The MANRRS Chapter at Oregon State University had a great trip to Denver attending the Region VI 2024 cluster meeting, Nov. 1-2. We arrived on Halloween evening after flying SW out of Eugene, decked out in our most Beavery of gear. After checking in to our rooms and having dinner, our Chapter President, Daniel, completed his proctored Organic Chemistry mid-term before getting to sleep. Bright and early next day, we headed out to Fort Collins to visit Colorado State University. It was very interesting to see the designs made by Dr. Temple Grandin, Animal Sci. Professor, for improved livestock handling to reduce stress. After a trip around the campus and tour from Animal Sciences, we headed out to the field site (Agricultural Research Development and Education Cener), to see the livestock unit, and the Temple Grandin designed working facility.
OSU MANRRS Chapter at Regional Cluster meeting.
Daniel and Sofia meeting with NRCS recruiter during opportunity fair.
The technology using electronic electronic ear tags on each animal to open and close the feeding stations and measure the type and amount of feed consumed allowing researchers to virtually track and ‘keep an eye’ on the animals’ health and welfare was fascinating.
“I enjoyed the tour of CSU as it allowed me to see what graduate school might be like at CSU. I was able to connect with recruiters from the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU and will be in conversation with them in the near future regarding ongoing research for graduate students.” Sofia Vazquez-Fernandez, Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation Sciences
Each regional cluster features an opportunity fair, student competitions, mixers, and professional and leadership development for students and professional attendees.
All of the OSU MANRRS students: Daniel Gonazlez, Guadalupe Licona Hernandez, Sofia Uribe Zapien, Venecia Rollins, Jimena Anguiano- Cisneros, David Bugarin Renteria, Roberto Ponce Velez, Sofia Vazquez-Fernandez were outstanding representatives for College of Agricultural Sciences and participated fully. Jimena was top 5 in the interview contest and received MANRRS scholarship. David was able to secure a job offer with BASF which he will begin upon graduation this spring term in North Carolina. We had three new members who were recognized at the pinning ceremony, Roberto, Jimena and Sofia U-Z. The keynote speakers were exceptional! And, we always love to connect with Tina Terrell , USDA Forest Service Senior Exec. for National Recruitment!!
Daniel and Lupe, OSU Chapter Officers provided the annual OSU Chapter report.
Jimena Anguiano Cisneros was top 5 in the interview contest and received MANRRS scholarship
“The most impactful takeaway for me was seeing other students who, like me, are passionate about agriculture. It was inspiring to connect with people who shared my interests and to meet others who may not have the same background but were still united by a common goal: advancing the future of agriculture. Networking with students from other states gave me a real sense of community, and I also had the opportunity to connect with several large companies at the career fair. One opportunity that stood out was the USDA Pathways Internship program. I’m particularly interested in applying, as this internship would help me explore potential career paths related to my degree.” Sofia Uribe Zapien, Agricultural Sciences
Thanks to Stephon Fitzpatrick MS, Ph.D. Mikiyah Baldwin, Jannai Oganeku, Dwane Matthews, Ashantáe Smith and all the MANRRS exec team for a great regional meeting! We appreciated Colorado State U. and Quatez Scott, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Agriculture, for providing our chapter with a campus visit to CSU.