The mountains are one of my favorite places because I love being outdoors and exploring nature. I enjoy camping, hiking, and mountain biking. I also have a great appreciation for music and enjoy playing a variety of instruments, which give me another way to be creative and challenge myself. My love of the outdoors and appreciation for nature have also influenced my interest in agriculture and sustainability, which I have been able to pursue through my education and research as a first-generation college student at West Virginia University Honors College. Through my research, I believe I can help make a difference by promoting sustainability and efficiency within the agriculture industry as it works to adequately feed a growing global population. The tools I am refining and validating determine animal efficiency and quantify individual daily grazing feed intake, which can improve pasture utilization. Improving feed efficiency not only lowers production costs but also reduces the environmental impact associated with grassland agriculture. As I continue to share my research and help spread awareness about the industry and the challenges it is working to overcome, I hope my work can contribute to practical solutions that benefit farmers and promote a more sustainable future. The following accomplishments reflect my commitment to agricultural research, sustainability, and leadership. • Davis College Student Ambassador, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia - September 2026–Present. • Resident Assistant, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia - August 2026 – Present. • Researcher, Alliance for Regenerative Livestock, West Virginia University - September 2025 – Present. • The Virginians Collegiate Honors Council Fall 2026 Conference, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Virginia - September 2026. • 2026 ASAS-CSAS Annual Meeting, Presenter; represented West Virginia University and the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin - July 2026. • Reymann Memorial Farms Summer Intern, Wardensville, West Virginia – May - August 2026. • VCHC Spring Research Symposium, Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia - April 2026. • DLGE Student Research and Creative Scholarship Day Research Symposium, Morgantown, West Virginia - April 2026. • West Virginia University Undergraduate Spring Research Symposium, Morgantown, West Virginia - April 2026. • Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, West Virginia State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia - February 2026. • Veterinary Shadowing Experience with WVU Veterinarian Darin Matlick, Reymann Memorial Farm - December 2025–July 2026. • 2025 Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium, West Virginia University - People’s Choice Award. After earning my undergraduate degree in Animal and Nutritional Sciences, I plan to pursue graduate school and continue my research with the Alliance for Regenerative Livestock lab group. I hope to deepen my knowledge of animal nutrition, improve livestock efficiency, and advance sustainable agricultural practices. Thank you for the opportunity to apply to The Women in STEM Scholarship.

I am Addison Geyer, and I have always had a passion for caring for livestock and improving their health and wellbeing. My goal is to become a large animal veterinarian and make a positive impact in the livestock industry. I am dedicated to promoting proper animal care, disease prevention, and humane handling practices that support both animal welfare and farm sustainability. I am a first-generation freshman at the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at West Virginia University (Morgantown), studying Animal and Nutritional Sciences, following the pre-veterinary track. While in college, I have also been involved in regenerative livestock research, which has strengthened my passion for working with large animals and improving sustainable agricultural practices. I work closely with a group of heifers involved in my study. The goal of this project is to validate an AI tool designed to predict individual, daily dry matter intake (DMI) in order to identify efficient animals for future herd replacements. Beyond my research responsibilities, I am actively involved in the daily care of our cattle. I have administered vaccines, performed ultrasounds, collected rumen samples, and obtained DNA samples from our herd. These hands-on experiences have strengthened my appreciation for animal health and well-being and inspired me to pursue a career as a livestock veterinarian. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to combine research, innovation, and compassionate animal care to improve the future of livestock management. At college, I am involved in a variety of clubs that have opened new opportunities for me, including the First Generation Club, WVU Cycling Club, Horticulture Club, Fly Fishing Club and Cru. I have also volunteered my time at numerous campus events. As an out-of-state student paying for my education on my own, college has proven to be quite expensive. My education means the world to me, and I know the investment will be worthwhile when I begin my career. Scholarships have played a significant role in my success; the financial support helps ease the stress I face, and the encouragement behind that support motivates me to work even harder. Knowing that others believe in my goals strengthens my determination, and as a first-generation college student, that support truly means so much to me. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the “Pie in the Sky” Scholarship. Your support would make a meaningful difference in my education and help me continue pursuing my goal of becoming a large-animal veterinarian. I appreciate your time and consideration for this scholarship.