CSREES Project Number: #2005-38422-15945
PI: Dr. Michelle Garcia
Co-PI's: Dr. Randy L. Stanko and Dr. Jamie C. Laurenz

Contact Information: Michelle R. Garcia, Ph.D., Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Department of Animal & Wildlife Sciences, MSC 228, Kingsville, TX, 78363, PH: 361-593-3197; Fax: 361-593-3788

This project is multi-institutional involving faculty and scientists from four education and research centers; Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), the Texas A&M University Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES), Texas A&M University-College Station (TAMU) and USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS). The project includes the various disciplines within animal sciences including animal nutrition, molecular biology, reproductive physiology, immunology, stress physiology, growth physiology, beef production, swine production, and sheep and goat production. Animal science was chosen as the model to build from based on the solid, pre-existing relationships among the educators/scientists at the collaborating institutions.

The overall goal of this project is to increase the number of underrepresented minorities obtaining advanced degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) in the Food and Agricultural Sciences. The specific objectives of this project are: 1) To provide research assistantships and research support for 6 graduate students enrolled in the M.S. program in Animal Science at TAMUK, 2) enhance the educational and research experience of these graduate students through collaborative research partnership with TAES, TAMU, and USDA-ARS, and 3) provide linkages to faculty members and resources to facilitate a seamless transition of these graduate students into Ph.D. programs.

The major product/outcomes from the proposed project are to graduate highly knowledgeable, technically skilled M.S. students. Based on the selection criteria for the program we anticipate that at least five of the six students funded by this project will obtain their M.S. Furthermore, given the selection criteria and research mentorship provided by faculty and scientists at TAMUK, TAES, TAMU and USDA-ARS, we expect at least four of these students to continue in Ph.D. programs. Through their future roles as scientists, teachers, industry representatives, and agricultural advocates, these doctorates will dramatically enhance agriculture and food sciences education. Based on the largely Hispanic student body at TAMUK, the proposed project will also increase the number of underrepresented students obtaining advanced degrees and assuming leadership roles in the agriculture and food sciences. An additional output/result arising from this project is increased research and educational collaboration between a Hispanic Serving Institution (TAMUK), and other universities (TAMU), state government (TAES), and Federal government (USDA-ARS) entities.

The impetus provided by this project will serve to augment a long-term collaboration among four institutions which will transcend the funding provided by the USDA-HSI Educational Grants Program, and will increase the research and educational resources of all institutions involved. Moreover, this project could be used as an innovative model by other institutions and/or disciplines to address the financial and cultural barriers contributing to educational inequities for underrepresented students in higher education.

To view USDA-HSI sponsored graduate students click here>>>

CSREES Project Number: #2005-03485-15946
PI: Dr. Dr. Alan Fedynich (former PI: Dr. Diana Doan-Crider and Co-PI Dr. Alan Fedynich)


Contact Information:
Alan Fedynich, Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, MSC 218, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363-8202; (361) 593-4130


Many underrepresented undergraduate students in South Texas are unaware of the diverse employment opportunities within the USDA and the necessary skills required to make themselves more marketable for jobs within the natural resource profession. The goal of this Program is to expose undergraduate students majoring in Range and Wildlife Science at TAMUK to employment opportunities within the USDA, help them gain an understanding about what skill sets are needed to be competitive in the job market, and aid students in developing the skills needed to obtain employment within the natural resource profession.The Program is divided into 2 parts. In Part 1, students participate in a 3-week field course (offered in May 2006 and May 2007) conducted throughout the western U.S., in which advanced technologies (basic principles of geodesy, cartography, geographic information systems, and global positioning systems) are taught and on-site visits to USDA field stations, offices, and laboratories are made. The objectives of this course are for students to acquire specialized technological skills through workshops and hands-on training, develop natural resource observational skills and writing skills, and learn social and work skills within a group environment. In conjunction with this training, students learn about the USDA, and what employment opportunities are available to students that stay in school and graduate.  During 2006, 11 undergraduate students participated and during 2007, 17 undergraduate students participated.Activities and experiences pertaining to course trips can be found on these links:

- To view the PDF, click here>>>
- To view the Powerpoint Presentation, click here>>>

Part 2 of the Program is designed to enhance experiential learning opportunities of qualified students (based on their performance in Part 1) using internships during summers 2007 and 2008. The objectives of this part of the Program are for the students to gain hands-on experience in the agricultural-related work environment, network with professionals, develop good work habits as individuals or as team members, and develop communication skills.  Seven undergraduate students were placed into USDA internships during summer 2007 and 5 undergraduate students were placed into USDA internships during summer 2008.

- To view selected interns' experiences, click here>>>

Post-course surveys for Part 1 indicated that the desired objectives were achieved. The course was very helpful to students in understanding employment opportunities offered by the USDA—a majority of students reported that they could see themselves in a job similar to those held by the wildlife professionals they met during the course. Additionally, all students indicated they would recommend the course to their peers and a majority indicated that the course was a significant, life-changing event. Results from the post-internship survey for 2007 found that respondents rated excellent or very good the following: their ability to apply classroom knowledge to fieldwork, learning new natural resource methods and techniques, gaining practical work experience skills, working as team members, experiencing other cultures, networking with natural resource professionals, and clarifying their career goals. Additionally, all reported their internship experience as excellent, wished to participate in future internship opportunities, and would recommend USDA internships to other students.  The 2008 post-internship survey has been completed and is being tabulated.  The final results of this Project will be available shortly.