Undergraduate Abstract Presentation

Author: Grayson Robbins | Major: Animal Science | Semester: Spring 2023

Grayson Robbins is a fourth-year honors student from Fayetteville, Arkansas, studying animal science with a pre-professional concentration as well as business finance. In January, she had the opportunity to present an abstract for her undergraduate research at the American Society of Animal Science Southern Section Meeting and connect with other professionals and students in the animal science field.

Following the path of veterinary medicine requires an appreciation for and commitment to the animal-human connection and the role animals play in many sectors of our economy and ecosystem. Veterinary professionals make valuable contributions to the fields of therapeutics, public health, and agricultural development. Research is a valuable tool for preserving and bettering these fields. In January of 2023, I had the opportunity to present my undergraduate research at the ASAS Southern Section Meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina with the support of the Honors College, the Animal Science Department, and my research mentor. At the meeting, I attended several research presentations with varying focuses in animal science, including genetics, extension, pastures and forages, and physiology among others. Academic and industry professionals from many institutions participated in the meeting to learn about and discuss innovative ideas and research prospects for improving the performance of the animal and agriculture industries. My research, in particular, focuses on animal health and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The abstract I presented was titled “Serial Evaluation of Anaplasma marginale Positivity Rate Within a Single Herd of Mature Beef Cows” in which our contributing authors sought to identify the presence of a pathogen in one of the University of Arkansas’s beef cattle herds. By introducing our research to an audience dedicated to innovation and animal welfare, I was able to receive questions and feedback that will motivate future directions for my project. These may include connecting with beef cattle producers in the state of Arkansas that are experiencing high infection rates in their herds as well as working with researchers from other universities or labs to better understand the disease process and prevalence of the pathogen my study concerns.

I am pursuing a career as an animal practitioner, and I am currently undergoing the application process for admission to a college of veterinary medicine. During my evaluation of infection in my university’s cattle herds, I have worked with livestock veterinarians, cattlemen, and lab technicians to trace the origins of contagions and analyze the immune response of a herd. To diagnose emerging diseases, identify the transmission vector, and productively treat an animal, investigation is required to identify a practical, universal solution. Additionally, working for a small animal clinic has reiterated the impact that the discovery of new methods and devices has on patient care. Innovation alters the application of medicine to provide convenient and reliable protection, including vaccinations that address a variety of viruses in one injection and equipment that allows both specialization and comprehensive treatment. Investing in research is a personal objective to promote the accessibility of information and implements in my practice, further enhancing and diversifying my therapeutic skills.

Before I graduate in May, I will present the entirety of the data I have collected and defend my research to a panel of professors and honors advisors. The research experience has given me hands-on experience with beef cattle, connections with professionals and producers, and the opportunity to discuss the results with like-minded individuals. I plan to use this experience to continue to expand my knowledge of veterinary medicine and advocate for the health of animal populations.