ANSC Student Awards & Recognitions Roundup - Spring and Summer 2025

ANSC Places at 2025 NESA Animal Science Competition:

Dr. Monica VanKlompenberg took a team of students to Penn State University to compete at NESA (Northeast Student Affiliate of American Society of Animal Science(ASAS)/American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)) Competition, which was ANSC’s first trip to NESA in close a decade. In the competition, teams of 4 students test their knowledge and skills in livestock judging, quiz bowl, and presentation. Out of 33 teams, UMD’s ANSC team was named the 5th high team in judging and 4th overall. UMD was also awarded 6th place institution, which considers the scores of the top 2 teams from a school. 

Congratulations to team members Naomi Rappaport (ANSC Senior), Thu Nguyen (ANSC Junior), Raven Herron (ANSC Junior) and Ashlynn Kidwell (ANSC Sophomore)!

Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowships:

Two ANSC graduate students were awarded an Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowship from the UMD Graduate School. This prestigious fellowship gives awardees a full semester of financial support, enabling focus on research and dissertation. Learn more about the Ann G. Wylie Dissertation Fellowship. ANSC graduate student award recipients:

• Hada Akanksha (Xiao Lab)
• Caroline Halmi (Taneyhill Lab)

Graduate School's Outstanding Graduate Assistant Awards:

Two graduate students who work within ANSC were recognized by the Graduate School with their Outstanding Graduate Assistant Awards for the Spring 2025 semester. The award recognizes the top 2% of campus Graduate Assistants in a given year and carries with it a credit for the semester’s mandatory fees. ANSC graduate student award recipients:

• Anna Phan (Biswas Lab)
• Pratibha Poudel (Kim Lab)

AGNR Alumni Network Awards:

Every year, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Network awards outstanding members of the graduating class. ANSC student award recipients:

• Megan Baranowsky - ANSC’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student
• Lindsey Do - Outstanding Service to AGNR through Academics
• Megan Liu - Outstanding Service to AGNR through Research

ANSC Department Awards:

ANSC presents departmental leadership and academic achievement awards to students.

• ANSC Outstanding Ph.D. Student for the 2024/2025 Academic Year:
  • Andrew Brodrick
     
• Outstanding Leadership Awards for Spring 2025 Undergraduates:
  • Lindsey Do
  • Georgette Kelley
  • Stephanie Mejia
  • Shannon Specht
  • Autumn Wenstrom
     
• Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards for Spring 2025 Undergraduates:
  • Reagan Armstrong
  • Jimmy Dong
  • Declan Kehlbeck
  • Nika Svenson
  • Liesl Young
     
• Both Outstanding Leadership and Academic Achievement Awards for Spring 2025 Undergraduates:
  • Megan Baranowsky
  • Ayeesha Fadlaoui
  • Margaret Hubbard
  • Avery Polak