Class of 2026: from the judging ring to the research lab—Katie Powell’s journey

Name: Katie Powell

College: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Major/minor: Dual degree - animal and poultry sciences, biological sciences

Hometown: Tyro, Virginia

Plans after graduation: Master's degree/research and teaching assistant in meat science at Oklahoma State University

If you could go back to the beginning of your undergraduate degree and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to focus on the things that are best aligned with my goals and interests. Getting involved in many different activities is great, but being able to pour yourself into a handful of organizations or causes is much more beneficial.

What are the most proud of during your college career?
I am most proud of my involvement with the State 4-H & FFA meat judging contest. Having grown up in the Virginia Youth Animal Science Program (YAS) and competing in this contest for five years, I knew that I wanted to give back to the program that quite literally determined my career trajectory. Since coming to Virginia Tech, I have contributed to the contest in various ways, from developing contest materials to serving as chair for the past two years. Working with Katherine Carter and the YAS team has helped me grow as a leader, gain more knowledge about the meat industry, and provided me with several mentors who will remain important throughout my life.

What extracurricular activities impacted your college experience the most?
I have been most impacted by my involvement in Block and Bridle (B&B). Not only did it introduce me to my best friends, but I also had the opportunity to grow as a leader in a couple of different roles. The member and alumni network of Virginia Tech Block and Bridle is a very tight-knit community that spans nearly every sector of agriculture and many walks of life. Whether it's bonding over State Fair memories, helping one another find job opportunities, or cooking BBQ at 4 a.m., B&B leaves you with a sense of community and servant leadership that is truly unmatched.  

Favorite class and why?

My favorite class is Dr. Gerrard's Principles of Meat Science because it shows a side of the animal science industry that most people don't think about. As someone who grew up judging, this class helped me to take a step back and look at the science behind the things that I was seeing in the coolers back in high school.

Favorite Hokie memory?
My favorite Hokie memory was the Metallica concert in Lane Stadium. Jumping to Enter Sandman live in Lane with my best friends was an unforgettable experience!

What internships/summer jobs did you do while at VT and how did they impact your college experience and/or career choice?
My first summer I interned at DC Legislative and Regulatory Services as a legislative intern. This experience truly opened my eyes to the impacts of government and regulation on the agriculture industry. While I don't plan on a career in policy or government, these federal, and even state, decisions will deeply impact any job that I pursue in animal science. This past summer, I interned at Tyson Foods as a research and development intern. My projects allowed me to gain an understanding of the food science industry and how the decisions that we make as animal scientists impact packers and large food companies. Additionally, I was able to apply what I learned in Dr. Gerrard's Principles of Meat Science class to find innovations in the processed meat space.

How have you grown since your first-year at VT?
The greatest growth I've seen in myself since my first year at Virginia Tech has been my ability to prioritize my time effectively. I've chosen to spend my time on things that not only develop my skills as a future professional, but also on things that make me happy. It can be really easy to keep your head stuck in a textbook for the entirety of your college experience, but making space for personal interests and experiences is just as important. You never know when these experiences that you would typically say no to will bring you new opportunities for your future.

What are you most thankful for and describe why?
I'm most thankful for the connections that I have made here at Virginia Tech. Whether it has been mentors, professors, industry partners, or my best friends, I have been able to build relationships with people who have deeply impacted me. These people have helped me to make post-graduation decisions, encouraged me to pursue what I am passionate about, and made the past three years unforgettable. I will always consider Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, and these people home.

How did study abroad, undergrad research, or independent study courses impact you?
I've been involved in undergraduate research since my freshman year. I started out in Dr. Hanigan's dairy nutrition lab in the School of Animal Sciences, which helped me to better understand the basics of research and different procedures. I took a break from research to work at the Virginia Tech Meat Center where I was able to get hands-on experience with processing. I learned a lot about anatomy and the small-scale retail meat processing space through this.

For the past year, I have been back doing research in Dr. Gerrard's meat science lab to better develop my knowledge of meat science by diving deeper into topics from my classes. I also participated in the Smithfield Field Study related to pork production. This experience allowed me to get hands-on experience in their pilot plant and build connections with industry stakeholders.

Additionally, I went on the UK & British Isles study abroad and the Dairy Club international trip to Ireland & Scotland. These trips were so eye-opening to see how different countries approach animal agriculture.

What role did scholarships play in making your education possible or in enhancing your undergrad experience?
I have received a couple of scholarships during my time at Virginia Tech including the Jackson S Copenhaver Legacy, Lou Dixie Beef Industry, A. L. Eller, and Garnett H Harvey Memorial scholarships. These scholarships have allowed me to focus more attention on research and unpaid positions that will prepare me for my future career.