• Midwest Section
• Awards

Animal Science Young Scholars

Sponsored by: United Animal Health

Julian Arroyve, Kansas State University

Dr. Julian Arroyave is a researcher and swine nutritionist at Carthage Veterinary Services. He was born in Medellin, Colombia, where he received his B.S. in animal science at the National University of Colombia. During his bachelor's degree, he conducted research in ruminant nutrition and greenhouse gas emissions. This made him pursue a master's degree in Agricultural Science focused on animal nutrition at the Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mexico. After his M.S. degree, Julian spent five years working as a swine nutritionist in one of the largest swine companies in Mexico. Motivated to continue expanding his knowledge in swine nutrition, in 2023 he decided to pursue a Ph.D. program with the swine nutrition team at Kansas State University. His research focused on developing strategies to optimize zinc utilization in nursery and finishing pigs, and strategic management of the nursery phase feeding programs.

Presentation Details
Title: Factors Influencing Zn Excretion in Pigs
Session: Nonruminant Nutrition IX: Nursery Pig Nutrition II
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 10:45-11:15 AM
Room: Ballroom A

Sponsored by: United Animal Health

Jessica P. Acosta, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Jessica P. Acosta received her BS degree in Animal Science from the National University of Colombia. She conducted an internship in 2019 at the University of Illinois in the Monogastric Nutrition Laboratory and working with Dr. Hans H. Stein, she received her M.S. in 2022, and her Ph.D. in 2025 in Nutritional Sciences. Her research included work to determine the nutritional value of a new source of high-protein distillers dried grains with solubles and in a high protein corn product fed to pigs. For her Master’s degree she determined the effects of exogenous xylanase on reproductive performance and digestibility of energy and total dietary fiber by gestating and lactating sows. The research for her PhD dissertation focused on determining fermentability of dietary fiber and digestibility of energy and nutrients in diets with added exogenous carbohydrases or stimbiotics fed to weanling and growing pigs. She has published 8 peer-reviewedd manuscripts and 11 scientific abstracts.

Presentation Details
Title: Effects of xylanase Or stimbiotic on Apparent Ileal, cecal, and Total Tract Digestibility of Energy and Dietary Fiber in Diets Containing Wheat Middlings Fed to Growing Pigs
Session: Nonruminant Nutrition VIII: Enzymes and Layer Nutrition
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 9:30-10:00 AM
Room: 205/206/207

Sponsored by: United Animal Health

Jimena A. Ibagon Pardo, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Jimena A. Ibagon is a Ph.D. student in nutrition at the University of Illinois. She is from Bogota, Colombia, where she received her Bachelors degree in Animal Science from the National University of Colombia. Following graduation, she worked for 2 years as a visiting scholar at the University of Illinois before entering the Master’s program at the University of Illinois. She is now in her final year of her Ph.D. program in swine nutrition. During her Doctoral research, Jimena has focused on determining utilization of nitrogen and energy in soybean meal when fed to growing pigs and she has also determined production of greenhouse gasses associated with using soybean meal in diets for pigs. Jimena has published 9 peer-reviewed articles, 12 research abstracts, and a conference proceedings paper. After completion of her Ph.D. dissertation, Jimena plans to work as a nutritionist in a nutritional company.

Presentation Details
Title: Impact of Soybean Meal on Growth Performance, Net Energy, Nitrogen Retention, and Greenhouse Gas Production When Included in Diets for Growing Pigs
Session: Nonruminant Nutrition V: Soybean Meal Utilization
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time: 8:15-8:45 AM
Room: 210/211/212

Sponsored by: United Animal Health

Sudário Roberto Silva Junior, University of Minnesota

Sudário Roberto Silva Junior is a Ph.D. candidate in Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, working under the direction of Dr. Pedro Urriola and Dr. Andres Gomez. He earned his B.S. degree from Universidade Federal de Lavras in Brazil and his M.S. degree from the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on characterizing interactions among swine nutrition, the gut microbiome, and animal performance. To that end, he leverages molecular techniques, bioinformatics, precision livestock technologies, and data science to develop nutritional strategies that support swine production efficiency and health, considering a sustainability angle. His current work includes elucidating microbiome contributions to nutrient digestibility and energy utilization, behavior, and trace mineral metabolism; assessing alternative protein sources in nursery diets; studying the effects of feed frequency and dietary energy level in lactating sows on pre weaning piglet survivability; and examining the effects of postbiotics on sow and offspring performance. Sudário has published several peer reviewed articles and presented his research at international conferences in the United States and Brazil. He has earned multiple scholarships and awards, including being named a Pork Scholar by the National Pork Board and receiving the Targeting Excellence Scholarship. He has collaborated with industry partners by completing multiple internships and has served as president of the University of Minnesota Animal Science Graduate Student Club.

Presentation Details
Title: Integrating Multi-OMICs Data into Practical Swine Production
Session: Nonruminant Nutrition X: Meta, Omics and Other Applications in Swine Nutrition
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 12:00-12:30 PM
Room: 210/211/212

Sponsored by: United Animal Health

Kaitlyn Sommer, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign

Kaitlyn Sommer grew up in Dawson, Il, where animal agriculture was always a staple in her life. However, it did not become a passion of hers until attending Purdue University where she received a B.S. in Animal Sciences in 2016. She then went on to work as a feed sales representative in Northwest Indiana. This sparked her interest in animal nutrition, leading her to connect with Dr. Ryan Dilger. Kaitlyn began her graduate studies at the University of Illinois in 2019, earning her M.S. in 2022 and Ph.D. in 2025. Her research explores early-life stressors in pre-wean piglets, examining the effects of nutrition and behavior with applications in both agricultural and biomedical fields. Currently, Kaitlyn is working at Cargill Animal Nutrition where she is working as a research coordinator on the pork team.

Presentation Details
Title: Developmental Impacts of Early-life Rearing Environment and Handling on Growth Performance, Immune Activity, and Stress Responses in Pigs
Session: Swine Translational II
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 8:00-8:30 AM
Room: 213/214

Dr. Gary Allee Graduate Student Travel Award

Sponsored by: Dr. Gary Allee Appreciation Club

Yesid Garavito-Duarte, North Carolina State University

During his Ph.D. at North Carolina State University (since 2023), Yesid Garavito-Duarte has led innovative research in swine nutrition, focusing on natural strategies to enhance intestinal health and growth performance in pigs. His work evaluates phytobiotics, prebiotics, and functional feed additives as antibiotic alternatives in nursery pigs challenged with F18+ Escherichia coli. Through integrated molecular, immunological, and physiological approaches, he has advanced understanding of host–microbe interactions and their practical applications in animal production. Yesid has presented his research at multiple ASAS Midwest meetings. His research has produced several peer-reviewed publications, including studies on phytobiotics, botanical blends, and mycotoxin binders, exemplifying innovation, scientific rigor, and relevance to sustainable swine production.

Presentation Details
Title: Beyond Amino Acids: Role of Bioactive Compounds in Soybean Meal for Intestinal Health Nursery Pigs Fed Soybean Meal Free Diets
Session: Nonruminant Nutrition X: Meta, Omics and Other Applications in Swine Nutrition
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 10:00-10:30 AM
Room: 210/211/212

Outstanding Early Career Agribusiness Award

Sponsored by: Zoetis

Amanda Cross, DNA Swine Genetics

Dr. Amanda Cross currently serves as the Director of Genetic Services for DNA Swine Genetics. She and her team serve as the liaison between swine genetics and production, ensuring that the genetic program is properly implemented within the nucleus system, commercial testing program, multiplication and with customers. Dr. Cross earned her undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Animal Science from North Carolina State University (NCSU). It was during these college experiences that her passion for the swine industry developed. Following graduation, Dr. Cross continued at NCSU and earned her Master of Science degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics. For her Ph.D., Dr. Cross attended South Dakota State University specializing in Animal Breeding and Genetics, with research focusing on gilt development, piglet survival, feeding behavior and sow longevity. While at DNA Genetics, Dr. Cross obtained her MBA from Gardner-Webb University. Amanda not only has excelled in the implementation of challenging projects, but she enjoys being able to communicate challenging topics to producers, explaining ‘the why’ and helping pork producers to implement strategies in their herds that lead to successful production businesses.

Outstanding Young Extension Specialist Award

Sponsored by: Purina Animal Health

Warren Rusche, South Dakota State University

Dr. Warren Rusche is recognized for his accomplishments as the Beef Feedlot Management Specialist at South Dakota State University. Dr. Rusche focuses on adding value to feedstuffs produced in South Dakota, mitigation strategies to address environmental stress, and opportunities to improve feedlot profitability, and consequently, the economy of South Dakota. Since his appointment as an Assistant Professor in 2021, Warren has produced more than 100 online resources and given more than 20 invited presentations in the U.S. and Canada. He has advised five master’s students, with four graduated, and has co-authored 38 peer-reviewed publications since 2021.

Outstanding Young Researcher Award

Sponsored by: dsm-firmenich, Animal Nutrition and Health

Jordan Gebhardt, Kansas State University

Dr. Jordan Gebhardt is a native of Michigan where his family had a small family farm and commercial feed mill. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University in 2014 and his DVM and Ph.D. in swine nutrition from Kansas State University in 2019. Dr. Gebhardt is currently an Associate Professor within the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology. He has developed a nationally and internationally recognized research program focused on promoting swine health, the interaction of swine nutrition and health, and biosecurity of livestock feed. As a product of his program, Dr. Gebhardt has mentored over 30 graduate students with $8.9 million in grant funding resulting in 141 peer reviewed journal publications.

Outstanding Young Teacher Award

Sponsored by: Elanco

Amy Desaulniers, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Dr. Amy Desaulniers, Associate Professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, is a transformative educator whose research-driven teaching methods, including flipped classrooms and active learning strategies, have elevated student engagement and learning outcomes. She leads a robust research program in swine reproductive physiology, integrating students into USDA- and industry-funded projects. Through pedagogical innovation, service, mentorship, and research, she advances excellence in animal science education and prepares students to become confident, capable professionals who contribute meaningfully to the agricultural community.

Stahly/Peo Outstanding Graduate Student in Swine Nutrition Award

Sponsored by: Stahly/Peo Memorial and Tribute Fund

Hannah Miller, University of Missouri

Hannah Miller earned her B.S. in Animal Sciences and Industry from Kansas State University, her M.S. in Swine Nutrition from South Dakota State University under Dr. Crystal Levesque, and her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of Missouri under Dr. Amy Petry. Her dissertation integrated nutrition, microbiology, and bioinformatics to evaluate the impact of corn-based coproducts and fiber deprivation on swine gastrointestinal function and the microbiome. Hannah developed innovative laboratory and bioinformatic tools, including the first open-access microbial enzyme–fiber database linking carbohydrate-active enzymes to fiber substrates. Her research bridges fundamental science with applied feeding strategies to improve nutrient utilization, fiber value, and production efficiency. She currently serves as a Nutrition Manager with Christensen Farms, where she oversees research nutrition formulation and ingredient quality programs.

Swine Nutrition Heritage Fund Travel Award

Sponsored by: Swine Nutrition Heritage Fund Travel Award

Alexa Gormley, North Carolina State University

Alexa Gormley is a PhD candidate at North Carolina State University, under the direction of Dr. Sung Woo Kim. Her research focuses on the effect of nutritional interventions on the mucosa-associated microbiota, intestinal immune responses, and subsequent effects on growth performance, of nursery pigs. Since the start of her program, she has published five peer-reviewed papers as first author, submitted five abstracts as presenting author at the ASAS Midwest Section meeting, co-authored additional abstracts, papers, extension articles, and book chapters, with more publications in preparation. She serves as the Graduate Peer Mentor and vice president of the Graduate Student Association for her department, and regularly volunteers at events promoting the food animal industry. Alexa is a Real Pork Scholar with the National Pork Board and has earned awards from the NC Pork Producers Council, the NC State Provost’s Office, and International Ingredient Corporation.

Presentation Details
Title: Effects of Supplemental Galacto-oligosaccharides and 2’-fucosyllactose, Alone or in Combination, on Intestinal Health and Growth Performance of Nursery Pigs Fed Diets Including Bovine Milk Co-products
Session: Nonruminant Nutrition XI: Nursery and Grow Finisher Pig Nutrition
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 8:00-8:30 AM
Room: Ballroom C