Kansas State University has recognized Cassandra Jones, professor of animal sciences and industry, for being an outstanding mentor to undergraduate researchers. Jones is the recipient of the University Distinguished Faculty Award for Mentoring of Undergraduate Students in Research. 

Shortly after her arrival in the animal sciences and industry department, Jones assumed a role as coordinator of undergraduate research in 2017. She recognized the need to provide more research opportunities and established a course-based, hands-on, undergraduate research experience. Jones also serves as the animal science and industry department's teaching coordinator where she continually looks at approaches to improve the department's academic programs while guiding the program in its endeavors. She leads scholarship of teaching efforts in the department, having generated more than $700,000 in grants and gifts and publishing four peer-reviewed manuscripts. 

"It is a privilege to work at an institution where commitment to teaching and student mentorship is recognized," Jones said. "The true credit for this award belongs to the entire animal sciences and industry department for their investment and support of undergraduate research as researchers, advisors and staff. Mentoring undergraduate research is rarely an easy task, so I sincerely thank my colleagues who continue to help us provide learning opportunities in our animal laboratories and farms so that students can gain hands-on experience and learn to use data to make science-based decisions." 

Jones is the recipient of the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Excellence in College and University Regional Teaching Award for Food and Agriculture Sciences and the 2021 Mortar Board Outstanding Faculty Award.