Department Awards and Scholarship
Animal Science Excellence Fund
Gifts to the Animal Science Excellence Fund support teaching, research, extension, and students in the Department of Animal Science.
Dr. Peter J. Van Soest Memorial Award
The Dr. Peter J. Van Soest Memorial Award is awarded to a graduate student studying rumen function, ruminant metabolism, feed chemistry, or nutritional modeling.
Michael Thonney Memorial Award
Created in memory of Dr. Michael Thonney, this award is given annually to a junior or senior majoring in animal science with a focus on livestock management, preference for interest in sheep.
Jerrie Gavalchin Memorial Award
Created in memory of Dr. Jerrie Gavalchin, this award is given annually to a senior majoring in animal science who exhibits service to the department and mentorship of peers.
2021 Recipient
Olivia Wise-Dent
Additional Graduate Student Awards
Charlie Sniffen Graduate Student Award
The Charlie Sniffen Graduate Student Award is a partnership between Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health – North America, Cornell University and William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute honoring the longtime dairy industry research leader. Throughout his career, including his time Cornell University and as a scientific advisor to Kemin, Dr. Sniffen published more than 100 peer-reviewed industry journal articles, over 140 abstracts and more than 400 trade publication articles focused on dairy nutrition. The award honors students that exemplify Dr. Sniffen’s leadership in conducting and communicating impactful research.
2021 Award Winner
Geneva Graef
Geneva Graef is a PhD student working with Dr. Tom Overton. Her research program focuses on understanding of Ca supplementation and DCAD in prepartum for maximal health and productive performance of dairy cows.
Past Recipients
2020 - Andrew LaPierre
2019 - Michael Dineen and Michael Miller, Miner Institute/University of Vermont
2018 - Allison Kerwin, Cornell University
2017 - Rodrigo Molano, Cornell University
Danny Fox Graduate Student Fellowship
Dr. Danny Fox’s 35-year career at Cornell focused on development of data, methods, mathematical models, and computer software to more accurately predict cattle nutrient requirements and nutrients derived from feeds with wide variations in cattle type, environments, and feeds. Danny was a found member and leader of the CNCPS development team, a leader for the development of the 1996 Beef NRC model, and a leader for the development of the Cornell Value Discovery Program. An endowment was established with leadership from Dwight Roseler, Bill Stone, Ted Perry and Larry Chase, to support a graduate student working in the animal science department the area of Dr. Fox's work.
2021 Fellowship Recipient
Andres Ortega
Andres Ortega is a PhD student working with Dr. Mike Van Amburgh. His research area focuses on amino acid chemistry and amino acid nutrition in support of further development of the CNCPS.
Leonard A. Maynard Graduate Student Awards
Dr. L.A. Maynard was one of Cornell University’s most distinguished nutritionists. An endowment in his name was established by Drs. Edith S. and Russel A. Rasmussen 1988, to honor graduate students who have a nutrition-related program. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program in the Department of Animal Science and selection is based on “outstanding graduate performance.”
2021 Award Winners
Brianna Tate
Brianna Tate is a PhD student working with Dr. Joseph McFadden. Her research program focuses on understanding whether lysophospholipids modulate immune function in neonatal calves has potential for reducing morbidity and mortality in calves and eventually decreasing the use of antibiotics in neonatal calves.
Jorge Barrientos-Blanco
Jorge Barrientos-Blanco is a PhD student working with Dr. Kristan Reed. His research program focuses on understanding forage variation on dairy farms and the development of modeling tools that will allow the dairy industry to better optimize forage use and nutritional quality on farm.
Past Recipients
2020 - Kasey Schalich and Williams Myers
2019 - Ananda Fontoura and Rodrigo Molano
2018 - Amanda Davis and Andrew LaPierre
2017 - Michael Dineen, Niko Kochendoerfer, Sarah Lyons, and Maureen Valentine
2016 - Allison Lawton and Sarah Williams
2015 - Matias Stangaferro, Alessandro Zontini, and Sam Fessenden
2014 - Brittany Sweeney and Marcelo Gutierrez
2013 - Maris McCarthy, Kristen Davis, and Xi Yan
2012 - Ryan Higgs and Kennan McRoberts
2011 - Juliana Huzzey and Jose Ramos Nieves
CALS Graduate Teaching Assistant Award
Given annually by CALS, this award recognizes outstanding graduate TA in each of the departments or graduate fields in the college.
Recipients
2018-2019 - Sarah Lyons and Asha Miles
2017-2018 Christian Posbergh and Sarah LaCount
2016-2017 - Nikola Kochendoerfer and Brittany Leno
2015-2016 - Rachel Lemcke and Viju Pillai
2014-2015 - Lan Tu and Maris McCarthy
2013-2014 - Emmaline Long and Claire Stephens
2012-2013 - Katherine Churchill and Kristen Davis
2011-2012 - Ranji Singh and Fernando Migone
2010-2011 - Rick Watters and Kristin Gill
2009-2010 - Katie Schoenberg and Keenan McRoberts
2008-2009 - Melanie Soberon and Jeremy Weaver
2007-2008 - Julie Huzzey and Anne O’Donnell
2006-2007 - Jose Ramos-Nieves and Mary Ellen Urick
2005-2006 - Sarah Giesy and Helen Markewich
2004-2005 - Kevin Harvatine and Dave Kirschten