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Programs in animal science are particularly well suited for graduate education because students can receive comprehensive training in the laboratory as well as with the whole animal. Furthermore, graduate students in animal science have the opportunity to understand how their research relates to a real world problem. Graduate students need to take ownership of their education by identifying training goals, choosing a mentor who will help them achieve their goals, and becoming engaged in research as soon as possible. In my own graduate program, I emphasize concepts more than techniques and I believe that graduate course work should focus on the basic areas of science that underlie reproductive biology (e.g., endocrinology, biochemistry, physiology, immunology, and statistics). Based on the increase in technology available for scientific investigation and the diversity of expertise required to address important research problems, graduate students need to learn the importance of establishing productive collaborations and begin building a scientific network. Preparation for graduate school frequently begins early with a curiosity and passion for understanding how biology works. Undergraduate courses can facilitate scientific thinking by providing opportunities in lectures and laboratories for students to transition from passive learners to thinking of themselves as animal scientists. There is a profound difference between individuals who view themselves as practitioners of a discipline and those who are simply trying to complete a course requirement. Teachers of undergraduate courses should incorporate experiential learning exercises into their lectures and laboratories to provide undergraduate students the opportunity to function as animal scientists and to embrace their scientific education. Graduate training has been the most enjoyable aspect of my career and it has been a joy to witness the achievements of students following completion of their degree!. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the brief profiles of the American Society of Animal Science's Western section award winners as of 2014. Topics discussed include workshops on animal nutrition and physiology by Dr. Mark Nelson, Dr. Rick Funston who works as reproductive physiologist at the University of Nebraska and work of Leticia Camacho on conceptus development in beef cows.

The article presents brief profiles of several American animal scientist who have received the American Society of Animal Science's Midwest Award in 2014. Topics discussed include University of Kentucky's meat science professor Gregg Rentfrow, research Larry Kuehn on the genetics of bovine respiratory disease and swine nutritionist Nathan Horn who pursued his graduation from the Purdue University.

The article profiles the recipients of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Early Career Achievement Awards for 2011 and 2012 which was established to recognize the achievement of outstanding young scholars working toward the mission of ASAS. It provides a career background of Doctor Anna K. Johnson, an associate professor at Iowa State University. Information is presented on Doctor Robert Rhoads Jr., an assistant professor at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg.

The article profiles Eduardo Casas of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, recipient of the 2011 Bouffault International Animal Agriculture Award from the American Society of Animal Science which was sponsored by Center for Regulatory Services Inc.

The article profiles Brian J. Kerr, research leader for the Agricultural Research Service, who is the recipient of the 2011 Nonruminant Nutrition Research Award from the American Society of Animal Science, sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association.

The article profiles North Dakota State University professor Dale Redmer who is a recipient of the 2011 Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award of the American Society of Animal Science which was sponsored by The Monsanto Co.

This section offers news briefs on the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and animal science-related activities as of August 2014. Topics discussed include the 10th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production (WCGALP), registration for the 4th International Beef Cattle Welfare Symposium in Iowa, the Jr. Animal Scientist classroom initiative to help students access animal science and agricultural resources, and the American Meat Science Association's 2014 PORK 101 course.

The article presents information on several meetings including the Western Section Meeting from June 25-27, 2014 and call for Jr. Animal Scientist classroom and American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Corporate Sustaining Member.

The article presents a calendar of events related to the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) including the 2014 Southern Section Meeting, the 2014 Western Section Meeting and the 2014 ASAS Northeastern Section Meeting and also offers news briefs related to the society including starting a animal scientist classroom for students of ages 6-11 years, support to ASAS for society's membership and sharing of news with ASAS members.

The article reports the recent developments in the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) in 2013. It reports the ASAS-American Diary Science Association (ADSA) joint annual meeting held from July 8- 12. It mentions registration call for Innovate 2013 meeting by ASAS which will be held in Braselton, Georgia from September 22-25, 2013. It also mentions a call for sponsoring the junior animal scientist classroom for students to inspire the next generation of researchers.

The article profiles Michael D. MacNeil of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, recipient of the Rockefeller Prentice Award of the 2011 American Society of Animal Science which was sponsored by ABS Global Inc.

The article profiles Arthur L. Goetsch, research leader at the American Institute, who is the recipient of the 2011 Ruminant Nutrition Research award from the American Society of Animal Science which was sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association.

The article profiles Larry V. Cundiff of the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, who is a recipient of the 2011 Morrison Award from the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) which was sponsored by the F.B. Morrison Fund.

The article profiles Bud G. Harmon of Railsplitter Feed Technology, who is a recipient of the 2011 American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Retiree Service Award which was sponsored by the ASAS Foundation.