October 25, 2021
Facts About Bats!
Facts provided by: Dr. Ray Matlack, Professor of Biology
  • Thirty-three species of bats occur in Texas (out of 43 species in the US)

  • More than 12 species of bats have been documented by Dr. Matlack and students in the Palo Duro Canyon and many of these species can be found around towns in the Texas Panhandle!

  • WT research has found bats to be active in every month of the year in the Palo Duro Canyon!

  • Texas is home to large cave and bridge roosts of Brazilian free-tailed bats, including Bracken Cave near San Antonio where >15 million bats roost during the summer.
Little International 2021 Recap
The 2021 Little International Showmanship Contest was held 10/11-12/21 in the Bain Event Center. The annual event involved over 200 students. Students enrolled in ANSC*1319, Principles of Animal Science, participated as contestants; students enrolled in AGRI*4305, Supervised Agricultural Experience Program, served as student team leaders; various graduate students assisted in supporting roles.
 
"The students in these classes have not only learned about animals and teaching, but they have developed relationships and learning communities that undoubtedly contribute to recruiting and retention efforts."
Said Dr. David Lust, Associate Professor of Animal Science. 
 
Total exhibit entries for the two-day show were 88 cattle, 68 sheep, 58 pigs and 68 horses, along with 70 contestants competing in Quiz Bowl. This is among the largest shows of this kind in the United States in terms of the number of student participants and the number of livestock exhibits. Congratulations to the winners, and a huge thanks to all those that worked hard to once again make this a successful event!
Undergraduate Researcher Presents
at Rice University
Duncan Miertschin, SR. Physics, presented at the Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium (GCURS) at Rice University on October 16th and 17th.
The GCURS is an annual research conference hosted by Rice University for students in all sorts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Duncan presented in the Applied Physics section. This also involved engagement with graduate students and faculty at Rice, lab tours, and learning more about graduate school.

Duncan's research is over topological materials, which have insulating insides and conduct electricity very well on their surface. Specifically, his research focused on the the compounds Sb2Se2Te and Sb2Te2Se. 
Well done, Duncan!
WT Horse Judging Teams excelled at
All-American Quarter Horse Congress
Pictured (L to R): Sal Washington, JR. Equine Industry & Business, Kami Woodard, JR. Equine Industry & Business,
Quinn Dunham, JR. Ag Media & Communication, Grace Wolfington, JR. Animal Science, Sydni Nilles, JR. Equine Industry & Business,
Hannah McLochlin, SR. Agriculture, Makenzie Knipe, JR. Ag Education, Sierra Stammen, JR. Equine Industry & Business,
Mackenzie Berkland, JR. Equine Industry & Business, Calli Montague, JR. Equine Industry & Business with
Dr. John Pipkin, Regents Professor and Director of WT’s Equine Industry Program.
WT's Horse Judging Team was named Reserve Champion! A second team placed sixth in competition with teams from around the country. The WT teams also placed second and sixth in halter; first and sixth in performance; and third and sixth in reasons. “The team had an excellent performance,” said Dr. John Pipkin, Regents Professor and Director of WT’s Equine Industry Program. “Every team member has worked for more than a year preparing, especially in the last 4 1/2 months. I am really excited for them as they are still far from their best as a group and are willing to continue to work to improve as they get ready for the final two competitions of the year in the next three weeks.” Well done, Buffs!
WT Meat Judging wins Reserve Championship
in Eastern National Meat Judging Contest
"The individual accomplishments were the best WTAMU has ever seen in the history of the program!"
~ Coach and Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Loni Lucherk
Rodeo Team Update
“Goals are dreams with deadlines.”
~ Diana Scharf