Champaign, IL (May 8, 2026)—The American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA®) is pleased to announce Kathryn (Katy) Kesler as the 2026 recipient of the ADSA Midwest Scholar Award.
The ADSA Midwest Scholar Award recognizes and features the research accomplishments of recent PhD graduates or current PhD students from the ADSA Midwest Branch in the advanced stages of their program (i.e., within 12 months of degree completion) at the ADSA Annual Meeting. The intent of the Young Scholars Program is to recognize the accomplishments of students in many disciplines through an invited presentation format; it is not intended as a competition.
Katy Kesler is a PhD candidate in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University, where her research focuses on nutritional immunology in dairy calves. Her doctoral work investigates the role of zinc in shaping immune cell metabolism and functionality during early life, a critical window when calves often fail to mount robust immune responses. By integrating immunology, cellular metabolism, and nutrition, her research advances the understanding of how targeted micronutrient strategies can enhance immune competence and improve disease prevention in young calves. Her work has practical implications for improving calf health, welfare, and long-term productivity in dairy systems.
It is with great pleasure that ADSA and the ADSA Midwest Branch present Kathryn Kesler with the 2026 ADSA Midwest Scholar Award.
About the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)
The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is an international organization of educators, scientists, and industry representatives who are committed to advancing the dairy industry and keenly aware of the vital role the dairy sciences play in fulfilling the economic, nutritive, and health requirements of the world’s population. It provides leadership in scientific and technical support to sustain and grow the global dairy industry through generation, dissemination, and exchange of information and services. Together, ADSA members have discovered new methods and technologies that have revolutionized the dairy industry. www.adsa.org