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NBA announces Throlson American Bison Foundation scholarship winnersTop winner a Ph.D. student researching new bison vaccine to prevent malignant catarrhal fever Following a nationwide appeal to the best and the brightest, three outstanding students-two graduate students and one undergraduate-have been awarded $4,000 in scholarships provided by the Thorlson American Bison Foundation and administered by the National Bison Association. Recipients include Katherine Gailbreath, Pullman, Wash.; Connor Elliott, Clarksdale, Mo.; and Alisha Parsons, Shawnee, Okla. Gailbreath, who is awarded a $2,000 scholarship, earned her doctor of veterinary medicine degree in 2004 and currently is a doctorate student at Washington State University, studying veterinary pathology, immunology, and infectious disease. Her Ph.D. project involves the study of the immune response to the malignant catarrhal fever virus in bison, with the goal of developing a vaccine for control of a disease that is costly and devastating to the bison industry. "The research has the real possibility of leading to useful, practical innovations, such as a vaccine to control the disease in bison," said Gailbreath. She adds that "bison have a unique dual role in our modern culture," due to their historically symbolizing the great plains and the wild west," while more recently being recognized for being an environmentally-friendly species that produces a healthful and valuable food. Parsons is the winner of one of two $1,000 scholarships. She is pursuing a master's degree in food science at Oklahoma State University. She hopes her degree will enable her to help the industry "increase the variety of bison products in our supermarkets and restaurants." She also is interested in promoting bison through educational programs for youth, such as 4-H and FFA. "In order to be successful at anything, you have to have a passion for it, and I feel that food science is what I have a passion for," said Parsons. "I want to create new products and processes that make the consumer just as happy and excited as I am about them (bison)." In addition to pursuing a career in research and development, Parsons will assist her father Dr. Gerald Parsons as he starts a much-needed U.S. Department of Agriculture-inspected bison processing facility in Oklahoma. Elliott, winner of the other $1,000 scholarship, is a junior at the University of Missouri. He is majoring in animal science, and his minor is captive wild animal management. He began raising bison as an FFA project at the age of 13. He also has excelled in FFA public speaking competition, winning two unprecedented state titles and finishing in the national competition as a semi-finalist. In addition, he was awarded the prestigious FFA American Farmer Degree in 2007 and has been an active member of the Missouri Bison Association since 2003. Ten years ago, Elliott began a cross breeding program with heritage turkey breeds, the result being the ability to commercially produce feathers that closely resemble the protected species of eagles, hawks and owls. He plucks his birds and sells the feathers to Boy Scout supply stores and Native American costume retailers. He also uses the feathers to make and sell Native American war bonnets. His career goal is to become a veterinarian for endangered and exotic animals. "The Throlson American Bison Foundation is pleased to present these three scholarships, and we are very excited to track the accomplishments of these outstanding, motivated students," said Dave Carter, NBA executive director. "The accomplishments and vision for the future bode very well for the future of the North American bison industry." The Throlson American Bison Foundation is named after its founder, Dr. Ken Throlson, a pioneer of the modern bison business. Scholarships are offered annually to outstanding students who are currently engaged in studies pertaining to the bison industry. Eligible students include juniors and seniors in undergraduate programs attending school full-time, as well as graduate students. Applications are due to the NBA each year on Oct. 1. For more information, contact the NBA office at 303-292-2833, or info@bisoncentral.com. The foundation's scholarship program is part of the NBA's three-pronged approach to attract young people into the bison producing industry. The NBA also offers a junior membership for individuals under the age of 21 as well as an affiliate chapter membership with colleges and universities that have bison or buffalo as their mascots or with students that are otherwise interested in bison. "Last year was the third consecutive year of double-digit increases in bison meat sales, and this trend is continuing," said Carter. "Bison sales have nearly tripled since the USDA began tracking the industry in 2000. One of NBA's primary concerns is being able to meet this growing demand. As part of an overall strategy to meet this demand, NBA leadership has launched a program, including the Throlson scholarships, to attract young people into the industry."
Date: 12/19/08
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