Competition, Community, and the Future of Dairy’s Rising Stars with the 2025 ADSA Student Award Winners

<p><em>The pod belongs to the students once again as we welcome four of our 2025 ADSA Graduate and Undergraduate Student Division winners!</em> </p><p>Each year at the ADSA Annual Meeting, top competitors in dairy production and dairy foods face off for cash prizes—and the pride that comes from developing excellence in both scientific rigor and scientific storytelling. Some of this year’s first-place winners include <strong>Mitchell T. Armstrong</strong> from the University of Wisconsin–Madison (2025 Dairy Management Inc. Graduate Student Paper Presentation Contest in Dairy Foods Research), <strong>Savitha Saikumar </strong>from the University of Florida (2025 ADSA Graduate Student Division Three-Minute Thesis competition), <strong>Tessa Tauke</strong>, president of the ADSA Undergraduate Student Division (USD), from Iowa State University (2025 ADSA-USD Undergraduate Student Oral Contest in Dairy Foods), and <strong>Brooke Seelenbinder</strong> of Michigan State University (2025 ADSA-USD Undergraduate Student Oral Contest: Original Research/Independent Study). Their award-winning research spans the frontiers of dairy science, from whey protein phospholipid concentrate and bone health to postbiotic supplementation in transition cows to dietary fatty acid balancing in mid-lactation cows to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals” in dairy products. Together, they share what inspired them to compete, how they prepared for high-pressure presentations, and the mentors—such as Adam Lock and Barry Bradford—who shaped their paths to the winning podium.   </p><p>The group also reflects on where their degrees may take them next and how ADSA’s community and diversity, as well as the broad range of science at the Annual Meeting, have already influenced their careers. Their stories underscore why supporting emerging scientists is central to ADSA’s mission and the bright future of the dairy industry.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Episode Thirty-Five Show Notes</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.adsa.org/Membership/Graduate-Student-Division/GSD-Membership"><strong>Graduate Student Division</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.adsa.org/Membership/Undergraduate-Student-Division/About"><strong>Undergraduate Student Division</strong></a>, including their robust award programs and the many benefits for student members. </p><p>Connect with dairy’s next generation and refresh your scientific inspiration at the <a href="https://www.adsa.org/Meetings/2026-Annua