Stephanie Bierly

Stephanie Bierly

Research Assistant

Stephanie is recognized today for her dedication, diverse skill set, and unwavering commitment to advancing the research efforts of the Ganda Lab in Animal Science. Her self-driven achievements are remarkable. For instance, as she was preparing to graduate, she emailed deans and department heads seeking to create opportunities for herself in agricultural research. Within the span of a single year, she also took on the challenge of acquiring coding skills to enhance her analytical capabilities, progressing from a novice to proficiently conducting analyses and drafting a comprehensive manuscript. As a lab technician, she oversees and manages multiple research projects with impeccable attention to detail and has greatly contributed to the success of the lab’s research endeavors.

Stephanie adeptly bridges the gap between academia and practice, leading to meaningful and relevant research outcomes that directly impact the farming community. Recently she led a collaborative project with a faculty member in the School of International Affairs, administering surveys and collecting environmental samples from Pennsylvania dairy farms and presenting the results at the Rural Sociological Society conference this year. As her nominator recognizes, “What truly distinguishes Stephanie is her dedication to engaging with farmers as an integral part of her research duties. Her willingness to immerse herself in the field, connect with farmers, and understand their perspectives has not only enriched the quality of our research but has also forged stronger bonds between our institution and the agricultural community.”