Amanda Smith, a recent Master of Science graduate in the Department of Animal Science with Graduate Certificates in Meat Science and Food Safety, received the Z.L. Carpenter Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Meat Science for 2012.

This award is presented annually to a graduate student who demonstrates outstanding leadership skills and has contributed significantly to the Meat Science Section’s teaching, research, and extension activities.  While completing her masters’ degree, Amanda coached the Meat Judging Team, taught ANSC 307 laboratories, participated in Beef 101, Beef 706, and Pork 101 activities, helped with the Texas Association of Meat Processors convention and the Beef Cattle Shortcourse, and conducted research on yields and flavor profiles of dry-aged beef.  Amanda is currently an Associate Business Manager with Daymon Worldwide in San Antonio.

This award is named in honor of Dr. Zerle L. Carpenter, who began his career at Texas A&M University as an assistant professor of animal science in 1962. Dr. Carpenter rose to become full professor of animal science in 1971, head of the Department of Animal Science in 1978, and director of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in 1982. In 1988, he was named associate vice chancellor for agriculture for The Texas A&M University System. Dr. Carpenter retired in 1997 after providing leadership to the Extension Service for 15 years.