College of AG recognizes top students during Spring Awards Banquet

April 28, 2022

Story by Nyssa Chow Lilovich

O

n April 27, the College of Agriculture honored students during the annual Spring Awards Banquet. The in-person event was a collaborative effort between the Purdue Agricultural Council and the Office of Academic Programs.

Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, addressed the nominees.

“Celebrating our outstanding students highlights their range of accomplishments from campus and community leadership to academic excellence,” said Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture. “We are proud of all of our award nominees this year and look forward to the great things they will accomplish in the future.”

The following students won the college’s most prestigious student awards.

Sydney Hefty portrait

Outstanding Freshman Award: Sydney Hefty (Agricultural Economics)

 

Dept. Head: Jayson Lusk; jlusk@purdue.edu

Sydney Hefty: is currently pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with a minor in political science. She is a member of the Agribusiness Club, Ag Week Task Force Events Committee, Grand Prix Foundation Junior Board Sales Committee and the College of Ag Dean’s Scholars Program.

Tiffany Chang Portrait

Outstanding Sophomore Award: Tiffany Chang (Animal Sciences)

 

Dept. Head: John Blanton; blantonj@purdue.edu

Tiffany Chang is studying animal sciences with a pre-veterinary medicine concentration. She is a member of the Purdue Vietnamese Student Association, American Society for Microbiology, and Cornerstone Christian Fellowship. She has worked under Dr. Timothy Johnson in an Animal Sciences Microbiology Lab researching the effects of orange corn altering microbiomes.

Halee Fisher portrait

Outstanding Junior Award: Halee Fisher (Agricultural Economics)

 

Dept. Head: Jayson Lusk; jlusk@purdue.edu

Halee Fisher is studying agricultural economics and political science with minors in international studies, global food & agriculture systems, and psychology. Halee is seeking a Public Policy Certificate and is the President for Rising Professionals, and involved with Issues-360, Ag Ambassadors, Ag Council, Student Life Advisory Board, Mortar Board, Honors College, undergraduate research, and is a Purdue AGEC Podcast Co-host. She works with Dr. Jayson Lusk on food labeling research and was the 2021 Outstanding Sophomore in the College of Agriculture.

Clayton Hicks portrait in a suit

Outstanding Senior Award: Clayton Hicks (Biochemistry)

 

Dept. Head: Andy Mesecar, amesecar@purdue.edu

Clayton Hicks is studying biochemistry with a concentration in pre-medicine and a minor in history and will graduate with certificates in medical humanities and a Leadership Development Certificate. He studied abroad at the University of Exeter in England and in Romania. He participates in undergraduate research with Dr. Ann Kirchmaier and presented his research in spring 2021. He is involved in the Biochemistry Club and College Mentors for Kids Program and is an Honors College Ambassador.

Students see growth potential in competition-winning biostimulant

In a contest created to develop novel applications for soybeans, it’s hard to beat a 98% soybean crop stimulant that improves soybean growth.

In the 27th annual Student Soybean Innovation Competition, Cai Chen, Nate Nauman and Emmanuel Alagbe topped six other teams to claim the $20,000 prize. The competition, sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance, encourages Purdue student teams to create new products or materials from soybeans.

Read Full Story >>>

Three agriculture students named Academic All-Big Ten

Three student-athletes from Purdue University’s College of Agriculture earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition during the winter sports season. They were among 68 Purdue student-athletes to earn the title across the university.

To qualify for Academic All-Big Ten honors, student-athletes must carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher while enrolled full-time.

Read Full Story >>>

Five agriculture students named Academic All-Big Ten

Five student-athletes from Purdue University’s College of Agriculture earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition during the fall 2020 sports season. They were among 96 Purdue student-athletes to earn the title across the university.

To qualify for Academic All-Big Ten honors, student-athletes must carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher while enrolled full-time. Though cross country, soccer and volleyball were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Big Ten chose to recognize eligible players.

Read Full Story >>>

Students see growth potential in competition-winning biostimulant

In a contest created to develop novel applications for soybeans, it’s hard to beat a 98% soybean crop stimulant that improves soybean growth.

In the 27th annual Student Soybean Innovation Competition, Cai Chen, Nate Nauman and Emmanuel Alagbe topped six other teams to claim the $20,000 prize. The competition, sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance, encourages Purdue student teams to create new products or materials from soybeans.

Read Full Story >>>

Three agriculture students named Academic All-Big Ten

Three student-athletes from Purdue University’s College of Agriculture earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition during the winter sports season. They were among 68 Purdue student-athletes to earn the title across the university.

To qualify for Academic All-Big Ten honors, student-athletes must carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher while enrolled full-time.

Read Full Story >>>

Five agriculture students named Academic All-Big Ten

Five student-athletes from Purdue University’s College of Agriculture earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition during the fall 2020 sports season. They were among 96 Purdue student-athletes to earn the title across the university.

To qualify for Academic All-Big Ten honors, student-athletes must carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher while enrolled full-time. Though cross country, soccer and volleyball were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Big Ten chose to recognize eligible players.

Read Full Story >>>