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Show AggieLife Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009 Page 5 Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.aggietownsquare.com From seed to fork Students and Organic Farm team up to teach By LISA JAANSEN AND RACHEL KENLEY guest writers Thanks to the USU’s Student Organic Farm, the nutrition, dietetics and food sciences department (NDFS) of the College of Agriculture has broadened its reach in efforts of teaching students about eating their vegetables. Students from the plant, soils and climate department (PSC) broke ground on the farm in 2008 but it wasn’t until recently that the partnership between the farm and the NDFS department began. Tamara Vitale, clinical associate professor for the NDFS department, said the link between the two formed when NDFS students started looking for options to fulfill graduation requirements. Vitale said NDFS students need a substantial amount of experience and volunteer hours to graduate. “Our - See FARM, page 8 Personality and involvement sets student apart USU STUDENT WILLY BROCK will be presented the College of Agriculture Scholar of the Year Award from his academic and extracurricular involvement at USU. photo courtesy WILLY BROCK By TAYLOR ADAMS guest writer Willy Brock will be presented the College of Agriculture Scholar of the Year Award at the annual College of Agriculture Awards and Honors Banquet Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Brock, who is studying animal, dairy and veterinary sciences (ADVS) with a biotechnology emphasis and minor in chemistry, will receive the award for his academic and extracurricular involvement at USU. Tami Spackman, ADVS academic adviser, said Brock was chosen for the award because of his excellence in academics and his participation, leadership, research and service in student organizations, the college, the university and the community. “Some students only concentrate on academics,” she said. “Willy’s involvement and personality set him apart.” Currently working as an intern under Kenneth White, Brock is involved in research that one day could help solve serious problems related to both animals and humans. His current projects include harvesting ovaries for a fertilization study to improve cloning and working with cystic fibrosis in sheep to help understand gene mutations in humans. Ben Sessions, lab manager, enjoys working with Brock and said Brock plays an integral part in the research process and is more than willing to take any assignment that is handed to him. “He’s a good researcher because if he doesn’t understand, he will ask to make sure he does the task thoroughly and efficiently,” Sessions said. Brock said he has experienced hands-on opportunities in the research field as well as in advising and learning. “There are so many opportunities, scholarships and a good learning environment that kids just don’t know about,” Brock said explaining his reasoning for becoming a College of Agriculture Student Ambassador, where he is now serving his second term. This year, Brock was chosen as vice president of the ambassador group. Brock’s leadership does not stop there. As a member of Ag Council, he was chosen as club coordinating chairman. He works within the council to meet the needs of every club in the College of Agriculture while also serving as a representative in the council for the clubs. Although successful in academics, research, internships and service, Brock said he is a bit nervous as he waits to hear from Colorado State University, where he submitted his application for its 2010 veterinary program. He will know the final status of his application in December. Brock, who scored higher on the GRE than required, has more veterinary experience than most and has a 3.92 grade point average. “People joke with me saying, ‘You are a shoe-in,’” Brock said. “I tell them, ‘It’s not over till the fat lady sings.’” Angela Porter said it’s Brock’s easy-going personality paired with his work ethic that will make him stand out from the rest during the incredibly competitive process. Brock enjoyed interning under Porter as a full-time technician at the Vibrant Pet Animal Hospital this summer in Cortez, Colo. “I had the time of my life there,” Brock said. “The combination of working with animals and medicine is challenging but is still the most enjoyable and fun field I could ever be in.” Porter, who has been Brock’s mentor for 12 years, said Brock has both the confidence and maturity level of someone who has worked in the field for years, which is why she is not surprised to hear about his award. “Willy is smart, funny, intuitive and driven,” she said. “He left a big hole in our hospital. We want him back.” – t.k.adams@aggiemail.usu.edu |