New Mexico State University doctoral candidate Taylor Andrews has been recognized with 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, who is pursuing her doctorate in NMSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences, presented her research at the society’s annual meeting on July 9 in Hollywood, Florida. Her work examined how growth-promoting implants and supplemental protein levels affect ovarian follicular development in beef heifers grazing native rangelands. She also studied the impact of rumen undegradable protein on both 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, head of NMSU’s Animal and Range Sciences department. “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 emphasized that receiving this award reflects not only her own commitment but also recognizes contributions from mentors, ranch managers, lab colleagues, and undergraduates involved in her 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.”
She has published six peer-reviewed articles, eight proceedings papers, and 21 abstracts. Andrews has accepted a faculty position as assistant professor of beef cattle production systems at Texas A&M University’s Beeville Station.
