MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) graduate students Jessica Smallfield and Abigail Jenkins have been named 2025 recipients of the Larry Corah Graduate Student Award.
Smallfield received the Outstanding Master’s Student Award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship. She joined the K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team in August 2023 after earning her bachelor’s degree at K-State. Despite having a limited agricultural background, she quickly immersed herself in the livestock industry. During her master’s program, she led six research projects involving more than 12,500 pigs, evaluating specialty soy proteins, hydrolyzed yeast products, and novel digestible lysine-to-crude protein ratios. Smallfield also played a key leadership role in developing and supporting research at the new Swine Enteric Health Research Center. Jessica’s first exposure to swine research was through the department’s undergraduate research class. Now as a teaching assistant for the class she helps students conduct swine research projects and gets the chance to provide others with the same exposure and opportunities she had as an undergrad. Additionally, she has presented her research findings and competed at the University’s 3-Minute Thesis, and KGRAD programs as well as the ASI Research Day. She manages the Swine Team’s monthly newsletter, LinkedIn presence, and is an active member of the ASI Graduate Student Association. As she enters her Ph.D. program, she will serve as a National Pork Board Scholar.
“Jessica truly is an excellent example of what Dr. Corah had in mind when he established this award—encompassing academics, quality research, service to others, and contributing positively to the mission of the ASI department,” said Dr. Bob Goodband, K-State ASI professor and one of Smallfield’s advisors. “Her commitment to advancing swine nutrition research, mentoring undergraduate students and representing our department with excellence sets her apart. I have no doubt she will continue to make meaningful contributions to the industry.”
Jenkins received the Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award, which includes a $1,500 scholarship. She joined the K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team in June 2022, following completion of her master’s degree at North Carolina State University and bachelor’s degree at Mississippi State University. Her work has included nine research trials involving more than 2,100 sows and 36,000 pigs, addressing topics ranging from improving data collection accuracy to defining amino acid requirements for sows in late gestation and lactation.
The cornerstone of her research was a large-scale commercial study in partnership with JBS Live Pork, which has already led to changes in litter management practices throughout the swine industry. She has presented her findings at industry meetings, K-State Swine Day, the Midwest ASAS meetings, and through the Pig Livability project. In addition to her own research, Jenkins has played a key role in supporting and coordinating research with industry partners, mentoring fellow graduate students, and assisting with data collection and analysis. Her teaching contributions include assisting with courses such as Farm Animal Reproduction, Principles of Feeding, and Swine Science. She has been active in the Graduate Student Association, supported departmental youth outreach events, and earned recognition at both local and national levels for her leadership, scholarship, and service. Like Smallfield, Jenkins was also selected as a National Pork Board Scholar.
“Abigail embodies the land-grant mission through her commitment to research, teaching and service that directly benefits the swine industry and our students,” said Dr. Jason Woodworth, K-State ASI research professor and one of Jenkins’ advisors. “Her ability to conduct impactful, industry-driven research while also mentoring students and supporting outreach efforts exemplifies the type of leader our program strives to develop. She is a tremendous ambassador for our department and epitomizes what the Corah Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award was designed to recognize.”
Both the M.S and Ph.D. awards are presented in honor of Dr. Larry Corah, who served for 25 years as a K-State ASI beef extension and research specialist. After retiring from K-State, he worked for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as director of production systems and later served 17 years as Vice President of Supply for Certified Angus Beef LLC. The scholarships are supported by the Larry Corah Graduate Student Enhancement Fund. Award winners are selected based on scholastic achievement, research activity and success, teaching contributions, faculty evaluations, and overall contributions to the department’s mission.