Discovery is essential in educational and professional environments, serving as a catalyst for growth and innovation. In academia, students are encouraged to actively discover knowledge and skills. This approach only enhances their understanding of subjects and fosters critical thinking and creativity. In a professional setting, the pursuit of discovery propels people to uncover new technologies, strategies, and opportunities. Adopting a culture of discovery empowers individuals and enterprises to continuously learn in our communities and the world. 

A Discovered Talent

Lexi Metz grew up in Monte Vista, Colorado. Lexi graduated with her B.S. with a major in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science and a minor in Agricultural Business and Economics in December of 2023.

Lexi is joining the Dean's Team as a Graduate Assistant while she pursues her M.S. in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science. During Lexi's undergraduate studies, she spent three and a half years working as a student assistant in the Human Resources and Payroll Department. Lexi has been in Florida completing a horticulture internship at Disney World, but can’t wait to be back in Texas at WT!

“We are excited to have Lexi join our team! Her passion for WT, along with her previous on-campus work experience and commitment to excellence will be a great strength to the Dean’s

Team, as well as the entire College,” Dr. Brock Blaser, Harman Professor of Dryland Farming and Associate Dean of Academics Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, said.

Discovering Careers

Aaron Garcia is from El Paso, Texas and is a junior Animal Science major with a minor in Political Science. Aaron has been given the opportunity to serve as an intern for Congressman Ronny Jackson’s Office in Amarillo. Aaron's primary duties are to provide information about federal government entities to constituents, conduct research, engage with constituents across the district, and gather information from farmers and ranchers in the area to report back to Congressman Jackson so their voices are heard in the House Committee on Agriculture. Aaron hopes this internship will serve as an opportunity to sharpen skills and learn firsthand how government functions, especially related to agriculture. 

“I hope the skills I learn in this internship will transition directly into law school and my interest in agricultural law in the near future,” Aaron said.

Ngan Pham is an Amarillo native and is a senior Biology major. Ngan has been selected as a summer intern for the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM) located in Edinburg, Texas. Ngan's objectives in this internship are to develop crucial skills such as communication and studying habits. Ngan hopes to learn from professional speakers, medical school faculty, practicing physicians, and her peers by networking and making connections. Ngan is aspiring to be a physician and the JAMP summer internship is a step in the right direction.

“This internship will provide me with an opportunity to be around other pre-medical students and medical professionals which is an important and rare experience I would not get anywhere else,” Ngan said.

Discoveries at Feed Yard Camp

Each year, Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) puts on the Junior Fed Beef Challenge commonly known as Feed Yard Camp. This camp is designed to provide young people opportunities for practical experience in feeding commercial beef cattle. The four day camp gives students an in-depth look into all aspects of the industry.

“This year’s camp was a huge success with students from all over Texas along with a few students from Oklahoma. This was a great group to work with and they were taught by some of the best and brightest leaders in the beef industry. We look forward to next year’s camp and hope some of this group will someday return to enroll at WT,” Dr. Kevin Williams, Richard and Mary West Traylor Professor and Associate Professor of Agricultural Education said.

Throughout the years, many campers have joined the Buffalo herd. Wilsey Wendler, pursuing a M.S. in Animal Science from College Station, Texas, and Clayton Stevenson, a senior majoring in Animal Science from Earth, Texas, are two great examples.

"Feed Yard Camp was something I truly enjoyed. I had the opportunity to meet a great group of people, many of whom I still keep in touch with. For me, Feed Yard Camp really opened my eyes to just how involved WT is in the beef industry, and its commitment to producers. This solidified WT as the ideal institution for my education," Clayton said.

New Discoveries in

Agricultural Media and Communication

Dr. Tanner Robertson, Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication, Mrs. Ellis Vidmar, Instructor of Agricultural Media and Communication and Events Coordinator, and Ashtyn Kardosz, senior Agricultural Business and Economics major with a minor in Agricultural Media and Communications, recently attended the Association for Communication Excellence Conference (ACE) in Salt Lake City, Utah. ACE is an association for communication professionals and educators who want to extend their knowledge about agriculture, natural resources, and life and human sciences.

“The theme for this year’s conference was: Big Ideas Start Here. We learned about these big ideas: artificial intelligence (AI), social media trends, and storytelling science. It was great to connect with other academic and industry professionals in communication,” Mrs. Vidmar said. 

Discovering WTAMU

Meet three students beginning graduate degrees

this Fall in the College!

A recent graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio will be packing her bags and headed to Canyon to continue her education. Kate Kampman, a native from Cibeolo, Texas, recently obtained her B.S. in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science, and will be pursuing her M.S. in Environmental Science at WTAMU this fall. Kate chose to continue her education at WTAMU because of the human and ecological risk assessment specialization. Kate is excited to step onto campus this fall! She is looking forward to growing as a student and taking advantage of the opportunities WTAMU provides, including making long-lasting connections with

peers and mentors, expanding her scope of knowledge, and gaining experiences that will create a solid foundation for her career.  

In the recent May graduating class, Cole Phillips graduated with his B.S. in Physics. Cole plans to pursue a M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Professional Chemistry at WTAMU this fall. During Cole's undergraduate studies, he learned how important it is to be involved with people, especially ones with similar goals and interests. Cole’s most cherished thoughts about WT are the wonderful faculty. Although the Physics program is small, with only three professors, Cole is confident that they are some of the most knowledgeable, hardworking, and helpful people at WTAMU.

Lucas Watson, an Exton, Pennsylvania native now resides in Dumas, Texas as he continues his education at WTAMU . Lucas graduated from Pennsylvania State University with his B.S. in Animal Science. He then earned his M.B.A. at WTAMU, and now is pursuing his M.S. in Animal Science. The kindness Lucas experienced during his visits at WTAMU played a big role in his decision to enroll in the College. Lucas looks forward to working with knowledgeable faculty and gaining connection in the industry. Lucas hopes that after earning his M.S. he will have the opportunity to gain acceptance into veterinary school, with plans of having a veterinary practice in the Panhandle. Lucas currently works for Trans Ova Genetics as a Professional Service Embryologist providing

bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) services in the Panhandle and surrounding areas. Lucas's interest in this field comes from his quadruplet sisters!

Discovery at WT Ranches

National Day of the Cowboy, on the fourth Saturday of July, recognizes the stoic, hardworking symbol of the American West. Hats off to those who are contributing at WT's two working Ranches!

The Nance Ranch is 2,500 acres with 400 acres of crop land. West Texas A&M University runs 50 commercial cow/calf pairs (including our PrimeOne cloned cows). There are three employees on the Nance Ranch: Cooper Autrey, (B.S. '23) manager, Miranda Stotz, an Agriculture Ph.D. student, and Mia Encinias, a senior majoring in Animal Science. The Gerdsen Ranch is 2,400 acres with 600 acres of crop land. There are 50 commercial cow/calf pairs, and also three employees. The current manager is Ramiro Villeda, pursuing a M.S. in Animal Science, and the other cowboys are Michael Lehmann, a senior majoring in Animal Science, and Boone Begert, a sophomore majoring in Agriculture.

“The Nance and Gerdsen Ranches provide exceptional opportunities for WTAMU students to gain valuable experience and skills that can be used back home on their family ranches or in their future careers as ranch managers after graduation,” Dr. Tommy Perkins, Associate Professor of Animal Science and Director of WT Nance and Gerdsen Ranches said.

The cowboys and cowgirls play an essential role in the maintenance and management of both ranches. They manage feeding, watering, mowing, fence or equipment repair, and advanced animal practices such as estrous synchronization. Workers also assist in tours for student recruitment.

“Our ranch employees are invaluable to the success of the overall mission of the Agricultural Sciences department and the university. I am thankful for the skills, work ethic and dedication each one of our ranch crew members gives back to us,” Dr. Perkins said.

A New Zealand Honey Bee Discovery

Erin Jones, a student pursuing her Ph.D. in Agriculture, recently attended the New Zealand Honey Bee Research Symposium at Plant and Food Research's Ruakura site in Hamilton, New Zealand. She won second place in the student competition with her presentation over her Ph.D. research, "Effort of Colony-Wide Physiological State on Honey Bee." Erin and her research advisor from Texas A&M University, Dr. Julianna Rangel, attended the Industry Summit Day Conference hosted by Apiculture New Zealand and the unique Manuka Factor Honey Association at Waikato University in Hamilton, as well as met with collaborating beekeepers, and toured blueberry, avocado, dragon fruit, and kiwi production facilities.



“I am blessed to have been able to explore the honey bee research and honey industry in this wonderful country,” Erin said.

A Moment with Mrs. Bachman

Pond's Ponder

Discover is an action verb that needs to be a central part of life. It is essential for growth, happiness, success, and to stimulate one’s actions and challenge one’s mind. Travel, reading, and experiences outside your comfort zone, will cause you to discover new things and ways to lead your life. Through new experiences, we continue to discover who we are and what we stand for. Throughout life, discovering new topics and skills will invigorate and challenge you to discover more.



If you find yourself in a rut, it’s time to boldly pursue something unfamiliar. There is always something new to discover.

Have Thoughts or Ideas?

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