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Department of Animal Sciences

CFAES

: Animal Sciences Alumni 2015 September - Meats Special Edition

The Department of Animal Sciences Alumni Newsletter has been paused for almost a year. We are back with a new look and a special edition! We look forward to being back and to hearing from you.

  1. You are Invited to the First Annual Buckeye Classic Meat Judging Contest

    1948 Meat Judging Team, 2nd place at the 49th International Livestock Exposition in Chicago

    The Buckeye Classic Meat Judging Contest is an event intended to bring alumni back to their alma mater to meet up with old friends and to meet current students involved in meat science. Additionally, they can join the faculty and staff in sending off the 2015 Fightin' Buckeye Meats Judging team to the International contest to compete in their last contest of the year. So, step back in time, dust off your judging skills, and enjoy another round of judging meat.

    The 2015 Buckeye Classic event will be hosted November 7, 2015, at the Meat Laboratory in the Animal Science Building (2029 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio). Whether or not you plan to attend the game—Buckeyes take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers (7/8pm ET)—stop by just to say hello.

    The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Recognition and awards will follow the contest, and a barbecue lunch will be provided. Stick around to tailgate with current faculty and staff and become aware of the new changes occurring in the Meat Science arena, especially with our new faculty. Dr. Lyda G. Garcia is interested in your ideas on how to strengthen the Meat Science program and the Meat Judging program to become one of the best in the nation. "Engaging our alumni with our program is a critical component to our current and future students. Knowing that the alumni support what they do can make a world of a difference," says Dr. Garcia.

    Questions? Contact Lyda G. Garcia, Assistant Professor of Meat Science, Extension Meat Science Specialist, and Meat Judging Coordinator. 614.292.3642 garcia.625@osu.edu.  GO BUCKS!!!

    (Photo shows the 1948 Meat Judging Team, 2nd place at the 49th International Livestock Exposition in Chicago: Ray Ramsay, Jacobsburg; R. J. Deans, Cincinnati; Bill Waldock, Sandusky; John H. Waldock, Sandusky; Ted Held, Fremont. Coached by Dr. L. E. Kunkle. Click here to learn about this and other notable finishes.)

  2. Meat Science Rising

    The Department of Animal Sciences meat science program has experienced some exciting changes in the last year or so. Three faculty members joined the program, one faculty member took on a new role, and the suite housing these folks was renovated, with new meat purchase options.

    Dr. Michael Cressman (below left) joined the meat science faculty in 2014. Formerly a graduate student (MS, PhD) in the department, Dr. Cressman is now an assistant professor and a professional track faculty member. He teaches a number of classes, including Bar-B-Que Science and Food Animal Processing, as well as advises the Poultry Judging Team.

    Dr. Lyda G. Garcia (above right) joined the faculty in February 2015 with primarily responsibilities in teaching and Extension. She received her associate degree of science from Clarendon College, bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech University, master’s degree from West Texas A&M University in Animal Science/Meat Science, and doctorate in Meat Science from Texas A&M University. Dr. Garcia is highly involved in presenting at workshops, clinics, and conferences on meat science, specifically targeting youth and livestock producers in the state of Ohio. Among Dr. Garcia’s teaching responsibilities are Introductory Meat Science, Food Animal Processing, and Processed Meats. She also is faculty advisor of the meat judging team.

    Dr. Eric England instructs a student in his lab.Dr. Cressman demonstrates smoker preparation.

    Dr. Eric England (right) joined the faculty in June 2015 as an assistant professor with responsibilities in research and teaching. He received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Milligan College and doctorate degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences with an emphasis in Meat Science from Virginia Tech. Dr. England’s teaching responsibilities include Advanced Meat Science, Animal Research Methods, and Research Methods and Writing in Animal Sciences. His research program focuses on understanding the roles genetics, nutrition, postmortem energy metabolism, and processing practices impact muscle growth, fiber-type, composition, and meat quality.

    Dr. Henry Zerby, professor, took on the role of chair of the Department of Animal Sciences in May 2014.

    Drs. Cressman, Garcia, and England share suite 122 in the Animal Science Building with Dr. Kichoon Lee, associate professor, Ron Cramer, meat lab manager, and Tom Katen, lecturer. This summer, the suite was renovated with new flooring, ceiling, and paint. The meat sales is still based here, although Sandy Bentley, who oversees meat sales, has a new office in suite 110. A meat cooler now graces the entry of 122 with ready-to-eat products. Visit go.osu.edu/meatsales for a product list.

     

     

  3. University Mental Health Resources

    All OSU Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS) staff were sent home to tele-commute until further notice.The CCS phone line 614-292-5766 remains available for emergency assistance 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Students can push 2 to reach a mental health counselor at any time.

    CCS has suspended onsite and in person services, including those at embedded locations, through at least May 3, 2020.  You are still able to connect with a counselor  for a 30 minute phone or video consultation using Carmen Zoom or Skype. These consultations are offered 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday in order to check in with students, problem solve, and offer support.  Students will need to share their address/location at the time of the call.

    Students can access many self-help tools that are available on the CCS website at https://ccs.osu.edu . The CCS COVID-19 updates page linked to the website is a great resource. On that page, students will find helpful coping skills such as the mental health strategies video series. This time that can be difficult for many. All students are encouraged to check that out.

    This link also contains some great information for coping right now:https://u.osu.edu/emotionalfitness/2020/03/12/mental-health-tips-during-covid-19-coronavirus/

    If you encounter a suspected emergency situation with any student during this time, crisis support is available by calling CCS at 614-292-5766. If this happens with the student remotely located, please try to get as much contact information about the student such as name, phone number, OSU dot #, and address where they are currently located. If you suspect safety is at risk or compromised at that time for the student or anyone they are with, please call 9-1-1. They will help immediately regardless of where the student is physically located. After you have done one of the steps above, please let me know of the situation so that follow up contact attempts can be made with the student. Please make sure to provide me with the best way to reach you right now too.

    This is an unusual time for all of us. Please practice good self-care, social distancing, and stay safe. Additional information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) is available at https://cdc.gov . Faculty and Staff should also remember our OSU Employee Assistance Program https://osuhealthplan.com is still available by contacting 614-292-4700 or 800-678-6269.

    A full list of available counselors in the college can be found here

  4. CFAES Mental Health Counselor

    Did you know that CFAES has hired a counselor to support the needs of their students' mental health?  Dr. Wirt holds counseling sessions in Ag Admin Room 100 four days a week and is in Lincoln Tower on Wednesday. See the attached if you’re interested in making an appointment.

  5. Portfolium Resource Page

    The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences has renewed its partnership with Portfolium.com and will continue to provide ALL students and faculty the opportunity to create a professional, online digital portfolio. In today’s world, employers seek evidence of career-relevant skills and competencies beyond listings on a resume. Students at all levels can easily create evidence-based credentials. In other words, attaching documents, videos, audio files, graphics, coding samples and presentations help demonstrate your knowledge and abilities.

    You should have already received your Portfolium invitation with the subject: “Access your CFAES Portfolium.” The email contains a link to activate your free verified account within the CFAES network using your Ohio State credentials.  If you missed the initial email, you can also join by using the Portfolium Resource Page.

    For more information or inquires, contact Elaine Eberlin.