Robert Rust Award

Objective

• Professor Robert Rust, now an emeritus professor at Iowa State, has been an innovating extension meat specialist.  He created technology short courses that were the first university classes offered to the meat processing industry. These became the longest-running series of meat short courses in the United States. He is internationally recognized as a leading authority in meat processing and has contributed to the advancement of meat science through teaching extension, research, and service.  The Robert Rust Award is a scholarship intended to support the efforts of meat science students who are interested in processed meats.

Eligibility

• Interested students who are members or are becoming members of AMSA are encouraged to apply. Competitive applicants should be sophomore or junior level students who have proven interest in processed meats. Applicants’ Statement of Interest must state an interest in meat processing and provide evidence of that interest in the form of employment or internships in further processing, course work relating to meat processing or food processing in general (food microbiology, food engineering, etc.), participating in meat processing short courses, conferences, or industry trade shows, etc.

Nature of the award

• One award will be presented in 2024. The award consists of a cash payment of $1,500. The recipient will be required to provide a follow-up report that details how the funds were used and their experiences.

Materials to apply

1. Cover Letter- The student shall write a cover letter describing his/her interest in meat science, possible career choice, and the purpose for applying for the scholarship(s). This should include details regarding: Need of financial support and Reasons for attending the conference, etc.
2. Resume-The resumé will be evaluated on the basis of its suitability to accompany a job application in the meat and food industry.
3. Student Unofficial Transcript
4. Any additional items (if applicable)
   

Submitting Application

Application materials should be combined into one PDF file titled "Name of Nominee_Name of Scholarship", which should also be included in the email subject line. Applications will be submitted to Joanna Hardcastle at jhardcastle@meatscience.org. You will receive a confirmation email to verify the application was received. 

Contact:

If you have questions or need additional information on the program, contact Joanna Hardcastle at jhardcastle@meatscience.org.