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The recent HBO movie “Temple Grandin” was a big winner at last night’s Emmys. If you watched the Emmy’s (or for us early morning individuals, the news coverage of the awards), you may have seen Temple Grandin with Claire Danes who portrayed Grandin in the movie that won 5 Emmy awards! (picture from The Baltimore Sun, link for accompanied article below). If you have not seen the movie, I would highly recommend it, the HBO link below contains the trailer.
Many of us are aware of the importance of animal wellbeing and behavior to our industry. This movie highlights what we do in the animal industry to an audience that is unfamiliar with much of what goes on day-to-day in the animal industry. ASAS has been working to improve the face of animal industry and provide information to the public. While this movie is a large-scale way to speak about animal industry, remember that each of us is an advocate for our field and it is up to us to shape how the animal industry is viewed by the public.
Baltimore Sun article:
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/books/blog/2010/08/the_story_behind_temple_grandi.html
Movie trailer:
http://www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html
~Heather
I thought that the days of backpacks and first day pictures were long gone, but the first-day-of-school jitters returned when I started graduate school. After hauling my worldly possessions in my backpack to my new office and taking my picture to be displayed on the department wall, I sat at my very empty desk and wondered how I was supposed to fill my time from 8-5. I marveled at the current graduate students as they scurried through the office between classes, laboratories, and barns. They offered words of encouragement – to enjoy the boredom while I still could – but I remember feeling inadequate because I didn’t know what to do or how to be a graduate student. Now my days are packed far beyond ‘normal’ working hours, but the first day of class always brings back those memories of fear and anticipation.
New graduate students across the country are beginning classes today and in the coming weeks. Let’s take the time to remember how it feels to be in their shoes. Take new students to lunch, invite them to be a part of ASAS and your departmental graduate student associations, and lend an ear to their frustrations. Let’s welcome these new students to our world and help them get through the first day of school. ~Cassie
 WSASAS Graduate Student Representative Hometown: Beebe, Arkansas
Previous education: B.S. Animal Science; Arkansas State University 2004
M.S. Reproductive Biology; University of Wyoming 2009
Current position: PhD in Genetics at the University of Wyoming
Research focus: Currently, I am investigating how selection for residual feed intake effects carcass merit and reproductive efficiency as well as determining the test duration needed to obtain accurate RFI measurements in sheep. Additionally, I am collaborating with a research group in New Zealand to identify potential genetic markers associated with RFI in sheep.
Career goal: I would like to continue my research with identifying markers that are correlated with traits of agricultural significance. Genetic research that increases productivity and profitability among producers is my primary goal for a career. I am open to working for industry, academia, or extension.
First experience with WSASAS: My first experience with WSASAS was at Moscow, ID in 2007. I was in my first month of graduate school and my advisor suggested that I go to this meeting to familiarize myself with how scientific meetings operate. Through watching the graduate student competition I found that members were very supportive and interested in what information the graduate students presented as well as there was a lot of camaraderie among the scientists.
Past agriculture experience: My family farm was more of a hobby farm. We raised animals that ranged from chickens, pigs, and cattle to emus, goats, and chuckers. At one time we had around 600 fruit trees and several acres of corn, purple-hulled peas, okra, tomatoes, squash, and peanuts. My dad always had a “project” for us kids so that we would “keep out of trouble”. Because of my dad’s “projects”, I like to stay busy with several projects of my own. I am a hard worker, self-motivated, and enthusiastic in whatever project I undertake.
Hobbies: I enjoy watching old movies with my husband, reading, cooking, and traveling.
Favorite foods: Anything with cheese in it. The stinkier the cheese the better! A nice glass of some cabernet sauvignon always complements my stinky cheese well.
Goals for her coming term as a graduate director: My plans include creating some socializing/networking opportunities for graduate students as well as providing a symposium or discussion session that will help students improve their scientific writing or speaking skills. I would also like to provide some ways that students can become more involved with their regional scientific society that would help increase their networking opportunities.
Graduate Director terms for the National ASAS Board are 2 years, so we must sadly say farewell to Allison Meyer and thank her for all of her work in the past 2 years to represent graduate students and managing their needs. We wish Allison the best of luck, and look forward to her still being involved with the membership survey and open forums around the country in the coming year.
However, we are pleased to welcome Cassie Jones, a Ph.D. student from Iowa State University to the board. She was elected in May and assumed her new role at the JAM in Denver last week. Here are some details about Cassie:
Hometown: Beulah, ND
Previous education: B.S. in Agriculture (Animal Sciences & Industry major) from Kansas State University and M.S. in Animal Science (swine nutrition) from Kansas State University
Current position: Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant in Nutritional Sciences (swine nutrition) under Dr. John Patience at Iowa State University
Research focus: Identifying the biological and physiological differences between fallback pigs and their heavier contemporaries. The main goal is to first identify these differences and then propose applied management strategies to prevent these pigs from serving as a major drain on producers’ net income.
Career goal: Open to both industry and academic opportunities in the swine nutrition field
First experience with ASAS: Competing in the Midwest ASAS Quadrathlon and presenting in the Undergraduate Oral Research Competition as a sophomore in 2006
Past agriculture experience: Grew up raising Rambouillet sheep (family has had back-to-back national champion rams), showed market hogs and club lambs through 4-H and FFA, past ND State FFA Officer, held internships with National Pork Producers’ Council in Washington, DC and K-State’s College of Agriculture, member of collegiate meats judging team, participated in agriculture study tour in Australia
Hobbies: Cooking, learning to play golf (poorly), playing with her two dogs, and taking care of the Jones Family Angus cowherd with husband, Spencer
Favorite foods: Enchilada suizas from La Fiesta in Manhattan, KS, good steak, pizza, and pasta
Goals for her coming term as a graduate director: Improve communication with students to increase participation in wonderful programs and activities that are already in place, but are often underutilized. Analyze the results of the membership survey to create new and strengthen current programs that are of interest to students.
If you are heading to Denver for the JAM, be sure to add these events to your schedule!
Monday:
7am, Graduate Student Course Evaluation Discussion: We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of graduate courses at YOUR University or College and talk about opportunities to take online courses from experts in your field of research. Come for coffee and contribute to improving our graduate courses!
9:30am, Transitions: Preparing for Your Future: This year’s Graduate Student symposium features invited speakers who will address some of your most pressing questions about what comes next.
12:30am, Graduate Student Open Forum: New format, new style, and a new goal. Want to know more? This interactive forum is for us to learn what you need most, come have your voice heard!
9pm, Graduate Student Mixer: Come visit with old friends and make new ones at the Blake Street Vault in LoDo. This historic tavern features local beer and appetizers, come join the fun!
Tuesday:
12:30pm, Lunch and Learn: Preparing for the Transition: Navigating the Job Market in a Difficult Economy. This is a great opportunity to interact with professionals from academia, government, and industry. What better way to get your questions answered? Preregistration required for lunch, limited additional seating available.
Whether this is your 1st meeting or 4th, whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, we all have new questions every year. We will be having a Q&A discussion session on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=87299794063):
Friday, July 2nd
12:00 Noon (CDT)
This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about anything and everything from what events you should attend, details of presenting poster and oral presentations, what to do with your poster tube on the plane, networking tips, best way to get to the hotels from the airport, etc. Please join us to ask questions and offer your advice!
In the past 5 years, ASAS has put tremendous effort into increasing student involvement within our organization. In an effort to further expand student involvement and input into the society we would like ask you take a few minutes to respond to the following student survey.
Link to Survey
Answers will be used to help evaluate and expand our current student programs. Thanks in advance for the time.
Allison Meyer and Heather White, ASAS Graduate Student Board Members
The JAM 2010 Graduate Student Social will be held on Monday evening at the Blake Street Vault. All graduate students are welcome to join the fun. Come and catch up with old friends and meet new ones while enjoying a historic Denver tavern, originally built in the 1860’s. There will be appetizers and if you preregister, you will receive a drink ticket that evening.
Check out the Blake Street Vault at http://www.blakestreetvault.com/
Midwestern ASAS Student Lunch-and-Learn
“Where do you fit in the puzzle: Finding your place in animal science”
- Polk County Convention Complex
- Des Moines, IA
- Tuesday, March 16
- Noon – 1:00 pm
- Room 205 D
This event is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Bring lunch and enjoy an informal discussion with a diverse panel of industry and academic professionals about finding and attaining a career that fits you, your interests, and your skills. This will include deciding whether to continue your education, navigating the job search and application process, and successfully marketing yourself.
**No registration is necessary. First come, first seated!
**We recommend buying the boxed lunch offered with registration and bringing it to this event.
 ATTENTION ASAS GS and UGS Members:
Submit your nomination(s) for H. Allen Tucker and Joseph P. Fontenot Travel Scholarships, Omega Protein Innovative Research Awards (submissions deadline is February 24, 2010), and Zimbelman-Hafs Internship Award (submissions deadline is March 1, 2010). Visit http://www.asas.org/awards.asp for complete details.
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