Source: TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY- KINGSVILLE submitted to NRP
LEADING HISPANICS TO FEDERAL AGENCY EMPLOYMENT (LEADING: LEADING AND ENHANCING AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEXT GENERATION)
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1030730
Grant No.
2023-70440-40158
Cumulative Award Amt.
$20,000,000.00
Proposal No.
2022-11899
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jun 1, 2023
Project End Date
May 31, 2028
Grant Year
2023
Program Code
[NEXTG]- NEXTGEN Program
Recipient Organization
TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY- KINGSVILLE
700 UNIVERSITY BLVD.
KINGSVILLE,TX 78363
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
LEADING Hispanics to Federal Agency Employment (LEADING Hispanics) will develop and sustain the next generation of the Hispanic food, agriculture, natural resources and human sciences (FANH)workforce. Specific objectives are to 1) improve retention and graduation rate, time-to-degree, and USDA career placement of Hispanic students, by increasing scientific, technical and soft skills; 2) create a pipeline for Hispanic students to progress from high school through undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and to federal employment in the FANH workforce; 3) establish and foster peer-peer, teacher-student, faculty-student, and federal employee-student mentoring relationships to enhance Hispanic student awareness and preparation for internship and career opportunities at USDA agencies; 4) develop cooperative links and sustainable partnerships between FANH programs at four HSIs, local high schools, and USDA agencies to promote FANH degree and career pursuit; and 5) be a published, transferrable educational model for other higher education institutions to adopt or adapt. LEADING Hispanics will develop a vast support system through Student Scholarship Projects (e.g., financial support, Club Lingüístico, Symposium and Career Fair, impactful mentoring), Experiential Learning Projects (e.g., USDA internships and educational tours; received support from 219 USDA sites), and Outreach and Engagement Projects (Youth program, Community program, website and social media) that will prepare students for federal employment. LEADING Hispanics aligns with the primary goal of the NEXTGEN program and with USDA strategic goals 5 and 6 by directly impacting undergraduate (295) and graduate (142) students, and high school students (800) and teachers (800). Participants will increase their knowledge and build awareness of pathwaysleading to training opportunities and employment in the federal sector.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
3013999102010%
3023999101010%
3033999108010%
2062499106010%
2162499200010%
6016199301010%
1350899106010%
1210799107010%
1020199107010%
3083999100010%
Knowledge Area
302 - Nutrient Utilization in Animals; 303 - Genetic Improvement of Animals; 601 - Economics of Agricultural Production and Farm Management; 135 - Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife; 206 - Basic Plant Biology; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems; 308 - Improved Animal Products (Before Harvest); 121 - Management of Range Resources; 301 - Reproductive Performance of Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
6199 - Economy, general/other; 3999 - Animal research, general; 0799 - Rangelands and grasslands, general; 0899 - Wildlife and natural fisheries, general/other; 0199 - Soil and land, general; 2499 - Plant research, general;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1070 - Ecology; 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 1080 - Genetics; 2000 - Chemistry; 3010 - Economics; 1000 - Biochemistry and biophysics; 1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
LEADING Hispanics is an integrated program that includes student scholarship, experiential learning, and outreach and engagement components. The overarching goal of LEADING Hispanics is to develop and sustain the next generation of the Hispanic FANH workforce and build awareness of the processes and pathways leading to training opportunities and employment in the federal sector. Specific objectives of LEADING Hispanics are:Objective 1: LEADING Hispanics will improve retention rate (20%), time-to-degree (0.5 years), graduation rate (20%) and USDA career placement (25%) of Hispanic students by increasing scientific, technical and soft skills through experiential learning and research.Objective 2: LEADING Hispanics will create a pipeline for Hispanic students (n=800 high school, 295 B.S., 100 M.S., and 42 Ph.D.) to progress from high school through undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and to federal employment in the FANH workforce.Objective 3: LEADING Hispanics will establish and foster peer-peer, teacher-student, faculty-student, and federal employee-student mentoring relationships to enhance Hispanic student (n=295 B.S., 100 M.S., and 42 Ph.D.) awareness, understanding, and preparation for internship and career opportunities at USDA agencies.Objective 4: LEADING Hispanics will develop cooperative links and sustainable partnerships between FANH programs at four Hispanic Serving Institutions [HSIs; Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez (UPRM), New Mexico State University (NMSU), and Texas State University (TXST)], local high schools (n≥20), and USDA agencies (n≥5) to promote FANH degree and career pursuit to Hispanic high school students (n=800) and teachers (n=800) and Hispanic college students (n=437).Objective 5: LEADING Hispanics will be a published (n≥10 publications, presentations, abstracts, social media, website), transferrable educational model for other higher education institutions to adopt or adapt.
Project Methods
Every fall and spring semester, we will recruit Hispanic undergraduate and graduate students from the four collaborating institutions via a robust recruitment plan led by underrepresented students. Once students are selected for program entry, they will receive financial compensation, intentional mentorship via frequent meetings with their faculty mentor, and conduct original research with a faculty mentor. Students will also participate in Club Linguistico, where they will receive group mentorship, experience professional/personal development activities, and develop their bilingual communication skills. Students will travel with faculty to professional education and scientific meetings to disseminate research findings and develop their professional networks. Student performance will be assessed with a rubric at the end of every semester and additional students will be hired to replace outgoing students due to graduation or program exit.Every year, the collaborating institutions will embark on an educational tour to various USDA agencies as a group. Further, institutions will take turns to host a Symposium and Career Fair where USDA agencies travel to the hosting campus and interact with college students and the wider community. The collaborating institutions not hosting the Symposium and Career Fair during that year will travel to the host institution. Undergraduate and graduate Hispanic students will be placed in paid USDA summer internships each summer. Finally, each institution will host outreach for high school students and high school teachers annually.Internal and external evaluation will occur annually, at a minimum, and products will be disseminated via presentations, social media posts, website maintenance, and publications regularly.

Progress 06/01/24 to 05/31/25

Outputs
Target Audience:The LEADING Program is designed to target high school (9-12th grade) and college (BS, MS and PhD level) students pursuing FANH degrees and emphasizing those who are financially disadvantaged and/or first-generation college. Additionally, high school teachers in STEM or agriculture from impoverished areas surrounding the four HSIs are also targeted. During the second year of our program, a total of 374 high school students, 94 college students (55 BS, 31 MS and 8 PhD; 81% female, 19% male; 86% Hispanic, 14% Non-Hispanic), and 34 high school teachers were served. Data presented in this report pertains to their activities between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Changes/Problems:Funding Freeze. With funding unavailable February 14 - April 18, 2025, the LEADING Program was negatively impacted in multiple ways. -The most significant issue with the funding freeze was the inability to plan and place students into federal internship positions throughout the spring semester. Student - Mentor connections began in December and early January. As interviews and meetings were taking place to make final placement decision, the funding freeze put a stop to these placements. With funding not available again until mid-April, most students and mentors had other arrangements for the summer. Internship mentors who were previously excited to host interns no longer had adequate time to prepare or onboard our students. Thus, summer 2025 federal internship placement, which will be reported in Year 3, is extremely low. -Another problem caused by the funding freeze was the inability to plan the LEADING Educational Tour. The LEADING Educational Tour was scheduled for late May. With no funds available, Educational Tour planning ceased and upon funding availability, there was insufficient time to plan an Educational Tour for four institutions supporting 94 students. -In Year 2, Club Lingüístico was implemented. Club Lingüístico provides collaborative linguistic support for teams to work together to develop research abstracts and posters in both English and Spanish for presentation. Student teams had monthly Zoom meetings and an in-person meeting during the LEADING Symposium to network and work on abstracts. With the funding freeze, monthly meetings ceased. This eliminated an important networking opportunity and collaboration across the institutions. However, several students continued working within their teams because they found it helpful and enjoyed the networking opportunity. -Hiring a Program Manager for TAMUK was hindered due to the funding freeze. Thus, TAMUK remains without a program manager. Furthermore, uncertainty of funding for the program manager positions caused the NMSU Program Manager to accept a different position. -Career placement into federal agencies was hindered for graduating participants. During Year 2, three LEADING participants received job offers with USDA, but because of the federal funding freeze, these position offers were rescinded and those students had to pivot to the private industry for positions. -Recruitment for Year 3 was scheduled to begin in February 2025 with selection completed by May 2025. Due to the federal funding freeze and uncertainty about future funding, project directors have delayed recruitment until September 2025 which may negatively affect that cohort. In Year 3, no changes to the proposed activities are anticipated. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During Year 2, the LEADING Program provided a robust set of training and professional development experiences tailored to help students gain the academic, technical, and soft skills necessary for graduate school and careers within the USDA and broader FANH workforce. Structured Student Development Professional Development Seminars: All 161 participating college students (104 BS, 45 MS, 12 PhD) took part in institutionally delivered professional development activities throughout the academic year. Topics included: Resume, CV, and cover letter development Graduate school preparation and funding USDA agency overviews and federal job pathways Research communication and scientific writing True Colors Career Fair & Educational Tour: 91 students attended the LEADING Career Fair, which featured multiple USDA agencies including NRCS, APHIS, AMS, ARS, and the Forest Service. In Year 2, due to federal funding constraints, students were limited to participating in a two-day supplemental career exploration tour, rather than the formal USDA Educational Tour. LEADING Symposium: The Year 2 Symposium brought together 91 college students, 15 high school students, 18 faculty/staff, and 4 high school teachers. The event offered technical training in research presentation, panel discussions with USDA professionals, and inter-institutional student networking. Club Linguístico: Club Linguístico provided a unique bilingual training environment to help students: Develop abstract writing and poster presentation skills in both English and Spanish Improve public communication competencies Prepare for presenting at professional conferences Research & Mentorship-Based Training Faculty Mentorship: Each student was paired with a faculty research mentor who guided their development through regular meetings focused on research progress, professional growth, and career planning. Internships & USDA Training: 64 students were placed in summer internships in 2024, 62 of which were at USDA agencies. These internships offered hands-on technical training and federal workplace experience, under the direct supervision of USDA professionals. Student Presentations: Students participated in 167 poster presentations and 21 oral presentations during Year 2, helping them gain experience in research dissemination and public speaking. Together, these structured experiences have provided a comprehensive training ecosystem for LEADING participants--combining academic research, soft skill development, bilingual communication, and exposure to USDA and FANH career pathways. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?In Year 2, the LEADING program actively disseminated its outcomes, opportunities, and student achievements through a combination of institutional, digital, and public-facing strategies that reached students, faculty, USDA partners, and broader academic communities. DIGITAL AND PUBLIC OUTREACH LEADING Program Website. The official program website (https://www.tamuk.edu/agriculture/leading/) was continuously updated and serves as a centralized public platform. It includes sections for: student opportunities, current students, outreach programming, and resources. These pages document research activities, outreach programs, current and former students, and application information, making the LEADING model visible and replicable. Social Media. The LEADING Program maintains active social media outreach via Instagram and a new Facebook initiative in order to share participant success in: student internship highlights, professional development events, symposium sessions and poster presentations, application cycles and student achievements. This method of dissemination engages and reaches the technology-savvy generation that the program is recruiting (558 Instagram followers). Social media accounts document program progress (78 Instagram posts in Year 2) while promoting and further enhancing recruiting efforts. The LEADING Instagram averages 622 "accounts reached" and 152 "accounts engaged" per month. Importantly, these social media accounts are managed by Marketing & Communications students involved in the LEADING Program, providing them with practical professional experiences for their future careers. Press releases and news articles. In Year 2 of the program, 2 press/news releases were published highlighting the LEADING Program and its activities. ACADEMIC DISSEMINATION Research Presentations. In Year 2 of the program, 94 college student participants gave 151 poster and 21 oral presentations at professional meetings to disseminate research results. Additionally, 6 high school student participants gave 16 poster presentations. These presentations occurred at campus-wide symposia and professional conferences, allowing students to share research and elevate the program's visibility. Symposium and Career Fair. The LEADING Symposium and Career Fair served as cornerstone dissemination events. These gatherings brought together 91 undergraduate and graduate students, 18 faculty/staff, 15 high school students, 4 high school teachers, and 23 federal employees from 8 agencies. Students presented posters, participated in USDA agency panels, and built professional networks across institutions and disciplines. Outreach to High Schools. As part of the Youth and Community Programs, 374 high school students and 34 high school teachers participated in hands-on USDA-aligned education activities. Qualitative high school outcome data is pending due to IRB delays, and will be reported in future progress reports. These multifaceted dissemination efforts have made LEADING a highly visible program, not only within partner campuses and USDA circles, but also in local communities and the broader higher education landscape. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the upcoming reporting period (Year 3: June 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026), the LEADING Program will continue expanding its structured efforts to build and sustain a pipeline of students into federal careers. Specific plans include: Strengthen the Education-to-Employment Pipeline Cohort Expansion: Recruit a third cohort of undergraduate and graduate students across all four HSIs, with a continued focus on academic diversity and USDA-aligned majors. IRB Approval for High School Data Collection: With IRB approval expected, initiate formal data collection from high school participants and teachers to document program impact at the secondary education level. Graduate School and USDA Placement Tracking: Implement a structured system to follow student progress post-graduation, capturing metrics on USDA employment, graduate school enrollment, and other FANH-related outcomes. Deepen Mentoring and Professional Development Formalize USDA Mentorship: Build on the 62 USDA internship placements from Year 2 by increasing direct mentorship opportunities with federal employees and supporting long-term connections beyond the summer internships. Enhance Peer and Faculty Mentoring: Expand Club Linguístico and create new peer-to-peer learning groups focused on career readiness, bilingual communication, and research support. Increase Visibility and Knowledge Sharing Publications and Toolkits: Begin drafting manuscripts and formal guidance materials that document the LEADING model, mentoring structure, and outreach strategies to prepare for submission in Year 4. Cross-Institutional Webinars: Host webinars open to other HSIs and land-grant institutions to share lessons learned and disseminate the LEADING model as a replicable framework. Website and Social Media Growth: Continue populating the official program website with real-time success stories, research outputs, and recruitment materials. Enhance the program's digital footprint to reach new audiences and potential collaborators. Build Sustainability Institutional Embedding: Work with college deans and department chairs to embed LEADING elements into academic programs (e.g., mentoring models, bilingual communication sessions, USDA internship pipelines). Partnership Expansion: Deepen relationships with current USDA partners and pursue new collaborations with regional offices and additional federal agencies aligned with FANH fields. Grant Planning: Begin planning for post-award sustainability through new grant applications, private sector partnerships, and integration with existing HSI capacity-building programs. By continuing to prioritize student development, agency engagement, and public impact, LEADING will remain on track to meet--and ultimately exceed--its original objectives by the close of the grant cycle.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Obj. 1: Retention rate, time-to-degree, graduation rate, career placement ... By the end of Year 2, LEADING supported 684 students (161 college and 523 high school) across four HSIs. Pertinent results include: Career Path Development: >85% of students indicated a more defined career path with greater clarity in professional goals, and many shifting toward USDA agency employment or graduate study. USDA Career Interest: Students reported increased understanding of USDA career options, influenced by the symposium, seminars, and internships. Mentorship and Research Engagement: All college student participants were matched with faculty mentors; 98% presented research at professional meetings, gaining technical and soft skills. Internship Placement: 64 students were placed in internships, (62 with federal agencies) mentored by 53 federal employees. This confirms tangible movement toward USDA career placement. After his experience, one TAMUK student stated "This internship changed my entire perspective on what I wanted to do with my career." Retention and Satisfaction: Although formal retention and graduation data are pending, early signs point to high program satisfaction and continuity. Many participants expressed interest in becoming future mentors. Career Outcomes: 6 students documented pipeline outcomes indicating USDA-related career progression. While three of these secured USDA employment upon graduation, three others obtained employment that later fell through due to federal funding issues. Attrition: 3 students were removed from the program due to non-participation or withdrew for personal reasons. Although full retention and graduation metrics are forthcoming, qualitative indicators suggest strong progress: Every student was matched with a faculty research mentor. Experiential learning opportunities included research projects, presentations, and summer internships, with 64 students placed in 2024 (62 at USDA sites). Research skill development was evidenced by 151 poster presentations and 21 oral presentations at professional meetings. One TAMUK student noted: "This program is held dearly in my heart ... I feel more prepared than I ever could have through just a classroom setting." Obj. 2: Pipeline for students ... By the end of Year 2, the LEADING served: 104 B.S. students 45 M.S. students 12 Ph.D. students These students represent the four partner HSIs. Students participated in a structured series of program components, including: Professional development seminars (topics included resume writing, graduate school readiness, USDA agency overviews, true colors) USDA Educational Tour (Year 1 only) and LEADING Symposium Career Fair with USDA agencies Club Linguístico, a bilingual forum where 15 groups of 6-8 students met monthly under graduate student leaders. Financial support included $5,000/semester scholarships (undergraduates) and graduate assistantships (up to two years for M.S., three for Ph.D.). In Summer 2024, 64 students were placed into internships, 62 with USDA agencies, directly supporting the pipeline objective of transitioning students into FANH-related federal careers. Though high school qualitative data was delayed by IRB issues, institutional records confirm: 3 outreach events involving 374 high school students and 34 teachers 6 high school students conducted research with TAMUK faculty, producing 16 poster presentations One NMSU participant said, "The LEADING program has assisted me tremendously in progressing towards my goal of becoming a professor in wildlife... helped me improve my resume and interview skills... taught me how to effectively communicate and coordinate with small groups... improved my networking and scientific communication skills." Obj. 3: Mentoring relationships LEADING expanded a comprehensive mentoring model by embedding structured support systems: Faculty-Student Mentoring: All 161 participating students (104 BS, 45 MS, 12 PhD) were paired with faculty research mentors, supporting academic research, soft skills development, and career exploration. Students worked closely with faculty to complete posters, abstracts, and graduate school applications, supported through regular meetings. Federal Employee-Student Mentoring: Through internship placements, 62 students were mentored by 53 USDA professionals across 9 USDA agencies, gaining real-world FANH experience. Peer-Peer and Inter-Institutional Mentoring: Students interacted across institutions through the Symposium, Professional Development Seminars and Club Linguístico. Club Linguístico fostered bilingual communication and mentorship. Research supports cognitive and academic benefits of bilingualism. Teacher-Student Mentoring: The Youth Program brought 12 high school teachers into partnership with HSI faculty and student leaders. High school students and teachers attended the Symposium and Career Fair, where they engaged in USDA-focused sessions and campus-based FANH programming. Qualitative feedback underscores the value of these mentoring experiences. One mentor stated they joined the program "to humanize science and show students that there is a place for them in government careers." Another student reflected that navigating the program "alongside my mentors and fellow scholars facilitated everything." Obj. 4: Cooperative links and sustainable partnerships... In Year 2, LEADING reinforced collaboration among HSIs, USDA agencies, and high schools. Institutional Collaboration: All four HSIs remain actively engaged in project implementation. Faculty and staff collaborated through monthly planning meetings, shared resources for student preparation, and coordinated recruitment, research, and outreach events. This sustained cross-institutional structure enables efficient scaling of best practices across partner campuses and consistency in activities. USDA Partnerships: The program collaborated with a growing number of USDA agencies through structured internship placements and professional networking events. In Summer 2024, 62 students were placed in USDA internships across 9 agencies. In total, institutional mentor tracking reports identified 141 USDA-affiliated professionals engaged in student supervision, seminar delivery, or career mentorship. High School Partnerships: Despite IRB delays, 15 students and 4 teachers attended LEADING events. The Youth Program reached 359 students and 30 teachers with FANH-focused activities. Sustainability Infrastructure: LEADING's public website provides resources on programming, outreach, and student opportunities--creating a durable platform for continued engagement. LEADING is on a clear trajectory toward meeting its partnership goals. With continued USDA agency collaboration, expanding HSI alignment, and outreach to high school communities, the program has laid a sustainable foundation. Obj. 5: Published, transferrable educational model ... LEADING continues to disseminate program outcomes, student achievements, and institutional practices: Student Dissemination: 167 poster and 21 oral presentations were delivered at institutional, state, and national levels, strengthening communication and professional skills. Public Website: Program infrastructure is documented online, offering accessible resources to students, educators, and partners. Key sections include "Outreach," "Student Opportunities," and "Resources." Social Media: LEADING reached 558 Instagram followers and launched Facebook in Year 2. Instagram averaged 622 accounts reached and 152 engaged monthly, with 78 posts highlighting activities. Model Transfer & Institutionalization: LEADING's structured mentoring, bilingual support, and USDA partnerships have been codified and shared. The website and inter-HSI collaboration offer replicable components for other institutions. These efforts support LEADING's growth as a nationally relevant, transferrable model for increasing participation in FANH careers.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Samantha Aguilar�, Jeanne Fair�, Audrey Sanchez�, Aaron Young�, Martha Desmond�. Long-term climate trends and their influence on Western Bluebird nestbox occupancy in New Mexico. 2025 Joint Annual Meeting of NM/AZ TWS/AFS. Albuquerque, NM February 6-8, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Samantha Aguilar�, Jeanne Fair�, Audrey Sanchez�, Aaron Young�, Martha Desmond�. Long-term climate trends and their influence on Western Bluebird nestbox occupancy in New Mexico. NMSU ACES Open House, April 5, 2025, Las Cruces, NM. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bruno-Perez, A.; Caballero-Perez, L. V.; Feliciano-Figueroa, W.D.; Sanchez-Rodriguez, H. L. and Domenech-Perez, K. I. (2024) From Learning to Leading: Slick 1 Hair Gene Distribution in Senepol and Senepol x Angus calves at Finca Monta�a. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Sanchez, M., D. Felix and J.P. Morales-Payan. 2025. Guava Response to Bioregulatos applied to the soil. XXII Simposio de investigacion cientifica 2025. PUCPR-Arecibo, PR. April, 2025. Poster Presentation
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Weiss Almod�var, M.; Irizarry Cruz, A.P. and Pagan-Morales, M. (2024) Evaluation and Segregation of Alleles Associated with Multifetal Gestation in Beef Cattle. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Garcia, R. and E. Jimenez. 2024. Expression of HSP70 in the liver of slick hair Holstein cows. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Samantha Aguilar, M Desmond, J. Fair, A. Sanchez, A. Young. An examination of long-term population trends and demographics of a cavity nesting songbird in the American southwest. USFWS open house hosted by FWCE, Knox Hall, NMSU, Las Cruces. Nov 7, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Samantha Aguilar, Martha Desmond, Jeanne Fair, Audrey Sanchez, and Aaron Young. An examination of long-term population trends and demographics of a cavity nesting songbird in the American Southwest. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Samantha Aguilar�, Jeanne Fair�, Audrey Sanchez�, Aaron Young�, Martha Desmond�. Long-term climate trends and their influence on Western Bluebird nest box occupancy in New Mexico. NMSU Graduate Research & Creative Arts Symposium (GRAS) on April 24th, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Arnedo, D. A. and Jennifer J. Randall. Molecular studies in pecan. Simposio Internacional de Nogal Pecanero (Hermosillo,Sonora) September 13, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Arnedo, D. A., Kimberly Cervantes, Angelyn Hilton, Sahithi Pulicherla, Paul Ola Gabriel, Jennifer J. Randall. A look at heat stress on pecan. American Society of Horticulture Science(Honolulu, HI) September 26, 2024. Poster Presentation
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Arnedo, D. A., Kimberly Cervantes, Angelyn Hilton, Sahithi Pulicherla, Paul Ola Gabriel, Jennifer J. Randall. Genomic response of pecan trees to high temperatures and biotic stressors. NMSU Graduate Research Art Symposium(Las Cruces,NM) November 9, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Doris Alexa Arnedo, Kimberly Cervantes, Angelyn Hilton, Sahithi Pulicherla, Paul Ola Gabriel, Jennifer J. Randall. Too Hot to Handle? Pecan's Genomic Response to Heat. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Doris Alexa Arnedo, Kimberly Cervantes, Angelyn Hilton, Sahithi Pulicherla, Paul Ola Gabriel, Jennifer Randall. Pecan Heat Tolerance: A Multi-Factorial Genomic Analysis. Plant and Animal Genomics Conference 2025, San Diego, CA, Jan10-15, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Arnedo, D. A. Pecan Heat Tolerance: A Multi-Factorial Genomic Analysis. NMSU Molecular Biology Departmental Seminar series Spring 2025. March 5, 2025. Oral presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Supplementation of pecan byproducts to reduce inflammation and improve health of stressed weaned calves. Mariah S. Humphrey and Clint A. L�est. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mental Health and Agriculture Investigating Agricultural Programming and Tools Supporting Veteran Mental Health. Zenaida M. Levario, Shannon Norris-Parish. LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024.Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Levario, Z., & Norris-Parish, S. Mental health and agriculture: Investigating agricultural programming and tools supporting veteran mental health [Poster presentation]. National Agricultural Communications Symposium (NACS). Irving, TX. February 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Levario, Z., & Norris-Parish, S. (2025, February). Mental health and agriculture: Investigating agricultural programming and tools supporting veteran mental health [Poster presentation]. NMSU ACES Open House. April 5, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Marmolejo, A., Fuentes-Soriano, S. Invasion of Heterotheca subaxillaris (camphorweed) in the Middle East. 17/June/2024. Botany Conference. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Alicia Marmolejo. Genetic Structure and Geographic Origins of Heterotheca subaxillaris (Asteraceae): a North American Native Invader of the Middle East. MS Defense- Molecular Biology & Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, NMSU, Las Cruces NM. Nov 1, 2024. Oral presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Alicia Marmolejo. Genetic Structure and Geographic Origins of Heterotheca subaxillaris (Asteraceae): a North American Native Invader of the Middle East. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Martha Minor, Laura Munoz, Luis Sabillon, Sergio I. Martinez-Monteagudo. Effectiveness of Ultra-High Irradiance Blue-Light-Emitting Diodes to Control Salmonella Contamination Adhered to Dry Stainless Steel Surfaces. International Association for Food Protection. Long Beach, CA Convention Center. July 15-17, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Martha Minor, Laura Munoz, Luis Sabillon, Sergio I. Martinez-Monteagudo. Photothermal Inactivation of Salmonella enterica in Paprika Powder by Ultra-High Irradiance Blue (405 nm) Light. International Association for Food Protection. Long Beach, CA Convention Center. July 15-17, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Munoz, L. Long-Term Survivability and Thermal Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes in Low-Moisture Foods.2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: J. Preciado, A. Fernald. Water balance clues for a new hybrid irrigation system in arid region pecan orchard to increase crop water productivity and provide aquifer recharge. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Jorge Preciado, Alexander Fernald. Climate Resilient Irrigation for Pecan Production to Manage Water Shortage in Arid Regions: Implications to the Sustainability of Mesilla Valley, Southern New Mexico. NMSU Graduate Research & Creative Arts Symposium (GRAS) on April 24th, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Camila Prieto, Dr. Chadelle Robinson, Marisol Olivas, Dr. Roger Beck, Dr. Michael Patrick. New Mexicos Agricultural Businesses Succession and Transition Planning. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Kiana L. Rivera, Christa Fisher, Cassie Smithyman, and Clint A. L�est. Determination of ruminal degradation of red chile byproducts in vitro. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Kiana L. Rivera, Christa Fisher, Mackenzie Smithyman, Bianca Birkenstock, Cassie Smithyman, Noel Lara and Clint A. L�est. Determination of ruminal degradation of red chile byproducts in vitro. NMSU ACES Open House. April 5, 2025. Poster Presentation
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Cassandra L. Smithyman, Keira M. Cruickshank, Mackenzie M. Smithyman, Boone H. Carter, Clint A. Loest. Determination of the extent and rate of nutrient degradation of potato and other byproducts by rumen microorganisms in vitro. WSASAS Annual Meeting (Western Section American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting) Calgary, AB, Canada. July 21-25, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: C. L. Smithyman, K. M. Cruickshank, M. M. Smithyman, B. H. Carter, C. A. L�est. Determination of the extent and rate of nutrient degradation of potato and other byproducts by rumen microorganisms in vitro. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Evaluation of a rapid immunity test for morbidity and mortality in newly received feedlot cattle, Cassie Smithyman, Mackenzie Smithyman, Mark E. Brainine, Glenn Duff, Clint Loest. ASAS 2025 Southern Section/Western Section Joint Meeting. April 6-8, 2025. Arlington, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mackenzie Smithyman, Mark Branine, CiCi Sowers, Glenn Duff, Clint Loest. An evaluation using a visual health scoring system with vaginal temperatures of newly received feedlot heifers on immune status. American Society of Animal Science National Meeting, Calgary, AB, Canada. July 26, 2024- Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: M. Smithyman, P.R. Broadway, S.N. Barker, J. F. Legako nad N. C. Burdick Sanchez. Evaluation of innate immune responses between beef and beef x dairy cross steers under an immune challenge. ASAS 2025 Southern Section/Western Section Joint Meeting. April 2025. Arlington TX. Poster Presentation. 1st place in Graduate Student Poster Competition.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Iliana Rubio, Karime Luna, Naomi Lucero, Noemi Macias, Jennifer A. Gifford Hernandez, Sergio Soto-Navarro. Effects of Dietary Crude Glycerin on Wool Characteristics and Composition in Rambouillet Lambs. NMSU ACES Open House. April 5, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: A.M. Aizpuru, T. N. Andrews, C.D. Bedke, J.A. Cooper, K.J. Richardson, R.L. Dunlap, S.H. Cox , P.L. Fontes, A.F. Summers, E. J. Scholljegerdes. The influence of source and level of ruminal undegradable protein sources on circulating insulin, glucose, and urea concentrations and antral follicle counts in beef heifers grazing native rangelands. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Kiana Lynn Rivera, Clint Loest. Determination of Ruminal Degradation of Red Chile Byproducts In Vitro. NMSU Undergraduate Research & Creative Arts Symposium (URCAS) on April 25th, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Iliana Rubio, Karime Luna, Naomi Lucero, Noemi Macias, Jennifer A. Gifford Hernandez, Sergio Soto-Navarro. Effects of Dietary Crude Glycerin on Wool Characteristics and Composition in Rambouillet Lambs. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: A.M. Aizpuru, T. N. Andrews, C.D. Bedke, J.A. Cooper, K.J. Richardson, R.L. Dunlap, S.H. Cox , P.L. Fontes, A.F. Summers, E. J. Scholljegerdes. The influence of source and level of ruminal undegradable protein sources on circulating insulin, glucose, and urea concentrations and antral follicle counts in beef heifers grazing native rangelands. ASAS 2025 Southern Section/Western Section Joint Meeting. April 6-8, 2025. Arlington TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ema Alvarez and Ryan Ashley. Evaluation of Cytokine Gene Expression in a Sheep Model of Placental Insufficiency, Animal And Range Sciences. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: A . R. Christianson, T.N. Andrews, C. D. Bedke, K.J. Richardson, J.A. Cooper , G.A. Perry , A.F. Summers, E. J. Scholljegerdes. The Effects of Source and Level of Rumen Undegradable Protein on Circulating Lipid Metabolites in Beef Heifers. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Alyssa Granados, Frannie Miller. Agricultural Scholars with Non-Agricultural Backgrounds. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Emma Varela, Samantha Aguilar, Martha Desmond, Jeanne Fair, Abby Lawson, Obed Hernandez- Gomez. Factors Contributing to Growth of Nestling Western Bluebirds at Los Alamos National Labs. ACES Open House, April 5, 2025, Las Cruces, NM. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Emma Varela, Samantha Aguilar, Martha Desmond, Jeanne Fair, Abby Lawson, Obed Hernandez- Gomez. Factors Contributing to Growth of Nestling Western Bluebirds at Los Alamos National Labs. Seattle, WA April 14-16th 2025. Poster Presentation
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Emma Varela, Samantha Aguilar, Martha Desmond, Jeanne Fair, Abby Lawson, Obed Hernandez- Gomez. Factors Contributing to Growth of Nestling Western Bluebirds at Los Alamos National Labs. NMSU Undergraduate Research & Creative Arts Symposium (URCAS) on April 25th, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Juliemar Cuevas-Hernandez, M Desmond. The Sensitivity of Wintering Sparrows to Desertification in the Chihuahuan Desert. USFWS open house hosted by FWCE, Knox Hall, NMSU, Las Cruces. Nov 7, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Juliemar Cuevas-Hernandez, M Desmond. The Sensitivity of Wintering Sparrows to Desertification in the Chihuahuan Desert. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Delila D. Dominguez, Clint A. L�est. Intermittent feeding of microalgae and its effects on in vitro gas production kinetics. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Alyssa Granados, F. Miller. Characteristics of students choosing to study agriculture without a family background in farming or ranching. Southern Agricultural Economics Association. Jan 31- Feb 4, 2025. Dallas TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: N. J. Grimm, T. N. Andrews, E. J. Scholljegerdes. Effects of Supplementing Renewable Diesel Byproduct (GUM) to Beef Cattle. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Mariah Humphrey, Noel Lara, and Kenzie Smithyman. Effects of pecan shell supplementation on complete blood counts of endotoxin-challenged cattle. NMSU Undergraduate Research & Creative Arts Symposium (URCAS) on April 25th, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Matos-Sepulveda, C., T.F. Wright, D.P. Collins, P. Lavretsky, and A.J. Lawson. 2024. Movement and Home Range of Mexican Ducks and Mallards During Winter in Southeast Arizona. American Ornithology Society; Estes Park, Colorado. October 1-5, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Shaylee Strong , Clint Loest. Diminution of methane emissions in ruminant diets through the use of spent coffee grounds. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Matos-Sepulveda, C., T.F. Wright, D.P. Collins, P. Lavretsky, and A.J. Lawson. 2024. Movement and Home Range of Mexican Ducks and Mallards During Winter in Southeast Arizona. LEADING Program Symposium; Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. November 13-15, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Matos-Sepulveda, C., T.F. Wright, D.P. Collins, P. Lavretsky, and A.J. Lawson. 2024. Movement and Home Range of Mexican Ducks and Mallards During Winter in Southeast Arizona. NMSU ACES Open House, April 5, 2025, Las Cruces, NM. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Treasure Morgan, Niall Hannan. Impact of Agrivoltaics on Plant Growth and Plant Communities in an Arid Rangeland. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Carleen Silva, Kathryn Hanley, Steven Bradfute, Matthew Gompper. Burning down the mouse: fire effects on deer mouse abundance and carriage of Sin Nombre Virus. Rio Grande branch of the American Society for Microbiology meeting. Sep 21, 2024. Oral Presentation (won 2nd place).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Carleen Silva, Kathryn Hanley, Steven Bradfute, Matthew Gompper. Burning down the mouse: fire effects on deer mouse abundance and carriage of Sin Nombre Virus. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Carleen N. Silva, Robert A. Nofchissey, Steven Bradfute and Kathryn Hanley. Burning Down the Mouse: Fire effects on deer mouse abundance and carriage of Sin Nombre Virus. Biology Department's Biosymposium, NMSU, Las Cruces NM. March 29th, 2025. Oral Presentation. Best Graduate student oral presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Carleen N. Silva, Robert A. Nofchissey, Steven Bradfute and Kathryn Hanley. Burning Down the Mouse: Fire effects on deer mouse density and prevalence of Sin Nombre Virus. Graduate Research & Arts Symposium, NMSU, Las Cruces NM. April 24, 2025. Poster Presentation. Carleen Silva1,3, Kathryn Hanley1, Steven Bradfute2, Matthew Gompper3. Burning down the mouse: fire effects on deer mouse abundance and carriage of Sin Nombre Virus. NMSU Graduate Research & Creative Arts Symposium (GRAS) on April 24th, 2025. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Serda, A. N., Bruner, B., Wickersham, T., & Drewery, M. L. (2024). Frequency of Protein Supplementation on Cattle Consuming C3 vs C4 Low Quality Forage. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Serda, A. N., Farfan, J., Suter, J., Fortunatti, S., & Drewery, M. L. (2024).Eggshell waste as a substitute for limestone in beef cattle diets: a preliminary investigation. ASAS Southern Section/ Western Section 2025 Joint Meeting, Arlington, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Serda, A. N., Bruner, B., Wickersham, T., & Drewery, M. L. (2024). Frequency of Protein Supplementation on Cattle Consuming C3 vs C4 Low Quality Forage. College of Science and Engineering Advisory Council Board Meeting, San Marcos, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Serda, A. N., Bruner, B., Wickersham, T., & Drewery, M. L. (2024). Frequency of Protein Supplementation on Cattle Consuming C3 vs C4 Low Quality Forage. Santa Gertrudis Breeders International annual meeting at Freeman Center. San Marcos, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gomez, E. and Rayburn, S. 2024. How do consumers perspective differ from scientific understanding of GMOs? 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Schultz, J. Anderson, R. and Kornegay, K. 2024. An Evaluation of School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers Ability to Teach Electricity. Agricultural Mechanics Blue Ribbon Conference. Indianapolis, Indiana. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Schultz, J. Borges, B. and Anderson, R. 2024. Certifying the Next Generation of Welders: A Recruitment Event. Agricultural Mechanics Blue Ribbon Conference. Indianapolis, IN. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Carleen Silva, Kathryn Hanley, Steven Bradfute, Matthew Gompper. Burning down the mouse: fire effects on deer mouse abundance and carriage of Sin Nombre Virus. 4th Southwest Fire Ecology Conference. Santa Fe, NM Nov 18-22, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Schultz, J. Anderson, R. and Kornegay, K. 2024. An Evaluation of School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers Ability to Teach Electricity. LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, 2024, Mayaguez, PR, Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Schultz, J. Borges, B. and Anderson, R. 2025. Certifying the Next Generation of Welders: A Recruitment Event. Southern American Association of Agricultural Education Annual Conference, Irving, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Schultz, J. Anderson, R. and Kornegay, K. 2025. An Evaluation of School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers Ability to Teach Electricity. Southern American Association of Agricultural Education Annual Conference. Irving, Texas. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Trochez, B. Rojas, A. Solice, L. Sims, R. Bruner, B. Rosales-Nieto, C. 2024. Bee Pollen Supplementation in Goats: An Investigation into Potential Effects on Gastric Parasite Load. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Cabrera, E., Waliczek, T. 2024. The impact of a gardening program on senior citizens perceptions of quality of life, loneliness and hope. Poster presentation. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Barrera, V. Solice, L. Evans, A. Sims, R. and Bruner, B. 2024. Pregnant vs. non-pregnant cattle: Identifying vaginal microbiome and immunological peptides to optimize reproductive efficiency. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Garcia, V. Drewery, M. Brandao, A. and Wickersham, T. 2024 Agriculture Today, Steak-holders Tomorrow. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. 3MT Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Fortunatti Rodriguez, S. Krebs, K. Sims, R. and Drewery, M. 2024. Analysis of blood and fecal samples from beef steers consuming eggshell waste as a Ca source. LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Lakes, J., L. Ramos, M. Cardenas, N. Mast, and M. Flythe. 2025. Effects of phyto-phenolic compounds on ammonia production by select amino acid fermenting bacteria. FEMS Microbiology Letters. Vol. 372.
  • Type: Other Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Flores, R. I., A. M. Tanner, E. P. Tanner, B. O. Christoffersen, J. Dale, A. Fierro-Cabo, and S. Najera. 2024. The Thorny Path to Restoration. Caesar Kleberg Tracks 9(1), 4-7.
  • Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Jorge L. Preciado, Alexander G. Fernald, Richard Heerema, Curt Pierce, Enhancing crop water productivity and aquifer recharge in arid regions: Water balance insights for optimized hybrid irrigation in pecan orchards, Agricultural Water Management, Volume 315, 2025, 109564, ISSN 0378-3774.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: A. Evans, L. Solice, O. Brummett, V. Barrera, B. Bruner, R. N. Sims. 2024. Investigating innate immunological peptide function and expression in bovine mucosal and bronchial tissue in calves infected with Bovine Respiratory Disease. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Montes, Y. Drewery, M. 2024. Potential Linkage of Facial Grimace Scores and Biological Markers in Cattle. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. 3MT Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Suter, J. Fruge, G. Fukuda, E. Jessup, R. Drewery, M. 2024. Tolerance of Beef Steers to Increasing Dietary Doses of Thymol. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Caudillo, M., T. L. Johnson, S. Rye, L. F. Thomas, C. M. Nunez, W. E. Cook, and J. S. Benn. 2025. Efficacy of the pouring over feed oral administration method for the commercially available Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain 34F2 vaccine in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). TAMUK Research and Innovation Day, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Guel, L., I. De Leon, R. Corkren, and S. Hines. 2024. Old world bluestem and native grass competition trial. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Haiflich, S., J. Helferich, A. Hiott, L. Schofield, and L. Petracca. 2024. Spatiotemporal niche separation of a sympatric specialist and generalist felid in Tamaulipan thornscrub. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Haiflich, S., J. N. Helferich, A. N. Hiott, L. R. Schofield, and L. S. Petracca. 2025. Niche separation between a sympatric specialist and generalist field in Tamaulipan thornscrub. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hernandez, R. and G. Schuster. 2024. Comparative analysis of growth rates in hydroponics and aeroponics. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Nichols, A. and A. Tanner. 2024. Heavy metals in south Texas raptors. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Nichols, A. M., A. M. Tanner, C. Hoskinson, M. Kalisek, M. Stewert, and E. Tanner. 2025. An assessment of heavy metal concentration in south Texas raptors. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ramos, L., M. Cardenas, J. Lakes, M. Flythe, and N. L. Mast. 2024. The inhibitory activity of phyto-phenolic compounds on ammonia-producing ruminal bacteria. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Calgary, AB, Canada. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Robledo, J. and S. Henke. 2024. Status of Texas horned lizards in the United States during the past decade. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Caudillo, M., T. Johnson, C. Nunez, and J. Benn. 2024. Immunogenicity of the commercially available Anthrax Spore Vaccine through subcutaneous and oral administration in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Robledo, J. and S. Henke. 2025. Status and trends of Texas horned lizards in the United States from 2014-2024. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Watts, A. and R. L. Stanko. 2024. An Evaluation of Estrus Synchronization Protocols on Brahman  Influenced Heifers on a South Texas Ranch. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: https://www.tamuk.edu/agriculture/leading/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Williams, T., C. Johnson, R. Anderson, R. Arsenault, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Invasiveness and survivability of Salmonella Dublin and Newport, alone or combined, in bovine and avian derived macrophage cultures. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Soliz, L, A. Martin, and F. Hernandez. 2024. Quail Parasites: Status of Knowledge and Should We Be Concerned? 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Soliz, L. A., A. M. Bruno, S. Shea, A. Olsen, S. Villareal, N. Traub, M. L. Cardenas, A. M. Fedynich, D. Rollins, R. Luna, F. Hernandez, and A. Martin. 2025. Quail Parasites: Status of Knowledge and Should We Be Concerned? Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: West, H., J. Foster, C. A. Loest, J. Solis, J. Martinez, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Further evaluation of monensin and protein supplementation on in situ degradability of low-quality forage fed to cattle. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Calgary, AB, Canada. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: West, H., R. E. Sacco, B. Kaplan, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Upregulation of P2Y6 and cytokine expression in BRSV infection. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zamora, E., S. Dattamudi, J. Foster, D. Sanyal, G. Schuster. J. McGinty, and S. Vurranki. 2024. Effect of cover crop mixtures and tillage practices on soil health and agricultural sustainability in a long term research field. ASA, CSSA, SSSA Annuial Meeting, San Antonio, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zamora, E., S. Dattamudi, J. Foster, D. Sanyal, G. Schuster, and J. McGinty. 2024. Effect of tillage practices and cover crop mixtures on soil physicochemical properties. Texas A&M University-Kingsville Three Minute Thesis Competition, Kingsville, TX. 3MT.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Zamora, E., S. Dattamudi, J. Foster, D. Sanyal, G. Schuster, and J. McGinty. 2025. Effect of cover crop mixtures and tillage practices on soil health and agricultural sustainability in a long term research field. TAMUK Research and Innovation Day, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zaragoza, A., S. Dattamudi, D. Parker, B. Turner, S. Nelson, and G. Schuster. 2024. Impact of Cattle Paunch on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Forage Sorghum. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Zaragoza, A.L., S. Nelson, S. Dattamudi, and B. Turner. 2025. Variable application rates of slaughterhouse by-product waste on grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) growth. Southern Region American Society of Agronomy, Irving, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Zaragoza, A.L., S. Nelson, S. Dattamudi, and B. Turner. 2025. Possible growth improvement in grain Sorghum through application of slaughterhouse waste. Soil Survey and Land Management Workshop. College Station, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Zaragoza, A.L., S. Nelson, S. Dattamudi, and B. Turner. 2025. Growth performance of grain sorghum and the impact on soil due to various cattle paunch fertilization rates. Geoscience Research Symposium. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Zaragoza, A.L., S. Nelson, S. Dattamudi, and B. Turner. 2025. Assessing the benefits of cattle paunch in grain sorghum cultivation: A greenhouse study. NSF-CREST Student Symposium, Kingsville, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Zaragoza, A.L., S. Nelson, S. Dattamudi, and B. Turner. 2025. Sorghum bicolor growth response to various rates of cattle paunch: a greenhouse study. Subtropical Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Annual Meeting, McAllen, TX. 1st Place Graduate Poster Presentation. Poster presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Zaragoza, A.L., S. Nelson, S. Dattamudi, and B. Turner. 2025.Impact of slaughterhouse waste application on the growth and yield of Grain Sorghum in a greenhouse environment. TAMUK Research and Innovation Day, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Flores, R., A. Tanner, and E. Tanner. 2024. Thornforest Restoration in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Cardenas, M., L. Soliz, A. Martin, and F. Hernandez. 2025. Can eyeworm and cecal worm burden drive quail population dynamics? TAMUK Research and Innovation Day, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ramos, L., M. Cardenas, J. Lakes, M. Flythe, and N. L. Mast. 2024. The inhibitory activity of phyto-phenolic compounds on ammonia-producing ruminal bacteria. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, Calgary, AB, Canada. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Cardenas, M., L. Soliz, A. Martin, and F. Hernandez. 2024. Can eyeworm and cecal worm burden drive quail population dynamics? 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. 3MT Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Cardenas, M., L. Soliz, A. Martin, and F. Hernandez. 2025. Can eyeworm and cecal worm burden drive quail population dynamics? Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. 2nd Place Undergraduate Poster Competition. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hartwick, N. and E. Staiger. 2024. Evaluating behavior of tropically adapted cattle relating to feeding habits. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lugo, F., M. Barrientos, J. Alaniz, G. Medina, M. Suntravat, E. Salazar, and E. Sanchez. 2024. Purification and identification of C-type lectins from Western and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake venoms to assess their effects on endothelial dysfunction and edema. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Salinas, N., G. Schuster, N. L. Mast, and A. Falk. 2024. An evaluation of the nutrient composition and in vitro degradation characteristics of four native south Texas forages for beef cattle. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Salinas, N., G. Schuster, N. L. Mast, and A. Falk. 2025. Evaluating nutrient composition of four native grasses as sustainable alternative forage sources for south Texas cattle producers. Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference, Corpus Christi, TX. 3rd Place Poster Competition. Poster and Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Aguilar, S., S. Rideout-Hanzak and A. Falk. 2024. Evaluating fire spread rates in native grasses for safer texas roadways. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Aguilar, S., S. Rideout-Hanzak, and A. Falk. 2025. Evaluating fire spread rate in native grasses for safer Texas roadways. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Contreras, J., A. Watts, and R. L. Stanko. 2024. Understanding reproduction in dorper ewes. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Contreras, J., A. Watts, and R. L. Stanko. 2025. Understanding reproduction in dorper ewes: Influences on litter size. TAMUK Research and Innovation Day, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: De Leon, I., L. Guel, and S. Hines. 2024. Horse grazing effects on invasive grasses and implications for native grassland restoration. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Finley, H., R. Herrera, J. Lakes, M. Flythe, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Antimicrobial effects of cannabidiol and hops ?-acids on Clostridioides difficile and Acetoanaerobium sticklandii. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. 3MT Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Garcia, E. and A. Foley. 2024. Evaluating time lapse methods for generating age and sex ratio estimates for white-tail deer. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Garcia, E. and A. Foley. 2025. Foraging behavior of male white-tailed deer during the rut. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Guerra, M. and R. DeYoung. 2024. Genetic secrets of Texas nilgai: Understanding their evolution. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Guerra, M. and R. DeYoung. 2025. Genetic secrets of Texas nilgai: Understanding their evolution. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Herrera, R., H. Finley, J. Lakes, M. Flythe, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Antimicrobial effects of cannabidiol and hops ?-acids on Clostridioides difficile and Acetoanaerobium sticklandii. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Herrera, R., H. Finley, J. Lakes, M. Flythe, and N. L. Mast. 2025. Antimicrobial effects of cannabidiol and hops ?-acids on Clostridioides difficile and Acetoanaerobium sticklandii. TAMUK Research and Innovation Day, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ramos, A. and S. Chumbley. 2024. Exploring ethnic identity amongst undergraduate agriculture majors. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Liesman, L., H. Magobwe, and F. Hernandez. 2024. Does small mammal herbivory reduce likelihood of native-grass establishment in rangeland restoration? 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Liesman, L., H. Magobwe, and F. Hernandez. 2025. Investigating the feasibility of drones in monitoring small mammal activity. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Denton, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Liesman, L., H. Magobwe, and F. Hernandez. 2025. Investigaing the feasibility of drones in monitoring small mammal activity. TAMUK Research and Innovation Day, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Ramos, A. and S. Chumbley. 2025. Exploring Ethnic Identity Amongst Undergraduate Agriculture Majors. Southern Region of American Association of Agriculture Educators, Irving, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ruiz, D.V., F. E. Escamilla, N. L. Mast, and M. R. Garcia. 2024. Gene expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 and leptin in steer adipose tissue cell cultures. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Salinas, A. and L. Gao. 2024. Demand analysis of citrus products in the United States. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Garcia, A., A. G. Bell, K. F. Rendon, J. Foster, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Evaluation of extent and rate of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber degradation of perennial peanut and pearl millet � napiergrass in vitro. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Garcia, A., A. G. Bell, K. F. Rendon, J. Foster, and N. L. Mast. 2025. Evaluation of extent and rate of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber degradation of perennial peanut and pearl millet � napiergrass in vitro. ACT/TJCAA Conference, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Escamilla, F. E., M. T. Lowke, N. L. Mast, and M. R. Garcia. 2024. FGF2 is required for early morphogenesis in bovine vascular endothelial cells in angiogenci process. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bell, A. G., K. F. Rendon, J. L. Foster, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Evaluation of extent and rate of dry matter degradation of perennial peanut and pearl millet � napiergrass by rumen microbes in vitro. 2nd Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Bell, A. G., K. F. Rendon, J. L. Foster, and N. L. Mast. 2025. Evaluation of extent and rate of dry matter degradation of perennial peanut and pearl millet � napiergrass by rumen microbes in vitro. Coastal Bend Regional Science Fair, Corpus Christi, TX. 2nd Place Animal Science Division - State Qualifier. Special Award: Ricoh USA, Inc. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Bell, A. G., K. F. Rendon, J. L. Foster, and N. L. Mast. 2025. Evaluation of extent and rate of dry matter degradation of perennial peanut and pearl millet � napiergrass by rumen microbes in vitro. Texas Science and Engineering Fair, College Station, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ortega, A., R. Bell, H. Augustyniak, M. Barrientos, E. Salazar, M. Suntravat, and E. Sanchez. 2024. Snake venom phospholipases A2 and Hyaluronidases: Catalysts of tissue degradation and pathway to novel therapeutics. 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Ortega, A., R. Bell, H. Augustyniak, M. Barrientos, E. Salazar, M. Suntravat, and E. Sanchez. 2025. Snake venom phospholipases A2 and Hyaluronidases: Catalysts of tissue degradation and pathway to novel therapeutics. Coastal Bend Regional Science Fair, Corpus Christi, TX. 1st Place Biochemistry Division - State Qualifier. Special Award: Regeneron Biomedical Science Award. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Ortega, A., R. Bell, H. Augustyniak, M. Barrientos, E. Salazar, M. Suntravat, and E. Sanchez. 2025. Snake venom phospholipases A2 and Hyaluronidases: Catalysts of tissue degradation and pathway to novel therapeutics. Texas Science and Engineering Fair, College Station, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Valenzuela, E., M. Valenzuela, and G. Schuster. 2024. Does cotton seed size affect germination? 2nd Annual LEADING Symposium and Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Valenzuela, E., M. Valenzuela, and G. Schuster. 2025. Does cotton seed size affect germination? Coastal Bend Regional Science Fair, Corpus Christi, TX. 3rd Place Plant Science Division. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gonzalez-Flores, J.; Morales-Payan, J.P.; Flores-Ortega, C. and Ferwerda, F. (2024). Short-term effects of pruning breadfruit tree Crown. 47th Scientific Meeting Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agricolas (SOPCA), Aguadilla,Puerto Rico, 12/13/24. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lebron-Garay, I. and Curbelo-Rodriguez, J.E. 2024. Correlation between ketone body levels and conception rates in dairy cows in Puerto Rico. 47th Scientific Meeting Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agricolas (SOPCA), Aguadilla,Puerto Rico, 12/13/24. Poster Presentation
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gonzalez-Flores, J. and J. P. Morales-Payan. 2024. Branching of Breadfruit accessions and size manegement of breadfruit trees. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Gonzalez-Velez, K.M., Barriga A. and Rivera F. 2025. Assessing Economic Perceptions of Conservation Through Tree and Pasture Variety Identification on Coffee and Livestock Farms. 5th Congress of Applied Economy in Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez PR 5/9/2025. Poster Presentation
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gonzalez-Velez, K.; Rivera, F. and Barriga, A. (2024). Assessing Economic Perceptions of Conservation through Tree and Pasture Variety Identification on Coffee and Livestock Farms. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mu�oz-Ramirez, A.; Feliciano-Rivera, M. and Miranda-Cortes, Y. (2024). Characterization of Bacteria Associated with Post-Harvest Soft-Rot in Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Tubers. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mu�oz-Ramirez, A. 2024. Characterization of Bacteria Associated with Post-Harvest Soft-Rot in Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Tubers. 47th Scientific Meeting Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agricolas (SOPCA), Aguadilla,Puerto Rico, 12/13/24. Oral Presentation
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Feliciano-Rivera, M.; Miranda-Cort�s, Y.; Mu�oz-Ramirez, A.; Andino-Acevedo, A. J.; Soto-Morales, J.; Giraldo-Zapata, M. and Cort�s-P�rez, M. (2024). Propagating a new generation of yam seeds in Puerto Rico. 47th Scientific Meeting Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agricolas (SOPCA), Aguadilla,Puerto Rico, 12/13/24. Poster Presentation
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rivera- Cintron, D., F. Rivera and A. Barriga. 2024. The Role of Social Capital in Conservation Agriculture. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Felix-Echevarria, D.; Morales-Payan, J.P.; Munoz, M.A. and Ferwerda, F. (2024). Effects of soil-applied biorregulators on breadfruit. 47th Scientific Meeting Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agricolas (SOPCA), Aguadilla,Puerto Rico, 12/13/24. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Felix-Echevarria, D.; Morales-Payan, J.P.; Munoz, M.A. and Ferwerda, F. (2024). Effects of soil-applied biorregulators on breadfruit. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lassalle-Loperena, E. A. and I. Cabrera-Asencio. 2024. Preliminar Data on Predators and Parasitoids of the Indian Cotton Leafhopper Amrasca biguttula (Hemiptera:Cicadellidae) 47th Scientific Meeting Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agricolas (SOPCA), Aguadilla,Puerto Rico, 12/13/24. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Miranda-Cortes, Y.; Giraldo-Zapata, M.C. and Feliciano-Rivera, M. (2024). Assessment and management of QoI fungicides resistance in Pseudocercospora fijiensis populations in Puerto Rico. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Novoa, C. and F. Perez-Munoz. 2024. Chocolate with Plant-Based Beverages as a Dairy Substitute and Evaluation of Probiotic Survival. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. 3 min. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rodriguez-Cintron, A.J.; Tirado-Corbala, R.; Roman-Paoli, E. and Munoz-Munoz, M.A. (2024). Evaluation of Young Lisbon Lemon Trees Under Different Fertilization Treatments in Two Regions of Puerto Rico. 2024 ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting  AI Innovations for a Changing Climate. November 10-13, 2024. San Antonio, TX. Online Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rodriguez-Cintron, A. J.; Tirado-Corbala, R.; Rom�n-Paoli, E. and Munoz-Munoz, M. A. (2024). Evaluation of Young Lisbon Lemon Trees Under Different Fertilization Treatments in Two Regions of Puerto Rico. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Soto-Velez, E.; Dudley, E. and Malavez-Acevedo, Y. (2024). Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolates from Raw Milk and Retail Beef in Puerto Rico. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lassalle-Loperena, E. and Cabrera-Asencio, I. (2024). Amrasca biguttula (Hemiptera:Cicadellidae) Natural Enemies. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Soto V�lez, E. M., E. Dudley, and Y. Malavez-Acevedo. 2024. Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolates from Raw Milk and Retail Beef in Puerto Rico / Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates Across Different Seasons from Food Samples in PR. PRSM Semiannual Meeting Challenges and Opportunities: Interplay Between Emerging Infectious Diseases and New Technologies for Detection and Protection. Bayamon, PR. October 26, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2025 Citation: Soto V�lez, E. M., E. Dudley, and Y. Malavez-Acevedo. 2024. Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Escherichia coli Isolates from Raw Milk and Retail Beef in Puerto Rico / Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates Across Different Seasons from Food Samples in PR. Simposio Anual 2025 Fuerza Graduada: El motor oculto detr�s de la investigaci�n acad�mica. UPR Mayaguez. April 25, 2025. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Marrero Roman, E. and A. A. Rodriguez-Carias 202.4. Physiological Parameters and Water Consumption of Genetically Improved Lambs Raised in Tropical Climates. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mejias-Jaramillo, I. and Morales-Payan, J. P. 2024. Exploring the possibility of local production of berries in Puerto Rico. 47th Scientific Meeting Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agricolas (SOPCA), Aguadilla,Puerto Rico, 12/13/24. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ayala Col�n, J.O. and Flores Mangual, M. L, (2024). Determining soil moisture and electrical conductivity in plots with different grazing densities. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Padilla-Jusino, K. and Feliciano-Rivera, M. (2024). Morphological description of Goplana spp. in yam cultivation, Dioscorea spp. 47th Scientific Meeting Sociedad Puertorrique�a de Ciencias Agricolas (SOPCA), Aguadilla,Puerto Rico, 12/13/24. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Padilla-Jusino, K. and Feliciano-Rivera, M. (2024). Morphological description of Goplana spp. in yam cultivation, Dioscorea spp. 2nd LEADING Student Symposium and USDA Career Fair, Mayaguez, PR, Nov 12-16, 2024. Poster Presentation.


Progress 06/01/23 to 05/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience: The LEADING Hispanics Program is designed to target Hispanic high school (9-12th grade) and college (BS, MS and PhD level) students pursuing FANH degrees and emphasizing those who are financially disadvantaged and/or first-generation college. Additionally, high school teachers in STEM or agriculture from impoverished areas surrounding the four HSIs are also targeted. During the first year of our program, a total of 150 high school students, 67 college students (49 BS, 14 MS and 4 PhD; 73% female, 27% male; 91% Hispanic, 9% Non-Hispanic), and 13 high school teachers were served. Data presented in this report pertains to their activities between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024. Changes/Problems:Communications Embargo. With funding made available June 1, 2023 but a communication embargo in place until late June, advertisement of the program was initially delayed. Thus, the program was not ready for participants until Fall 2023, after adequate time for recruiting, with the majority of the first cohort being onboarded August through October 2023. This delay in onboarding of the first cohort delayed several proposed activities and made others difficult to accomplish. However, only one proposed activity (Club Lingüistico) was not accomplished in Year 1. Other activities were delayed, but accomplished at a later date than originally proposed. Educational tour. Our educational tour (which evolved into the NextGen Summit) did not involve a tour of working laboratories (exclusive of the groups who visited the Museum of Natural History) which was the original vision of the tour. Therefore, in Year 2, we intend to revise the educational tour to be in another location or involve BARC, as possible. In Year 2, no changes to the proposed activities are anticipated as the majority of cohort 2 has already been interviewed and selected to begin the program in Fall 2024. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Research. All LEADING Hispanics college studentswere involved in scientific research. Research enhances critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and intellectual independence; all of which are crucial for success in the federal workforce. In total, 50 faculty research mentors with diverse expertise from each collaborating HSI provided high-impact, meaningful mentorship to students. Faculty mentorship was facilitated through regular one-on-one meetings during the students' research for provision of academic and psychosocial support. Professional Meetings. Research projects lead to professional meeting attendance and provide opportunities for personal growth, networking, and career planning. Within the first year of the program, 91.0% of LEADING Hispanics college students attended an average of 1.38 professional meetings. Of these students, 78.7% were responsible for giving 54 poster presentations and 10 oral presentations. One TAMUK student stated "Presenting my findings at the TAMUK symposium and The Wildlife Society meeting in Houston, Texas, was both exhilarating and rewarding, as it allowed me to share my work with a wider audience and receive valuable feedback from experts in the field." Professional meeting attendees commonly include students and faculty from other institutions and USDA employees; thus, providing opportunities for students to develop a professional network that will advance their career toward federal employment. Professional Development Seminars. Professional development seminars equip students with skills not taught in the classroom by emphasizing soft skills while teaching technical skills. During Year 1 of the LEADING Hispanics Program, three Professional Development Seminars were held via distance education technology and/or in-person to facilitate simultaneous participation of students across the four HSIs. USDA Forest Service Opportunities, Nov. 30, 2023 via Zoom. This professional development opportunity included eight USDA Forest Service employee speakers and reached 55 LEADING Hispanics college student participants. The purpose of this seminar was to familiarize students with the vast and diverse internship and career opportunities within Forest Service. USA Jobs Resume Writing Seminar, Jan. 23, 2024, via Zoom. This professional development opportunity was hosted by Dr. Ruby De La Garza, USDA Liaison with OPPE, and reached 46 LEADING Hispanics college student participants. The purpose of this seminar was to familiarize students with resume requirements and format required by USA Jobs. It is critical for students to understand this process as they prepare for federal employment. "Through this program many resources were available such as resume building for USA jobs which is a very [sic] important when apply for government jobs to have that format structure," said a student from NMSU." True Colors Professional Development Seminar, Feb. 13, 2024, in-person. This professional development opportunity hosted by Dr. Stephen Chumbley, Associate Professor at TAMUK, reached 56 LEADING Hispanics college student participants. The purpose of this seminar was to help students determine their personality type to identify strengths and weaknesses that may help identify career paths. Additional Individual Workshops. A total of 14 additional workshops were attended by LEADING Hispanics college students in the first year of the program. Symposium and Career Fair. The first annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair was held at TAMUK February 12-13, 2024. This event was attended by 41 high school students, 4 high school teachers, 65 college students, 11 university faculty, and 25 USDA employees. The Symposium showcased student research and accomplishments (via poster and oral presentations), fostered interaction between the four collaborating HSIs, USDA agencies, and high school students and teachers. The Career Fair showcased individual USDA agencies (AMS, APHIS, ARS, Forest Service, FSA, FSIS, NASS, NRCS, and the office of Human Resource Management) and provided insight for students to determine their interest regarding summer internship placement. To further enhance inter-institutional collaboration and networking, LEADING Hispanics college students and faculty visited local sites including the TAMUK greenhouse, TAMUK serpentarium, and historical King Ranch during day 2 of the event. Educational Tour. In Year 1 of the LEADING Hispanics Program, 53 college students, 6 faculty, and 4 program managers from the four HSIs participated in a 3-day educational tour in Washington D.C. (NextGen Student Summit - a collaboration between the LEADING Hispanics Program and USDA NIFA NextGen) to foster inter-institutional collaboration in an immersive experience emphasizing career awareness. Regarding the Educational Tour, one TAMUK student stated "Our group trip to Washington D.C. offered a unique perspective on the role of the USDA in shaping national agricultural and environmental policies. Immersing myself in the workings of federal agencies and understanding their impact on agriculture and wildlife conservation further fueled my passion for contributing to meaningful change in the field." Youth Program. The LEADING Hispanics Youth Program targeted local high school students to participate in a free one-day workshop. Across the four HSIs, 150 high school students were reached in Year 1 of the program. The Youth Program included a tour of university laboratories, agriculture experiment stations and other facilities, and a small hands-on scientific experiment. This program increased high school students' knowledge and competencies in FANH, promoted awareness of FANH degrees and USDA careers and developed a pipeline for future undergraduate LEADING Hispanics scholars. Community Program. The LEADING Hispanics Community Program targeted local high school STEM and agriculture teachers to participate in a free, one-day FANH workshop. Across the four HSIs, 12 high school teachers were reached in Year 1 of the program. The Community Program was conducted similarly to the Youth Program, but equipped the teachers with a complete lesson plan to promote FANH and USDA within their classrooms and/or science kits to encourage STEM exploration within the classroom. This program serves as an indirect method for recruiting high school students into the Youth Program and the undergraduate scholarship program, thus further developing the student pipeline into USDA careers. Summer Internships. A foundational component of LEADING Hispanics is the USDA internship which will provide students with an experiential learning platform to gain technical skills, exposure to career prospects and mentors within federal agencies, and hone other marketable skills. Although summer internships were not completed in Year 1 of the LEADING Hispanics Program, it is important to note that internship placement was accomplished for the first cohort of students. Across the four HSIs, 64 college students (50 undergraduate, 12 MS, and 2 PhD) have been placed into summer internships for summer 2024. Of the 64 participants, 62 were placed into federal positions and 2 into non-federal positions. Eight federal agencies (AMS, APHIS, ARS, ERS, Forest Service, NRCS, Climate Hub, and Department of Energy) are included in placements with 53 federal employees hosting our participants as mentors. "Being part of the LEADING Hispanics program has been an incredible opportunity for my professional growth. The experience I've gained from attending the conferences, the USDA Career Fair, and participatingin a summer internship has greatly enhancedmy skills and broadened my career opportunities." said one TXST student. A TAMUK student stated "Initially, I was looking for a chance to pay for my college, but the LEADING Hispanics program has given me a different perspective on career choices, made new friends, and allowed me to meet people across this great country." How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Website. The LEADING Hispanics website went live in February 2024. Its purpose is to enhance and promote recruiting efforts by showcasing participants' accomplishments. Social Media. The LEADING Hispanics program maintains active social media accounts (Instagram and X) which went live in July 2023 to begin recruiting efforts. This method of dissemination engages and reaches the technology-savvy generation that the program is recruiting (476 Instagram followers and 16 X followers). Social media accounts document program progress (108 Instagram posts and 20 Tweets) while promoting and further enhancing recruiting efforts. The LEADING Hispanics Instagram averages 630 "accounts reached" and 180 "accounts engaged" per month. Importantly, these social media accounts are managed by Marketing & Communications students involved in the LEADING Hispanics program, providing them with practical professional experiences for their future careers. Press releases and news articles. In Year 1 of the program, 19 press/news releases in both English and Spanish were published highlighting the LEADING Hispanics Program or its activities. Research Presentations. In Year 1 of the program, 48 college student participants gave 54 poster and 10 oral presentations at professional meetings to disseminate research results. Other Presentations. Upon funding, on June 29, 2023, the TAMUK Project Director presented the vision and objectives of the LEADING Hispanics Program during a visit with Representatives of the Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez and the TAMUK Strategic Executive Leadership Team. Further, in January 2024, the NMSU Project Director presented the vision and progress of the LEADING Hispanics Program during a visit with Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The LEADING Hispanics program is designed to repeat and build upon itself over the five-year period. The college student cohort for Year 2 has been interviewed and selected and these students will be involved in research, professional meetings, professional development seminars, the Symposium and Career Fair, educational tour, and summer internships, as described above for Year 1. The Youth and Community programs will also be hosted across the HSIs. In Year 2, external evaluation will continue to gather quantifiable and other outcomes that allow tracking of progress towards objectives, including Objective 1. Club Lingüistico will also be implemented (see "Changes/Problems") for the first time in Year 2.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: LEADING Hispanics will improve retention rate (20%), time-to-degree (0.5 years), graduation rate (20%) and USDA career placement (25%) of Hispanic students by increasing scientific, technical and soft skills through experiential learning and research. Currently, progress toward Objective 1 cannot be quantified. Baseline data for each of the four HSIs is being obtained for reporting in subsequent years. Data for this objective will become available in future years as students from the first cohort progress through their academic programs and enter the workforce. Although not yet able to quantify this objective, the experiences and opportunities provided to our students has had significant impact which is evident by their testimonials of the program. One TAMUK student stated "My participation in the LEADING Hispanics Program was a profoundly enriching experience that significantly shaped my academic and professional journey." Another TAMUK student stated "I have a clearer view of my career goals because of this program, and I am eternally grateful for how it has shaped me as a person." Objective 2: LEADING Hispanics will create a pipeline for Hispanic students (n=800 high school, 295 B.S., 100 M.S., and 42 Ph.D.) to progress from high school through undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and to federal employment in the FANH workforce. Year 1 participants gained valuable knowledge and experiences that initiated the pipeline for the LEADING Hispanics Program.?Year 1 initiated the pipeline for the LEADING Hispanics Program. Within the first year of the program, 150 high school, 49 BS, 14 MS and 4 PhD participants were served. All participants (100%) were exposed to undergraduate and graduate degree programs (LEADING Hispanics Symposium, Youth Program, Community Program), internship opportunities (LEADING Hispanics Career Fair and Professional Development Seminars) and career options (LEADING Hispanics Career Fair, Educational Tour, and Professional Development Seminars) available in the FANH workforce and within federal agencies.One undergraduate student from TXST said "Being a member of LEADING Hispanics was the highlight if [sic] my college career. LEADING Hispanics was a community that allowed me to be a part of something larger than myself challenging me, teaching me, and empowering me." This particular student has decided to pursue graduate school and has been accepted into the MS program at TXST for Fall 2024 and is therefore matriculating through our pipeline. Objective 3: LEADING Hispanics will establish and foster peer-peer, teacher-student, faculty-student, and federal employee-student mentoring relationships to enhance Hispanic student (n=295 B.S., 100 M.S., and 42 Ph.D.) awareness, understanding, and preparation for internship and career opportunities at USDA agencies. In Year 1, upon participant selection, 49 BS, 14 MS, and 4 PhD students were placed into formal mentoring relationships with Faculty Research Mentors. Faculty Research Mentor relationships were developed and enhanced through regular participant-faculty meetings to discuss research progress, professional development opportunities and career goals.The USDA Career Fair, Professional Development Seminars, and the Educational Tour provided initial contact and helped to form relationships between LEADING Hispanics participants and USDA employees. This short-term contact between the students and USDA employees enhanced the students' professional network and led to potential for building future long-term mentorship. Federal employee-student mentorship will be enhanced and formalized in summer 2024 as 53 students have been placed into USDA internships. Additionally, severalUSDA sites are hosting students from various institutions, which will further enhance peer-peer relationships and mentoring. Although not quantified, peer-peer relationships were established through multiple intra- and inter-institutional interactions between students through the Symposium, Career Fair, Professional Development Seminars and Educational Tour. The Youth and Community Programs provide an environment for teacher-student mentorship while their attendance at the Symposium and Career Fair allows for professional networking with HSI faculty and USDA employees.Participants of the program value the networking and mentoring aspects of the program as they realize their importance. According to an undergraduate participant from TXST "The LEADING Hispanics program was an incredibly immersive experience that allowed me to better understand various USDA agencies,develop my research skills, and network with like-minded individuals and students supporting Hispanics in government careers. Navigating the different parts of this program was no easy task but doing so alongside my mentors and fellow scholars facilitated this." One student from NMSU stated "After graduate school I will utilize the USDA Connections I have made to try and obtain a permanent wildlife biologist position." The connections these participants are making have the potential to alter their futures, helping them successfully gain employment with USDA. Objective 4: LEADING Hispanics will develop cooperative links and sustainable partnerships between FANH programs at four Hispanic Serving Institutions [HSIs; Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez (UPRM), New Mexico State University (NMSU), and Texas State University (TXST)], local high schools (n≥20), and USDA agencies (n≥5) to promote FANH degree and career pursuit to Hispanic high school students (n=800) and teachers (n=800) and Hispanic college students (n=437). Development of cooperative links and sustainable partnerships between FANH programs at the four HSIs was accomplished through multiple efforts. Professional Development Seminars were attended via Zoom by all four HSIs with a total of 65 college student participants, 4 faculty, and 10 USDA employee speakers and hosts. The Symposium and Career Fair was attended in-person by all four HSIs with a total of 65 college student participants, 11 faculty, and 25 USDA employees, in addition to 41 high school students and 4 high school teachers. The Educational Tour (NextGen Student Summit) was attended in-person by all four HSIs with a total of 53 college student participants, 6 faculty, 4 program managers and numerous USDA speakers and hosts. These events were designed to bring faculty and students from the four HSIs together to enhance collaboration and networking while promoting FANH degrees and federal agency employment. To effectively develop and implement program activities, the Project Director team (Mast, Jimenez, Löest, and Drewery) met, via Zoom, nine times throughout Year 1 for an average 1 hour 20 minutes each (total = 12 hours during Year 1). As Program Managers were hired, they joined the PD meetings as well. This team approach to directing the program has been instrumental in the success of the LEADING Hispanics Program. Objective 5: LEADING Hispanics will be a published (n≥10 publications, presentations, abstracts, social media, website), transferrable educational model for other higher education institutions to adopt or adapt. In Year 1, participants in the LEADING Hispanics Program presented 54 research posters and 10 oral presentations. The LEADING Hispanics website (https://www.tamuk.edu/agriculture/leading-hispanics/#:~:text=The%20overarching%20goal%20of%20LEADING,employment%20in%20the%20federal%20sector.) was published in February 2024. Concerning social media, the LEADING Hispanics Instagram (@leadinghispanics) has published 108 posts while LEADING Hispanics X has published 20 tweets. In Year 2, a LEADING Hispanics Facebook page will be developed and maintained.

Publications

  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: https://www.tamuk.edu/agriculture/leading-hispanics/index.html
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Caudillo, M., T. Johnson, C. Nunez, and J. Benn. 2024. Immunogenicity of the commercially available Anthrax Spore Vaccine through subcutaneous and oral administration in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Guel, L, E. Lopez, M. Thomas, and N. L. Mast. 2024. An evaluation of fertility traits in heat tolerant heifers. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Guel, L. 2024. Rangeland invasive species. Texas A&M Agrilife Research and Extension, Corpus Christi, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Haiflich, S, K. McDaniel, C. Nouzille, and L. Petracca. 2024. Prey Selection and Diet Composition of Mountain Lions (Puma concolor) in South Texas. Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Haiflich, S, K. McDaniel, C. Nousille, and L. Petracca. 2024. Diet composition of mountain lions (Puma concolor) in the Southwestern united States. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hernandez, R. and G. Schuster. 2024. Hydroponics and aeroponics as compared with conventional greenhouse vegetable production. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tejani, S. A., A. A. Molina, M. A. Harvey, M. R. Garcia. 2024. The effect of endogenous FGF2 on vascular endothelial cell morphology in bovine adipose tissue. Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society Meeting, South Padre Island, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Tejani, S. A., A. A. Molina, M. A. Harvey, M. R. Garcia. 2024. The effect of endogenous FGF2 on vascular endothelial cell morphology in bovine adipose tissue. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Nichols, A. and A. Tanner. 2024. Biocrust identification in Tamaulipan Thornscrub. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Williams, T, J. Foster, J. Martinez, J. Solis, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Correlations betweein in vivo, in situ and in vitro measures of digestion. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: West, H., J. L. Foster, J. I. Solis, C. A. Loest, J. J. Martinez, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Effect of monensin and protein supplementation on in situ degradability in cattle fed low-quality forage. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zamora, E, S. Dattamudi, J. Foster, D. Sanyal, and G. Schuster. 2024. Analysis of land management practices in soil health and agricultural sustainability in South Texas. Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society Meeting, South Padre Island, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zamora, E, S. Dattamudi, J. Foster, D. Sanyal, and G. Schuster. 2024. Analysis of land management practices in soil health and agricultural sustainability in South Texas. Southern ASA Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zamora, E, S. Dattamudi, J. Foster, D. Sanyal, and G. Schuster. 2024. Analysis of land management practices in soil health and agricultural sustainability in South Texas. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ramirez, A., A. Watts, J. Rogers, and R. L. Stanko. 2024. Potential for winter conception in a subset of Dorper ewes which previously bred in early or late spring. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ramos, L., M. Cardenas, J. Lakes, M. Flythe, and N. L. Mast. 2024. The inhibitory activity of phyto-phenolic compounds on rumen ammonia-producing bacteria. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Robledo, J. and A. Foley. 2024. Advancements in population monitoring: evaluating space to event models for white-tailed deer surveys in rangeland ecosystems. Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Robledo, J. and A. Foley. 2024. Advancements in population monitoring: evaluating space to event models for white-tailed deer surveys in rangeland ecosystems. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rodriguez, K, J. L. Foster, M. Bhandari, and N. L. Mast. 2024. Drought resilient alfalfa production using digital agriculture and machine learning techniques. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Watts, A. and R. L. Stanko. 2024. An evaluation of artificial insemination protocols on Brahman-influenced heifers on a south Texas ranch. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zaragoza, A. L. S. Dattamudi, D. Parker, B. Turner, S. Nelson, and G. Schuster. 2024. Short-term effects of cattle paunch application on soil properties in South Texas. Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society Meeting, South Padre Island, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Zaragoza, A. L. S. Dattamudi, D. Parker, B. Turner, S. Nelson, and G. Schuster. 2024. Short-term effects of cattle paunch application on soil properties in South Texas. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Bonilla-Berrios, E.A. and J.C. Hernandez-Correa. 2024. The Association Direct USDA Payments Programs on Household Agricultural Sales. 4th Congress: Applied Economics of Puerto Rico. May 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Osorio-Hern�ndez, E.; K.I. Carrero-Rosario, C.E. Mu�iz-Ferrer and G. Ortiz-Col�n. 2024. Effect of 5htp supplementation over the growth and health of slick and wild type Holstein calves. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Februrary 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Ouslan, A. and J.C. Hernandez-Correa. 2024. La asociaci�n entre los desiertos de comida y distintas causas de muerte en Puerto Rico. 4th Congress: Applied Economics of Puerto Rico. May 2024.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Remigio-Crespo, C.; D. A. Bair-Gallegos, M. A. Mu�oz-Mu�oz. 2024. Assessing Heavy metal Contamination Risk: A Study on Poultry Manure as an Organic Fertilizer. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Februrary 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rivera-Cintron, D. and J.C. Hernandez-Correa. 2024. Construction and Estimation of an Agricultural Economic Activity Index for Puerto Rico. 4th Congress: Applied Economics of Puerto Rico. May 2024. Poster Presentation
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Fazakerly, G.; M. Ronda, I. Velazquez and E. Jimenez. 2024. Gene expression in different organs of slick and wild-type haired cows. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Februrary 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Garc�a-Ramos, A. B., E. Jim�nez-Cab�n and H. L. S�nchez-Rodr�guez. 2024. Characterization of the progesterone profiles during the estrus cycle of Holstein cows. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Februrary 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Gonz�lez-Segarra, C.; A. P. Irizarry-Cruz, and M. Pag�n-Morales. 2024. Evaluation and segregation of alleles associated with multifetal gestation in beef cattle. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Februrary 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Munoz-Ramirez, A.I.; M. Feliciano-Rivera and Y. Miranda-Cortes. 2024. Field performance of yam seed (Dioscorea Rotundata CV. Guinea Negro) produced from tissue culture in temporary immersion bioreactors. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Februrary 2024. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Munoz-Ramirez, A.I.; M. Feliciano-Rivera and Y. Miranda-Cortes. 2024. Field performance of yam seed (Dioscorea Rotundata CV. Guinea Negro) produced from tissue culture in temporary immersion bioreactors. American Phytopathological Society Caribbean Division Meeting, Merida, MX. April 2024. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Aguilar, S., Desmond, M., Fair J., Thompson, B., and Young, A. 2024. Post-fledging ecology of Western bluebirds and Ash-throated flycatchers. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Arnedo, D. A., K. Cervantes, A. Hilton, and J. J. Randall. 2024. Too hot to grow? A look a heat stress on micro-propagated pecan trees. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Arnedo, D. A., K. Cervantes, A. Hilton, and J. J. Randall. 2024. A look at heat stress on micro propagated pecan trees. Western Pecan Growers 2024, Las Cruces NM March, 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Jimenez, D., and Desmond, M. 2024. Diet habits of the American Kestrel in southwest New Mexico. NMSU Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts , and G. E. G. McNair Symposium, Las Cruces, NM. April 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Jimenez, D., and Desmond, M. 2024. Diet of the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) in the Arid Agricultural-Desert Scrubland of Southern New Mexico. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Levario, Z., Norris-Parish, S. 2024. Mental Health and Agriculture: Investigating Agricultural Programming and Tools Supporting Veteran Mental Health. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Levario, Z., Norris-Parish, S. 2024. Mental Health and Agriculture: Investigating Agricultural Programming and Tools Supporting Veteran Mental Health. NMSU Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts , and G. E. G. McNair Symposium, Las Cruces, NM. April 2024. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Rivera, K. L., and C. A. L�est. 2024. Effects of exogenous enzyme supplementation on ruminal in situ degradation of nutrients. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lozano, S., A. Blount, and W. Boeing. 2024. The use of aquaponics for sustainable farming. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Marmolejo, A., and Fuentes-Soriano, S. 2024. The Invasion of Heterotheca subaxillaris (camphorweed) in the Middle East. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Mu�oz, L and Sabill�n, L 2024. Survival, Thermal Resistance, and Genotypic Changes of Listeria monocytogenes in Low-Moisture Foods During Long-Term Storage. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Preciado, J., Fernald S., Hereema, R. 2024. Estimating Deep Percolation in Pecan Fields Under Different Irrigation Systems" 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Preciado, J., Fernald S., 2024. Groundwater Recharge in Pecan Orchards Under Different Irrigation Systems to Reduce the Impacts of Climate Change in the Southwest USA. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Robinson, C., M. Olivas, R. Beck, M. Patrick, C. Prieto. 2024. New Mexicos agricultural businesses succession and transition planning. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Quiroz, F., Desmond, M. 2024. Grasshopper Occupancy at American Kestrel Nest Box Location: Can passive acoustic monitoring sample forage availability? 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Smithyman, C. L., K. M. Cruickshank, and C. A. L�est. 2024. Digestibility of potato waste byproducts by rumen microorganisms in vitro. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Perea, A., Utsumi, S.,Soto-Nevaro, S., Torres, D. 2024. Are there any Negatives to Geo-fencing? 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. February 2024. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dominguez D. D., J. Rea, E. P. Fukuda, and M. L. Drewery. 2024. In situ evaluation of multiple edible insects as feed for cattle. ASAS-Southern Section Meeting, Louisville, KY. Oral Presentations.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dominguez D. D., J. Rea, E. P. Fukuda, and M. L. Drewery. 2024. In situ evaluation of multiple edible insects as feed for cattle. LEADING Hispanics Symposium & Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Dominguez D. D., E. P. Fukuda, Y. Lu, and M. L. Drewery. 2024. Whole genome characterization of microorganisms associated with solid or liquid rumen microenvironments. TXST STEM Conference, San Marcos, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Serda A., J. Farfan, and M. Drewery. 2024. An evaluation of eggshell agro-waste as a source of calcium for cattle consuming forage.LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Hernandez E., A. Rojas, C. Rosales-Nieto. 2024. The impact of bee pollen in the maternal diet intake on the reproductive success of female goats. LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lopez A., D. Valles, M. Drewery. 2024. Monitoring cattle behavior and health using artificial intelligence and thermography. Texas State University STEM Conference, San Marcos, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lopez A., 2024. Hemp as feed for beef cattle. LEADING Hispanics Career Fair and Symposium, Kingsville, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lopez A., E. Fukuda, H. Boyer, M. Drewery. 2024. Hemp as feed for beef cattle. American Society of Animal Science Southern Section, Loiseville, KY. Three minute thesis (3MT) participant and oral presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lopez A., E. Fukuda, H. Boyer, M. Drewery. 2023. Hemp as feed for beef cattle. Texas State Undergraduate Research Conference, San Marcos, TX. Oral Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lopez A., E. Fukuda, H. Boyer, N. Wagner, M. Drewery. 2023. Hemp as feed for beef cattle. Texas State University STEM Conference, San Marcos, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Lopez N. and J. Backstrom. 2024. Re-Examining the Winners Curse; Economic Research in Agricultural Markets. LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Reyes N. E., L. K. Solice, A. Rojas, C. Roseles-Nieto, and R. N. Sims. 2024. Investigating the use of pheromones at the time of estrus synchronization and the subsequent impact of stress and conceptions rates via IVF and AI. LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2024 Citation: Shoemaker D. and N. Wagner. 2024. Application of propiconazole and Pseudomonas Fluorescens CHAO for control of oak wilt in Texas live oaks. LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX. Poster Presentation.