COLLEGE STATION — Two graduate students in the Department of Animal Science are the recipients of the Ronnie L. Edwards Graduate Teaching Award in Animal Science, in recognition of their important contributions as graduate students to the undergraduate student experience.
Jessica Lucia and Kelly Winsco were presented the award during the department’s holiday luncheon held Dec. 15, 2011 at the AgriLife Center.
The Ronnie L. Edwards Graduate Teaching Award was created in remembrance of Dr. Edwards, who served as associate head for the Department of Animal Science and spent more than two decades working with graduate students. One of his major activities was coordinating the teaching assistantships for the department, helping to ensure the best graduate teachers possible for the courses taught.
Lucia, from Hearne, is pursing a doctoral degree in equine nutrition under the direction of Dr. Josie Coverdale. Lucia earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s in animal science, equine nutrition, both from Texas A&M.
During her graduate studies, Lucia has worked as a teaching assistant in the Departments of Biology and Animal Science including BIOL 111 and 112 and ANSC 311, 312, 421 and 481. Lucia assists with teaching basis riding skills to cadets in Parson’s Mounted Cavalry and helps prepare them for football game day operations. Lucia currently serves as the primary instructor for ANSC 311 and as the equine advisor for Parsons Mounted Cavalry.
According to a nomination letter, “Due to the extensive time commitments of teaching assistants in the equine section, it is tempting for students to complete only their assigned duties. However, this in not the case with Ms. Lucia. She has been actively involved in courses outside her teaching assistant assignments, providing guest lectures or simply assisting less experiences teaching assistants.”
Winsco, from Snellville, Ga., is pursuing a doctoral degree in equine nutrition under the direction of Dr. Josie Coverdale. She completed her bachelor’s degree in animal science and dairy science from the University of Georgia in 2007 and master’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M in 2009.
Winsco has served as a teaching assistant at Texas A&M since she joined the department in 2007. She taught Biology 111 and 112 for two semesters in the Department of Biology. Since then she has taught numerous laboratory sections for equine courses in the Department of Animal Science including ANSC 108, 201, 311, 420 and 421. Winsco currently serves as the primary instructor for ANSC 201 and ANSC 311.
According to a nomination letter, “Kelly is one of the rare graduate students that are qualified to teach every course in the equine curriculum. Not only is she knowledgeable, but extremely approachable, personable, and relates to a variety of student personality types. She finds ways to motivate all the students in her laboratories and strives to continuously improve her teaching style and skills.”
The Ronnie L. Edwards Graduate Teaching Award in Animal Science is presented yearly and winners are selected based on nominations and supporting letters from department faculty.
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