Dairy science students from four universities recently attended the second annual Western regional meeting of the American Dairy Science Association-Student Affiliate Division (ADSA-SAD) in Visalia, California. The meeting was held March 3-4 and attracted 38 students and advisors, in addition to several industry professionals.

Networking was the primary focus of the 2012 meeting. Five industry panelists representing a variety of aspects of the dairy industry ranging from veterinary medicine to dairy foods spoke to students about what they look for in potential employees and interns, interviewing tips, as well as what students can do while in college to better prepare themselves for the future.

“It is never too early to start developing your professional network,” said Western Region Coordinator Kimmi Devaney. “One of our goals is to connect students with industry professionals to help facilitate this.”

Additionally, dinner sponsor Jennifer Boland of California Dairies Inc. discussed internship and full-time positions available and answered students’ questions. Students looking for jobs within the dairy industry can also post their resumes to careers.adsa.org to be seen by employers. Other activities included the research paper presentations, dairy quiz bowl, officer elections, activities symposium and awards brunch.

Award winners included: Fresno State, Outstanding Chapter; Brooke VanderVeen, Outstanding Student, Washington State University; and Dr. Amin Ahmadzadeh, Outstanding Advisor, University of Idaho. Placing in the paper presentation production division were 1st place Ben Enger, University of Idaho; and 2nd place Anna Gibson, Washington State University. Jennifer Spencer of the University of Idaho placed first in the original research category.

The new 2012-13 Western Regional Officer/Advisor Team includes: President Erin de Snayer, Cal Poly;
1st Vice President Meredith Frisius, Cal Poly; 2nd Vice President Josina Kasper, University of Idaho; 3rd Vice President Anna Gibson, Washington State University; Secretary/Treasurer Jami Lady, Fresno State; Officer at Large Kellie Enger, University of Idaho; 1st Year Advisor Dr. Jon Robison, Fresno State; 2nd Year Advisor Dr. Amin Ahmadzadeh, University of Idaho; 3rd Year Advisor Dr. Kas Ingawa, North Carolina State University; and Western Region Coordinator Kimmi Devaney.

The meeting was sponsored by California Dairies Inc., Saputo and Western Milling.

The 2013 meeting will again be held in conjunction with the Western Regional Dairy Challenge, and the meeting location will be determined in the upcoming months.

Participating chapters included: California State University-Fresno, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, University of Idaho and Washington State University.

The Western Region was established in 2010 to better serve dairy students in the West. The students attended the meetings as members of the American Dairy Science Association-Student Affiliate Division (ADSA-SAD).

The ADSA-SAD is a division of the parent organization that works to develop leadership and promote scholarship among students interested in the dairy industry and to encourage students toward careers in dairy science. ADSA was established in 1906 as a scientific and educational association to serve the dairy and dairy-related industries. It facilitates the discovery, application and dissemination of dairy science knowledge and information.

For more information or to learn how to get involved in the 2013 meeting, contact Western Region Coordinator Kimmi Devaney at WESTERNadsa.sad@gmail.com or (253) 569-3207. PD

—From Western ADSA-SAD news release

PHOTO: The new officer team includes: Front Row, L-R: Kellie Enger, Officer at Large, University of Idaho; Meredith Frisius, 1st Vice President, Cal Poly; Josina Kasper, 2nd Vice President, University of Idaho; Erin de Snayer, President, Cal Poly; Anna Gibson, 3rd Vice President, Washington State University; Jami Lady, Secretary-Treasurer, Fresno State; Back Row, L-R: Dr. Kas Ingawa, 3rd Year Advisor, North Carolina State University; Dr. Jon Robison, 1st Year Advisor, Fresno State; Dr. Amin Ahmadzadeh, 2nd Year Advisor, University of Idaho; Kimmi Devaney, Western Region Coordinator. Photo courtesy of Western ADSA-SAD.