Professional development in Animal Science: '26 Research Poster Session

Each year, undergraduates from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds come together to share their research and summer internship experiences with colleagues, peers, farmers and more. Read on to learn about their summer experiences and see how this year’s poster session supported their learning and professional development.

LaCandyce Lee, University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff ‘27

Academic advisor: Quirine Ketterings
Mentor: Issa Diaz
Internship: Precision Agriculture, CAST for Farm of the Future and the Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP)

“Being a summer intern for both the NMSP & CAST for Farm of the Future this summer has really given me a newfound respect for agricultural research and sustainability. I've had the opportunity to gain so much experience in the field, lab and the office. Wrapping up my summer research with the AnSci poster session boosted my confidence in holding knowledgeable conversations in a professional context. There are so many great people working together to create a meaningful impact on the world, and I'm truly proud to say that I was a part of each of these programs!”

A woman poses next to her research poster.

Cooper Whiting, Clarkson University Mechanical Engineering ‘27

Academic advisor: Jason Oliver
Internship: Cornell PRO-DAIRY & the Dairy Advancement Program (DAP)

“This summer, I had the opportunity to combine hands-on field research with software development by helping collect manure emissions data while creating an R Shiny application that automates data processing for our research team. Presenting my poster allowed me to share both the scientific and technical aspects of my project while strengthening my communication skills. It was rewarding to discuss my work with others and see how research can be made more accessible through tools that improve efficiency and collaboration.”

A woman (left) talks to a man (right) about research in front of his research poster.

Itzel Calles, Zamorano University ‘25

Academic advisor: Quirine Ketterings
Mentor: Asmita Gautam
Dairy Soil and Water Regeneration Project Research Technician, Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP)

“My summer research experience with the Nutrient Management Spear Program has been incredibly enriching. Having the opportunity to present the work I completed alongside my mentors was both rewarding and motivating. The poster session helped me strengthen my scientific communication skills, gain confidence discussing my research with diverse audiences, and become more comfortable engaging in both scientific and professional settings.”

A woman gestures to her research poster while talking to a man.

Abigail White, Agricultural Sciences ‘29

Academic advisor: Quirine Ketterings
Mentor: Karolyn Auer
Internship: Dairy Sustainability, Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP)

"My internship was a highlight of my summer! Growing up on a New York dairy farm, I was aware of the work done by the NMSP, but to experience it firsthand was truly meaningful. I have learned so much about dairy sustainability and have been able to develop my professional skills during the various field trips. The poster session was an incredible experience that perfectly wrapped up my summer internship!"

A woman bends over and points to a detail of a poster. A man squats next to the poster looking at the detail alongside her.

Pilar Gamage, Animal Science ‘29

Academic advisor: Jason Oliver
Cornell Cooperative Extension Advisors: Betsy Hicks, Joe Lawrence
Internship: Cornell Cooperative Extension Cortland County: Dairy Systems, Forage, and Waste Management, Cornell PRO-DAIRY

“This summer I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through on-farm research, laboratory work, and extension outreach. Working on the silage acidifier project allowed me to see and contribute meaningfully to the research process, from sample collection through data analysis. The Animal Science Research Poster Session gave me the opportunity to present my findings, learn to communicate research to a broader audience, and strengthen my presentation skills.”

Two women talk to each other, gesturing with their hands.

Greivin Dainner Fernández Benavides, Zamorano University ‘25

Primary academic advisor: Quirine Ketterings
Mentor: Juan Carlos Ramos Tanchez
Research Technician, Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP)

“This summer, I had the opportunity to contribute to soil incubation research as part of the Value of Manure project. Presenting my poster allowed me to strengthen my science communication skills, receive valuable feedback from researchers and colleagues, and gain confidence in discussing my work with a broader audience. It was a rewarding experience that reinforced my interest in soil fertility and nutrient management research.”