbe, honored with the W.R. Featherston Early Graduate Career Award, started his doctoral degree in Fall 2020 under Layi Adeola, PhD. His research focuses on bioactive feed additives to address challenges in poultry and swine health. Emmanuel led a team to victory in the 2021 Soy Innovative Competition, where they developed a novel biostimulant product derived from soybeans.

Hometown: Fairmount, IN

Program: Earned his PhD in Animal Sciences in Spring 2024

Tanner Wise, recognized with the W.R. Featherston Graduate Teaching Award, began his doctoral degree in Fall 2020 under Layi Adeola, PhD, after completing his Master’s at Auburn University. Tanner’s research focuses on exogenous enzymes to enhance nutrient digestibility in livestock. He played a crucial role in restructuring the ANSC 32600 Applied Non-ruminant Nutrition course, enhancing its practical relevance for students. Tanner has joined Kalmbach Feeds, Inc. in Ohio as their newest nutritionist.

Country: China

Program: PhD in Animal Sciences

Yuechi Fu, the recipient of the W.R. Featherston Off-campus Training Graduate Award, began her doctoral degree in Fall 2019 under Kola Ajuwon, PhD. Her research involves analyzing multiple omics data to advance understanding in the field. Yuechi utilized her award to attend the SISG Course in Atlanta, GA, where she gained valuable insights into modern statistical methods.

Hometown: Algonquin, IL

Program: Graduated with her Master’s in Animal Sciences in Summer 2024

Melanie Bergman, awarded the W.R. Featherston Masters Award, started her Master’s program in Fall 2023 with Greg Fraley, PhD. Melanie has already authored three peer-reviewed publications and organized undergraduate research efforts in her lab. Her work examined the impact of environmental changes on the neurobiology and physiology of birds, with implications for improving their welfare and reproductive performance. Melanie has joined the American Humane Society as a Farm Operations Manager.

Country: South Korea

Program: Earned his PhD in Animal Sciences in Summer 2024

Jung Sung, recognized with the W.R. Featherston Doctoral Award, began his doctoral degree in Fall 2020 under Layi Adeola, PhD. His dedication is reflected in his impressive record of 22 publications, two book chapters and 36 scientific abstracts. Jung’s outstanding achievements earned him the prestigious Animal Science Young Scholar Award at the 2024 American Society of Animal Science Annual Midwest Meeting. Jung is currently applying for post-doc positions in animal nutrition.

Country: Colombia

Program: PhD in Animal Sciences

Rick Hernandez, recipient of the Gerry Friars International Fellowship, began his doctoral degree in Fall 2022 with Luiz Brito, PhD. Rick is contributing to a USDA-funded project on improving turkey leg health and has already made significant strides in research, teaching and publications, with five peer-reviewed papers and two book chapters to his name.