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MANRRS students take home national awards

Six students were recognized at the organization's annual conference.

A group of smiling students poses for the camera, standing in rows on a winding staircase.
Students from Virginia Tech’s Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Relates Sciences (MANRRS) chapter celebrate winning six awards at the organization’s national conference in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of VT MANRRS.
By Marya Barlow

Virginia Tech’s chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) took home six awards during the organization’s national conference last year.

The annual event brought more than 2,000 MANRRS participants from 74 collegiate chapters to Atlanta for several days of speakers, training, networking, and friendly competition. Five students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and one student from the College of Natural Resources and Environment earned awards:

  • Manette Tanelus, a Ph.D. student in entomology, took first place in the graduate oral research competition, division I.

  • Taelor Baber, a master’s student in animal science, won first place in the national theme contest. 

  • Charles Sterling, a Ph.D. student in biological systems engineering, received first place in the graduate oral research competition, division II.

  • Zoie McMillian, a Ph.D. student in wildlife conservation, earned second place in the graduate research poster category. 

  • Kara Crudup, a senior in animal science, won second place in the photograph contest. 

  • Arogeanae Brown, a Ph.D. student in Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education, received third place in the graduate oral research competition, division II.

Crudup, who earned her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences last year and is now pursuing a master’s degree in the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education (ALCE), is president of the 30-member campus group.

“MANRRS has not only opened my eyes to a plethora of opportunities but has also served as a crucial safe space for me, particularly as a minority in this field,” she said. “This organization has played a pivotal role in boosting my confidence as both a researcher and a student, helping me to solidify my career path. Attending MANRRS conferences has been particularly inspiring, as I've had the chance to witness individuals who look like me holding significant roles in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences fields. This representation has been truly motivating, reinforcing my commitment to my chosen path.”

Brown, an ALCE doctoral student, is researching Black leaders’ motivations to establish community-based spaces and organizations to promote agricultural education among Black youth. 

“Having been a member of MANRRS for over a decade, I've experienced significant personal and professional growth within agricultural affairs,” she said. “MANRRS has provided me with opportunities to engage in various facets of agriculture, including policy, community engagement, leadership, and education, both within professional settings and on campus. As a longstanding member, I am able to extend the resources and support of MANRRS to my peers throughout their educational and professional journeys. In this capacity, MANRRS serves as a valuable community and network, connecting individuals with mentors, advisors, faculty members, and professionals across corporate, government, and academic sectors within the field of agriculture.”