Howdy!

I am thrilled to see the hallways of the Horticulture and Forest Science Building bustling with energy and excitement following the quieter summer months. Next month, we will reconnect to celebrate this new semester and reflect on the many opportunities we have moving forward at the 2024 RWFM Convocation. If you happen to be in the College Station area, we invite RWFM alumni to stop by and let us know what you are up to. Specific event details can be found in the Good Bull section of this newsletter.

Although the summer months often appear slower and more relaxed, I can assure you that RWFM faculty, staff and students were busier than ever pursuing grants, conducting fieldwork, publishing crucial research and completing internships across the U.S. You will find just a sampling of these outstanding contributions highlighted below — including the first-ever study focused on genetic improvement of Texas’ commercial red drum aquaculture stock.

This semester also marks the commencement of the RWFM 4+1 Fast Track program, part of our department’s ongoing efforts to expand degree programming and advance student career potential. This high-achieving student cohort will gain a head start on graduate coursework by taking dual-credit courses that count both toward their undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

Before I sign off, I encourage all of us to take a moment to contemplate the guiding mission of our department — preparing the next generation of natural resource stewards through teaching, research and engagement. We still have many miles to go, and I am honored to work alongside you to ensure we accomplish this undertaking. Thanks for all you do in conserving wild places and things.

AgriLife Extension adds rangeland specialist to serve Trans-Pecos ecoregion

Silverio Avila, Ph.D., recently joined the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service as a rangeland specialist and assistant professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. Based in Alpine, the position is a joint appointment with AgriLife Extension and Sul Ross State University’s Borderlands Research Institute.

2024 Fall Convocation

The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management invites RWFM students, faculty and staff to kick off the fall semester with lunch and fellowship at the 2024 RWFM Convocation. The event will be held Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shirley and Joe Swinbank '74 AgriLife Center. RSVP is required.

RWFM announces first cohort of 4+1 Fast Track students

RWFM's 4+1 Fast Track program launched this fall semester with nine students. The program allows students interested in graduate school to get a head start on graduate coursework by taking dual-credit courses that count toward their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Volunteer milestone reached by Texas Master Naturalist Program

Two members of the Galveston Bay Area Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program reached a historic volunteer milestone, logging 30,000 volunteer service hours each.

Much like the keystone species that uphold the integrity of ecosystems, RWFM is comprised of faculty, staff and students who ensure the strength and health of our department.

As research scientist and manager of the Grazingland Animal Nutrition Laboratory, GAN Lab, Barbara Rodrigues, Ph.D., merges her passion for animal science and environmental stewardship to develop actionable insights for ranchers and livestock managers to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of livestock production systems.

The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management is committed to generating sound scientific research, training the next generation of natural resource stewards and realizing the land-grant mission as described through our three focus areas of teaching, research and extension.

We invite you to be a part of our mission to prepare the next generation of natural resource professionals and advance the sound stewardship of natural resources for present and future generations. Your support directly impacts our students by alleviating financial burdens, bolstering experiential learning opportunities and enhancing our living classrooms and labs.