A poultry science undergraduate student was recently named the Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year.

Alessandro Rocchi, a senior poultry science major, received the award in Atlanta, Georgia, during the USPOULTRY Foundation College Student Career Program held in conjunction with the 2023 International Production and Processing Expo. This nationally competitive award is given to a student pursuing a career in poultry science who has excelled in their time during college with great promise to make a large contribution to the industry.

"When applying for the award, I felt as though I had a good shot at winning second or third, but I would have never imagined winning first," Rocchi said. "As soon as they called my name for first, I was overcome with joy. It was easily one of the most exciting moments of my life."

The Frank Perdue Scholarship Student of the Year is awarded by the USPOULTRY Foundation in remembrance of Frank Perdue for his dedication to young people studying poultry science. The first place student is recognized as the highest ranked graduating senior across all universities nationwide.

"This award truly means a lot to me," Rocchi said. "I feel as though it is a nice culmination to highlight the amount of hard work and effort that I have put forth during my time here at the University of Arkansas."

In 2020, another U of A student won the award, and it has a special meaning to Rocchi.

"The award is particularly special to me as my mentor, Guillermo 'Memo' Tellez Jr., won this award his senior year," Rocchi said. "I felt as though it would be my duty to carry on his legacy as his mentee. This award also represents the amazing experiences I have had during my time here and the relationships I have built with my advisers and fellow students."

The application process is lengthy, and students are required to show faculty support.

"I could not have received this award had it not been for the amazing people who have helped build me into the person I am today," Rocchi said. "I would like to thank Dr. Gisela Erf, Dr. Guillermo 'Memo' Tellez, Dr. Billy Hargis, Dr. Danielle Graham, Aaron Forga and Guillermo 'Memo' Tellez Jr."

Erf, professor in poultry science, helped nominate Rocchi for the award.

"I thought Alessandro was a great candidate for this award based on his excellent accomplishments and demonstrated success in the poultry science program as a student, researcher, scientist, research assistant and leader," Erf said. "He developed a rigorous and challenging academic program and maintained an outstanding GPA of 3.98 over the past seven semesters. Alessandro has made the best of the opportunities provided and has done so with great motivation, resourcefulness, hard work, enthusiasm and commitment."

Erf has been Rocchi's academic adviser and honors mentor and has taught him in classes. She says that she is proud of his accomplishment.

"I am so very proud of him and extremely happy that his outstanding efforts have been recognized in this way," Erf said. "Alessandro is well on his way to becoming a very successful scientist and researcher. He has earned this award!"

Rocchi will be graduating in May with a double major in poultry science and environmental, soil and water science. He will be continuing his education at Clemson University this fall to pursue a master's degree in microbiology researching Histomonas meleagridis.