30 years of mentoring: Animal science spotlight

This year we are celebrating the 30th year of the CFANS Mentor Program. Look for some exciting celebrations and recognition throughout the program year! Have a special memory, photo or story from one of your years being a part of the program? Please share it with us at cfansaro@umn.edu.

As part of our year-long commemoration of this milestone, we'll be highlighting a mentor and mentee match each month. Get to know animal science mentee Venkata Sai Prasanth Niddavolu and mentor Lori Stevermer.

Venkata Sai Prasanth Niddavolu (Pra-shaanth) is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a master’s degree in animal science. His research project was a review on the effect of total dietary fiber (TDF) intake during gestation on reproductive performance in swine. He completed his bachelor’s degree in veterinary science and animal husbandry from Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University in India and is excited to apply his skills in the field of veterinary and animal science.

Venkata Sai Prasanth Niddavolu's interests include the etymology of words, writing poetry in Telugu and English. He is currently working on a book about the etymology of terms in veterinary and animal science.

Enrolling in the CFANS Mentor Program a few months before graduation, he had been a student for the past 10 years, and the road from academics to the job market felt so abrupt with a lot of change in terrain. "What’s great about this program is that it provides a gateway to learn from the experienced working in the industry and also mentoring students through the program," he said. "To learn from those who walked the path and have seen/guided many walk the path makes the transition, journey less daunting."

Lori Stevermer is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Lori and her husband Dale raise pigs and crops near Easton, MN and have three kids: Brett, a UMN graduate working as a mechanical engineer for Nystrom in Brooklyn Center, Adam, a UMN graduate who’s working in Mower County as a 4-H program coordinator and Beth, who is currently in her final year at Iowa State studying food science with a meat science minor. Lori is currently working as the marketing manager for Hubbard Feeds, having spent more than 30 years in sales and marketing in the animal nutrition business. Lori also serves on the National Pork Producer Council’s Executive Board. Her previous experience includes nine years on the executive board of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and various state and national committees. She enjoys advocating for the swine industry at local, state and national events. Her favorite MN Pork volunteer events include Oink Outings, Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth and the MN State Fair. Lori’s interests include running, biking and spending time with her family. 

Lori decided to participate in the CFANS Mentor Program to share experiences with students. She enjoys talking to students about personal development and career opportunities, especially in agriculture. Lori loves hearing about what the individuals are studying and their thoughts on the future. It opens her to new possibilities and keeps her young.