Animal Science Alumna Irini Pateras Named to Cowgirl Magazine’s 2026 ‘30 Under 30’
Irini Pateras (Animal Science, ’18), was named one of Cowgirl Magazine’s 2026 ‘30 Under 30’ honorees, a national recognition celebrating young women making an impact in the western industry.
Pateras said she was both surprised and flattered to learn she had been selected. “I felt incredibly honored,” Pateras said. “Nearly 200 women from all over applied and even having the opportunity to apply felt like an accomplishment in itself. Being selected was something I truly never imagined, so it was both exciting and very humbling.”
Her recognition reflects years of dedication to the equine industry, a path that began long before her college career. “I grew up riding horses and that passion naturally led me to pursue a degree in animal science,” Pateras said. “After graduating, I continued down a path in equine reproduction and have built my career working in that sector of the industry.”
“Turning a lifelong interest into a profession has been especially meaningful,” she added. “Horses have always been a huge part of my life, so it’s been incredibly rewarding to turn that lifelong passion into a profession.”
For Pateras, being named to the ‘30 Under 30’ list represents validation for her years of work in a demanding industry. “It feels incredibly validating,” she said. “Like most careers in agriculture, there are long days, challenges, setbacks and breakthroughs along the way. Being recognized in this way feels like encouragement to keep pushing forward and continuing to do work that I care deeply about.”
Pateras credits several mentors and role models who helped shape her career throughout her journey. “I’ve been very fortunate to have several strong women in my life and career who I look up to,” Pateras said. “I’ve had mentors, friends, bosses and teachers who have supported and inspired me along the way.”
One mentor in particular played a significant role in her development. “One person who has been especially influential is Cal Poly Lecturer Lou Moore Jacobsen, a guiding figure for me since my freshman year of college,” Pateras said. “Today we’re colleagues, which makes that mentorship even more meaningful.”
Pateras hopes the recognition will help inspire the next generation of students and young women pursuing careers in agriculture and the western industry. “I hope to lead by example and show that there are so many opportunities available in this industry,” she said. “Simply holding a role like mine can help show students and young women what’s possible and hopefully encourage them to pursue their goals with confidence.”
She also encourages students to make the most of the hands-on learning opportunities available during their college experience. “My biggest advice is to ask questions and seek out experience as early as possible,” Pateras said. “Programs like the animal science program at Cal Poly offer so many hands-on learning opportunities. Take advantage of every chance you get to learn, work and build connections — those experiences will shape your career in ways you can’t always predict.”
Animal Science Student Honored with State Recognition Following Cal Poly Mule Packing National Championship
Animal science student Milena Wilson received a certificate of recognition from the California State Senate and Assembly in 2026 for Cal Poly’s Mule Packing Team national championship victory the previous year.
The recognition follows the team’s 2025 World Champion Intercollegiate Packers title, earned at the Bishop Mule Days competition held over Memorial Day weekend. Competing against 10 collegiate teams, Cal Poly Team No. 1 secured the overall championship by placing first in both the intercollegiate scramble and load classes — a milestone achievement that marks only the second time in program history the team has claimed the top honor.
“Mule packing is a time-honored tradition in which mules carry supplies across terrain inaccessible by vehicles,” Wilson said. “At Cal Poly, we not only preserve that tradition but also compete and share it with others through outreach and education.”
The annual Bishop Mule Days event draws professional, youth and collegiate competitors from across the country. Cal Poly students begin preparation for the high-level competition months in advance, with team members practicing multiple times a week to refine their skills.
According to lecturer and team advisor Lou Moore-Jacobsen, the team’s success goes beyond technical ability.
“What stood out most was the team’s dedication — not just to practicing and winning, but to sharing their knowledge,” Moore-Jacobsen said. “Experienced students consistently mentor incoming members, ensuring the team remains competitive year after year. Even in competition, they never lose their compassion for others.”
That balance of competitiveness and community is a defining feature of mule packing. Wilson emphasized that while the sport requires precision and focus, adaptability and communication are equally critical.
“Things don’t always go as planned,” she said. “During one event, part of our load fell off the mule. We had to quickly communicate, stop the string and fix the issue. That teamwork and quick thinking ultimately helped us win the class.”
Students involved in mule packing gain more than competition experience. The program exemplifies Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy by combining horsemanship, problem-solving and teamwork in a real-world environment.
“The packing enterprise is the epitome of Learn by Doing,” Moore-Jacobsen said. “Students work with live animals that rely on them for care and decision-making. It teaches respect, safety and how to think critically in unpredictable situations.”
The most challenging aspect of competition for Wilson was managing her nerves in front of large crowds. However, once the event began, preparation and trust in her teammates took over.“As soon as the buzzer went off, everything clicked,” she said. “We worked seamlessly together, just like we practiced.”
Beyond technical skills, students also value the strong sense of community within the mule-packing world. “Even though we compete against other colleges, everyone is supportive,” Wilson said. “It’s a welcoming environment where people genuinely want each other to succeed.”
The championship has sparked a renewed interest in the program, with increased student involvement and momentum heading into the next season. “This award has lit a fire under the team,” Wilson said. “It shows that hard work pays off, and it motivates us to keep improving and hopefully win again.”
Both Moore-Jacobsen and Wilson agree the title World Champion Intercollegiate Packers represents years of dedication from multiple generations of students. “This accomplishment is the result of hard work, teamwork and a commitment to the craft,” Wilson said. “It’s something much bigger than any one individual.”
As the program continues to grow, Cal Poly’s Mule Packing Team remains a standout example of how tradition, teamwork and experiential learning come together to produce national success.
Two Cal Poly Dressage Team Members Qualify for National Championship
Two Cal Poly Dressage Team members earned individual invitations to the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) National Championship, highlighting the team’s continued growth and competitive success. The team opened the season with a double show day at UC Santa Cruz, followed by a two-day competition at Stanford University. Cal Poly wrapped up the season by hosting a home show in San Luis Obispo.
Throughout the season, the team’s riders showcased their skills by earning multiple high-point and reserve high-point team placings. Several riders also received individual high-point rider awards for the top score of a competition day.
Coach Jacquelyn Huebner said the national qualifications reflect the consistency and dedication required to succeed in intercollegiate dressage competition. “Having two students qualify for the national championship is reflective of all the hard work and dedication these riders pour into their commitment to their sport and the horses,” Huebner said. “It is an opportunity for Cal Poly to be represented on a national level in a prestigious competition that brings together talented competitors from across the country.”
To qualify for nationals, riders must consistently earn competitive scores throughout the season. Points are awarded based on individual test scores at each show, and the rider with the highest cumulative score at their level earns a national invitation. Because riders compete on a different horse at each show, success requires adaptability and the ability to perform well across a variety of equine partners.
Huebner said riders Lily Bacon and Caroline Kargenian demonstrated the skills needed to succeed in this unique format. “They are both very effective riders who are able to tactfully use their aids to encourage the best performance out of the horse they draw in competition,” Huebner said. “They also demonstrate excellent form and accuracy throughout their tests.”
For Bacon, a biomedical engineering senior, qualifying for nationals represents the culmination of years of dedication to the sport. “If I am not in class or at my desk at Vetel Diagnostics, you can find me in the barn,” Bacon said. “Late nights, early mornings and hours of repetition in the saddle — that’s my life. To see all of these lessons culminate into an individual invitation to the national championships is incredible.”
Bacon said the challenges of the season, including injuries and difficult horse pairings, helped shape her development as a rider. “Sometimes the hardest lessons lead to the most beautiful outcomes,” she said.
When Kargenian, a third-year animal science major, learned she had qualified for the finals, she described it as exciting and meaningful. “Receiving an individual invitation to IDA nationals is a testament to the work we’ve invested throughout the season,” she said. “There’s a sense of pride in knowing you’ve earned the opportunity to represent not only yourself, but your university, on a national level.”
The national championship will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, where collegiate riders from across the country will compete for individual and team honors. Kargenian views this opportunity to compete nationally as a chance to highlight the growth of dressage on the West Coast.
“We’re one of the few schools from the West Coast competing at IDA nationals,” she said. “Representing both the West Coast and Cal Poly on a national stage allows us to continue laying the groundwork for the sport’s growth here.”
The Cal Poly Dressage Team practices together several times a month to prepare for competition and to develop the skills required for intercollegiate riding. Team members also review show results, provide feedback to one another and pursue additional training opportunities outside the program.
Huebner said the program reflects Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy by emphasizing hands-on experience, collaboration and continuous improvement. “Our riders are dedicated not only to improving themselves, but also to supporting the teammates around them,” Huebner said. “Balancing schoolwork, exams and riding hours is no small task, and their success this season reflects that commitment.”
Both Bacon and Kargenian said their national invitations reflect the support of the entire team. “While we’ve earned individual invitations, this is truly a team accomplishment,” Bacon said. “It also highlights the unique opportunities that exist at Cal Poly outside the classroom.”
As the team prepares for nationals, the riders hope their achievements will continue to bring attention to collegiate dressage and inspire more students to get involved in the sport.
Animal Science Student Brandon Ng Wins Best Undergraduate Poster Award at 2026 Pacific Egg and Poultry Association
Animal science major Brandon Ng won the Best Undergraduate Poster Award at the 2026 Pacific Egg and Poultry Association (PEPA) Conference for his research exploring innovative approaches to poultry nutrition and health.
Ng’s poster, titled “Effects of Nannochloropsis Supplementation on Broiler Performance, Intestinal Morphology and Gut Microbiology,” examined the potential of Nannochloropsis, a type of microalgae, as a supplement to traditional corn and soybean meal diets. His research focused on improving intestinal structure and nutrient absorption in broiler chickens while reducing harmful gut bacteria.
“I wanted to determine if Nannochloropsis could enhance nutrient absorption efficiency and improve gut health,” Ng said. “The goal was to see if it could serve as a viable supplement to conventional poultry feed.”
Ng credited faculty mentorship and hands-on experience for his success. He worked closely with Professor Ike Kang, who provided the research opportunity, Associate Professor Darin Bennett, who assisted in developing the poster, and Associate Professor Siroj Pokharel, who coached him on presentation delivery.
“I thoroughly enjoyed presenting at the conference and was grateful for the chance to represent Cal Poly,” Ng said.
Ng described the moment he received the award as unexpected. “It felt unreal,” he said. “I was talking with representatives from Hidden Villa Ranch when they called my name. I was just thinking about how thankful I was for my mom encouraging me to join speech and debate in high school.”
He noted that while the competition was strong, his ability to connect technical findings with consumer-relevant outcomes — such as meat quality, carcass appearance and sensory attributes — helped distinguish his work.
Ng emphasized that Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy played a critical role in his achievement. “Raising the chickens myself and being involved in every step of the process gave me a deeper understanding of the research,” he said.
He encourages other students to pursue research opportunities and step outside their comfort zones. “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” Ng said. “Start a conversation with a professor, speak confidently even if you’re unsure and never doubt what you can accomplish.”
Seven Cal Poly Students Awarded 2026-27 Western Poultry Scholarships
The Western Poultry Scholarship and Research Foundation (WPSRF) awarded seven animal science students scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year in recognition of their academic achievement and commitment to the poultry industry.
The WPSRF, part of the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association (PEPA), has supported students pursuing careers in poultry science since 1965. This year, the foundation awarded 18 scholarships to students attending colleges and universities across the Western U.S and Canada.
Cal Poly recipients include first-year students Onyx Bachus, Sarah Gassman, Andrea Ortiz; second-year students Evan Wong and Daniel Hanna; third year Audrey Limuti; and fourth-year Elizabeth Hsueh.
Ortiz said she was introduced to both poultry science and the scholarship opportunity through her coursework. “I found out about the scholarship from Associate Professor Darin Bennett after taking his poultry enterprise,” Ortiz said. “Coming from Chicago, I had never worked with poultry before, so the experience and opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
Limuti said receiving the scholarship is especially meaningful because it aligns with her academic interests and personal passion. “It is encouraging to receive a scholarship for doing something that you love,” she said. “Cal Poly has greatly fostered my love of all things poultry related.”
Bachus also credited faculty mentorship and hands-on opportunities for shaping her path in poultry science. During her first quarter, Bachus participated in the Broiler Poultry Enterprise, where she gained her initial exposure to poultry production. She later continued working with broiler chickens while assisting with research at the poultry unit. “While having previous specialized experience in herpetological veterinary medicine, my work at the Poultry Unit has allowed me to expand my interest and animal care experience to include aviary species,” she said.
At Cal Poly, faculty involvement plays a key role in connecting students to these opportunities. Courses such as the Poultry Enterprise provide students with real-world experience in poultry production and research, often serving as an entry point for those new to the field.
The WPSRF scholarship provides financial support and affirms students’ dedication to a specialized and essential sector of agriculture. As the poultry industry continues to evolve, programs like WPSRF help prepare the next generation of professionals through education, mentorship and hands-on experience.
For this year’s Cal Poly recipients, the award marks both an achievement and an investment in their future contributions to poultry science and the broader agricultural community.
Cal Poly Defends National Title at the 102nd Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest
In one of the closest contests in recent memory, the Cal Poly Dairy Products Judging Team edged out the University of Tennessee in a tiebreaker to secure its second national championship in as many years, at the 102nd annual Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest on April 15, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“The competition was incredibly exhausting, and the pressure was intense. But we had such a wonderful time,” said Jazzy De Los Santos, a computer science major.
Coached by Professor Vincent Yeung and Dairy Products Technology Center Educaiton Director Samantha Bass, the team judged six categories of dairy products including butter, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream, milk and yogurt, based on flavor, body/texture and appearance.
“The training sessions were tough and mentally draining, but our hard work paid off,” said dairy science major Maya Farris. “I also very much appreciate the opportunities to network with industry professionals, the judges, and other student contestants.”
“The whole experience was just awesome,” said animal science major Andrea Cerros. Cal Poly, with an unmatched obsession for critiquing frozen desserts, won the ice cream Team category five years in a row, while capturing the butter category for the first time. Cal Poly also placed second in the cheddar cheese and milk categories.
In the Individual categories, dairy science major Laura Campagne finished first in the all-products, butter, and ice-cream categories, while Farris finished second in butter. Farris was also the recipient of the prestigious Joe Larson Merit Award for outstanding leadership quality.
Coach Yeung was named 2026 Coach of the Year and was presented with the Aurelia and George Weigold Coach’s Award.
Below are the result highlights of the 102nd annual Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest:
- 1st in All-Products Team (Cal Poly – back-to-back National Champions)
- 1st in Butter Team
- 1st in Ice Cream Team
- 2nd in Cheddar Cheese Team
- 2nd in Milk Team
- 1st in All-Products Individual (Laura Campagne)
- 1st in Butter Individual (Laura Campagne)
- 1st in Ice Cream Individual (Laura Campagne)
- 2nd in Milk Individual (Laura Campagne)
- 2nd in Butter Individual (Maya Farris)
- 2026 Cal Poly Dairy Products Judging Team members: Campagne, Cerros, De Los Santos, Farris
“I can’t believe it. I was so nervous, but we won. We are the champions!” said Campagne. The contest was hosted by Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and superintended by USDA.
Since its initiation in 1916, when it was known as the "Students Butter Judging Contest", the Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest has always been driven by strong industry support. More than 40 dairy companies provided donations to ensure the success of the contest this year.
“It’s such a privilege for me to work with this group of amazing students,” Bass said.
“Absolutely no words can express how proud I am of this team. We are just going to train harder for next year!”
Fun fact: California is the No. 1 ice cream producing state in the country. Now we can add that California (Cal Poly specifically) is also No. 1 in ice cream judging for five years in a row!
To make an online gift in support of the Animal Science Department, please use the GIVING link. If you would like to designate your gift for a specific major, scholarship, club or team, please contact Tim Northrop at tnorthro@calpoly.edu
Read more stories in the Spring 2026 Newsletter