2011 ISEF Fellowship Recipients
Kalyn Bischoff
A fifth generation cattle rancher, Kalyn Bischoff grew up on her family’s cow-calf ranch in southeastern Montana. It’s here Kalyn gained her work ethic, faith in God and desire to improve beef production that she draws upon daily. She purchased her first herd of cows in 1997 and takes pride in knowing she contributes to the world’s meat supply on a daily basis. Kalyn received her A.A. in agricultural communications from Northwest College and her B.S. in animal science from Oklahoma State University where she conducted her undergraduate research on acute phase proteins in feedlot cattle treated for BRD. Currently, she is working on her master’s degree under Dr. Cliff Lamb at the University of Florida, with research focusing on replacement heifer development and nutritional influences on attainment puberty. She will begin working toward her Ph.D. in the fall of 2011. “There’s nothing like watching a calf be born or planting and harvesting your corn, the blessings of spring rains or the opportunity to marvel at your calves gains. To most, these things seem minor, but to agriculturists they are the daily miracles that make the weight of feeding the world seem lighter.”
Kalyn Bischoff Student Paper
Brandi Bourg
Brandi Bourg was born and raised in the small southern Louisiana town of Donaldsonville, and currently resides in College Station, TX where she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Animal Science at Texas A&M University. Growing up raising and showing Simmental cattle led to a passion for agriculture and the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Louisiana State University, where she graduated cum laude in 2005. While attending LSU, she received numerous scholarships and awards and was an active member of both the Block & Bridle Club and the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team. She obtained a master’s degree, also in Animal Science, with a focus on Ruminant Nutrition, from Texas A&M University in 2007. Brandi’s research in both her master’s and Ph.D. programs have focused on improving efficiency of beef production at the cow herd level as well as in the feedlot. “With the rising costs of inputs and decreasing land available for agricultural use, I believe that improving the efficiency of all phases of agriculture has become a necessity if we, as farmers and ranchers, are to continue to provide the world with an abundant, safe, and nutritious food supply.”
Brandi Bourg Student Paper
Kiri Broad
Kiri Broad grew up in Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales, Australia. She found an outlet for her passion for agriculture through showing cattle, serving as a cattle steward and working on a local dairy farm. Before attending the University of Sydney to obtain a degree in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience majoring in Animal Production and graduating with honors, Kiri worked on a beef, sheep and cropping property in NW NSW. She also studied abroad at Cornell University, where she was on the Dean’s List. Kiri was recently selected as a finalist in the Royal Agriculture Society of NSW Rural Achievers competition and her broad experience also includes working for a national agribusiness company in Northern NSW. Kiri currently works with beef producers from all over North Queensland in an advisory and research role as a beef extension officer. Kiri is also studying a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of New England, majoring in Agriculture. Kiri is interested in beef cattle nutrition, meat science and education, both within the industry and to the wider population and currently writes a monthly article in her hometown paper called “Fresh from the Paddock”. “Agriculture is the foundation of any society. Education and research are our best resources for finding solutions to many of the challenges we face in this industry today and ensuring that all those involved remain viable and productive.”
Kiri Broad Student Paper
Kim Cline
Kim Cline grew up on a small cow-calf operation in Newnan, Georgia, She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Florida majoring in Agronomy under the direction of Dr. Lynn Sollenberger. Kim’s Ph.D. research program is focused on the establishment, management, and sustainability of grass/legume ecosystems for beef cattle production systems within the state of Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences and a Master of Science degree in Ruminant Nutrition both from Auburn University in Alabama. As an undergraduate student, Kim was a recipient of the Claude Hardee Memorial Award for Outstanding Senior in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University based on scholarship, leadership, and service to the college. In 2010, Kim was selected as one of Auburn University’s Top Ten Outstanding Master’s Students. Kim has presented her research results at producer field days and academic society conferences. “As agriculture continues to face global criticism, it is important for agricultural professionals to be continuous learners in all facets of agriculture in order to become the most effective advocates for our industry.”
Kim Cline Student Paper
Cameron Craigie
Cameron Craigie comes from a farming background in South Canterbury, New Zealand. The 270 hectare family farm carries 550 hybrid hinds and 50 Angus cross Hereford beef cows. Cameron holds a Bachelor of Science in Genetics with first class honours and a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management from the University of Otago (Dunedin, NZ). He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Animal Science, which is collaboration between Massey University (NZ), The Scottish Agricultural College (UK) and Quality Meat Scotland. As well as being a full time Ph.D. student, Cameron maintains close links with meat industries in the UK and in NZ and works part time for Quality Meat Scotland managing consumer taste trials on beef, lamb and pork. Cameron is also the chairman of the British Society of Animal Science student council and enjoys working on the farm at home, travelling and photography in his spare time. “In order to ensure a long-term sustainable future for beef and sheep producers, production and processing objectives need to be aligned to consumer demand. The meat industry needs to evaluate carcasses on eating quality and saleable meat yield attributes and focus on producing meals for consumers rather than a commodity product”.
Cameron Craigie Student Paper
Mallory Emerson
Mallory Emerson was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. While pursuing a B.S. in Animal Sciences, Mallory had the pleasure of judging on the 2008 Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team, serving as an officer and member of the Colorado Collegiate CattleWomen, Colorado Cattle Women, and American National CattleWomen associations, and holding internships with Safeway and Cargill Meat Solutions. Since beginning her M.S. program in Meat Science, also at CSU, her research is focused on determining the relationships between recently implemented camera-based USDA quality grades and palatability attributes of fed steer and heifer beef. Mallory also coached the 2010 Colorado State University Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team to a National Championship during her first year of graduate school. Mallory hopes to remain active in the meat judging community on both a collegiate and junior level. She also plans to pursue a career in the meat processing industry as well as in live cattle production. “I believe it is our duty as stockmen and scientists to provide our general public with educated answers to their questions and provide a safe, high quality end product, produced with integrity and passion, to not only brighten but ensure the future of our industries.”
Mallory Emerson Student Paper
Aliyar Fouladkhah
Aliyar Fouladkhah was born in Iran in a family who’s first priority has always been education. Academic achievements within Aliyar’s family encouraged him to place a high priority and pay special attention to his studies. Aliyar was privileged to become involved in academic research from the very early years of his education. During his junior year of study, Aliyar engaged in and placed first in a large section of a national conference. Sweetness of those moments has definitely determined the rest of his academic life. In 2007, despite being offered an educational scholarship from Manitoba University in Canada, Aliyar decided to pursue his graduate studies at Colorado State University where he has been involved in over 30 conference, journal, and popular-press publications. Parallel with his doctoral degree, Aliyar is currently serving as the chair-elect of the Rocky Mountain Institute of Food Technologists. After eight years of academic life, with unconditional love for research and teaching, it is almost unequivocal for me that with the help of great scholars in the Center for Red Meat Safety and Quality of CSU and with more and more hard work and scientific endeavors, I will be well-prepared to contribute to the body of knowledge and training for future scientists for the rest of my life.
Aliyar Fouladkhah Student Paper
Justine Hosch
Raised on a family farm in Eastern Iowa, Justine Hosch learned the practices of raising livestock and being a steward to the land. Her family’s roots run deep in agriculture as she is the fifth generation to be raised on the cattle feeding operation. She received her Bachelors Degree in Animal Science at Iowa State University in May of 2010. At Iowa State University, Justine continued to build her animal agriculture foundation by being involved in numerous animal agriculture organizations such as the Block and Bridle Club, Meat Animal Evaluation and Quiz Bowl teams. To prepare for an occupation in the livestock sector, she sought after internships and employment opportunities within the beef industry. In 2010, she was named One of Twelve Women Impacting Iowa State University, along with receiving several other university and national awards. Currently, she is working toward her Masters Degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying Meat Science. “Animal Agriculture has been my past, is my present, and will be my future through my work at UNL. I look forward to sharing the passion I have developed for animal agriculture with others, and to impact the industry with these stories.”
Justine Hosch Student Paper
Jordan McHenry
Jordan McHenry grew up on a few acres south of Castle Rock, Colorado, where her siblings and she became involved with agriculture by raising livestock and 4-H meat judging. Her passion to pursue a career in the meat industry led her to Colorado State University, where McHenry participated on the 2010 National Champion Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team. She also loves educating youth about our industry and assists in coaching both the Weld and Douglas County 4-H Meat Judging Teams. McHenry will graduate in May from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Animal Science and Agriculture Business, after which she will pursue a masters degree in Meat Science. Jordan hopes to prepare for a career in the meat industry where she can serve as an advocate focusing on consumer education and enhancing pre- and post-harvest communication. Because of her experiences, as well as growing up so close to the city, she can see the ever-increasing need to educate consumers about where their food comes from, specifically about animal agriculture. “Countless opportunities have been made available to me by being involved in the livestock and meat industries. I am excited to be able to reciprocate their generosity by pursuing a career as an advocate for the industry.”
Jordan McHenry Student Paper
Hugo A. Ramirez
Hugo A. Ramirez, was born in Celaya, Guanajuato (central Mexico) and started his agricultural education at the age of 15 by attending the Autonomous University of Chapingo, Mexico. It was there that Hugo began a seven year program which included 3 years of agricultural high school and four years of specialization in Animal Science. He was on the Dean’s List all 7 years and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2007. Hugo was immediately offered a job to manage a new, 1000-head dairy farm, with state of the art facilities including a methane digester which was utilized to produce electricity for the farm. In 2008, Hugo left the production scenario to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Nebraska in the area of ruminant nutrition with a focus on dairy cattle. Working with animals is Hugo’s passion and he’s fortunate to be involved in such an interesting field, to serve as an advocate for the animal industry and to educate the general population with regards to what our industry does in research and production settings. “Animal welfare, adequate handling and proper nutrition are our industry’s priorities; every effort and progress in the animal industry is imperative to satisfy the increasing demand for high quality animal products to feed a growing population worldwide.
Hugo Ramirez Student Paper
Meghan Schibrowski
Meghan Schibrowski is a Veterinarian with experience in feedlot consultancy and general veterinary practice. She is currently enrolled as a post-graduate student and research assistant on a large Australian feedlot study for BVD at the University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Australia. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. focusing on respiratory disease in feedlot cattle and specifically the bacterium Mycoplasma bovis in the Australian beef cattle setting. Meghan grew up on a beef cattle and sugar cane property near Childers, a small regional town in Queensland. It was this upbringing around livestock and production systems that seeded her desire to pursue a career with animals, especially beef cattle production. Today, between her Ph.D. work and other commitments, Meghan still manages the family’s Brahman cross beef cattle herd of approximately 100 breeders and 80 steers. “Animal welfare from paddock to plate in production systems is becoming an ever increasing issue worldwide. It is important that operators and producers receive sound advice on their management practices in regards to animal health, welfare and safety to ensure their business remains productive and profitable.”
Meghan Schibrowski Student Paper
Katie Wood
Katie Wood grew up on a small purebred Simmental cow/calf operation, just south of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Her passion for animal agriculture blossomed through many years as an active member in 4-H and the Young Canadian Simmental Association. Katie holds a BSc.(agr) and a MSc from the University of Guelph and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition and Molecular Physiology at Guelph. Her research is focused on investigating factors influencing feed efficiency in mature pregnant beef cows, and enjoys working as a teaching assistant for undergraduate agriculture classes. Katie has been the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, including an Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology, Animal Nutrition Association of Canada Scholarship and an ILC-Calgary travel fellowship. Katie also serves as a director for the Ontario Simmental Association, volunteers as a 4-H leader and enjoys showing her cattle and Polled Dorset sheep. She hopes to pursue a career in Ag extension. “I am truly honored to be part of this unique forum for future agricultural industry leaders to come together and learn from others experiences, and generate new ideas and innovations which will benefit the industry as a whole”.
Winning Student Paper
Katie Wood Student Paper