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Kelly McCready, Outstanding Senior, Agricultural Science

Hi, my name is Kelly, and my major is agricultural science with an animal science emphasis. I grew up in both Halifax, Massachusetts, and Carson City, ÁùºÏ±¦µä. In addition to attending school, I work two jobs – one as a waitress and the other as a veterinary technician in training at Comstock Equine Hospital. I am also a member of the College's Pre-Vet Club, and my ultimate goal is to become a certified veterinary technician in the near future. Thank you so much for taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate the academic achievements of both myself and my peers!

Sara Harvey, Outstanding Senior, Agricultural Science

Sara started at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno in 2020, studying agricultural science and Spanish. She is proud of her academic achievements and high GPA maintained while at the University. While attending classes, Sara has worked at both Comstock Equine Hospital as a veterinary assistant and Andelin Family Farms as a farm hand. She was also a member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for several years and is a devoted member of her church, South Reno Baptist Church. After graduation, she hopes to move to Texas and work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Koby Lindberg, Outstanding Senior, ÁùºÏ±¦µäTeach: Agricultural Science

Koby is double majoring through the ÁùºÏ±¦µäTeach Program with secondary education and agricultural science. Koby has a deep passion for educating students about the world they live in and how agriculture is the foundational block for today’s society. Currently, Koby is working as a long-term substitute and advisor for Carson High School and the Capitol Future Farmers of America chapter.

Aspen Wright, Outstanding Senior, Rangeland Ecology & Management

I am a sixth-generation rancher from Smith Valley, ÁùºÏ±¦µä, and this is where my love of agriculture and natural resources was born. Upon graduation, I plan on returning to my family’s ranch to continue caring for the range and livestock. While attending the University, I have been an active member of the College's Range Club, which is a Student Section of the Society for Range Management. I had the opportunity to attend the Society for Rangeland Management Conference for two years. I am so grateful for the University’s faculty, specifically those in my major, for continuing to cultivate my love for rangelands.

Naomi Maravilla, Outstanding Senior, Veterinary Science

Born and raised in Las Vegas, ÁùºÏ±¦µä, I am the daughter of humble Salvadoran immigrants. During my time in the undergraduate program, I have worked part time at the Animal Emergency Center, became a member of the College's Pre-Vet Club, and served as a teacher’s assistant for the ÁùºÏ±¦µäFIT Program. I’m proud of my transgender identity, and I’m ecstatic to start my journey as a queer veterinary practitioner.

Isadora Batalha, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Animal & Rangeland Science

Isadora has consistently demonstrated excellence as a student, an instructor and a researcher. Isadora is intelligent, curious and passionate about research and teaching, and is always ready to help others. Her dedication has resulted in the publication of seven articles in peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, Isadora has served as an instructor of two courses and as a teaching assistant of three courses in the department, and she is recognized as being a caring and dedicated teacher.

Uriel Cholula-Rivera, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Animal & Rangeland Science

Uriel is well deserving of this award. He was recognized as the department's Outstanding Ph.D. Student in 2023. He also received the 2023 Irrigation E3 Learner Award by the Irrigation Association, which, as part of the award, paid for Uriel's expenses to attend the 2023 Irrigation Show in San Antonio, Texas. Uriel has authored or coauthored four peer-reviewed journal papers, four proceedings papers and nine posters. One of Uriel's posters received first place in the Student Poster Competition during the 2023 Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium. Another of his posters received the first place in the Life and Environmental Sciences category of the 2021 Graduate Poster Symposium organized by the University’s Graduate Student Association.