Our commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service is reflected in the distinguished awards and fellowships we offer. These recognitions celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and faculty, fostering a culture of innovation and dedication within our academic community. By honoring excellence, we reinforce our mission to advance animal sciences and address global challenges in agriculture and beyond. To learn more about available fellowships and awards, visit our Graduate Financial Support page or click on links to individual fellowship and award pages below.
Recent Graduate Fellowship and Award Recipients
Fellowships
Nesheim Fellowship
Supports graduate students in nutrition, established in memory of Dr. Robert Nesheim.
Current Recipient: Ivana Hernandez, advised by Dr. Ryan Dilger
Clark Fellowship in Applied Dairy Cattle Nutrition
Awarded to a graduate student with a career interest in dairy cattle nutrition.
Current Recipient: Lizet Garcia, advised by Dr. Phil Cardoso
College of ACES Jonathan Baldwin Turner (JBT) Fellowships
Named for pioneer agriculturalist and educator Jonathan Baldwin Turner, funded by several endowments and gifts.
Current Recipients:
- Jordan Williams, advised by Dr. Anna Kukekova
- Taylor Putman, advised by Dr. Isaac Cann
- Coby Sexton, advised by Dr. Romana Nowak
David H. and Norraine A. Baker Graduate Fellowships
Recognizes an outstanding doctoral student in the Department of Animal Sciences.
Current Recipient:
Natalia Dos Santos Fanelli, advised by Dr. Hans Stein
Mitchell Fellowship in Animal Nutrition
Provides financial assistance to graduate students specializing in animal nutrition.
Current Recipient: Jimena Ibagon, advised by Dr. Hans Stein
Animal Sciences Fighting Illini Pork Club Fellowship
Supports graduate students involved in coaching and teaching of Livestock Judging and Meat Animal Evaluation teams.
Current Recipient: To be named
Awards
Dr. James E. Corbin Companion Animal Biology Travel Scholarship
Supports graduate students presenting research at scientific conferences in companion animal nutrition.
Current Recipients:
- Meredith Smola, advised by Dr. Kelly Swanson
- Carlie Mettler, advised by Dr. Maria Cattai de Godoy
Dr. Carl Lee Davis Graduate Student Research Award in Dairy Nutrition
Recognizes outstanding graduate students focused on dairy nutrition research.
Current Recipient: Meghan Pister. advised by Dr. James Drackley
Floyd McKeith Meat Science Scholarship
Awarded to students with an emphasis in meat science and muscle biology.
Current Recipient: Diana Hernandez, Advised by Dr. Bailey Harsh
Sleeter Bull Meats Award Recognizes Ph.D. students with an emphasis in meat science and muscle biology.
Current Recipient: Jenna Girman, Advised by Dr. Anna Dilger