Ag student chosen as Alltech 2008 Young Scientist

Utah State University Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Department student Craig Louder was awarded the 2008 Alltech Young Scientist award April 22 at the 24th International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium in Lexington, Ky.

Louder was one of four regional winners who received a $1,000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to the symposium to present papers and scientific posters to a panel of judges and compete for a $5,000 scholarship. Louder won the $5,000 international competition with his paper “The Estrogenic Mycotoxin Zearalenone and its Importance in Livestock Production.” The 727 students who entered the competition were required to write a 3,000- to 3,500-word original paper suggesting a natural solution to animal health challenges.

“This award allows me to broaden my scope of possibilities,” Louder said. “Now I know the process to one day make an impact on the industry in the future.”

This was Alltech’s third annual competition, which is intended to promote research and develop talent among undergraduate students and to foster relationships between these students and the professionals and researchers in the industry.

Louder was the first North America regional winner and overall winner from the United States. He said he hopes his winning will put the USU College of Agriculture back on the map with other prestigious research institutions.

Louder is a senior at USU studying animal science. He was also chosen as the USU College of Agriculture 2008 scholar of the year. He is a native of Coalville, Utah, and will begin veterinary school at Washington State University fall 2008.