Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources honored its student award and scholarship recipients at a ceremony held on April 21, according to an April 27 announcement.
The event recognized academic excellence, leadership, research, and engagement among students in forestry, wildlife, and aquatic sciences. The department presented a range of awards to students across all levels, including merit-based recognitions for sophomores, juniors, seniors, transfers, as well as leadership distinctions within each major.
Mallory Wagner received the Stanley Coulter Leadership Award for her contributions as a senior in aquatic sciences. The award is named after Stanley Coulter, who initiated Purdue’s forestry program in 1914. Wagner has served as president of the American Fisheries Society chapter and participated actively as an ambassador for both the department and the College of Agriculture. She plans to continue her studies at Purdue with a master’s degree focusing on yellow perch research in Lake Michigan.
Other notable honorees include Liam Doski with the L. David Mech Distinguished Undergraduate Research Award for his work on otter harvests; Amelia Roberson with the Undergraduate Research Award; Hannah Kaluf with the FNR Undergraduate Engagement Award; Sophie Low (Outstanding Freshman); George Emerson (Outstanding Sophomore); Max Clark (Outstanding Junior); Tam Tran (Outstanding Transfer); Beca Appelmann (R.K. Swihart Undergraduate Wildlife Leadership Award); Lydia Pultorak (Durward Allen Memorial Award), among others. Several students were also recognized through camper awards based on peer voting during Summer Practicum.
Graduate student honors included Natalie Allen, Rachel Brent, and Veronica Bullock receiving Kirkpatrick Memorial Graduate Student Awards for their research in wildlife science topics ranging from evolutionary genomics to spotted skunk cranial variation and conservation partnerships.
Poster competition winners were acknowledged across graduate research categories such as Sarah Grimes (“Automated Lasers Reduce Bird Activity…”), undergraduate research led by Amelia Roberson (“Using stable isotopes…”), extension efforts by Ava Hale (“Messy or Marvelous: Public Opinions on Shoreline Management Styles”), among others.
Alumni were also celebrated: Dean Zimmerman received the Chase S. Osborn Award for Wildlife Conservation; Geriann Albers was given the Early Career version of that award; Dr. Ted Cable earned Lifetime Achievement recognition; Dr. Kristin Floress was named Distinguished Alumni; Dr. Zachary Feiner was awarded Outstanding Young Alumni status.
The Department of Agriculture at Purdue University functions as a core academic unit within Purdue University according to its official website. Its agricultural and biological engineering graduate program ranks first nationally according to U.S. News & World Report cited by Purdue. Facilities such as the Agricultural Administration Building support these programs according to university sources.
Virginia Ferris is noted as Purdue’s first female full professor in agriculture according to official records. The college supports innovative projects through AgSEED grants yielding high returns as reported by university officials, while its extension efforts aim to foster vibrant communities and strong families according to university statements.
