From Small Town to Orange Gown

From middle school science fairs to collegiate undergraduate research presentations, Oklahoma State University animal science senior Sage Becker has always been interested in the way things work.

Becker is a Barry S. Goldwater and Lew Wentz research scholar working in an animal science research lab. Her research is focused on developing alternatives to antibiotics in the livestock industry by studying the cell lines of chickens, pigs and humans.

As outstanding senior, Sage Becker wears the orange cap and gown at graduation to signify her CASNR accomplishments.

Photo by Peyton Haley.

Livestock producers use antibiotics to treat diseases, but routine use of those antibiotics has led to a growing resistance, Becker said. Researchers need to develop alternatives to counteract the resistance, she added, noting those alternatives must remain as effective as antibiotics once were.

In 2000, Becker was diagnosed with a rare genetic bone marrow failure disorder, dyskeratosis congenita.

As a result of the disease, her immune system is not as effective as it should be and her body does not produce as many or as effective blood cells and platelets as it should.

“Being diagnosed with my disease is what sparked my interest in research and genetics,” Becker said. “That, combined with my background in the livestock industry, inspired me to study animal science.

“I have always been a curious person,” she added. “I remember having conversations with my mom at the dinner table and asking her, ‘What is this?’”

Becker, a native of Keota, Iowa, is a fifth-generation agriculturist on both sides of her family. She grew up showing pigs, sheep and goats with her two sisters. She has attended the Iowa State Fair every year since she was born and began competing in 2005, she said.

Those experiences made her competitive and gave her a desire to do well in everything she does, she added.

“My competitive nature drives me to work harder than anyone else in the room,” Becker said. “That drive pushes me to achieve my goals in ways I was not sure were possible.”

Becker’s passion for the livestock industry runs deep, said Bailey Baskin, natural resource ecology and management senior and fellow College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources undergraduate researcher.

Baskin said Becker takes every chance to educate those outside of agriculture about why the industry matters to her.

"Originally, I wanted to study human genectis," Becker said. "I realized pretty quickly, though the agricultural industry was not one I was willing to leave behind.”

Becker’s dedication and determination sets her apart from her peers, said Kelsy Robinson, doctoral candidate and Becker’s mentor.

“Her sophomore year, Sage asked for her own set of keys to the Animal Science Building,” Robinson said. “We all shook our heads, laughed, and thought, ‘Sage would.’ She will do whatever it takes to be her best.”

Before she had her own keys, Becker had to call Robinson for access to the Animal Science Building early on the weekends, Robinson said. As far as she knows, Becker is the first undergraduate to ask for keys to the building so she could come in both before and after hours, Robinson added.

“Asking for the keys to the Animal Science Building is a good example of Sage’s broader interests and her desire to be constantly involved in the things she chooses to do,” Robinson said.

Robinson believes Becker’s passion and drive makes her a stand-out student, she said.

“Many people in our field do research because it may look good on a résumé, but Sage does it because it is her passion,” Robinson said. “She is eager to learn everything she can.”

Poultry is a good model organism for humans. Studying their cell lines gives researchers the chance to serve both industries.

Photo by Laura Wood.

In a lab setting, students tend to get caught up in following steps and protocol to get results, Robinson said. Becker cares most about the science behind the reasons to follow those steps, she said. This gives Becker an edge and insight as she looks ahead to different problems she may want to solve in the future, Robinson added.

“Sage is a person who has always set herself up for success,” Baskin said. “No matter what she does, she always gives 100% of her effort.”

Becker was invited to present her research at the Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium at Rice University in Houston in October 2018. The invitation to present verifies the quality of Becker’s research, Robinson said.

“Sage has pushed me to be more driven and intentional in all things that I do, not just my research,” Baskin said. “She has taught me that it’s really more about the big picture rather than our specific research projects.”

Becker said the most rewarding part of her time at OSU has been working with current and future students. While in school she has worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant, undergraduate research ambassador, supplemental instruction leader, student academic tutor and CASNR student academic mentor, she said.

Becker’s dedication to both research and service to CASNR was recognized at the 2018-19 CASNR Scholarship Banquet where she was presented the Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior award.

After graduation, Becker plans to attend Iowa State University to pursue a doctoral degree in immunobiology, she said. Her ultimate career goal is to work as a researcher in animal immunology and genetics in either industry or academia, she said.

“I love to make others excited about the things I am excited about,” she said. “I want to have an impact on those around me and the industry I grew up in. Having the ability to ignite that spark in other helps me know I am meant to be doing."