New Mexico State University doctoral candidate Taylor Andrews received the 2025 American Society of Animal Science Young Scholar Award.
“It was an honor to receive the Young Scholar Award,” Andrews said. “My mentors and I have dedicated many hours to this research, and it means the world to us that others view it as impactful.”
Andrews, a student in NMSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences, presented her doctoral work at the society’s annual meeting July 9 in Hollywood, Florida. Her research focused on growth-promoting implants and supplemental protein levels on ovarian follicular development in beef heifers grazing native rangelands. She also examined the influence of rumen undegradable protein on growth and reproductive efficiency.
“Taylor’s research is an area that is very important to our producers. The females in the cow herd are the revenue generators for the ranch,” said Shanna Ivey, NMSU’s Animal and Range Sciences department head and professor. “Improvements in how we develop heifers and increase the longevity of the cow in the herd are vital to the survival of a livestock operation.”
Andrews said the award represents not only her own dedication, but also the collective efforts of her mentors, ranch managers, lab mates and undergraduates who contributed to the projects.
“Receiving this award cemented the fact that I am beginning to achieve my life goal, but I understand that I need to continue to help the industry in various roles,” Andrews said. “In the future, I hope to continue to conduct research that will benefit producers while also training the next generation of scientists who can have their own impact in the animal science profession.”
Andrews has published six peer-reviewed articles, eight proceedings papers and 21 abstracts. She has accepted a position as assistant professor of beef cattle production systems at Texas A&M University, where she will be based at the Beeville Station.