Fall Semester Schedule

NEW FACULTY

Mr. Logan D. Burleson

Mr. Logan Burleson, originally from Crossnore, North Carolina, has spent his entire life in the horticulture industry. He has a strong passion for plants and landscapes. Mr. Burleson has received his Associate’s degree in Horticulture Technology from Mayland Community College. He also obtained his double major Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Plant and Soil Science from North Carolina A&T State University. Mr. Burleson received his Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education from North Carolina A&T State University. He is finishing up a graduate certificate in Advanced Horticulture from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in Agriculture from West Texas A&M University. Mr. Burleson shares that he is excited to share his passion with WT students!

Fun fact: Mr. Burleson was born and raised on a Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Farm in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.

Fun fact: Dr. Petry is a sales representative for

Kimes Ranch Apparel.

Dr. Christy Petry

Dr. Christy Petry, originally from Weatherford, Texas, has spent several years gathering her collegiate education and gaining experience before becoming a Buff. Dr. Petry started her journey at North Central Texas College in Gainesville, Texas, where she received an Associate’s Degree and continued to Texas Tech. While at Tech, Dr. Petry received her Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics and then pursued a Master’s in the same field. Dr. Petry changed paths a bit when obtaining her Doctorate and chose to go the route of Agricultural Education to diversify her knowledge.

Ms. Katylyn Jo Richardson

Ms. Katylyn Jo Richardson grew up on a cow/calf ranch near Adrian, Texas. Throughout high school, she was active in Texas FFA, which allowed her to spend time on WT’s campus. This played a significant role in her decision to complete her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science degree and a minor in Biology at WT. Ms. Richardson attended graduate school at WT as well. She graduated with her Master of Science in Animal Science with research emphasis on beef cattle reproduction. She has plans to pursue a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology soon. Ms. Richardson shared that she is excited to be part of the WT Ag faculty and is excited to work alongside those who have left an impact on her life.

My high school graduating class had only 5 people in it –

me and four boys.

When I say I grew up in small town America, I really mean it!

Fun fact: Dr. Semler and his wife, Kaylie, have two corgi dogs named

Piper and Augie.

Mr. Michael W. Semler

Mr. Michael Semler grew up on a diversified livestock operation in Bayfield, Colorado, that included a cow-calf program and a grow-to-finish swine operation. First, he attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, where he competed on the livestock judging team while completing an associate’s degree in Animal Science and Agriculture Business. From there, Mr. Semler attended Colorado State University, where he completed a double major bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Agriculture Business while competing on the livestock, meats, and meat animal evaluation teams. Then, in the fall of 2018, he began working as a herdsman and ranch manager for a purebred Simmental operation in north central Colorado. After a year in this position, he had the opportunity to return to school for a Master’s degree at Kansas State University, specifically in the field of Animal Breeding and Genetics, under the direction of Dr. Bob Weaber.

Dr. Rebecca A. Vanderleest

Dr. Rebecca Vanderleest completed her Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut in geosciences. After that, she taught geology as a visiting assistant professor at Oberlin College. Dr. Vanderleests’ research examines how and why sediments are deposited in various places on Earth.

“I am excited to teach at WT, specifically taking students to Palo Duro Canyon to learn about sedimentary rocks!”

Fun fact: Dr. Vanderleest enjoys road biking around Amarillo.

Buffs On The Move

Summer 2022 Youth Events

Environmental Science Students Conduct

Bedrock Geologic Mapping in New Mexico

Undergraduate researcher, Dena Needham, and Dr. Jacob Thacker of New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources discuss geologic map relationships on the windshield of the field truck.

In late July, undergraduate students Dena Needham, Sr. Environmental Science-Geology and Brittany Creacy, Jr. Environmental Science-Geology, from the Department of

Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences conducted bedrock geologic mapping in the western Zuni Mountains of New Mexico.

This fieldwork was part of a United States Geological Survey EDMAP (Educational Mapping) grant awarded to Dr. Mark Holland, Assistant Professor of Geology. The EDMAP program aims to provide experiential learning opportunities to train the next generation of geologic mappers. Geologic mapping is crucial for understanding the geologic history of a region, managing natural resources, and mitigating geologic hazards. In this study, geologic mapping will be paired with structural and hydrogeologic analysis to understand how the bedrock geology influences groundwater flow, with important implications for groundwater management in rural New Mexico communities.

Dena Needham, an undergraduate student researcher working on the project, will present her mapping and analysis this October at the annual meeting of the Geologic Society of America.

Undergraduate student researchers Dena Needham and Brittany Creacy mapping the bedrock geology of the western Zuni Mountains of New Mexico.

Undergraduate student researcher, Dena Needham (left), and Dr. Jacob Thacker (right) of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources discuss geologic map relationships in the field.

The Department of Agricultural Sciences is proud to introduce the Fall 2022 Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources student teachers. These six students will be completing the process of Texas teacher certification requirements by teaching at their host schools from August 15 to December 9. The students will work in all facets of their host schools' agricultural science program. This will include working with secondary students in classroom instruction, FFA, and SAE. WT AG places student teaching groups in both fall and spring semesters each year.