Aaron Asmus graduated from Iowa State with a B.S. in animal science in 2001. He then continued on to earn his M.S. in meat science in 2003. He is the Director of Lab Services and Refrigerated Foods Product Development at Hormel Foods. Prior to his time at Hormel Foods, he also worked for Jennie-O Turkey Store (subsidiary of Hormel Foods).

Dr. Trisha Grevengoed started her journey at Iowa State University, as many in the animal science department do, as a pre-vet major. However, she soon realized that the path she had planned for her future no longer aligned with her interests. In 2009, Trisha graduated from Iowa State University with her degree in animal science and a minor in nutrition.  

During her time at Iowa State, Trisha participated in Block & Bridle, tutored students, and was a teaching assistant for the Anatomy & Physiology Lab. Trisha also had the opportunity to take advantage of the study abroad trips Iowa State offers and traveled to Ghana her freshman year with the agronomy department and Ukraine with the animal science department. She described her experiences through both trips as eye-opening and educational.  

McKenna Lupkes received her bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in meat science in 2015, and her Master’s degree in meat science in 2017. Currently, McKenna works as a technical service manager for Kemin in their pet food unit.

In her role, she works to support sales and customers, sends results from the lab testing services and works with lab samples. This includes rendered protein meals, fats and oils, finished kibble and treats, meat slurries, freeze-dried products and anything else going into pet food. McKenna interprets lab results and communicates them and any findings to customers. Before COVID, McKenna also traveled 75-80% of the time, covering the U.S. and Mexico.

Remy Carmichael-Wyatt graduated from Iowa State University with her Ph.D. in animal science in 2019. Before her time at Iowa State, she received her B.S. in animal science from West Texas A&M University and her M.S. in Meat Science from Texas Tech University. Remy chose to complete her Ph.D. at Iowa State because of its research opportunities and to experience the diverse agriculture industry outside of Texas. Currently, she works as a Research Scientist in Ruminant Nutrition at ADM.

Kent Mowrer of Perry, Iowa, graduated from Iowa State University with his degree in animal science in 1992, not realizing how many different paths his degree would allow him to take. While at Iowa State, Kent participated on the Livestock Judging Team and held the position of the 1990 Block & Bridle Sergeant in Arms.

Lexi Ammann graduated from Iowa State University in May of 2018 with her B.S. in both animal science and agricultural and life sciences communication option. Lexi is from Dewitt, Iowa, and was actively involved in many clubs and organizations during her time at Iowa State, including the National Agri-Marketing Association. She was also part of the National Junior Swine Association, where she served on the junior board of directors as Vice-President, the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow club, and Block & Bridle, where she held the office of President her junior year. Lexi also took advantage of the impressive study abroad options that Iowa State offers and completed four trips during her college career. 

Gary Sullivan received his B.S. in animal science and international agriculture with a minor in economics from Iowa State in 2005. After receiving his M.S. in meat science from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, he returned to Iowa State and received his Ph.D. in meat science and food science technology. During his time at Iowa State, he was involved with collegiate FFA, ag council, ag ambassadors, meat science club, and the livestock and Meat Animal Evaluation judging teams.

Casey Anderson received her bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2014. During her time at Iowa State, she was a member of the Block and Bridle Club, the beef interest group, Collegiate Cattlemen, the Beef Sales team, and the Livestock Judging team.

Brady Zuck graduated from Iowa State University with his Bachelor of Animal Science degree in May of 2014. During his time at Iowa State, Brady kept a busy extracurricular schedule. After joining Block and Bridle his freshman year, Brady became the club’s president in 2013 and had the opportunity to lead the club through hosting the national convention on the Iowa State’s campus. Brady was also a member of Alpha Zeta fraternity and was an animal science peer mentor for freshman in the major. 

Wes Schweer’s college path took more twists and turns than he could have ever predicted. He originally came to Iowa State to major in Animal Science with the intent to pursue a veterinary career but decided to finish with his bachelor’s degree and proceed to enter the workforce. Like all good stories his path doesn’t end there; when Schweer was looking for jobs his senior year he didn’t find anything that quite fit, so he decided to stay and pursue his Master’s degree which guided him into also receiving his PhD in swine nutrition in 2018.

Craig Morris’s time at Iowa State has played a foundational role in his success today. Graduating in 1992 with his degree in Animal Science and a Pre-Veterinarian distinction, Morris says the things he learned while pursuing his undergraduate degree did a phenomenal job preparing him for his future career.

Morris grew up in his family’s meat company and wanted to be a chef, but after a push from his mom and a visit from an Iowa State recruiter, he decided to attend college and become a veterinarian. However, that quickly changed. After taking Animal Science 270 – Foods of Animal Origin and getting to know Professor F.C. Parrish, Morris got the urge to get started in meat science and has been in the protein business ever since.

Growing up in the commercial and show hog industry, it was no surprise that Brady McNeil left Iowa State University with his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2012 and later received his Master’s degree in Breeding and Genetics in 2015. Throughout his time at ISU, McNeil kept busy with clubs like Agricultural Education and Block & Bridle, where he served as President of the club. He also stayed involved with the National Junior Swine Association and the National FFA Organization as a state officer. McNeil took advantage of a study abroad trip to Panama in 2013 during his time as an undergrad, describing the experience as eye-opening. He enjoyed learning how different environments impacted the livestock production system and that it doesn’t have to be the same as the Midwest to be successful.

When Shayne Wiese graduated from Iowa State University in 2017 with his B.S. in Animal Science, he never expected to find himself flying out to Washington, D.C. to go before the House Agriculture Committee on behalf of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) and Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA). Testifying the value of conservation programs for cattle producers might have come as a surprise to Wiese but made it no less of an honor.  

Matthew Lansing graduated from Iowa State in 2019 with a B.S. in Animal Science and a minor in general business. Post-graduation, he began working as a Dairy Business Manager for Alta Genetics. In this role, he does genetic consulting for dairies across Iowa and Nebraska. He also assists dairies with heifer inventory forecasting, calf management, colostrum management, breeding strategies and record analysis. 

Matthew credits Iowa State and the Department of Animal Science for helping prepare him for this role at Alta Genetics. His favorite class was AN S 434, Dairy Systems Management, where he learned real-life applications and concepts that he uses in the field. “This class taught me how to think outside the box and challenged me with real-life situations that I now face today at my job.”

Jay Mattison graduated from Iowa State with a B.S. in dairy science in 1981 and continued his education to earn an M.S. in animal production breeding with a minor in ag econ in 1983. During his time at ISU, he served as a Cyclone Guide for the Student Alumni Association, a student rep for the ISU Athletic Council, a R.A., co-chair of the Milk Maid Contest and was a member of the American Dairy Science Association – Student Affiliate Division. He was also the treasurer and vice president of the Dairy Science Club and is proud of its strong legacy.