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Gabrielle Franco, Outstanding Senior, Agricultural Science

Gabrielle is top of her graduating class in agricultural science. Although her emphasis is in plant science, she is clearly experienced in a wide set of skills in agricultural science as well. Gabrielle has worked in the College's with Associate Professor Felipe Barrios Masias to learn about cover crops, soil nutrients, optimal germination of tomato, evaluating roots and even grafting. She works hard and learns very quickly. We are excited to see what she decides to do next after graduation. Congratulations! 

Katriel Van Cleve, Outstanding Senior, Agricultural Science

Katriel is receiving a bachelor's of science in agricultural science and is at the top of her class. In addition to her academic achievements, Katriel has spent many hours working for the University's Museum of Natural History, preserving herbarium and mammalian collections and preparing exhibits, such as the "Got Armageddon?" exhibit regarding public reactions to nuclear development. Katriel has also served as a teaching assistant, and she has engaged in research as an assistant in the College's and Knudsen Research Center. Congratulations on all your accomplishments! 

Carson Browder, Outstanding Senior, Rangeland Ecology & Management

Carson will be receiving a bachelor's of science in rangeland ecology & management with a minor in forest ecology & management. In addition to his academic achievements, Carson is a firefighter type 2. He has gained years of relevant experience in the field working as a research technician with the University, a forestry technician at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and with the Nevada Conservation Corps. He is fun, bright, kind and obviously enjoys fishing. Congratulations! 

Kiera M. Finn, Outstanding Senior, Veterinary Science

Kiera will be receiving a bachelor's of science in veterinary science. She is at the top of her class. Her past awards include a Presidential Scholarship, a Millennium Scholarship and Dean's List for the College. In addition to her academic achievements, Kiera has assisted on three different University research projects. She worked as a student assistant at Southwest Veterinary Clinic and in the Northern Nevada International Center at the University, and she owns her own pet-care business. We have all enjoyed getting to know her and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes after graduation. 

Nadini Gamage, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Animal & Rangeland Sciences

Nadini is pursuing her Ph.D. in animal science under the mentorship of Associate Professor Amilton de Mello. Nadini has published several articles and abstracts and has received numerous awards for her scientific contributions. Her research focuses on understanding the nutrigenomics effects of animal protein on human health. Nadini’s research experience includes skills in operating analytical equipment, such as ultraviolet-visible (UV/VIS) spectrophotometers, microplate readers, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy systems (FT-IR), as well as real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 

, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Animal & Rangeland Sciences

Tracy, a Ph.D. candidate, is pushing the research envelope, leading a team of drone pilots and rangeland technicians to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted grazing on cheatgrass-invaded rangelands using remote sensing. During her doctoral studies, Tracy also worked as a lecturer in the Department, specializing in animal science and rangeland management courses. Recently hired as an Extension specialist, she’s now using her extensive professional and academic experience to deliver science-based guidance that enhances livestock management across Nevada.