Two graduate students receive awards for their State Capitol event poster presentations
Monday, April 25, 2022
MANHATTAN — Two Kansas State University graduate students received statewide recognition for their Kansas-related research at the 19th Capitol Graduate Research Summit, March 29, at the State Capitol in Topeka.
Anne Lovett, Manhattan, master's student in veterinary biomedical science and Carlos Pires, Brazil, doctoral student in agronomy, were the two K-State winners at the Capitol Graduate Research Summit. They each receive a $500 scholarship.
The Capitol Graduate Research Summit is a statewide event that features current research of graduate students at Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, the University of Kansas Medical Center, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University, Emporia State University and Pittsburgh State University. Each university invited a university professor and an industry representative to judge the student poster presentations. The top presenters from each university received awards.
Lovett's poster presentation was "Acute anaplasmosis reduces breeding soundness in experimentally infected beef bulls." Her adviser is Kathryn Reif, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology.
Lovett's research focuses on the effects of clinical anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting red blood cells, in breeding beef bulls. Anaplasmosis is prevalent in cattle herds in the state of Kansas and understanding its effect is essential to management of the disease, both for producers and veterinary scientists.
"The Capitol Graduate Research Summit was an amazing opportunity to dialogue with policymakers and politicians about topics I am passionate about that make a difference to the citizens of Kansas," Lovett said. "It was also incredible to be among bright minds from throughout the state. I learned so much from other individuals both within and outside of my field of study."
Pires' poster was "Kansas Soil Health Partnership." His adviser is Charles Rice, university distinguished professor of agronomy.
The Kansas Soil Health Partnership is a farmer-led initiative that fosters sustainable and resilient agriculture. Pires and his research team bring together Kansas State University, the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas farmers to improve soil health by testing and implementing conservation practices such as the use of cover crops. The partners believes it is critical to understand how soil health management strategies can address the issues that compromise the sustainability of croplands for future generations in Kansas.
"One of the main challenges we currently face in science is communication with the general public," Pires said. “Participating in the Capitol Graduate Research Summit was essential to learn how to connect our research with people. Also, it was an excellent opportunity to meet Kansas legislators to align our research with population needs and make sure we are addressing the three pillars of land-grant universities: research, teaching and extension."
To learn more about the Capitol Graduate Research Summit and the participants, visit the Capitol Graduate Research Summit website.
