At AgNext, students are at the core of our mission to advance the science in sustainable animal agriculture. Over the past academic year, our undergraduate and graduate students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to research, outreach, and leadership. As we reflect on this year’s accomplishments, we are proud to recognize the many ways our students have contributed to the success of AgNext as well as the broader agricultural community.
Academic Excellence and Graduation Milestones
This spring, we celebrated the graduation of several AgNext students. We are grateful for their commitment to advancing the future of animal agriculture and look forward to the impact they’ll continue to make on the AgNext team and in their respective fields:
- Erin Burke graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Global Environmental Sustainability. Following graduation, Erin will continue her studies with AgNext in pursuit of a master’s degree.
- Rhyse Campion graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Range Ecology. This summer, Rhyse will intern with Aurora Organic Dairy and return to CSU in the Spring of 2026 to continue her studies with AgNext in pursuit of a master’s degree.
- Karina Flores graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Communication. Following graduation, Karina will continue working with AgNext throughout the summer while applying for jobs related to communications.
- Julia Giesenhagen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Communication. Following graduation, Julia will continue her studies and pursue a Master of Science in Journalism and Media Communication at CSU.
- Maya Swenson graduated with a Master of Science in Animal Science. Following graduation, Maya will continue her studies with AgNext in pursuit of a doctorate degree.
- Lily Thomas graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Following graduation, Lily will spend her summer in Craig, Colorado working with cattle and horses and will also continue working with AgNext in pursuit of her master’s degree.
- Catie Wharton, a University Honors student, served as the Commencement Speaker for the College of Agricultural Sciences Ceremony and graduated with both a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Following graduation, Catie will continue her studies with AgNext in pursuit of a master’s degree.
Recognition of Excellence
AgNext students have been recognized across the university and beyond for their scholarship, service, and innovation:
- Erin Burke was awarded Undergraduate Student Employee of the Year at the CSU Student Employee of the Year Awards (SEOTYS).
- Catie Wharton was awarded the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station Shepardson Student Leadership Award.
- Ashley Schilling-Hazlett, a Ph.D. student, received the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station Graduate Student Teaching Award and was also named a Top Presenter at the College of Agricultural Sciences Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Research Showcase.
- Sydney Bowman-Schnug earned first prize in the Midwest Consulting Nutritionist Graduate Student Scholarship Contest for her work on ruminant nutrition and precision agriculture.
- During the Department of Animal Sciences Spring Branding Awards, Lily Thomas won the Ram Pride Award, Rhyse Campion won the Outstanding Student Award, and Sydney Bowman-Schnug won the Graduate Student “Spur of Excellence” award.
- Ashley Schilling-Hazlett was named a SoGES Sustainability Leadership Fellow for the 2024-2025 academic year. This esteemed fellowship, part of the SoGES Sustainability Leadership Fellows program, equips future leaders with cutting-edge science communication and career development training.
- Cesar Velasquez was awarded the Y-Cross Ranch Scholarship. This scholarship has enabled him to improve the courses he assists with and conduct impactful research.
Research and Professional Development
Our students actively contributed to agricultural research and shared their findings through a variety of platforms:
- Rhyse Campion and Catie Wharton presented their research at the 2025 Celebrate Undergraduate Research and Creativity (CURC) showcase.
- Amanda Johnson presented a full-size model of the AgNext hutch prototype during CSU Engineering Days and also presented her research at the Animal Sciences General Seminar.
- Rhyse Campion and Marisa Werner were awarded USRSB Student Scholarships, recognizing their commitment to beef industry sustainability and travelled to Fort Worth for the General Assembly to be recognized.
- Erin Burke, Sydney Bowman-Schnug, and Marisa Werner represented AgNext at the Plains Nutrition Council Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas—engaging with leaders and researchers in the field of livestock nutrition.
Engaging with Stakeholders
AgNext students played a vital role in community engagement and professional outreach:
- Interns participated in high-profile outreach events including the Annual Bull Sale and Ag Week, helping share AgNext’s mission with the community, producers and stakeholders.
- Students assisted faculty with research projects spanning dairy and feedlot systems, agricultural economics, lifecycle assessment, greenhouse gas mitigation, and grazing systems.
- Interns helped host tours of the AgNext Research Facility, offering insights into our ongoing research and innovations to visiting researchers and guests.
- During a presentation to the CSU Board of Governors, Maya Swenson, Marisa Werner, Erin Burke, and Catie Wharton shared how their time at AgNext is shaping their future careers and perspectives on agricultural sustainability.
As the academic year comes to a close, we extend our sincere congratulations to all of our students for their outstanding accomplishments. Their dedication, innovation, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the AgNext team. We look forward to the summer and the upcoming academic year, knowing our students will continue to represent AgNext with excellence and drive our mission forward.
