AgNext Doctoral Students Receive Prestigious Awards 

AgNext is proud to announce that two of our exceptional doctoral students, Ashley Schilling-Hazlett and Cesar Velasquez, have been recognized with prestigious awards for their dedication to sustainability and research. These accolades represent their commitment to driving significant advancements in their fields and exemplify the high caliber of students at AgNext. 

Ashley Schilling-Hazlett: SoGES Sustainability Leadership Fellow 

Ashley Schilling-Hazlett has been selected as one of the 20 early-career scholars for the 14th cohort of the  SoGES Sustainability Leadership Fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year. She and her peers represent 18 departments and seven colleges across Colorado State University (CSU). This esteemed fellowship, part of the SoGES Sustainability Leadership Fellows program, equips future leaders with cutting-edge science communication and career development training. 

Ashley’s selection highlights her potential to catalyze meaningful change in sustainability. Her ambition is to become a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) within the food and agriculture supply chain. She believes this fellowship will be instrumental in achieving her career goals. 

“I aspire to drive change within my discipline by balancing economic, environmental, and social outcomes. This fellowship will challenge me to grow as a leader and communicator. I look forward to honing my skills and expanding my network across multiple industries,” Schilling-Hazlett shared.  

As a future CSO, Schilling-Hazlett aims to evaluate priority areas systematically, develop innovative, scalable initiatives, and improve sustainability and profitability throughout the supply chain. She is eager to leverage the SoGES Fellowship opportunity to work alongside scholars from various disciplines at CSU.

Ashley Schilling-Hazlett, M.S.
Cesar Velasquez, M.S.

Cesar Velasquez: Y-Cross Scholarship Recipient 

Cesar Velasquez has been awarded the Y-Cross Ranch Scholarship, which offers both financial support and unique learning opportunities. This scholarship will greatly enhance his professional development, enabling him to improve the courses he assists with and conduct impactful research. 

Velasquez is grateful for this recognition and the opportunities it brings him as a doctoral student at AgNext. 

“This scholarship will allow me to enhance the courses I assist in teaching and provide a platform for personal and professional growth. I am particularly excited about the research project in ANEQ 101,” Velasquez explained. 

His research focuses on feeding colostrum to different calves and studying its impact on their development. This project aligns perfectly with the Y-Cross Scholarship’s goals and his academic interests, promising significant contributions to the field. In addition to research opportunities, the Y-Cross Scholarship will provide Velasquez the chance to collaborate with other graduate students and learn from experienced faculty. 


Mentorship: A Key to Success 

Both Ashley and Cesar credit their achievements to the exceptional mentorship at AgNext. 

Ashley expressed her gratitude, saying, “Dr. Stackhouse-Lawson’s mentorship as my advisor has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my academic career. She has always encouraged me to pursue opportunities that align with my future career aspirations.” 

Cesar echoed this sentiment: “Dr. Carvalho’s influence has been instrumental in my professional growth. His leadership and mentorship have encouraged me to embrace new challenges and remain committed to my goals. The AgNext team constantly pushes us to challenge ourselves and make meaningful contributions.” 

Ashley Schilling-Hazlett and Cesar Velasquez are exemplars of the dedication and excellence fostered at AgNext and Colorado State University. Their awards not only recognize their past achievements but also promise significant future contributions to sustainability and research. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing their continued growth and impact in their respective fields. Congratulations to Ashley and Cesar on these well-deserved recognitions! 

Picture of Erica Giesenhagen

Erica Giesenhagen

Communication and Outreach Specialist