Pond's Ponder

Surround yourself with people of diverse thought and background. Best solutions come from respectful discussion and debate.

Future Veterinarians in Action

The WTAMU Pre-Vet Club recently volunteered as lab technicians at the 2025 Texas A&M University Food Animal Wet Lab in College Station. This hands-on opportunity allowed students to explore the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine campus while gaining valuable experience alongside veterinary students.

"The WTAMU Pre-Vet Club officers and members are the voluntary workforce, and help facilitate the Food Animal Wetlab," explained Dr. Dan Posey, club advisor and Clinical Professor & Academic Coordinator for VERO at WTAMU. "Over 250 veterinary students from all over the nation come to this Food Animal Wetlab. Our students play a vital role in this experiential learning event. This is the 6th year the WTAMU Pre-Vet Club has participated."

As lab technicians, students from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences assisted veterinarians in a variety of labs, including bovine breeding soundness exams, poultry necropsies, and small ruminant lung ultrasounds. Their contributions provided essential support while enhancing their own technical skills and industry knowledge.

Members involved include: Haley Rodriguez, Anisha Ganguly, Bailey Erickson, Brier Griffis, Cole Lehman, Eleanor Crouch, Ellianne Wall, Jayci Nickels, Jessica Case, Jordan Hisel, Jordyn Matus, Mary Clevinger, Megan Miles, Rachel Kavelage, Reagan McDaniel, Samantha Lightbourn, Summer McArthur, Sydney Black and Yaneli Reyes.

Student Leaders in Science

The Science Representatives are a select group of student leaders chosen for their exceptional skills and dedication to representing the values of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences. These students play a vital role in their departments by assisting with events, recruitment efforts, and special opportunities.

2024 Science Representatives

Jory Barrera, Health Sciences Senior

Heather Nguyen, Wildlife Biology Senior

Leah Ramirez, Biology (Pre-Vet) Senior

Clover Watson, Environmental Science Senior

Tiffany Montana, Wildlife Biology Junior

Geraldine Medina, Biology (Pre-Dental) Junior

Rowdy Roberts, Physics Senior

Tucker Beekmann, Physics Junior

Shefin Singh, Wildlife Biology Senior

Joy Newton, Instructor of Biology, proudly serves as the Science Representatives faculty advisor.

A Cut Above and the Science of Steak

Dr. Ty Lawrence, Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science and Professor of Animal Science, along with graduate students, delivered an immersive beef sensory experience at the Texas Christian University Ranch Management Alumni Association's Annual Meeting on Feb. 1 at the TCU campus in Fort Worth.

The program educated participants on beef quality and preparation while offering a unique sensory challenge—demonstrating how different cooking methods can influence a steak’s flavor and texture, often shifting personal preferences.

Graduate students contributing to the experience included Macy Lawrence, Ambri Harrigal, Ryan Heitschmidt, and Cole Petit.

Reserve Champions at the Southwestern Meat Judging Contest

The WTAMU Meat Science Team proudly secured the Reserve Champion Team title at the Southwestern Meat Judging Contest in Ennis/Fort Worth.

Team Results:

2nd in Beef Judging
3rd in Grading, Lamb Judging, Pork Judging, Specs. Placings and Reasons

Individual Honors:

Jozie Petit won 1st High Individual Overall with 1st in Beef Grading, Specs and Total Beef. She was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for her outstanding performance.

Kale Benton placed 4th in High Individual Overall with a 1st place victory in Pork Judging.

Kaslyn Moczygemba achieved 4th in Beef Judging.

Sterling Berry placed 7th in High Individual Alternate.

Madison Brittan claimed 8th in High Individual Alternate.

Ryan Stricker earned a perfect score in Specs.

Other team members include Spencer Walahoski, Cooper Coffelt, Lyndsey Pancost, Morgan Thorn and Ellie Swain. The team was coached by Megan Eckhardt, Shelton Luedke, Ryan Heitschmidt and Dr. Loni Lucherk, Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science.

2025 Swine Skillathon Success

Faculty and staff from WTAMU Agricultural Education played a pivotal role in organizing the 2025 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Swine Skillathon.

Students took an active role by designing and facilitating engaging stations tailored to each age group in the competition, ensuring a dynamic and educational experience for all participants.

Bridles & Brains

The WTAMU Ranch Horse Team recently competed in the 2025 Bridles & Brains Invitational Collegiate Ranch Horse Competition, held during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. This annual event, organized by the American Paint Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association and Stock Horse of Texas, challenges competitors to showcase both their horsemanship and public speaking skills.

The team sent two teams, the Maroon Team and the White Team, each consisting of four members. The Maroon Team secured a strong 4th place finish overall, while the White Team earned 4th place in the Interview category.

A standout performance came from Cutter McLaughlin, who clinched 3rd place in the reining competition.

Other team members contributing to the effort included Bella Bridges, Camry Mangum, Parker Ralston, Cora Onorato, Audrey Hart, Arielle Wortham, and Tucker Huseman.

Chemistry & Physics Help Lab

The Department of Chemistry and Physics Help Lab opened Jan. 27 for the spring semester. The goal of the Help Lab is to support WTAMU students enrolled in 1000- and 2000-level Chemistry and Physics courses.

The hours are as follows:

Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, is currently serving as the faculty director for the Help Lab.