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Scholarship enables veterinary student to give back to her farm community , articleA gift in memory of veterinary college alum and rural veterinarian Doc Fuller ’88, DVM ’97 is helping Shelly Underwood prepare for a career in caring for farm animals.
Date: Nov 24, 2025 - -
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Hokies share what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving , articleThanksgiving is an opportunity to look back on the year’s challenges and triumphs and to appreciate the people and experiences that give meaning to our work and lives. Reflections from across the Virginia Tech community celebrate connection, purpose, and Hokie Spirit.
Date: Nov 21, 2025 - -
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October Aspire! Awards recipients promote engaged and impactful learning , articleThe ceremony celebrated individuals embodying the Aspirations for Student Learning with a special focus on a commitment to unwavering curiosity.
Date: Nov 20, 2025 - -
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A century of FFA leadership, born at Virginia Tech , articleThe youth organization founded in 1925 by four agricultural educators is now the nation’s largest student-led organization, with more than 1 million members.
Date: Nov 19, 2025 - -
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New fellows to further research integrity , articleThe first cohort of Innovative Research and Ethical Impact Fellows launched this fall, its members charged with honing their abilities to identify and address ethical research-related issues and then share that skill set with colleagues across the university.
Date: Nov 10, 2025 - -
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Five industry leaders inducted into Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame , articleTheir lasting contributions to Virginia’s beef, dairy, pork, sheep, and horse industries are now memorialized in the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena.
Date: Nov 04, 2025 - -
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Hokies compete in annual Academic Quadrathlon , articleTwelve teams brought their skill, collaboration, and Hokie spirit to the challenge, competing for the chance to represent Virginia Tech at this year’s ASAS Southern Section meeting in Arkansas.
Date: Oct 27, 2025 - -
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Research Faculty Spotlight: Robert Rhoads , articleRob Rhoads studies how animals maintain growth, milk production, and metabolism when facing stress from heat, diet, or disease. His research focuses on how heat stress affects metabolism and muscle function — work which helps pave the way for the development of practical solutions to keep animals healthy and productive in hot environments.
Date: Oct 27, 2025 - -
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Scientists find ways to boost memory in aging brains , articleIn two separate studies, Virginia Tech researchers identified age-related molecular changes in the brain and adjusted them to improve memory.
Date: Oct 22, 2025 - -
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Endowed scholarship supports veterinarians who practice in rural areas , articleKelli Gillespie is the first recipient of the Sydney and Fran Memorial Veterinary Scholarship and now in her second year of receiving the award.
Date: Oct 16, 2025 - -
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Research Faculty Spotlight: Kathryn Medler , articleResearchers in the Medler Lab are exploring how taste receptor cells send signals to the brain, including a recently discovered type of taste cell, and breaking ground by studying taste in pigs — animals with an exceptionally sophisticated taste system. Their discoveries could shape nutrition, improve health outcomes, and even influence how food and livestock industries think about taste.
Date: Oct 14, 2025 - -
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Faculty and staff honored with annual College of Agriculture and Life Sciences awards , articleSix people were recognized for contributions in research, teaching, outreach, and service.
Date: Oct 01, 2025 - -
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Virginia ram test continues to evolve alongside industry needs and technology , articleWith one of the nation’s longest-running performance programs, Virginia Tech has helped sheep producers make better breeding decisions for five decades.
Date: Sep 25, 2025 - -
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Research Faculty Spotlight: Ben Corl , articleThe Corl Lab studies the cells found in milk to understand how they affect milk production and why some leave the body earlier than expected. This research seeks to improve dairy cow health and milk efficiency as we face growing demands and limited resources.
Date: Sep 24, 2025 - -
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5 secrets about study abroad every Hokie should know , articleStudying abroad isn’t just about where you go – it’s about how it changes you. Start planning your adventure at the Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday under two big white tents on the Drillfield.
Date: Sep 18, 2025 - -
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James Knight honored with emeritus status , articleA member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 49 years, Knight made significant research contributions to reproductive biology in pigs and in fertilization and embryo growth and development
Date: Sep 12, 2025 - -
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Research Faculty Spotlight: Azahar Ali , articleRecognized with the 2025 Virginia Tech By-Example Award, Azahar Ali pioneers innovations at the intersection of agriculture, biology, and engineering — advancing 3D-printed biosensors and apps with transformative potential for health, agriculture, and the environment.
Date: Sep 10, 2025 - -
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In memoriam: Robert 'Bob' James, professor emeritus of dairy science , articleAn internationally recognized authority on calf health and nutrition, James spent more than 36 years at Virginia Tech advancing dairy science through teaching, research, and Extension.
Date: Sep 05, 2025 - -
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Researchers support pilot project to help protect the Chesapeake Bay , articlePartnering with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia State Dairymen's Association, researchers are helping develop a $20 million program designed to create incentives for landowners to measurably reduce nutrient runoff.
Date: Aug 11, 2025 - -
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Man’s best friend could be the spotted lanternfly’s worst enemy , articleVirginia Tech researchers found that everyday dog-handler teams can effectively detect spotted lanternfly egg masses, offering a community-driven tool to fight invasive agricultural pests.
Date: Jul 16, 2025 - -
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Alumnus and sixth-generation farmer named Virginia Farmer of the Year , articleSteve Hopkins ’88 and his family, owners of Riverview Farms Cattle in Louisa County, have deep ties to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Date: Jul 15, 2025 - -
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Four things to remember as you celebrate the Fourth of July , articleFrom fireworks to food preparation, Virginia Tech experts offer practical advice for enjoying this week’s holiday.
Date: Jul 01, 2025 - -
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Excellence in Teaching Spotlight on Alex White , redirectThe Excellence in Teaching Spotlight is presented to approximately nine Virginia Tech faculty members each academic year, recognizing a faculty member's effective, engaged, and dynamic approaches and achievements as an educator.
Date: Jun 10, 2025 - -
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Milkshakes fuel a global learning opportunity , articleNearly two dozen students in the Dairy Club at Virginia Tech traveled over 3,500 miles to explore agriculture across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and the cattle-breed birthplace islands of Guernsey and Jersey.
Date: Jun 03, 2025 - -
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Memorial Day tips for making a better burger from Virginia Tech meat science experts , articleFor most Americans, Memorial Day is a time for remembering fallen service members, sunny summer weather, and family time, including grilling juicy burgers. David Gerrard, director of the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech, and Matt Blankenship, manager of the Virginia Tech Meat Science Center, offer these tips to up your burger game this weekend.
Date: May 22, 2025 - -
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Alpha Gamma Rho celebrates 50 years of brotherhood, service, and agriculture at Virginia Tech , articleMore than 400 alumni and friends of the Beta Eta chapter are expected to attend reunion events May 30-31 in Blacksburg.
Date: May 22, 2025 - -
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Researchers celebrated for innovating science for society , articleVirginia Tech faculty were recognized for their scholarship and ingenuity at Innovation and Partnerships’ fourth annual Celebrating Innovation event.
Date: May 07, 2025 - -
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Class of 2025: Sofia Killar blends animal science with a passion for cancer research , articleAn Outstanding Senior in the School of Animal Sciences, Killar is headed to graduate school at Virginia Tech to study translational medicine and pursue a career in cancer research.
Date: May 05, 2025 - -
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Class of 2025: Salem Sifford leads in the livestock arena and the classroom , articleGraduating senior Salem Sifford's experiences in the School of Animal Sciences inspired her to pursue a career in animal science education and livestock judging at the collegiate level.
Date: May 05, 2025 - -
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Fetching fashion: Students help shelter dogs shine in runway show , articleThe Struttin’ for PAWS adoption fashion show will be held May 8 on the Graduate Life Center lawn.
Date: Apr 30, 2025 - -
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Daniela Garcia Llanos , articleBetween volunteering at the Virginia Tech horse barns and a trip to Germany to learn more about the European horse industry, Daniela Garcia Llanos has realized her love of all things equine! Daniela is thrilled to pursue a career working with thoroughbred horses, and with a double concentration, her passion for animals extends to many species.
Date: Apr 08, 2025 - -
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Study highlights how frustration can lead to failure for search and rescue dogs , articleNew research shows that when these dogs experience frustration — such as blocked access to a reward or an unfulfilled expectation — they are slower to complete their searches and more prone to errors.
Date: Mar 31, 2025 - -
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Virginia Tech study finds unique brain changes linked to witnessing trauma , articleResearchers discovered distinct molecular differences in how the brain processes directly experienced versus witnessed trauma — a finding that could lead to more targeted treatments for PTSD.
Date: Mar 17, 2025 - -
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Aspiring double Hokie embarks on a unique veterinary career with the U.S. Army , articleZach Kirkpatrick will receive training after getting his DVM degree to become a commissioned officer in the Army Veterinary Corps.
Date: Mar 04, 2025 - -
Video ItemEarly mornings at Virginia Tech's Equitation Barn , video
The morning routine at Virginia Tech's Equitation Barn involves students from all majors, staff, and volunteers who feed horses and clean stalls 365 days of the year. Students gain experience in breeding and foaling, ground work training, marketing, nutrition, exercise physiology, as well as stable management fundamentals.
Date: Feb 17, 2025 - -
Video ItemMorning routine at Virginia Tech's sheep center , video
Caring for the hundreds of sheep at Virginia Tech's Copenhaver Sheep Center involves many students and staff and happens 365 days a year, rain or shine. Students in both the School of Animal Sciences and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine are extensive users of the facilities, gaining valuable hands-on livestock experience as well as production management training through a wide range of courses.
Date: Feb 17, 2025 - -
Video ItemCaring for Virginia Tech's beef cattle , video
The Beef Cattle Center serves as a teaching, research, and outreach hub for School of Animal Sciences and Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine classes. Chad Joines '93 manages the Beef Cattle Center along with hired staff and students, who care for the cattle 365 days a year—rain or shine, to provide valuable experiential learning and research to help the beef cattle industry.
Date: Feb 17, 2025 - -
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Experts available: avian flu and egg prices, Trump inauguration, California wildfires, TikTok ban, more , articleThe Virginia Tech media relations office has experts available for interviews this week surrounding issues in the news including, egg prices and avian flu, President-elect Trump's inauguration, Southern California wildfires, utility companies and fires, Meta ending fact-checking, Supreme Court TikTok ban ruling, and winter salt environmental damage.
Date: Jan 13, 2025 - -
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Virginia Tech’s Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture enrolls 1,300-plus farms in first year of landmark pilot program , articleThe $80 million USDA-funded project — the largest grant in Virginia Tech’s history — provides financial support for farmers in selected counties in four states to implement agricultural practices that protect water, soil, and air.
Date: Jan 07, 2025 - -
Video ItemStudents develop program to help shelter dogs , video
A group students in the College of Agriculture and Life Science's School of Animal Sciences are working on an independent study to improve the lives of shelter dogs through enrichment and training programs.
Date: Dec 18, 2024 - -
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On the road with the Budweiser Clydesdales , articleHandler Marissa Kaminski ‘15 brought the legendary horses to Blacksburg for a stop at Virginia Tech’s new Equitation Barn.
Date: Nov 10, 2025 - -
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Brandon Duncan , articleGiving back to his community has this Hokie feeling proud! Brandon Duncan has spent time helping new and prospective students as an ambassador for both SAS and CALS, as a content producer for VT Admissions, and as a residential well-being student leader. In the fall, Brandon will be attending the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Date: May 14, 2025 - -
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Abby Greenwood , articleAs a participant in the Dairy Science 3+1 program, Abby Greenwood is excited to attend the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine next semester. She has been an active member of the Dairy Club and will fondly remember her time at Virginia Tech and the friends she has made here.
Date: Apr 23, 2025 - -
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Cassie Borino , articleCassie Borino has long dreamed of going to vet school and she believes her time at Virginia Tech has prepared her well. With research opportunities, studying abroad, and friends that can last a lifetime, Cassie has had four great years at Virginia Tech and is now looking forward to another four at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine!
Date: Apr 23, 2025 - -
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Sophia Cheng , articleWith a minor in Biodiversity Conservation, Sophia Cheng has big hopes to combine her knowledge about wildlife and companion animals in the future to help many animals. Sophia plans to attend veterinary school to refine that knowledge before going into veterinary pathology or internal medicine.
Date: Apr 29, 2025 - -
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Tyler Wood , articleMajoring in Animal and Poultry Sciences, this senior is reaching for the sky! Meet Tyler Wood, a VT Corps of Cadets member who plans to attend the U.S. Army Flight School. Tyler enjoys spending his free time fly fishing, camping, and hiking at various national parks.
Date: Apr 23, 2025 - -
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American university students visit island to learn about Guernsey cow , redirectThis week the Dairy Club at Virginia Tech is traveling to Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland for their Spring Break International Trip. Part of the group traveled last week to the Channel Islands to visit Guernsey and Jersey where they were able to learn more about the management and genetics of dairy herds on each island. What a special experience to see where the breeds originated! Thank you to the Guernsey Press for the story highlighting their visit!
Date: Mar 13, 2025 - -
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Makaia Haight , articleA double major in Animal and Poultry Sciences and Dairy Science, Makaia Haight is making the most of her time at Virginia Tech. Whether you see her at a women’s basketball game or reaching out to new students as an ambassador, Makaia is always moving!
Date: Apr 23, 2025 - -
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SAS student named an Agri-Food Finance Fellow , redirectThe Kohl Centre is thrilled to announce the appointment of six exceptional students to join the inaugural Class of Agri-Food Finance (AFF) Fellows at Virginia Tech. This highly anticipated program is designed for students eager to explore the intersection of finance, the agri-food sector, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools for financial applications.
Date: Dec 10, 2025 - -
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Virginia Cooperative Extension offers guidance to poultry owners following highly contagious avian flu outbreak in Virginia , articleThe first report of infection in Virginia since 2022, at a commercial poultry facility in Accomack County, highlights the need for increased biosecurity among poultry owners large and small, Virginia Tech poultry expert Michael Persia says.
Date: Jan 24, 2025 - -
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Update on the current status of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in VirginiaThis outbreak dates back to 2022 and continues to return each fall winter with migratory birds. In later 2024, HPAI returned to the USA, but most of these outbreaks were located in the Pacific and Mississippi flyways (Western and Midwest United States). In January, it became evident that HPAI (circulating virus from migratory birds) has returned to the Atlantic flyway including Virginia. We have numerous states around us (NC, WV, PA and DE) that have identified current outbreaks and within VA we have had several wild birds that have tested positive. This virus continues to infect commercial and backyard poultry across the USA. More...
Date: Jan 16, 2025 -
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Class of 2024: Ashtyn Dunn’s path to vet school is rooted in family, agriculture, and a passion for animals , articleWith help from scholarships, Dunn was able to study abroad, perform veterinary research, and be a highly involved student.
Date: Dec 12, 2024 - -
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Research sponsorships and robust partnerships fuel upward trajectory , articleOn Tuesday, members of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors were briefed on the status of the university’s diverse research portfolio and contributing factors to this upward trending trajectory.
Date: Nov 19, 2024 - -
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Five industry leaders join the 2024 Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame , articleNinety-three Hall of Famers have been honored since 2009 for their significant impact on the state's sheep, beef, dairy, pork, and horse industries.
Date: Nov 12, 2024 - -
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Virginia Cooperative Extension helps communities rebuild after Hurricane Helene , articleIn 21 Southwest Virginia communities hardest hit by the storm, Virginia Cooperative Extension is leading relief efforts and supporting agriculture — Virginia’s largest private industry.
Date: Oct 28, 2024 - -
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In memoriam: Arthur L. ‘Ike’ Eller, renowned Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension animal scientist , articleEller served the beef cattle industry for over 45 years as a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent, animal scientist, and beloved faculty member.
Date: Oct 24, 2024 - -
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Researcher suggests eggs as additional vitamin D source as autumn days grow shorter, colder , articleA deficiency in vitamin D can lead to problems with bone development and maintenance, and additional symptoms including muscle weakness, fatigue, and depression. To supplement the body's necessary daily dose of vitamin D, Virginia Tech poultry expert Mike Persia has a recommendation for an additional source: Eggs.
Date: Oct 22, 2024 - -
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Virginia Tech senior investigates pre-weaning death loss in pigs , articleSenior Alexis "Lexi" Clapp investigates pre-weaning death loss in pigs, hoping to provide evidence-based insights for future intervention strategies.
Date: Oct 07, 2024 - -
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Agriculture industry leader spotlight: 3rd-generation Hokie advocates for dairy farmers , articleLindsay Reames, a proud member of the 10th generation to grow up on her family’s dairy farm in Loudoun County, Virginia, has embraced her heritage with pride. With a long family tradition of attending Virginia Tech, it was only natural for her to continue the legacy and become a Hokie herself.
Date: Sep 27, 2024 - -
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Meet Mario Ferruzzi, incoming dean of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences , articleFrom his start on a North Carolina farm to a new office in Hutcheson Hall, Ferruzzi brings a strong background in agriculture, food science, and service to the land-grant mission. Here are 10 questions with the incoming dean.
Date: Sep 16, 2024 - -
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In memoriam: Clay 'Corey' Childs, Virginia Cooperative Extension agent , articleChilds, an Extension agent for 34 years, leaves behind a legacy of impact and service in youth development, animal science, and agricultural leadership in Virginia.
Date: Sep 10, 2024 - -
Video ItemChicken happiness , video
Leonie Jacobs, Associate Professor in the School of Animal Sciences, led a workshop to help rural middle school students participating in the Summer Enrichment Experience at Virginia Tech (SEE VT) learn about chicken behavior and how to tell if a chicken is happy.
Date: Aug 29, 2024 - -
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New Virginia Tech, Roanoke Valley SPCA partnership to innovate animal behavioral programming in shelter medicine , articleStudents will have the opportunity to research and contribute to the health, happiness, and adoptability of dogs and cats at the shelter.
Date: Aug 12, 2024 - -
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A partnership from field to filet , articleVirginia Cooperative Extension partners with beef producers across the commonwealth to ensure their livelihoods — and Virginia’s second-largest agricultural product — have a bright future.
Date: Aug 12, 2024 - -
Video ItemMARE Center provides experiential internship program for students , video
Each summer, the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center hosts several undergraduate interns to help conduct research and maintain the center's herd of thoroughbreds. “We’re able to give the interns and students that come through the ability to learn equine-based research that not a lot of schools are able to offer,” said Madison Barshick, Ph.D. Candidate and ICTAS Doctoral Scholar.
Date: Jul 24, 2024 - -
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In the British Isles, students find new routes to pursue agriculture passions , articleA study abroad experience exploring policies, practices, and livestock in the United Kingdom and Ireland was eye-opening for 26 students studying animal and poultry sciences. The experience inspired many to consider new possibilities for their future careers, graduate degrees, and travel opportunities.
Date: Jul 18, 2024 - -
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Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Virginia Tech researchers work toward better treatments , articleJune marks Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, and June 20, the summer solstice, will see a nationwide fundraising effort to counter Alzheimer’s and similar diseases, known as The Longest Day. Virginia Tech researchers are engaged in research meant to advance treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and assist caregivers of loved ones with dementia.
Date: Jun 20, 2024 - -
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Study reveals that market-ready beef cattle maintain meat quality on low-input diets for as long as 60 days , articleThe Virginia Tech-led study shows that beef from market-ready steers transitioned and held on less-expensive maintenance diets maintained quality indicators for longer than previously believed.
Date: Jun 18, 2024 - -
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Pairing shelter dogs has ‘pawsitive’ results , articleA Virginia Tech-led study of shelter dogs revealed that dogs housed with a well-matched companion less stressed and adopted faster than dogs housed alone.
Date: Jun 12, 2024 - -
Video ItemSoil management from farm to field , video
Jonathan Dickerson '10, M.S. '13, leads the Soils and Nutrient Management course at Virginia Tech. Students visit Virginia Tech's Dairy Science Complex to see how it generates, stores, and prepares manure, and then take soil samples to see the different types of soil profiles for potential nutrient application.
Date: Apr 25, 2024 - -
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Michael Persia named John W. Hancock Professor of Animal Sciences , articleA member of the Virginia Tech community since 2014, Persia’s scholarship focuses on the mechanisms of nutrient utilization in chickens and turkeys.
Date: May 14, 2024 - -
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Eric Wong honored with emeritus status , articleA member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 33 years, Wong made significant research contributions to poultry molecular biology focusing on the role of the intestine and yolk sac in nutrient uptake and host defense.
Date: May 14, 2024 - -
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Class of 2024: A brush with illness opened Alex Solomon’s eyes to immunology research , articleAfter graduation, Solomon is headed to a Ph.D. program in immunology.
Date: May 14, 2024 - -
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Spring 2024 Student Awards and RecognitionThe School of Animal Sciences honors outstanding students for the Spring 2024 commencement.
Date: Jun 05, 2024 - -
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Class of 2024: Julia Riley tackles challenges inside and outside of the classroom , article“My journey at Virginia Tech has been an incredibly fulfilling one that continues to remind me that the unexpected parts of life can sometimes be the most rewarding," said Riley, the College of Engineering's Outstanding Senior.
Date: May 06, 2024 - -
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Class of 2024: Zichong ‘Zach’ Guo shifts from language lessons to livestock , articleGuo found his passion for agriculture and food science and cultivated a love for Virginia Tech through his start at the Language and Culture Institute.
Date: May 01, 2024 - -
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Sanghani Center and CAIA cultivate transdisciplinary research in agriculture, AI, and data analytics , articleA Graduate Research Assistantship Program provides joint graduate scholarships for exceptional Ph.D. students who will be co-mentored by CAIA affiliate faculty and Sanghani Center faculty for up to two years. The first two recipients are Sangwoo Kim and Runing Yang.
Date: Apr 29, 2024 - -
Video ItemIDPro's interdisciplinary "Bacon Team" , video
A team of students and faculty are working together in the Interdisciplinary Projects class (IDPro) to help characterize and optimize an industrial bacon press for a food-processing equipment manufacturer.
Date: Apr 17, 2024 -
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