Poultry Science Students, Faculty, Staff Earn National Recognition

Students, faculty and staff from the U of A Department of Poultry Science and the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science were recognized for excellence in research, teaching, service and leadership at the 2026 Poultry Science Association (PSA) Annual Meeting, hosted July 10-13, and World's Poultry Congress, hosted July 13-17, both in Toronto.

The department's strong presence included national awards, student competition honors, leadership roles and an extensive slate of scientific presentations showcasing the breadth of poultry research conducted in Arkansas.

"University of Arkansas Poultry Science had a super showing at PSA," said Bill Potter, an associate professor and extension poultry scientist. "Our brilliant faculty, staff and students are making a huge impact around the country and world."

The 2026 meeting highlighted the impact of U of A Poultry Science across every sector of the industry, from poultry nutrition and welfare to food safety, microbiology, processing, genetics and production management.

Faculty, staff, graduate students and undergraduate researchers delivered presentations throughout the conference, demonstrating the department's commitment to advancing poultry science through innovative research and industry collaboration.

Student Awards

Among the department's highest honors was the recognition of Tanmaie Kalapala as the PSA Student Hatchery Student of the Year. The department's graduate student organization, the Poultry Science Graduate Association, was also named PSA Student Hatchery Club of the Year, highlighting the strength of graduate student leadership and engagement within the program.

Kalapala was also among the U of A students recognized with Certificates of Excellence from the PSA and the World Poultry Congress.

"I am grateful to receive recognitions at PSA and WPC," Kalapala said. "These accomplishments reflect not only my efforts but also the tremendous mentorship and support I have received throughout my Ph.D. journey."

One of the highlights for Kalapala in the World Poultry Congress program was participating in the technical tours of Canadian poultry facilities, where students gained firsthand exposure to sustainable poultry production, processing and industry practices.

Allison Weaver and McKayla Ward also received PSA Certificates of Excellence for their research presentations.

Weaver's study was on thermoregulation and growth in broiler breeder hens under heat stress. Ward's award-winning research focused on carbohydrase enzymes and their ability to improve nutrient and energy utilization in broiler diets. "Being able to present this research and receive recognition for it made the experience even more meaningful and encouraged me to continue exploring research in poultry nutrition," Ward said.

Anh Dang Trieu Do, doctoral student in the cell and molecular biology program working with Adnan Alrubaye, assistant professor of poultry science and the associate director of the cell and molecular biology graduate program, also received a Certificate of Excellence at the World Poultry Congress.

The department also celebrated the achievement of Ashen Epa Arachchige, doctoral student in the cell and molecular biology program working with Alrubaye, who earned recognition in the Cliff D. Carpenter International Essay Competition sponsored by the World's Poultry Science Association.

Arkansas students also presented research on poultry welfare, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, processing, genetics and poultry production systems, further demonstrating the department's national research impact.

Additional Awards

Faculty members Casey Owens and Michael Kidd were recognized for their outstanding achievements, along with staff member Justin Blankenship and graduate Allie Bowerman. Read more about their awards here.

"The accomplishments recognized during the 2026 Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting highlight the University of Arkansas Department of Poultry Science's longstanding commitment to excellence in teaching, research and industry engagement. Through award-winning scholarship, professional leadership and innovative research programs, faculty, staff and students continue to advance poultry science while preparing the next generation of leaders for the poultry industry," said David Caldwell, department chair. "Congratulations to all of the award recipients."

About The Center of Excellence for Poultry Science: The Center of Excellence for Poultry Science (CEPS) is dedicated to enhancing the poultry industry and improving the lives of Arkansans through innovative research, education and outreach. CEPS develops the knowledge, technologies and workforce needed to support a competitive global poultry industry while addressing society's evolving needs in food safety and security, human nutrition, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability.

The Department of Poultry Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in poultry science. Graduates receive a broad education in both the science and business of animal agriculture, with a focus on poultry production and management. They are prepared for a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors, and many also pursue professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine. Due to the strong demand for poultry science graduates, our students often receive multiple job offers before completing their undergraduate studies.

About the Poultry Science Association: The Poultry Science Association (PSA) is a professional organization consisting of approximately 2,000+ educators, scientists, extension specialists, industry researchers, administrators, producers and college students who are committed to advancing the poultry industry. Since 1908, the Poultry Science Association has maintained a level of prestige that ranks it among the top professional organizations in the field. For over a century, PSA's member scientists have contributed through their research to the growth of the poultry industry and the development of safer and more nutritious food products for the consumer. Throughout this period, PSA has served - and it continues to serve - as the premier clearinghouse and publisher of basic and applied poultry research in the world. The application of research findings published in PSA's journals has been and remains a major contributor to the rapid growth and maturation of the meat and egg industries. In addition, poultry-related research has made substantial contributions to the overall understanding of human health and nutrition.