Recipients of the Wilson G. Pond Travel Scholarship Award
Ms. Elizabeth M. Messersmith
Iowa State University
Sponsored By: Wilson G. Pond Appreciation Club
Elizabeth Messersmith, a Nebraska native, is a second year Ph.D. student at Iowa State University with Dr. Stephanie Hansen. She obtained her B.S. in 2016 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed her M.S. in 2018 at Iowa State University with Dr. Hansen. Messersmith’s research has focused on the roles of copper and zinc in growth promoting processes of feedlot cattle by utilizing hormone implants and beta agonists to induce growth. This research can be applied to further improve the performance of feedlot cattle and provide insights into the roles of trace minerals in growth processes regardless of species.
Acceptance Video:
Dr. Kacie L. McCarthy
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Sponsored By: Wilson G. Pond Appreciation Club
Dr. Kacie Lynn McCarthy received her B.S. in Animal Science from CSU while competing as a Division I athlete. During her M.S. program at NMSU, she worked with Dr. Eric Scholljegerdes to evaluate the effects of early implantation with Ralgro on performance and profit margin of Holstein steer calves. During her Ph.D. program with Dr. Carl Dahlen at NDSU, Dr. McCarthy’s research work evaluated supplementation strategies for grazing beef cattle. Additionally, her teaching efforts included multiple TA assignments and serving as the instructor of record for a capstone course. Furthermore, her extension involvement included assisting with needs assessment, survey development, program organization and evaluation, and reporting of impacts. Her contributions to research, teaching, extension, service, and her dedication to the field of Animal Sciences will continue as Dr. McCarthy continues her career as a Beef Cow-Calf Specialist in the Animal Science Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she began working in January of 2020.
