The Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) is proud to announce seven students as the 2024–25 ASI Outstanding Seniors. This newly introduced award honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academics, industry engagement, leadership and service to the department. It complements the existing Don and Jane Good Outstanding Senior Award by recognizing a broader range of student achievements.
Created to recognize students whose achievements reflect the wide range of opportunities within the animal sciences field, the award highlights individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the department and who show strong potential for continued leadership in the industry.
“These students represent the diverse opportunities within our department and the dedication it takes to make the most of them,” said Dr. Mike Day, ASI department head. “We are proud of the impact they’ve made during their time at K-State and confident that they will continue to contribute meaningfully to the future of animal agriculture.”
The 2024–25 ASI Outstanding Seniors are:
Grace Fike – Westmoreland, Kansas
Fike built a strong foundation in animal science through academic involvement, industry internships, and leadership experiences. She served as the office assistant for the ASI event coordinator and participated in undergraduate research with K-State and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She was a member of the Meat Judging Team, ASI Mentors, Gamma Phi Beta and St. Isidore’s Catholic Church. Fike interned with Schwartz Farms Swine Production and Merck Animal Health. After graduation, she will begin her career with Cargill on the diet formulation team.
August Hulse – Culver, Kansas
Hulse gained hands-on experience at the K-State Meat Lab and Booth Creek Wagyu, where he developed a strong interest in beef processing. He was a member of the 2024 national champion Meat Judging Team, as well as the Meat Animal Evaluation Team, Wool Judging Team, and Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team. He also served as an Ag Ambassador, Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Fellow, and student senator. After graduation, he plans to continue his work with Booth Creek Wagyu.
Meghan Garren – Penn Valley, California
Garren brings a diverse range of experiences, including veterinary internships at Northern Hills Clinic, Red Lodge Clinic, and Big Hollow Hospital. She served as an undergraduate research assistant for the K-State Swine Nutrition Team. Garren was active on campus as an ASI Mentor, a member of the Pre-Vet Club, and the founder and president of the K-State Country Dancing Club. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Ava Perrier – Eureka, Kansas
Perrier pursued hands-on opportunities in the beef industry, including internships and leadership roles. At K-State, she participated on the Collegiate Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, the national champion Meat Animal Evaluation Team, and the Meat Judging Team. She was an active member of ASI Mentors, Sigma Kappa sorority and the K-State Student Alumni Board. She completed internships with Cargill Animal Nutrition, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the American Gelbvieh Association. After graduation, she will join Cargill Animal Nutrition as a management associate.
Samantha Schwindt – Hillsboro, Kansas
Schwindt focused her undergraduate career on biosciences, completing the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Laboratorian Training Program and working as a student lab assistant in the Biosecurity Research Institute. She was involved in ASI Mentors, Dairy Science Club, Dairy Judging Team, Cultivating Change, and served as a student fellow with the Center for Risk Management. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in biosciences and continue serving the animal agriculture industry.
Lauren Thompson – Woodville, Wisconsin
Thompson engaged in experiential learning within the livestock industry, gaining practical experience through internships and involvement in academic and leadership programs. She competed on the Meat Animal Evaluation Team, Meat Judging Team, Wool Judging Team, and Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team. She served as the Kansas Youth Livestock Program intern and held leadership roles as president of Blue Key Senior Honorary, president of the College of Agriculture Ambassadors, ASI Mentors, and Student Foundation. She will continue her education at K-State, pursuing a master’s degree in small ruminant immunology.
Katrina Turner – Derby, Kansas
Turner was selected as the Don and Jane Good Outstanding Senior. During her time in the department, she was a member of the champion Academic Quadrathlon Team, national champion Meat Judging Team, Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, and Wool Judging Team. She was actively involved in Block and Bridle and served as an Ag Ambassador. Turner gained hands-on experience working in the K-State Meat Muscle Biology Lab and at the Sheep & Meat Goat Center. She also completed an internship with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska. After graduation, she will begin graduate studies at Texas A&M University as a graduate assistant on the Resilient Rancher Project.
https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/news/25_OutstandingSeniors.html
