Congratulations to junor Entomology major Marina Conner as she received the Association of Former Students’ Buck Weirus Spirit Award and the Gathright Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Junior Award.
A native of Rowlett, Texas, Conner has been an active member of the COALS Council, where she served as the Entomological Department representative and is member of the Service Committee. She also plays mellophone for the Fighting Texas Aggie Band where she has participated in the Christmas Band at Holiday on the Quad and at a Salvation Army event, as well as Aggie Muster and the Bryan/College Station Christmas Parade.
Conner has been in the Corps of Cadets since 2016 and has served as the Scholastics Sergeant and Squad Leader of 5 cadets and a mentor to a sophomore from 2018 until 2019 and has been the Public Relations Corporal and Team Leader and mentor to a freshman from 2017 until 2018.
“The Corps of Cadets and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band provide me with the opportunity to represent the university’s traditions and Aggie Spirit,” she said. “Being a cadet it’s my privilege to embody the university’s core values of integrity, leadership, loyalty, excellence, selfless service, and respect.”
Conner participated in the A&M Caribbean Tropical and Field Biology Study Abroad in 2018 where she conducted field research on the Streak Gecko and a group field project on centipedes and millipedes. She also is currently working with Dr. Kevin Conway in the Department of Wildlife Fisheries Sciencs and a Trinidadian scholar to prepare for submission to the Living World of Journal of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists Club.
As a member of the Texas A&M Pre-Vet Society, she has been a distinguished member, where she had volunteered at several events, including Special Olympics, Weiner Fest, and the Texas A&M Vet School’s Open House.
“In addition to the Corps, I have enjoyed expanding my impact off the Quad through representing the Entomology Department’s voice on COALS Council and volunteering with the Pre-Vet Society,” Conner said.
Conner will be graduating in 2020 and plans on either going to veterinary school or entering into the public health industry.
“I am amazed and humbled to receive the Buck Weirus Spirit Award. I love being involved at A&M both on and off the quad,” Conner said. “I am honored to receive the Phi Kappa Phi Gathright Outstanding Junior for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. I am proud to get to represent the Entomology Department in this way. I have learned so much and am thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way.”