Jessica Verpeut, a Ph.D. student in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, finished third among U.S. graduate student candidates in the annual Alltech Young Scientist competition.
The Alltech Young Scientist Award brings together thousands of graduate and undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the globe. Candidates are asked to submit an original and unpublished scientific paper on an agriculture topic such as veterinary science, animal nutrition, feeding technology, agricultural developments or agricultural management.
Verpeut was named a Local Prize Winner for her paper “Central norepinephrine involvement in dietary-induced binge eating.” Verpeut’s paper is based on research conducted in the lab of Nicholas Bello, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. The lab uses rodent models to determine the dietary consequences of dysfunctional eating behaviors on the neural controls of feeding. She will receive a medal and certificate in recognition of this achievement.
The finalists for the Alltech Young Scientist Award will be announced in May at the 29th Annual Alltech International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium in Lexington, Ky.