Natural Sciences Student Presents Pheasant Research at Conference

West Texas A&M University senior Samantha Holt recently presented her undergraduate research at a conference at the University of New Mexico as part of her work with the McNair Scholars Program.

Holt’s summer research project, titled “Mitochondrial DNA-Based Assessment of Genetic Diversity and the Evolutionary Origin of Game-Farm Ring-Necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in North America,” examined the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of game-farm ring-necked pheasants in North America.

Working with her faculty advisor, Dr. Joshua Brown, Holt conducted the research as part of the McNair Scholars Program. She then had the opportunity to present her findings at the conference, giving her valuable experience communicating her research to an academic audience and connecting with other students and researchers.

Holt’s research experience and conference presentation highlight the opportunities available to WTAMU students through the McNair Scholars Program and the value of undergraduate research in preparing students for future academic and professional opportunities.

ACS Chapter Earns Outstanding Recognition

The West Texas A&M University American Chemical Society Student Chapter was once again selected to receive an Outstanding designation for its work during the 2025-26 academic year, marking the fourth consecutive year the chapter received the recognition.

The Society Committee on Education (SOCED) recognizes ACS Student Communities based on the programs and activities reported in their annual reports. Awards are given in three categories: outstanding, commendable and honorable mention.

For the 2025-26 academic year, 125 student communities received the Outstanding designation.

The continued recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the WTAMU ACS Student Chapter officers and members and their commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for students.

Meat Judging Team Earns Top-Five Finish

The WT Meat Judging Team earned a fifth-place overall finish at the Eastern National Meat Judging Contest in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania.

The team had a strong showing across multiple categories, placing second in reasons, third in pork judging and specifications, fourth in lamb judging, and fifth in beef grading, beef judging and total placings.

Kade Lawrence led the team individually, earning second high individual overall and receiving a $1,000 scholarship. Lawrence also place first in total placings, second in beef judging and specifications, fifth in pork judging and sixth in beef grading.

Mila Thompson placed third in pork judging and fifth in reasons, while Avel Zermeño placed fourth in lamb judging and eighth in specifications. Lydia Sharp was named the seventh high alternate.

Other members of the team included Jean Cumming, Addy Folmar, Annabelle Williams, Lainie Reiter, Luke Anderson, Audrey Sethaler, Wyatt Bullion-Braithwaite, Cayden Beatty, Cayden Hodnett and Garrett La Deau.

The team is coached by Ryan Heitschmidt and Dr. Loni Lucherk. The team would like to thank AMSA and Cargill for hosting the contest, as well as Marcho Farms, Clemens, Leidy’s, Smucker’s Meats, Cargill, Tyson and Caviness for helping the team prepare for the Eastern National Contest.

Ranch Horse Team Named Reserve Champion at Aggieland Classic

The West Texas A&M University Ranch Horse Team earned Reserve Champion Team honors at the Aggieland Classic, highlighted by multiple top-10 individual finishes across three divisions.

Individual Results:

NonPro

• Marin McCarthy - 2nd
• Cooper Noland - 3rd
• Parker Ralston - 5th
• Hanna Bedard - 8th

Limited NonPro

• Kennedy Hill - Champion
• Kailey Roberts - 8th
• Grace Hyde - 10th

Novice

• Audrey Griffith - 4th

Congratulations to the Ranch Horse Team on an outstanding weekend of competition and a Reserve Champion finish.

#ICYMI

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