Fall Student Newsletter
September 2025
A Message from the Department Head
Greetings!
Welcome to Fall 2025 in the Department of Animal Science! We are delighted to welcome back our returning students and extend a special greeting to those joining us for the first time. To our recent graduates, as well as our faculty and staff—congratulations on your many achievements over the past few months.
This past year has been an exciting one for the department. Highlights include: The launch of our new Equine Science and Management four-year degree program, set to begin enrolling students in Fall 2026; Development of a new five-year strategic plan to guide our future growth; and Renovations to the Meats Lab, enhancing opportunities for hands-on learning.
We are especially grateful to Dr. Curtis Schondelmeyer, Dr. Sheila Andrew, and Dr. Thomas Hoagland for their dedication to teaching key courses. We are also proud to celebrate the promotions of Dr. Breno Fragomeni and Dr. Abhi Upadhyay to Associate Professor with tenure, and to warmly welcome our new teaching faculty member, Dr. Megan Woodrum Setser.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to take full advantage of the many opportunities available—whether through research, community engagement, or student organizations and clubs. Let’s work together to make this semester a time of learning, collaboration, and achievement.
Best Wishes,
Pedram Rezamand '06 PhD (ANSC)
UConn Launches New Equine Science and Management Major, Strengthening Connecticut’s Role in a Thriving Industry
Launching in fall 2026, the new major will meet student and industry demand
The University of Connecticut is saddling up to meet a growing demand in the horse industry with the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Equine Science and Management, set to welcome its first cohort of students in fall 2026. The University’s Board of Trustees approved the program at their meeting this month.
Offered exclusively at the Storrs campus through the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), this new major will provide students with a unique blend of scientific rigor and hands-on experience that positions UConn as a leader in equine education across the Northeast.
Connecticut is no stranger to the equine industry. With the largest population of horses in New England and over 500 horse-related businesses, the state sees nearly $40 million in annual equine-related expenditures. UConn is uniquely suited to respond to this economic force – not just because of its location, but because of the depth of its resources, facilities, and expertise.
“We’re not building from scratch – we’re building on a strong foundation,” says Pedram Rezamand, head of the Department of Animal Science. “UConn already has a robust equine program, and this new degree allows us to expand opportunities for students while supporting Connecticut’s workforce needs.”
Read the full article in UConn Today
April 30, 2025 | Jessica McBride, PhD, UConn CAHNR
CT Horse Symposium
The Connecticut Horse Symposium took place on April 5, 2025, at Horsebarn Hill Arena, drawing horse enthusiasts and agricultural scientists statewide. The event featured three sessions led by alumna Meg Brauch ’00 (ANSC), owner of Narnia Stables in Ashford, CT, and concluded with riding demonstrations by the Dressage and Equestrian Teams, plus a UConn Polo Team match.
The Man Behind the Ice Cream
Bill Sciturro, Manager of the UConn Creamery, discussed his journey from a healthcare career back to his first passion—ice cream—and how that path led him to his current role. He shared insights on ice cream production, flavor development, and the Creamery’s commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste.
UConn Equestrian Team Achieves Highest Points in Region
The UConn Equestrian Team achieved the status of being the regional high point team at the close of this year’s Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) competition season.
Premier TriStar Cow
We are pleased to share that our heifer, UConn Crackshot Micah, was recently recognized by Holstein Association USA for achieving a top position on the leaders list for Premier TriStar Cow! This achievement is only possible due to the dedication and care of our animals in our dairy and livestock facilities by the Kellogg Dairy Staff.
Undergraduate Students
- Honors Scholars — Gershon Ariker, Laura Centanni, Carissa Leung, Mimosa Medeiros, Gemma Peterson, Sydney Purchol, Melissa Tian
- ASAS Undergraduate Scholastic Achievement Award Recipients — Seniors: Laura Centanni, Allison Tapley, Josie Bratter, Grace Diskin, Noah Sneed; Juniors: Sompour Wolfe, Christopher Sakal, Mary Malloy, Aina Sunshine-Frazier, Chien-Yi Yeh, Lauren Kasdan, Abigail Millman, Sean Albagli, Ellen Minckler, Rachel Levine; Sophomores: Elliana Castiglia, Leighanna Facey, Grace Zak, Jeannie Jerome, Alana Wolfson, Ann Nesbitt, Alexis Pensiero, Mabel Matheson, Alyssa Texeira, Conner Ream
- Stephanie Gilroy ’26 (ANSC) — Participated in the 13th Annual Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS) Research Summer Poster Exhibit
- Noah Sneed ’25 (ANSC) — Recipient of the ScHOLA2RS House/Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D., Award
- Alana Wolfson ’27 (ANSC) — Awarded the Barbara A. Horowitz and John M. Horowitz Undergraduate Research Award at the American Physiological Society's Physiology Summit
Graduate Students
- Jodie Allen (PhD, Upadhyay Lab) – Awarded the PSA Student Travel Scholarship, Lynn Joens Memorial Student Award, and 1st place in the CRWAD 2025 oral presentation competition. Also earned 2nd place in the Phi Tau Sigma Research Competition and was a finalist in UConn’s Graduate School Research Symposium.
- Issabelle Ampofo (PhD, Fragomeni Lab) – Presented internationally on genomic selection strategies at the Interbull Open Meeting and EAAP conference. Received the Centre for Aquaculture Technology Fellowship and presented at the Plant & Animal Genome Conference.
- Sadakatul Bari (PhD, Uddin Lab) – Shared research on greenhouse gas mitigation and life cycle assessment at CAHNR Forum and ADSA Annual Meeting. Recipient of the 2025 C-Lock Graduate Student Travel Scholarship.
- Swara Bhatt (MS, D’Amico Lab) – Won Judge’s Choice in the IAFP 3-Minute Thesis Competition and 1st place in the Graduate Student Competition of the Indian Association for Food Protection in North America.
- Ana Letícia de Almeida (MS, Upadhyay Lab) – Secured 1st place in the IFT Food Microbiology Division Graduate Student Oral Competition at IFT FIRST 2025.
- Gaurav Dutta (PhD, Fragomeni Lab) – Took 3rd place in ADSA’s 3-Minute Thesis Challenge and earned an ADSA Travel Award. Presented research at ASAS and PAG 32 conferences.
- Emily Everhart (MS, D’Amico Lab) – Completed MS thesis defense.
- Divya Joseph (PhD, Venkitanarayanan Lab) – Presented research at CRWAD.
- Eswari Kanike (MS, Amalaradjou Lab) – Earned a Certificate of Excellence at the CAHNR Grad Forum.
- Praveen Kosuri (PhD, Amalaradjou Lab) – Named Hatchery Student of the Year, awarded PSA Student Travel Award, and earned top placements in IAFP competitions. Received an IAFNS Summer Research Fellowship, presented at multiple national conferences, and was a finalist in UConn’s Graduate School Research Symposium.
- Arya Niraula (PhD, Zhai Lab) – Presented at the Reciprocal Meat Conference and CAHNR Grad Forum, receiving a Certificate of Excellence.
- Ragini Reddyvari (PhD, Amalaradjou Lab) – Presented at IPPE 2025 and completed PhD defense.
- Rahat Redoy (PhD, Uddin Lab) – Presented at ADSA 2025 and CAHNR Grad Forum.
- Molly Riser (PhD, Fragomeni Lab) – Completed PhD thesis defense.
- Henry Schober (MS, Fragomeni Lab) – Presented at PAG 32 and completed MS thesis defense.
- Chetna Shah (MS, Upadhyay Lab) – Completed MS thesis defense.
- Trushenkumar Shah (PhD, Upadhyay Lab) – Completed PhD defense; recipient of Phi Tau Sigma and FMI Food Safety scholarships and travel grants.
- Cheyenne Summers (PhD, Reed Lab) – Won 3rd place in the ASAS PhD poster competition, presented at CAHNR Grad Forum, and earned a Certificate of Excellence.
- Leya Viju (PhD, Venkitanarayanan Lab) – Presented and received the Research Excellence Award in Food Microbiology & Safety Oral Competition at PSA. Also presented at CAHNR Grad Forum.
- Santhi Priya Voggu (MS, Govoni Lab) – Presented at ASAS 2025.
- Ruifeng Zhao (PhD, Tian Lab) – Published first research publication at UConn.
- Chen Zhu (PhD, Zhai Lab) – Presented at RMC 2025 and CAHNR Grad Forum.
What Is Career Readiness and Why Does It Matter?
Career readiness is achieved through the attainment and demonstration of core competencies that will help you successfully pursue your career goals. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified eight core competencies (also known as transferable skills) that are highly valued by employers and considered key predictors of career success. Your experiences at UConn and beyond offer many opportunities to develop and enhance these eight competencies, including participation in classroom projects and assignments, internships, co-ops, research, on-campus involvement, work experience, or other on- or off-campus endeavors.
Featured Career Competency
Communication
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
Animal Science Internship and Job Postings
Attention ANSC Students! Looking for your next internship or job? Check your email weekly for internship and job postings in Animal Science.
Dr. Mary Anne Amalaradjou
Dr. Mary Anne Amalaradjou received UConn’s Career Mentor Award for her transformative guidance in career planning, networking, and professional development, as well as the CAHNR Excellence in Research Award and the New York Farmers Group Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award.
Dr. Dennis D'Amico
Dr. Dennis D’Amico helped guide UConn’s Brewing Innovation students through every step of creating two unique beers, Jonathan’s Peach Party and Courtside Cooler, from hop cultivation to marketing and branding. The friendly competition, held at Urban Lodge Brewing, ended with Courtside Cooler winning by a slim margin, earning statewide distribution and giving students hands-on experience in the science, agriculture, and business of brewing.
Dr. Jenifer Nadeau
Dr. Jenifer Nadeau and her graduate student Nicole (Gonzalez) DeBel developed a novel skin and coat condition scoring system that revealed horses with higher parasitic loads have poorer coat quality. Their tool has far-reaching applications for research, horse management, and animal welfare, providing an objective way to assess health and monitor improvement in cases of neglect or disease.
Dr. Cindy Tian
Dr. Cindy Tian and collaborators have identified a novel small molecule that disables the Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), cutting viral particles in treated cells by more than 1,000 times. This breakthrough, which may also work against related animal and human viruses, holds promise for developing much-needed preventative treatments and has already generated strong interest from the global animal health industry.
Dr. Elias Uddin
Dr. Elias Uddin is innovating strategies to reduce cattle-produced methane by adjusting ruminant diets, such as swapping high-fiber feeds for grains and exploring promising additives like Asparagopsis seaweed, to make cattle farming more sustainable
Dr. Abhinav Upadhyay
Dr. Abhinav Upadhyay has developed a new course on sustainable poultry production as part of a $10 million USDA grant, preparing students to balance the demands of food production with environmental stewardship. First offered in fall 2024, the course combines sustainability principles, industry challenges, and hands-on grant proposal projects, with plans to expand access to students nationwide.
Read more about the new course on sustainable poultry production in UConn Today
Dr. Kumar Venkitanarayanan
Dr. Kumar Venkitanarayanan, professor of animal science and a leader in poultry food safety research, has been appointed interim dean of UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). A USDA-NIFA grant recipient and former senior associate dean, he will guide the College through this leadership transition while advancing its teaching, research, and extension mission.
Read more about Dr. Venkitanarayanan's new appointment in UConn Today
Alyson Bishop '08 (ANSC)
Dr. Bishop started a new position as an Associate Veterinarian at Hebron Veterinary Hospital.
Victoria Shuster '20 (ANSC)
Dr. Shuster joined the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University as a first-year anatomic pathology resident.
Matthew Syrotiak '24 (ANSC)
Matthew started a new job as the State 4-H Program Coordinator with UConn 4-H.
We Want to Share Your Story!
The Department of Animal Science is proud to share the success and accomplishments of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Share your updates, stories, and more below.
Give a Gift
Animal Science Students, Faculty, and Staff welcome your support
Many donors choose to honor a loved one or friend with a gift to support UConn in their name. Perhaps the gift is in memory of someone who loved UConn's animals, from an alumnus who attended the Department of Animal Science, or in honor of an inspirational professor.
Please consider donating to the following featured funds (or to any other departmental funds):
Animal Science Department Fund
For more information, contact Barbara Palmer by email at bpalmer@foundation.uconn.edu. The Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation dedicated to UConn. Donors to the Foundation have the right to request that their identity be anonymous.
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