July 7, 2020
Animal scientists receives AMSA Student Teacher ‘Cleaver’ Award
By Bryan Rhodes
Department of Animal Science
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts
- Kelly Vierck receives Student Teacher “Cleaver” Award
- Award presented by American Meat Science Association student membership
- Will be presented during international meeting held virtually Aug. 3
(325 words)
Download PHOTO of Kelly Vierck: https://flic.kr/p/2jiY9fP
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Kelly Vierck, an assistant professor of animal science for the U of A System Division of Agriculture and the U of A’s Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, was named the Ph.D. recipient of the 2020 American Meat Science Association Student Teacher "Cleaver" Award.
The Student Teacher "Cleaver" Award is sponsored by the AMSA student membership, and Vierck will be honored during the 66th International Congress of Meat Science and Technology and the AMSA 73rd Reciprocal Meat Conference awards presentation beginning on Aug. 3 in a virtual format.
"I am extremely honored to be receiving the 'Cleaver' Award from the American Meat Science Association," said Vierck. "Through my time instructing classes at Kansas State and Texas Tech, I have been immensely fortunate to work with an outstanding group of mentors and students who have helped me grow into an effective and innovative instructor."
Vierck joined the department of animal science for Bumpers College and the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the Division of Agriculture, in June. She will be focusing on meat science and muscle biology. She aims to further develop the department's meat science research program while aiding in the growth and preparation of students as future scientists in the meat industry.
"I look forward to establishing an exemplary meat science education program at the University of Arkansas," said Vierck. "Through the implementation of experiential, hands-on labs and lectures, I want to bring cutting-edge research and industry-focused knowledge full circle to develop students into career-ready alumni who are demanded by the meat industry."
Vierck received her Ph.D. from Texas Tech University while serving as a graduate research assistant within the department of animal and food sciences. She taught numerous animal and food science courses, produced scientific research publications and participated in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association-Product Quality Research Program. She received her M.S. from Kansas State University and her B.S. from Oklahoma State University.
To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch and Instagram at ArkAgResearch.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Media Contact: Fred Miller
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 575-5647
fmiller@uark.edu
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