Posted: July 22, 2021

The Penn State Dairy Science Club was well represented at the 2021 American Dairy Science Association—Student Affiliate Division (ADSA-SAD) meetings held virtually from July 11-13.

Members of the Penn State Dairy Science Club at its annual banquet, 2021.

Members of the Penn State Dairy Science Club at its annual banquet, 2021.

The Penn State Dairy Science Club was well represented at the 2021 American Dairy Science Association—Student Affiliate Division (ADSA-SAD) meetings held virtually from July 11-13. Their hard work and dedication garnered them recognition in the competition, with Penn State being named Outstanding Chapter based on an annual report of club activities, publications, website, and participation in ADSA-SAD activities. The club scrapbook compiled by Shara Allman, Lancaster, PA, earned first place, while the club website and the Dairyman yearbook edited by Hanna Welk, Quarryville, PA, and Gregory Norris, Westhampton, MA, placed second. The club’s annual report also earned first place, and Penn State received the award for most undergraduates registered for the virtual meetings. 

In the undergraduate oral presentation contest, Kelly Forbes, Pittsburgh, PA, earned first place in the production division with her talk, “Feeding Asparagopsis taxiformis to inhibit dairy cattle methane production.”  George DeMers, York, PA, earned third place in the original research division with his presentation, “Once-a-day milking to limit milk production and effect on udder firmness.” Yvonne Longenecker, Williamsburg, PA, placed third in the dairy foods division with her discussion, “The effects of light oxidation on milk flavor and quality.”  Another Penn State student, Mikel Shabloski, Wellsboro, PA, earned third place in the undergraduate original research poster competition. 

During the meetings, Taylor Wolfe, Milton, PA, completed her term as ADSA-SAD secretary-treasurer. Greg Norris was elected first vice-president of ADSA-SAD for the upcoming year, and Dr. Chad Dechow will continue as second-year advisor. In addition to the students listed above, other Dairy Science Club representatives at the meetings included Belle Dallam, Bel Air, MD; Austin Kolb, East Petersburg, PA; and Kylie Lusk, Coal Center, PA.

            Students earning ADSA certificates for outstanding scholarship included Mikara Anderson, Three Springs, PA; Marie Bryant, Manheim, PA; Belle Dallam, Bel Air, MD; George DeMers; Sydney Jewell, Spencer, NY; Brooke Kline, Newport, PA; Yvonne Longenecker; Dominic Mattilio, Willow Street, PA; Donald Opp, Eighty Four, PA; Yvette Wolpo, Stamford, CT; and Andi Wood, Himrod, NY.

During the meetings, club members participated in career development, educational, and networking events.  Students also had the opportunity to view scientific symposia, oral sessions, and posters presented by professional members of the organization.

The students attended the meetings as members of the American Dairy Science Association Student Affiliate Division (ADSA-SAD). The organization works to develop leadership and promote scholarship among students interested in the dairy industry and encourages 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.