Describe how your background and qualifications would help you be an effective leader of AMSA.

I have had a passion and dedication to serving AMSA for over two decades, first joining as a student member in 2003 and serving on the AMSA Student Membership Board of Directors from 2007-2010 and residing as President during that time. My experience with the Student Board came with a year of Strategic Planning – a critical exercise that helped map out the vision and goals for the student membership for the years to follow. I attended my first RMC in Lexington, KY, and haven’t missed one since, because like so many members, consider AMSA part of my extended family and recognize the networking opportunities at RMC as one of the most treasured gems of our organization. I have served on and chaired numerous committees, including Scientific Information and RMC Planning – leading concurrent sessions and serving as Abstract and Poster Competition Chair multiple times. I also value the dissemination of research findings, both to the scientific community as well as the general public, serving on the Editorial Board for Meat and Muscle Biology and Managerial Board for Animal Frontiers.

Collectively, my service within AMSA along with my professional experience have enabled me to work well with people, allowing me to understand and connect with a diverse audience. As a scientist, I am instinctively curious. This allows me to look at issues from multiple viewpoints to help make more informed decisions. I also approach problems analytically, identify issues, and try to come up with fresh solutions. Transitioning from an academic position with a collaborative mentality within a cohort considered a Center of Excellence to a team of one has built resiliency and promoted my adaptability, especially when making that transition at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is your vision for AMSA in ten years?

AMSA is the leading organization globally for expertise in meat science. We must strive to maintain that standing. Our membership is diverse in our areas of expertise, and networking capabilities within the association is one of its strongest assets. AMSA must continue to bridge students with industry and academic professionals, not just at RMC, but pave the way for year-round partnerships and interactions to advance the global meat science community on current and emerging issues facing the industry. AMSA must be the trusted source for dissemination of meat science research to the scientific community, stakeholders, and consumers through Meat and Muscle Biology, social media, and other audio/video resources.