AMP student recognized with national paper award

This past July, the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics proudly sponsored an AAE Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) student, Elliot Taylor, at the annual AAEA conference held in Kansas City, MO. There she was able to present her research at the 2026 AAEA Undergraduate Paper Competition. Competing alongside students from across the nation, Elliot was recognized and awarded 2^nd place in the Paper Competition!  

Please join the AAE department in commending Elliot for her hard work and rightfully deserved recognition. 

During her spring semester, Elliot participated in a sensory project in AAE 397C that analyzed consumer preference in sports beverages. The 397C course is a university-designated Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) course, which offers undergrad students with hands-on skills and experience. This CURE course is offered by collaboration between the School of Nutritional Science and Wellness and the AAE department. 

With Professors Na Zuo and Satheesh Aradhyula’s support along the way, Elliot was able to compose her paper titled, “A Within-Subjects Analysis on Consumer WTP for Sports Beverages: Sensory and Information Effects,” for the AAE Paper Competition. It was also noted that Elliot utilized her developed skills from the AAE 497A/597A course on Coding for Applied Economists. 

Elliot gives major thanks to supporting 397C professors, she explained, “it truly was an incredible opportunity that could’ve only been possible with Drs. Na and Satheesh. Thank you so much for your support and kindness during this whole process! Writing the paper and preparing for the presentation was incredibly formative, and I am so grateful for your investment in me!” 

AAE’s Department Head, Gary Thompson, congratulated Elliot adding, “It's a testament to your intellect, work ethic, and writing skills that you won this national award.”