The Giving Herd - ASAS Foundation Newsletter - December 2025

The Giving Herd "Inspire · Ignite · Invest"
In This December Edition

• A Graduate Student Member's Story - Cheyenne Summers, Ph.D. Candidate
  • A future leader in animal science, driven by curiosity, compassion, and discovery.
• Philanthropy in Action - 2026 ASAS Foundation Awards and Scholarships - Apply Now
  • Armstrong Leadership Award
  • Legacy Scholarships (Travel Scholarship)- NEW!!!
  • Joseph P. Fontenot Travel Scholarship
  • H. Allen Tucker Travel Award
    
  • Wilson G. Pond International Travel Award
• Thank You ASAS Foundation Giving Partners

Inspire · Ignite · Invest - A Graduate Student-Member's Journey in Animal Science and ASAS

"ASAS is a community of animal scientists who challenge me, support me, and help shape the scientist I am becoming."  
 (Left: Cheyenne and her dog, Murray)
Although my path into animal science didn’t start on a family farm, it began with curiosity, opportunity, and a genuine love for animals. Growing up in Nokomis, Illinois, my interest in agriculture grew through FFA during high school. I actively looked for opportunities in FFA, with experiences ranging from soil judging and agronomy events, to performing in the National FFA Band at the 2014 National Convention.  

As the first in my family to pursue a four-year college education and graduate degrees, I have found the journey both exciting and intimidating. Support from family,  friends, my boyfriend, and my constant companions, Murray the Anatolian Shepherd and Penelope the cat, helped me through every step. They all cheered me on through long days in the lab, early mornings at the barn, a cross-country move to pursue my PhD, and everything in between.
     
(Above left: Cheyenne and her mom, Malissa. Above middle: Cheyenne and her cat, Penelope. Above right: Cheyenne and her boyfriend, Kurt)

While completing my bachelor’s in Animal Sciences and master’s in Comparative Biosciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), I met Dr. Erin Bryan-Klehm, who encouraged me to join ASAS. Following my MS, I managed an AALAC-accredited equine breeding and foaling facility, an experience that reinforced my commitment to applying research to improve animal health and care.

Today, my doctoral research at the University of Connecticut focuses on how maternal health influences metabolism, reproductive outcomes, neonate foal health, and fetal programming. Throughout my experience as a breeding farm manager and my dissertation project, I have assisted more than 100 mares in delivering foals, which are among my favorite moments as an animal scientist. Hearing the mares softly nicker to their newborn foals and watching the foals take their first wobbly steps are reminders of why this work matters.

I am exceptionally grateful for the mentorship of Dr. Sarah Reed, Dr. Steve Zinn, and Dr. Kristen Govoni, as well as the leadership opportunities I’ve had within ASAS, including serving as a national Graduate Director. Each mentor and experience has shaped me into the scientist I am today. My journey reflects the power of the animal science community, which I now consider part of my extended family.
       
(Above Left, left to right: Dr. Erin Bryan-Klehm, on her horse, Lilly, and Cheyenne, riding her late ex-racehorse, Terrific Tim. Above Right, front row (left to right): Santhi Priya Voggu, Ariel Kuhl, Dr. Amanda Reiter, Dr. Sarah Reed, Dr. Steve Zinn. Back row (left to right): Dr. Kristen Govoni, Dr. Amy Safran, Dr. Nicole Tillquist, Cheyenne Summers, Nicholas Barnello)

After graduating in May 2026, I plan to pursue a career in the animal health industry where I can combine my experience as a scientist and as a farm manager to turn research into real-world solutions that improve animal health and support the people who care for them.
  (Left: Cheyenne, proud graduate of UIUC!)
None of this happens alone. Support from the ASAS Foundation enables students to attend meetings, access mentorship, and grow into confident scientists and leaders. As year-end approaches, a gift to the ASAS Foundation is an investment in students who are finding their place, building their voice, and preparing to shape the future of animal science. Gratitude runs deep - because of you, the next generation is ready to lead.

Cheyenne Summers, Ph.D. Candidate | Department of Animal Science | University of Connecticut | Anticipated Graduation May 2026

If Cheyenne's story has inspired you, become an ASAS Foundation Partner and join us in making a difference for current and future animal scientists!

Discover how your charitable contributions can empower animal scientists by funding travel scholarships, critical internships, and other key initiatives. Visit us online HERE.

 DONATE

Philanthropy in Action! Awards and Student Travel Scholarship Applications
(Awarded at Annual Meeting) - APPLY NOW

• Armstrong Leadership Award
• Legacy Scholarships - ALL NEW!
• Joseph P. Fontenot Travel Scholarship
• H. Allen Tucker Graduate Student Travel Scholarship
• Wilson G. Pond International Travel Scholarship

Deadline to Apply: January 9, 2026. Apply ONLINE HERE.

Armstrong Leadership Award

This award celebrates the work of W. Dwight, Jeffrey, and Todd Armstrong to advance American Society of Animal Science’s mission and recognizes the achievement of outstanding early-career professionals who display exceptional leadership with American Society of Animal Science.   

For complete guidelines, visit Armstrong Leadership Award Guidelines.

Legacy Scholarships provide the critical financial support students need to attend ASAS meetings, where they present groundbreaking research, connect with respected leaders, and take meaningful steps toward their future careers.

Applicants must be an ASAS member for at least 12 months, a current graduate student member of ASAS, and submit an abstract for oral presentation at an ASAS meeting.

For complete guidelines, visit Legacy Scholarship Guidelines. 

The Joseph P. Fontenot Travel Scholarship recognizes the contribution of Dr. Joe Fontenot to the field of ruminant nutrition and to American Society of Animal Science and is used to support graduate student travel to the ASAS Southern Section or the ASAS/CSAS Joint Annual Meeting.

For complete guidelines, visit Fontenot Scholarship Guidelines.

The H. Allen Tucker Graduate Student Travel Scholarship recognizes Dr. Tucker's influential research on the endocrine control of lactation, mammogenesis, and body growth in cattle and to American Society of Animal Science and is used to provide financial assistance to a graduate student member of ASAS to be used towards travel expenses to the ASAS Annual Meeting or the Biennial Biology of Lactation Workshop. 

For complete guidelines, visit Tucker Scholarship Guidelines.

The Wilson G. Pond International Travel Scholarship recognizes Dr. Pond's contribution to the field of non-ruminant nutrition and to American Society of Animal Science and is used to support international travel for study by students and early career professionals.

For complete guidelines, visit Pond Scholarship Guidelines.Deadline to Apply to all above scholarships: January 9, 2026. Apply ONLINE HERE.

Thank you - ASAS Foundation Giving Partners!