Jacquelyn Prestegaard-Wilson is an Assistant Professor and Livestock Sustainability Specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in the Department of Animal Science. She attended University of Illinois (B.S., 2015), University of Missouri (M.S., 2017) and Virginia Tech (Ph.D., 2022). Her focus throughout her graduate career was ruminant nutrition, specifically, methods to optimize dietary crude protein fed to cattle in order to reduce feed costs and minimize their nitrogen excretion. This naturally led her to a career in sustainability, where she is able to use her passion for scientific communication to explore ruminants’ role in food, economic, and social systems. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, exploring, and playing guitar in her free time.
Graduate Students
Hailey Shaw is a current Master’s of Agriculture student at Texas A&M University in the Department of Animal Science. She is originally from Houston, Texas and received her B.S. in Animal Science from Louisiana State University in the spring of 2023. Hailey is under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Hairgrove and Dr. Jacquelyn Prestegaard. She is currently researching the prevalence of Trichomoniasis in beef bulls in Texas as well as evaluating the economic impact of Trichomoniasis on the beef industry. Hailey plans to attend veterinary school after graduation in hopes to become a large animal veterinarian.
Dawson Richburg is a third-generation Aggie currently pursuing a Master of Agriculture in Animal Science at Texas A&M University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Poultry Science in 2023. He has a strong background in animal research and leadership through the Corps of Cadets. Looking forward, he aims to contribute to the agricultural pharmaceutical sales industry, combining his knowledge and passion to make an impactful difference.
Undergraduate Interns – Hydroponic Fodder
Nikoli Alsman is a Junior Animal Science major from Austin, Texas. With a longstanding interest in animal welfare, he hopes to one day attend the A&M School of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on companion animals. Outside of his classes, Nikoli serves as an officer for TAMU Album of the Week, a book club for music, and DJ’s for KANM student radio. In his free time he enjoys drawing, birdwatching, and going to concerts.
Daniela Morera De Gois is a junior at Texas A&M University, pursuing a major in Animal Science with aspirations of attending veterinary school to become a small animal veterinarian. Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, she is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of pets and their owners. Outside of her studies, Daniela enjoys unwinding with movies and immersing herself in books. She is eager to learn and grow as she prepares for a future in animal care.
Kaitlyn Nors is a Texas A&M University Class of ‘26 Animal Science major. Her emphasis is on Meat Science with a minor in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship. Kaitlyn grew up working on her family’s cow/calf operation, and has started her own business selling the beef they raise directly to consumers. Her interests involve using forages and feed grown on their farm to produce nutrient-dense beef that benefits the land and the health of the consumer.
Undergraduate Interns – Science Communications
Celeste Moreno is a freshman Animal Science major from Edinburg, TX. She loves spending her free time at the beach and volunteering at her local shelter.
Arianna Menchaca is a proud member of the Texas A&M Class of 2025, majoring in Animal Science with a focus on Beef Cattle and Meat Science. She aspires to become a small animal veterinarian, combining her passion for animal health with her diverse interests. Outside of her academic pursuits, Arianna values quality family time and enjoys the companionship of her dog.