Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:The grant was designed to target Hispanic junior/senior level B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. animal science majors through engagement activities and exposure to research through experiential learning. The goal is to increase the diversity of the nation's workforce by placing well trained graduates into animal science careers upon graduation with a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?-Students often report that research projects leading to professional meeting attendance provide opportunities for personal growth, networking and career planning. LEADERS 2 students obtained vast knowledge through professional meeting attendance that provided enhanced scientific knowledge while promoting professional networking. Professional networking was encouraged and enhanced during these conferences through organized faculty-student luncheons which included faculty and students from the 3 HSIs as well as Advisory Board members, USDA scientists and industry professionals. -All students (100%) involved with the LEADERS 2 program were involved with research. As a result, scientific and technical skills were obtained that will be (or were) utilized as they progress in their education. Skills gained may also give these students an advantage as they pursue additional degrees or careers upon graduation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?-During the five-year program, five manuscripts were submitted and accepted for publication in three different journals. Journals included: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Applied Animal Science, and Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science. These publications represent the work of students and faculty funded by LEADERS 2. -Students involved with the LEADERS 2 program presented the results of their research at professional meetings to include: Experimental Biology, American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Annual Meeting, Western Section ASAS, Southern Section ASAS, Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, Sociedad Puertoriqueno de Ciencias Agricolas, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, Society for the Study of Reproduction Conference, New Mexico State University Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium, TAMUK Javelina Research Symposium and multiple others. Students also presented at the AAHHE Confer USDA HSI PD meeting prior to COVID. -Students involved in this type of program (LEADERS 2) often report through community involvement that pertains to their research project or program of study. Involvement with K-12 students through camps, recruitment activities, and general engagement, is an excellent way to encourage younger kids to consider obtaining a college education, many of which may be future first generation Hispanic students. LEADERS 2 students provided teaching demonstrations and presentations to groups of high school students and community college students from all parts of Texas, New Mexico, Puerto Rico as well as international students from Mexico. LEADERS 2 students engaged groups of 1-40 students (4-H groups, FFA groups, prospective students, agricultural science students from local community colleges, and local and international universities), discussing with them their individual research projects, followed by hands-on demonstrations. Not only were results disseminated to communities of interest, but funded students gained public speaking skills and learned to explain scientific concepts to lay audiences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Students served: A total of 72 students (69 Hispanic and 3 Caucasian) across 3 universities were served throughout the 5 year program. Of these 72 students, 4 were Ph.D. students, 30 were M.S. students, and 38 were B.S. students, surpassing the proposed target of 30 students. (Student numbers are based on annual funding, thus if the student remained in the program, they will be reported as the number of years participated.) Objective 1: Develop a cooperative link between HSIs with animal science programs that will improve underrepresented student success through professional development opportunities. -TAMUK, NMSU, and UPRM faculty worked to equip Hispanic students with technical, scientific and professional skills that would improve retention and graduation rates and ultimately increase graduate school acceptance and employment rates. Continuous mentoring between faculty and students increases career awareness and educational opportunities allowing students to accomplish their personal and professional goals. -Activities accomplished by LEADERS 2 that engaged students across institutions and enhanced relationships of those involved in the LEADERS 2 program included: student research, educational tours, professional meeting attendance, journal club meetings, and faculty-student luncheons. Students benefit from these professional networking opportunities by developing relationships and acquiring the social capital that can lead to opportunities such as graduate school, internships, and job placement. Objective 2: Educate both undergraduate (n=20) and graduate (n=10) students in the field of animal science through "hands-on" experiential learning activities. -Students selected to participate in the LEADERS 2 program chose a discipline within animal science that interested them. They worked with an appropriate faculty member within their chosen discipline to design a research project, conduct the research experiment (i.e., collect samples, perform laboratory analyses), and analyze the resulting data for presentation at professional meetings. - Funding for this proposal provided 72 students (69 underrepresented) with the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate student researcher or graduate student research assistant. Our program goal was 20 undergraduate and 10 graduate students, thus we far exceeded our goal by educating 38 undergraduate and 34 graduate students (30 M.S. and 4 Ph.D.). This was possible by leveraging funds from other internal and external sources for students, research supplies and travel. Objective 3: Create a pipeline of students with an established route for progression from B.S. to doctorate. - Collaboration between faculty and students involved in LEADERS 2, the program's partnering HSIs, Advisory Board members, and professionals contacted during educational tours and professional conferences provided students with a tremendous networking opportunity that made the progression from B.S. to doctorate readily accessible. - During conference attendance, students met with Advisory Board members over lunch or dinner. Students were able to ask questions and become informed of the various opportunities available to them at other universities. The Advisory Board includes faculty at Ph.D. granting institutions with strong animal science programs [Texas A&M University (2), The Ohio State University (1), Kansas State University (1), and the University of Nevada (1)]. These faculty and scientists collaborated with our HSI faculty and students on their research projects. Our goal was to help expand the professional network of our HSIs and assist with student progress from B.S./M.S. to the doctorate level. These collaborative efforts allowed students to experience new regions of the U.S., expose them to multiple institutions, reveal national career options, and develop independence and self-confidence which are critical for success in education and careers 'away from home'. - We partnered with HSIs (Angelo State University, Eastern New Mexico State, and West Texas A&M University) to identify academically strong Hispanic students in Animal Science for participation in summer research internships. The goal was to further expand the reach of the LEADERS 2 program and grow the educational pipeline designed to support students from the B.S. to doctorate level. Although one internship was completed by a student from WTAMU spending 8-weeks at UPRM in 2019, this effort was not as effective as planned due to the many travel restrictions put in place with COVID-19. - The activities involved in LEADERS 2 to promote the pipeline of progression from B.S. to doctorate were effective and is evidenced in the number of students progressing into advanced degrees from our program. To date, 6 students progressed from B.S. to M.S., 4 progressed from M.S. to Ph.D. and 8 progressed from B.S. or M.S. to DVM. Thus 18 students were directly impacted by our pipeline. Further, of these students, 11 progressed into one of our collaborating institutions or one of our Advisory Board member's institutions as a direct result of the networking opportunities provided by LEADERS 2. Objective 4: Engage students through research training. - Students involved in research were financially supported through grant funds, mentored by faculty, and trained in discipline-specific techniques. A sense of responsibility and accountability was instilled as students realized they were in control of their research projects. - Funds also provided research supplies and professional conference attendance for students to present their research findings.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Hook, K. C., R. V. Machen, D. B. Wester, K. C. McCuistion and N. L. Bell. 2022. Effects of cyclic monensin feeding on ruminally cannulated beef steers consuming low-quality forage. Appl. An. Sci. 38:129-140.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Martinez, J. J., K. C. McCuistion, C. A. Loest, L. P. Sastre, J. I. Solis, and N. L. Bell. 2022. Effect of monensin and protein supplementation on intake, digestion, and ruminal fermentation parameters inn cattle consuming low-quality forage. Appl. An. Sci. 38:13-21.
|
Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:The grant was designed to target Hispanic junior/senior level B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. animal science majors through engagement activities and exposure to research through experiential learning. The goal is to increase the diversity of the nation's workforce by placing well trained graduates into animal science careers upon graduation with a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. During the fourth year of the program, a total of 14 students (12 Hispanic and 2 Caucasian) across three HSI universities were served (86% female; 14% male). Of these 14 students, 1 is a Ph.D. student, 7 are M.S. students, and 6 are B.S. students, exceeding the proposed target for Year 4. Data presented in this report pertains to their activities between June 2020 and August 2021. Changes/Problems:COVID-19 has continued to hinder certain activities during Year 4 for all universities involved and will likely continue to have an impact into Year 5. However, research has continued and we are committed to remaining focused in order to accomplish the objectives of this grant program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?-Students often report that research projects and professional meeting attendance provide opportunities for personal growth, networking and career planning. -All students (100%) involved with the LEADERS 2 program were involved with research in Year 4. As a result, scientific and technical skills were obtained that will be utilized as they progress in their education. Skills gained may also give these students an advantage as they pursue additional degrees or careers upon graduation. -Although Year 4 presented some challenges regarding travel due to COVID-19, students continued to attend professional meetings both virtually and in-person, to include: Experimental Biology (virtual), American Society of Animal Science-CSAS-SSASAS Annual Meeting (Louisville, KY), Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (virtual), Society for the Study of Reproduction Conference (virtual), and New Mexico State University Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium (Las Cruces, NM). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?-During year 4, three manuscripts were submitted and accepted for publication in three different journals. Journals included: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Applied Animal Science, and Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science. These publications represent the work of four students funded by LEADERS 2. -Additionally, during year 4, students involved with the LEADERS 2 program presented the results of their research at professional meetings to include: Experimental Biology (virtual), American Society of Animal Science-CSAS-SSASAS Annual Meeting (Louisville, KY), Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (virtual), Society for the Study of Reproduction Conference (virtual), and New Mexico State University Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts Symposium (Las Cruces, NM). -Students involved in this type of program (LEADERS 2) often report community involvement that pertains to their research project or program of study. Involvement with K-12 students through camps, recruitment activities, and general engagement, is an excellent way to encourage younger kids to consider obtaining a college education, many of which may be future first generation Hispanic students. For example, two TAMUK LEADERS 2 students currently involved in ruminant nutrition research provided multiple teaching demonstrations to groups of high school students and community college students from all parts of Texas. These students engaged groups of 1-40 students (4-H groups, FFA groups, prospective students, and agricultural science students from local community colleges), discussing with them their individual research projects, followed by teaching them how samples are obtained from the rumen of a cannulated animal, and allowing the students to experience this first-hand. Additionally, these LEADERS 2 students also gave similar demonstrations to TAMUK freshmen enrolled in an introductory animal science course. Not only are results being disseminated to communities of interest, but funded students are gaining public speaking skills and learning how to explain scientific concepts to lay audiences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?-The greatest challenge many students face is overcoming financial adversity. As faculty, we work closely with the students, understand their needs, and do what we can to ease that burden. Funds provided from this grant allow students to be compensated for the work/research they perform. -Students involved in the LEADERS 2 program that did not graduate in Year 4 will continue to receive financial support from the program to conduct research and engage in professional development opportunities. We will add additional students to replace those that have graduated and support more students than anticipated as funding allows. -Plans for the fifth and last year of the program are to expand student involvement in research and professional development opportunities that relate to animal science and the goals of this project. Proposed activities, such as educational tours, summer research internships, and professional meeting attendance, will also be conducted. COVID-19 has continued to hinder certain activities during Year 4 and will likely also impact Year 5, however, we will continue to focus on, and enhance, the cooperative link between our HSIs, even if it must be accomplished virtually. We believe that a strong cooperative link between HSIs will provide students with tremendous networking opportunities that will make progression from a B.S. to doctorate readily accessible and may also lead to future career opportunities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Students served: A total of 14 students (12 Hispanic and 2 Caucasian) across 3 universities were served during the fourth year of the grant. Of these 14 students, 1 is a Ph.D. student, 7 are M.S. students, and 6 are B.S. students, surpassing the proposed target for Year 4. Five of the 14 students graduated in Year 4 (three M.S. students and two B.S. students). Three graduates have plans of attending veterinary school (one M.S. student from UPRM, one M.S and one B.S. student from NMSU). One M.S. student graduated from UPRM with plans of working in a reproductive technology field. One B.S. student graduated from NMSU and will attend graduate school. Objective 1: Develop a cooperative link between HSIs with animal science programs that will improve underrepresented student success through professional development opportunities. -TAMUK, NMSU, and UPRM faculty are currently working to equip Hispanic students with technical, scientific and professional skills that will improve retention and graduation rates and ultimately increase graduate school acceptance and employment rates. Constant mentoring that occurs between faculty and students increases career awareness and educational opportunities allowing students to accomplish their personal and professional goals. -Activities accomplished in Year 4 that engaged students across institutions and enhanced relationships of those involved in the LEADERS 2 program include: student research (ongoing), educational tours, and professional meeting attendance. Students benefit from these professional networking opportunities by developing relationships and acquiring the social capital that can lead to opportunities such as graduate school, internships, and job placement. Objective 2: Educate both undergraduate (n=20) and graduate (n=10) students in the field of animal science through "hands-on" experiential learning activities. - Funding for this proposal will provide at least 30 underrepresented students with the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate or graduate student research assistant. In Year 4, 14 students were involved in the program. For Year 4, our target engagement level was 10 students (2 PhD, 3 M.S. and 5 B.S). While we have exceeded our target total engagement level of B.S. and M.S students, we fell short by one PhD student. NMSU funded one, rather than the target 2, PhD students in Year 4, but they have recruited and funded additional M.S. students. TAMUK funded an additional B.S and two additional M.S. students in Year 4 while UPRM met their target. -Students selected to participate in the LEADERS 2 program have chosen a discipline within animal science that interests them. They are working with an appropriate faculty member within their chosen discipline to design a research project, conduct the research experiment, and analyze the resulting data for presentation at professional meetings. Objective 3: Create a pipeline of students with an established route for progression from B.S. to doctorate. - Collaboration between faculty and students involved in LEADERS 2, the program's partnering HSIs, Advisory Board members, and professionals contacted during educational tours and professional conferences will provide students with a tremendous networking opportunity that will make the progression from B.S. to doctorate readily accessible. - In summer 2021, students met with several Advisory Board members during the American Society for Animal Science Annual Meeting. Students were able to ask questions and become informed of the various opportunities available to them at other universities. The Advisory Board includes faculty at Ph.D. granting institutions with strong animal science programs [Texas A&M University (2), The Ohio State University (1), Kansas State University (1), and the University of Nevada (1)]. These faculty and scientists collaborate with our HSI faculty and students on their research projects. Our goal is that they will help expand the professional network of our HSIs and assist with student progress from B.S./M.S. to the doctorate level. These collaborative efforts will allow students to experience new regions of the U.S., expose them to multiple institutions, reveal national career options, and develop independence and self-confidence which are critical for success in education and careers 'away from home'. - We have partnered with HSIs (Angelo State University, Eastern New Mexico State, and West Texas A&M University) to identify academically strong Hispanic students in Animal Science for participation in summer research internships. The goal is to further expand the reach of the LEADERS 2 program and grow the educational pipeline designed to support students from the B.S. to doctorate level. A second intern from a partnering HSI was to be selected to participate in an 8 week internship at TAMUK during Summer 2020, however, due to COVID-19, we were unable to accomplish this objective in Year 3 or 4. Therefore TAMUK is planning to host an intern during Summer 2022. - The currently funded Ph.D. student is a student that participated in the LEADERS 2 grant program as an M.S. student at TAMUK and progressed to a Ph.D. at NMSU as a direct result of the networking opportunities and continued funding provided by the LEADERS and LEADERS 2 programs. One B.S. student funded in Year 3 is in her second year of graduate school at our collaborating institution, West Texas A&M University with plans of continuing into a PhD program. Two students funded in Years 2 and 3 were accepted and began the DVM program at Texas A&M University in Fall 2020. These students are evidence that our program is successfully establishing a pipeline of students to progress through advanced degrees. Objective 4: Engage students through research training. - Students involved in research are being financially supported through grant funds, mentored by faculty, and trained in discipline-specific techniques. A sense of responsibility and accountability is being instilled as students realize they are in control of their research projects. - Funds are also being spent to provide research supplies and to attend professional conferences to present their research findings.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Ryan L. Ashley, Cheyenne L. Runyan, Marlie M. Maestas, Elisa Trigo, Gail Silver. 2021. The C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) and its receptor CXCR4 may serve as master regulators of placental vascularization. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Hook, K. C., R. V. Machen, D. B. Webster, K. C. McCuistion, A. G. Hernandez, D. A. Gonzalez, and N. L. Bell. 2021. Effects of cyclic monensin feeding on ruminal function in cannulated beef steers consuming low-quality forage. Appl. Ani. Sci.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Evaluation of the tri-axial accelerometer to identify and predict parturition related activities of Debouillet ewes in an intensive setting. Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour Science.
|
Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:The grant was designed to target Hispanic junior/senior level B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. animal science majors through engagement activities and exposure to research through experiential learning. The goal is to increase the diversity of the nation's workforce by placing well trained graduates into animal science careers upon graduation with a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. During the third year of the program, a total of 16 Hispanic students across four HSI universities were served (94% female; 6% male). Of these 16 students, 1 is a Ph.D. student, 9 are M.S. students, and 6 are B.S. students, exceeding the proposed target for Year 3. Data presented in this report pertains to their activities between June 2019 and May 2020. Changes/Problems:-A series of earthquakes that took place December 2019-January 2020 hindered some activities for UPRM. Thus, the student involvement during Year 3 for UPRM was lower than anticipated. However, because all three collaborating universities involved generally fund more than the proposed number of students, we remain well ahead of our proposed target involvement. -COVID-19 has hindered certain activities during Year 3 for all universities involved and will likely continue to have an impact into Year 4. However, research has continued and we are committed to remaining focused in order to accomplish the objectives of this grant program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?-Students often report that research projects and professional meeting attendance provide opportunities for personal growth, networking and career planning. -All students (100%) involved with the LEADERS 2 program were involved with research in Year 3. As a result, scientific and technical skills were obtained that will be utilized as they progress in their education. Skills gained may also give these students an advantage as they pursue additional degrees or careers upon graduation. -In Year 3, students have attended professional meetings including: American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting (Austin, TX; July 2019), Western Section American Society of Animal Science (Boise, ID; June 2019), Javelina Research Symposium (Kingsville, TX; September 2019), Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (Honolulu, HI; October 2019), Puerto Rican Society of Agricultural Sciences (San Juan, PR; December 2019), American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education Annual Meeting (Costa Mesa, CA; March 2020), HSI Grant Programs New Project Director's Meeting (Costa Mesa, CA; March 2020), International Embryology Technology Society Annual Meeting (New York, NY; January 2020), and Experimental Biology (San Diego, CA; April 2020). Students were also scheduled to attend Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference (April 2020), Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting (July 2020) and the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting (July 2020), however, due to COVID-19, meetings were cancelled/reformatted and universities were banned from travel, thus attendance was not permitted. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?-Students involved with the LEADERS 2 program have presented the results of their research at professional meetings to include: American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting (Austin, TX), Western Section American Society of Animal Science (Boise, ID), Javelina Research Symposium (Kingsville, TX), Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (Honolulu, HI), Sociedad Puertoriquena de Ciencias Agricolas (San Juan, PR), the USDA HSI PD Meeting (Costa Mesa, CA ; in conjunction with the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education Annual Meeting), International Embryology Technology Society Annual Meeting (New York, NY), and Experimental Biology (San Diego, CA). -Students involved in this type of program (LEADERS 1) often report community involvement that pertains to their research project or program of study. Involvement with K-12 students through camps, recruitment activities, and general engagement, is an excellent way to encourage younger kids to consider obtaining a college education, many of which may be future first generation Hispanic students. For example, during Year 3, three TAMUK LEADERS 2 students currently involved in ruminant nutrition research provided multiple teaching demonstrations to groups of high school students and community college students from all parts of Texas. They engaged groups of 1-40 students (4-H groups, FFA groups, prospective students, and agricultural science students from local community colleges), discussing with them their individual research projects, followed by teaching them how samples are obtained from the rumen of a cannulated animal, and allowing the students to experience this first-hand. Additionally, these LEADERS 2 students also gave similar demonstrations to TAMUK freshmen enrolled in an introductory animal science course. Not only are results being disseminated to communities of interest, but funded students are gaining public speaking skills and learning to explain scientific concepts to lay audiences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?-The greatest challenge many students face is overcoming financial adversity. As faculty, we work closely with the students, understand their needs, and do what we can to ease that burden. Funds provided from this grant allow students to be compensated for the work/research they perform. -Students involved in the LEADERS 2 program that did not graduate in Year 3 will continue to receive financial support from the program to conduct research and engage in professional development opportunities. We will add additional students to replace those that have graduated and support more students than anticipated as funding allows. -Plans for the fourth year of the program are to expand student involvement in research and professional development opportunities that relate to animal science and the goals of this project. Proposed activities, such as the Language Development Workshops, summer research internships, and professional meeting attendance, will also be conducted. COVID-19 has hindered certain activities during Year 3 and will likely significantly impact Year 4, however, we will continue to focus on and enhance the cooperative link between our HSIs, even if it must be accomplished virtually. We believe that a strong cooperative link between HSIs will provide students with tremendous networking opportunities that will make progression from a B.S. to doctorate readily accessible and may also lead to future career opportunities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Students served: A total of 16 Hispanic students across 4 universities were served during the third year of the grant. Of these 16 students, 1 is a Ph.D. student, 9 are M.S. students, and 6 are B.S. students, surpassing the proposed target for Year 3. Five of the 16 students graduated in Year 3 (one M.S. student and four B.S. students). One M.S. student graduated from NMSU and has plans of attending veterinary school. Five B.S. students graduated from TAMUK in Year 3: one graduated in Fall 2019 and began an M.S. at TAMUK in Spring 2020, funded by our LEADERS 2 grant; one graduated in Spring 2020 and is pursuing an M.S. this fall at our collaborating institution, West Texas A&M University, one is awaiting veterinary school opportunities (she was put on an alternate list at Texas A&M University) and one is pursuing a second B.S. in order to become a licensed veterinary technician. -Progress report due date: many of the activities included in this project occur during summer months. As a result, information presented in this progress report is for the time frame of June 2019 - May 2020. The 2021 Progress Report will include data gathered from June 2020 - May 2021. Objective 1: Develop a cooperative link between HSIs with animal science programs that will improve underrepresented student success through professional development opportunities. -TAMUK, NMSU, and UPRM faculty are currently working to equip Hispanic students with technical, scientific and professional skills that will improve retention and graduation rates and ultimately increase graduate school acceptance and employment rates. Constant mentoring that occurs between faculty and students increases career awareness and educational opportunities allowing students to accomplish their personal and professional goals. -Activities accomplished in Year 3 that engaged students across institutions and enhanced relationships of those involved in the LEADERS 2 program include: student research (ongoing), educational tours, and professional meeting attendance (June/July/November/December 2019, Jan/March/April 2020). Students benefit from these professional networking opportunities by developing relationships and acquiring the social capital that can lead to opportunities such as graduate school, internships, and job placement. -In Year 3, a focus has been to create a stronger cooperative link between HSIs. To address this effort, students from TAMUK and WTAMU participated in an 8-week summer research experience at UPRM during summer 2019. During this summer research experience students gained technical, scientific and professional skills while in an unfamiliar setting. Not only did this create a networking opportunity for the students, but it also allowed for "language learning" practice for all involved. Objective 2: Educate both undergraduate (n=20) and graduate (n=10) students in the field of animal science through "hands-on" experiential learning activities. - Funding for this proposal will provide at least 30 underrepresented students with the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate or graduate student research assistant. In Year 3, 16 students were involved in the program. For Year 3, our target engagement level was 11 students (2 PhD, 3 M.S. and 6 B.S). While we have exceeded our target total engagement level of B.S. and M.S students, we fell short by one PhD student. NMSU funded one, rather than the target 2, PhD students in Year 3, but they have recruited additional M.S. students. TAMUK has recruited additional students while UPRM has had slight difficulties recruiting due to unforeseen circumstances (earthquake and COVID-19). -Students selected to participate in the LEADERS 2 program have chosen a discipline within animal science that interests them. They are working with an appropriate faculty member within their chosen discipline to design a research project, conduct the research experiment, and analyze the resulting data for presentation at professional meetings. Objective 3: Create a pipeline of students with an established route for progression from B.S. to doctorate. - Collaboration between faculty and students involved in LEADERS 2, the program's partnering HSIs, Advisory Board members, and professionals contacted during educational tours and professional conferences will provide students with a tremendous networking opportunity that will make the progression from B.S. to doctorate readily accessible. - In summer 2019, students met with several Advisory Board members and collaborating USDA scientists during the American Society for Animal Science Annual Meeting. Students were able to ask questions and become informed of the various opportunities available to them at other universities and within USDA. The Advisory Board includes faculty at Ph.D. granting institutions with strong animal science programs [Texas A&M University (2), The Ohio State University (1), Kansas State University (1), and the University of Nevada (1)]. These faculty and scientists will collaborate with our HSI faculty and students on their research projects. Our goal is that they will help expand the professional network of our HSIs and assist with student progress from B.S./M.S. to the doctorate level. These collaborative efforts will allow students to experience new regions of the U.S., expose them to multiple institutions, reveal national career options, and develop independence and self-confidence which are critical for success in education and careers 'away from home'. - We have partnered with HSIs (Angelo State University, Eastern New Mexico State, and West Texas A&M University) to identify academically strong Hispanic students in Animal Science for participation in summer research internships. The first participant in this program was selected via application and interview process from WTAMU and completed an 8-week summer internship at UPRM in summer 2019. The goal is to further expand the reach of the LEADERS 2 program and grow the educational pipeline designed to support students from the B.S. to doctorate level. A second intern from a partnering HSI was to be selected to participate in an 8 week internship at TAMUK during Summer 2020, however, due to COVID-19, we were unable to accomplish this objective. Therefore TAMUK is planning to host an intern during Summer 2021. - The currently funded Ph.D. student is a student that participated in the LEADERS 2 grant program while at TAMUK and progressed to a Ph.D. at NMSU as a direct result of the networking opportunities and continued funding provided by the LEADERS and LEADERS 2 programs. These are the first steps toward establishing a pipeline of students to progress through advanced degrees. Objective 4: Engage students through research training. - Students involved in research are being financially supported through grant funds, mentored by faculty, and trained in discipline-specific techniques. A sense of responsibility and accountability is being instilled as students realize they are in control of their research projects. - Funds are also being spent to provide research supplies and to attend professional conferences to present their research findings.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
S. Urias, U. A. Sanchez-Sandoval, J. J. Figueroa-Zamudio, and S. A Soto-Navarro. 2019. Effects of cottonseed meal supplementation and wheat pasture maturity on forage intake and digestion characteristics of cows grazing winter wheat pasture. Transl. Anim. Sci.
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:The grant was designed to target Hispanic junior/senior level B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. animal science majors through engagement activities and exposure to research through experiential learning. The goal is to increase the diversity of the nation's workforce by placing well trained graduates into animal science careers upon graduation with a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. During the second year of the program, a total of 19 Hispanic students across four HSI universities were served (95% female; 5% male). Of these 19 students, 1 is a Ph.D. student, 7 are M.S. students, and 11 are B.S. students, exceeding the proposed target for Year 2. Data presented in this report pertains to their activities between June 2018 and May 2019. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?-Students often report that research projects and professional meeting attendance provides opportunities for personal growth, networking and career planning. -All students (100%) involved with the LEADERS 2 program were involved with research in Year 2. As a result, scientific and technical skills were obtained that will be utilized as they progress in their education. Skills gained may also give these students an advantage as they pursue additional degrees or careers upon graduation. -In Year 2, students have attended professional meetings including: American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education Annual Meeting (Costa Mesa, CA; February 2019), HSI Grant Programs New Project Director's meeting (Costa Mesa, CA; February 2019), Javelina Research Symposium (Kingsville, TX; September 2018), Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference (San Antonio, TX; April 2019), Javelina Research Symposium (Kingsville, TX; April 2019), Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (San Antonio, TX; October 2018), Western Section American Society of Animal Science (Bend, OR; June 2018), Cattle Industry Convention & National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show (New Orleans, LA; January 2019), and Sociedad Puertoriquena de Ciencias Agricolas (San Juan, PR; November 2018). Students are also scheduled to attend the American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting (Austin, TX; July 2019) and the American Dairy Science Association Meeting (Cincinnati, OH; June 2019). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?-Students involved with the LEADERS 2 program have presented the results of their research at professional meetings to include: the USDA HSI PD Meeting (Costa Mesa, CA ; in conjunction with the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education Annual Meeting), Javelina Research Symposium (Kingsville, TX), Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (San Antonio, TX), Western Section American Society of Animal Science (Bend, OR), and Sociedad Puertoriquena de Ciencias Agricolas (San Juan, PR). Additionally, students are scheduled to attend and present research this summer at the American Dairy Science Association Meeting. -Students involved in this type of program (LEADERS 1) often report community involvement that pertains to their research project or program of study. Involvement with K-12 students through camps, recruitment activities, and general engagement, is an excellent way to encourage younger kids to consider obtaining a college education, many of which may be future first generation Hispanic students. For example, two LEADERS 2 students currently involved in a ruminant nutrition research project involving ruminally cannulated steers recently provided a teaching demonstration to a group of high school students from Tooele FFA (Utah). They engaged a group of approximately 20 high school students, discussing with them their research projects, followed by teaching them how samples are obtained from the rumen of a cannulated animal; and allowing the students to experience this first-hand. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?-The greatest challenge many students face is overcoming financial adversity. As faculty, we work closely with the students, understand their needs, and do what we can to ease that burden. Funds provided from this grant allow students to be compensated for the work/research they perform. -Students involved in the LEADERS 2 program that did not graduate in Year 2 will continue to receive financial support from the program to conduct research and engage in professional development opportunities. We will add additional students to replace those that have graduated and support more students than anticipated as funding allows. -Plans for the third year of the program are to expand student involvement in research and professional development opportunities that relate to animal science and the goals of this project. Proposed activities, such as the Language Development Workshops, summer research internships, and professional meeting attendance, will also be conducted. We will continue to focus on and enhance the cooperative link between HSIs. We believe that a strong cooperative link between HSIs will provide students with tremendous networking opportunities that will make progression from a B.S. to doctorate readily accessible and may also lead to future career opportunities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Students served: A total of 19 Hispanic students across 4 universities were served during the second year of the grant. Of these 19 students, 1 is a Ph.D. student, 7 are M.S. students, and 11 are B.S. students, surpassing the proposed target for Year 2. Five of the 19 students graduated in Year 2 (three M.S. students and two B.S. students). One M.S. student graduated from TAMUK and began a Ph.D. program at NMSU in Year 2. The remaining two M.S. graduates and one B.S. graduate are actively pursuing graduate school opportunities. -Progress report due date: many of the activities included in this project occur during summer months. As a result, information presented in this progress report is for the time frame of June 2018 - May 2019. The 2020 Progress Report will include data gathered from June 2019 - May 2020. Objective 1: Develop a cooperative link between HSIs with animal science programs that will improve underrepresented student success through professional development opportunities. -TAMUK, NMSU, and UPRM faculty are currently working to equip Hispanic students with technical, scientific and professional skills that will improve retention and graduation rates and ultimately increase graduate school acceptance and employment rates. Constant mentoring that occurs between faculty and students increases career awareness and educational opportunities allowing students to accomplish their personal and professional goals. -Activities accomplished in Year 2 that engaged students across institutions and enhanced relationships of those involved in the LEADERS 2 program include: student research (ongoing), educational tours (April/May 2019), and professional meeting attendance (ongoing). The Language Development Workshop will engage students across institutions and is planned for summer 2019. Students benefit from these professional networking opportunities by developing relationships and acquiring the social capital that can lead to opportunities such as graduate school, internships, and job placement. -In Year 2, a focus has been to create a stronger cooperative link between HSIs. To address this effort, students from TAMUK and WTAMU will participate in an 8-week summer research experience at UPRM in summer 2019. During this summer research experience students will gain technical, scientific and professional skills while in an unfamiliar setting. Not only will this create a networking opportunity for the students, but it will also allow for "language learning" practice for all involved. Objective 2: Educate both undergraduate (n=20) and graduate (n=10) students in the field of animal science through "hands-on" experiential learning activities. -Funding for this proposal will provide at least 30 underrepresented students with the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate or graduate student research assistant. During Year 2, 19 students were/are involved in the program. For Year 2, our target engagement level was 14 students (5 M.S. and 9 B.S) which we have exceeded. TAMUK and NMSU have recruited additional students while UPRM has met their goals. -Students selected to participate in the LEADERS 2 program have chosen a discipline within animal science that interests them. They are working with an appropriate faculty member within their chosen discipline to design a research project, conduct the research experiment, and analyze the resulting data for presentation at professional meetings. Objective 3: Create a pipeline of students with an established route for progression from B.S. to doctorate. -Collaboration between faculty and students involved in LEADERS 2, the program's partnering HSIs, Advisory Board members, and professionals contacted during educational tours and professional conferences will provide students with a tremendous networking opportunity that will make the progression from B.S. to doctorate readily accessible. -In summer 2019, students will meet with several Advisory Board members during a professional conference in which they will be in attendance. The Advisory Board includes faculty at Ph.D. granting institutions with strong animal science programs [Texas A&M University (2), The Ohio State University (1), Kansas State University (1), and the University of Nevada (1)]. These faculty will collaborate with our HSI faculty and students on their research projects. Our goal is that they will help expand the professional network of our HSIs and assist with student progress from B.S./M.S. to the Ph.D. level. These collaborative efforts will allow students to experience new regions of the U.S., expose them to multiple institutions, reveal national career options, and develop independence and self-confidence which are critical for success in education and careers 'away from home'. -We are currently working with partnering HSIs (Angelo State University, Eastern New Mexico State, and West Texas A&M University) to identify academically strong Hispanic students in Animal Science for participation in summer research internships. The first participant in this program was selected via application and interview process from WTAMU and is currently at UPRM for an 8-week summer internship. This will further expand the reach of the LEADERS 2 program and grow the educational pipeline designed to support students from the B.S. to Ph.D. level. -The currently funded Ph.D. student is a student that participated in the LEADERS 2 grant program while at TAMUK and progressed to a Ph.D. at NMSU as a direct result of the networking opportunities and continued funding provided by the LEADERS and LEADERS 2 programs. He graduated from TAMUK with an M.S. in August 2018 and moved immediately into a Ph.D. position at NMSU in September 2018. These are the first steps toward establishing a pipeline of students to progress through advanced degrees. Objective 4: Engage students through research training. -Students involved in research are being financially supported through grant funds, mentored by faculty, and trained in discipline-specific techniques. A sense of responsibility and accountability is being instilled as students realize they are in control of their research projects. -Funds are also being spent to provide research supplies and will be spent this summer as students travel to attend professional conferences and present their research findings.
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Progress 09/01/17 to 08/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:The grant was designed to target Hispanic junior/senior level B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. animal science majors through engagement activities and exposure to research through experiential learning. The goal is to increase the diversity of the nation's workforce by placing well trained graduates into animal science careers upon graduation with a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. During the first 9 months of the program, a total of 12 Hispanic students across 3 HSI universities were served (33% male; 67% female). Of these 12 students, 5 were M.S. students and 7 were B.S. students, achieving the proposed target for Year 1. Data presented in this report pertains to their activities between 9/2017 and 5/2018. Given the delayed start of the grant, data collected ranges from 1/2018 to 5/2018. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?All students (100%) involved with the LEADERS 2 program participated in research during Year 1. As a result, they gained technical skills that will benefit them as they progress in their education. Likewise, skills gained through undergraduate and graduate research projects often give these students an advantage as they purse additional degrees at other institutions. Between 9/2017 and 5/2018, students funded through LEADERS 2 have attended professional meetings including: Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU; San Diego, CA; October 2017), New Project Director's meeting (Washington D.C.; March 2018) and the Plains Nutrition Council Conference (San Antonio, TX; April 2018). Additional professional meeting attendance will occur during the summer of 2018. Students often report that research projects and attending professional meetings provide opportunities for personal growth, networking, and career planning. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Because we are still in the early stages of this program, dissemination of results has been limited. Typically, qualitative and quantitative information gathered on student participants is presented at the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) annual conference. An abstract pertaining to the LEADERS 2 program was not submitted this year due to limited data at this stage of program implementation. Students involved with the LEADERS 2 program will present the results of their research projects at professional meetings. Most students involved in the program have recently started their research; therefore, they do not have results to present at professional meetings yet. It is anticipated that in Years 2-4 of the grant, students will be presenting their research and disseminating it to communities of interest. Students involved in this type of program (LEADERS 1) have often reported community involvement that pertains to their research project or program of study. Involvement with K-12 students through camps, recruitment activities, and general engagement, is an excellent way to encourage younger kids to consider obtaining a college education, many of which may be future first-generation Hispanic students. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plans for the second year of the program are to expand student involvement in research and professional development opportunities that relate to animal science and the goals of this project. Proposed activities, such as the Language Development Workshops, summer research internships, and professional meeting attendance, will also be conducted. Students involved in similar programs to LEADERS 2 have reported that their greatest challenge is overcoming financial adversity. As faculty, we work closely with the students, understand their needs, and do what we can to ease that burden. Funds provided from this grant allow students to be compensated for the work/research they perform. Students involved in the LEADERS 2 program that did not graduate in Year 1 will continue receiving financial support from the program to conduct research and engage in professional development. We plan to add additional students to replace those that have graduated and support more students than anticipated as funding allows.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Students served: A total of 12 Hispanic students across 3 universities were served during the first 9 months of the grant. Of these 12 students, 5 are M.S. students and 7 are B.S. students, achieving the proposed target for Year 1. Three of the 12 will graduate in Year 1and all 3 will bepursuing an advanced degree starting in Fall 2018 (1 M.S., 1 Ph.D., and 1 D.V.M.). - Delayed start date: The project was not fully funded until 12/2017, which delayed the recruitment of students and initiation of the project until students returned from winter break. Hurricane Maria impacts in Puerto Rico also contributed to a delay, but a lack of funding to initiate the project was of primary significance. The Project Directors do not anticipate any other delays and will work diligently to get the timeline and distribution of funds back on track. Per the recommendations of our Office of Sponsored Research, we did not start 90 days prior to funding availability. - Progress report due date: Many of the activities that are included in this project occur during the summer months. Information gathered from the IDRA surveys is also typically included in progress reports which is gathered near the end of the grant's fiscal year (August). As a result, information presented in this progress report is for the time frame of 9/2017 to 5/2018. The 2019 Progress Report will include data gathered from 6/2018 to 5/2019. Objective 1: Develop a cooperative link between HSIs with animal science programs that will improve underrepresented student success through professional development opportunities. - Faculty at TAMUK, NMSU, and UPRM are working with Hispanic students to develop professional skills that will increase employment rates and acceptance into graduate school. The mentoring that occurs between faculty and students increases awareness of career options and educational opportunities which will allow students to make informed decisions about their future while equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish their personal and professional goals. - Activities which occurred in Year 1 that engaged students across institutions and enhanced the relationships of those involved in the LEADERS 2 program include: student research (ongoing), the first 'Language Development Workshop' (April 2018), educational tours (April 2018), and professional meeting attendance (ongoing). Students will continue to benefit from educational and professional networking opportunities, developing relationships, and acquiring social capital that can lead to opportunities, such as graduate school, internships, and job placement. Objective 2: Educate both undergraduate (n=20) and graduate (n=10) students in the field of animal science through 'hands-on' experiential learning activities. - Funding for this proposal will provide at least 30 underrepresented students with the opportunity to conduct research as an undergraduate student research aid or as a graduate research assistant. At this time, 12 students are involved with the program. For Year 1, our target engagement level was 12 students (5 M.S. and 7 B.S.) which we have currently achieved. UPRM has recruited additional students, while TAMUK and NMSU plan to each hire 1 additional B.S. student near the end of the summer to prepare for fall semester research. Therefore, by the end of the first year, we will have exceeded the number of students that we planned to serve. - Students selected to participate in the program have chosen a discipline within animal science that interests them. They are also working with a faculty member in that discipline to design a research project, conduct the research experiment, and will analyze the resulting data for presentations at professional meetings. Objective 3: Create a pipeline of students with an established route for progression from B.S. to doctorate. - Of the students selected to participate, three will have graduatedin Year 1 of the program; all are pursing an additional degree. These include:1) aUPRM undergraduate studentgraduated with a B.S. in May 2018and will move into a M.S. in August 2018, 2)aTAMUK student graduated with a B.S. in May 2018 and will attend Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine,and3) aM.S. student atTAMUK will graduate in August 2018 and continue his education as a LEADERS 2-funded Ph.D. student at NMSU. These students are examples of creating a pipeline for Hispanic students to obtain a Doctorate (Ph.D. or D.V.M.). We expect these students to find professional careers in the animal/agricultural industry upon graduation. - Collaboration between faculty and students involved in LEADERS 2, the program's partnering HSIs, and Advisory Board members will provide students with a tremendous networking opportunity that will make the progression from B.S. to doctorate readily accessible. - At this time, an Advisory Board has been formed, which includes faculty at Ph.D. granting institutions with strong animal science programs [Texas A&M University (2), The Ohio State University (1), Kansas State University (1), and the University of Nevada (1)]. These faculty will collaborate with our HSI faculty and students on their research projects. Our goal is that they will help expand the professional network of our HSIs and assist with student progress from B.S./M.S. to the Ph.D. level. These collaborative efforts will allow students to experience new regions of the U.S., expose them to multiple institutions, reveal national career options, and develop independence and self-confidence which are critical for success in education and careers 'away from home'. - Partnering HSIs have been contacted and notified that the program has been funded (Angelo State University, Eastern New Mexico State, and West Texas A&M University). Faculty at these institutions will help identify academically strong Hispanic students in Animal Science for participation in a summer research internship. This will further expand the reach of the LEADERS 2 program and grow the educational pipeline designed to support students from the B.S. to Ph.D. level. Objective 4: Engage students through research training. - Students involved in research are being financially supported through grant funds, mentored by faculty, and trained in discipline-specific techniques. A sense of responsibility and accountability is being instilled as students realize they are in control of their research projects. - Funds are also being spent to provide research supplies and will be spent this summer as students travel to professional meetings.
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