Ranch Horse Team Claims Third Straight Title in Fort Worth

The Ranch Horse Team claimed the team championship on February 22nd at the National Reined Cow Horse Association competition in Fort Worth, making the third consecutive year the Buffs have earned the title.

WT finished more than 12 point ahead of runner-up Clarendon College, with several other collegiate teams competing.

"I am so proud of how these riders competed and represented their team and WT at the NRCHA world championship show," said Dr. Lance Baker, head coach and professor of animal science. "Their dedication and hard work, marched with their extremely talented horses, resulted in a big win for the third year in a row."

Individual Results:

Cutter McLaughlin - Non-Pro Champion

Bella Bridges - Limited Non-Pro Champion

Elizabeth Iandoli - Reserve Champion, Novice Boxing

^{Congratulations to the Ranch Horse Team on another championship performance!}

WT Wool Judging Posts Strong Finishes at Two Contests

The Wool Judging Team earned top honors at recent contests in San Antonio and Rapid City.

WT placed 5th overall at the San Antonio Stock Show on February 14th, highlighted by strong placings performances. Earlier in February, WT squads finished first and third overall at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapids City, South Dakota.

"I am proud of how the students continue to represent WT at the highest level," said Coach Bailey Lamb, a graduate student in animal science from Huntsville. "Their hard work and dedication to becoming the best wool evaluators is evident every day."

The team will compete next at the national championship March 16 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.



Congratulations to the Wool Judging Team on a strong season start!

WT Scientists Earn Funding for Salt-Contaminated Soil Research

Dr. Jim Rogers, professor of environmental science, and David Prescott, a doctoral student in agriculture from Amarillo, have secured a nearly $200,000 grant from Groundwater & Environmental Services to study innovative solutions for brine-contaminated soils in the Permian Basin.

The region produces 10 to 12 barrels of brine for every barrel of oil, and the wastewater is four times saltier than the Gulf of Mexico. When released onto surface soils, brine can severely impact vegetation and delay natural recovery for years.

"We will evaluate various patent and natural remediation additives and soil treatments to try to reestablish vegetative cover," Rogers said, noting the research has implications for both the oil industry and agriculture.

The project team includes WT alumni Brian Yates and Melanie Peery, doctoral student Maria Pantazi, the Amarillo College STEM Team and its research greenhouse, and collaborators with Alberta Environment and Parks in Canada.

WT Physics Seniors Published in Top-Tier Journal

Two WT seniors have published cutting-edge research in Physical Review B, advancing the study of quantum materials.

Kyryl Shtefiienko, a physics major from Kyiv, and Tucker Beekman, a physics major from Fritch, explored how electrons move and interact inside solid materials. Their work, published in January, could contribute to faster and more powerful technologies.

"We study special materials where electrons can behave in unusual ways," said Dr. Keshav Shrestha, assistant professor of physics and co-author. "Understanding this helps scientists design better electronic devices and could improve technologies such as advanced electronics, sensors and quantum computers.

The students conducted research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Both said publishing in a leading journal strengthens their plans to pursue Ph.D. programs.

Two with VERO Ties Named to Cowgirl Magazine 30 Under 30 List

Two leaders with ties to WT's Veterinary Education, Research and Outreach campus have been named to Cowgirl Magazine's 30 Under 30 Class of 2026.

Dr. Audra Jones, clinical assistant professor at VERO and faculty member with the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, earned her bachelor's degree from WT and veterinary degree from Kansas State University before returning to the Panhandle. Her work focuses on mixed animal practice, including beef production and bucking bulls.

Dr. Maggie Murphy, a former VERO researcher and recent WT graduate, earned her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University. Her doctoral research examined the microbiome of young livestock. She now serves as an instructor and horse judging and ranch horse team coach at Colorado State University.

Cowgirl Magazine honors innovators and trailblazers in the Western industry. The 2026 class will be recognized May 20-23 at the Cowgirl Leadership Summit in Arlington.

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