Jesus Joaquin Figueroa-Zamudio began his career in animal science at Universidad de Sonora in Mexico in 2010. While studying here, he developed a passion for animal nutrition. Joaquin completed his M.S. degree at New Mexico State University under the direction of Dr. Sergio Soto-Navarro. He then accepted a position with the Veterinary Entomology Research Laboratory at the start of his Ph.D. program with Dr. Brandon Smythe, to integrate ruminant nutrition and the impacts of horn fly control in cattle. Joaquin has been an active member of ASAS, presenting at Western Section meetings and the Plains Nutrition Council meetings since 2017. In 2021, Joaquin received 3rd place in the Graduate Student Competition at the Western Section ASAS meeting. He has assisted in numerous graduate student projects on campus in Las Cruces, and at the Clayton Livestock Research Center, and Veterinary Entomology Research Center. During his time at NMSU, he has authored or co-authored 4 peer-reviewed publications, 3 abstracts, and 6 proceedings. His research is focused on determining best practices for feeding cattle after the effects of transportation stress and for fly and insect control at the feedyard. Joaquin has also assisted in developing a partnership between Universidad de Sonora in Mexico and New Mexico State University for students pursuing higher education in animal science. Joaquin is passionate about helping others through animal science and education in extension and industry settings.