The Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science recently recognized a professor and a graduate student from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

The society awarded Debra Aaron, professor of statistics and beef cattle genetics in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, the Distinguished Service Award for her passion for animal science and teaching that has made her a leader in the livestock industry.

Aaron has been a member of the society for more than 30 years and has served on many committees throughout her career. She served as the Southern Section president in 2002, the first woman to hold the office.

UK Animal and Food Sciences doctoral student Andrew Foote received the society’s Emerging Scholar Award because of his research into nutrition and ruminant health that could help cattle producers across the United States. Foote is conducting research with UK animal scientist David Harmon and U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist James Klotz on fescue toxicosis. Foote will graduate in May and wants to pursue a career as a research scientist.