Celebrating the Student Employee of the Year Winners
June 03, 2025
This Spring, a record number of students were nominated for Student Employee of the Year, an award that recognizes students for going above and beyond in their role. A student's exceptional effort could be demonstrated through a variety of contributions, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership. This year鈥檚 record number of nominees is proof that 海角社区 students are building futures, breaking boundaries, and helping to build teams that win 鈥� in Louisiana, for the world.
The nomination pool highlighted exceptional students from all corners of campus, proving that campus jobs are more than just a paycheck. They provide students with opportunities to apply what they鈥檙e learning in class, gain hands-on experience in their fields, and contribute meaningfully to the university and its surrounding communities.
The Student Employee of the Year award is presented to two students who demonstrate key competencies in two categories:
- Purple award for excellence in areas like innovation, research, creativity, and unique contributions
- Gold award for excellence in areas like leadership, professionalism, quality, and initiative
Among this year鈥檚 winners were two students whose stories reflect the passion, resilience, and dedication that define 海角社区 student employment: Cameron Bonds and Bethany Eaton.
Cameron Bonds: Purple Award
Mechanical engineering major, Cameron Bonds, began working at the 海角社区 AgCenter鈥檚 Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center (AGGRC) through a work-study opportunity, drawn by the chance to learn about 3D printing and prototyping.
Cameron led the development of an open-hardware shrimp artificial insemination rack as part of her undergraduate research. When a collaborator left, Cameron took ownership of the project, learning marine biology concepts independently and applying engineering skills to continue the work.
Cameron鈥檚 research and inventions directly support AGGRC鈥檚 mission of advancing aquatic genetic resource management on a global scale. Cameron has built and managed two fabrication labs, prototyped tools for invertebrate research, and led independent studies into cryopreservation techniques for Whiteleg shrimp. Their efforts are helping 海角社区 shape the future of sustainable aquaculture around the world.
After graduation, Cameron will continue innovating as a manufacturing engineer at Abbott in Temecula, California.
"As a mechanical engineering major, I didn鈥檛 have a background in marine biology, so I had to learn a lot on my own 鈥� from shrimp anatomy to artificial insemination and cryopreservation techniques鈥�, Says Bonds.
Bethany Eaton: Gold Award
Veterinary student, Bethany Eaton, serves as head live-in student at 海角社区 Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This unique position gives her hands-on access to emergency surgeries and clinical experience. All valuable experiences to have as an aspiring emergency veterinarian.
"I wanted to work in a place that reminded me why I chose this career path," she said. "Staying connected to the hospital keeps me grounded and motivated."
An employee who demonstrates compassion, dedication and initiative, one of Bethany鈥檚 favorite memories is about an all-nighter, but not the typical library study session. From 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Bethany assisted on back-to-back equine surgeries that involved everything from a laceration repair, two colic surgeries (severe abdominal pain), and a dystocia (difficult birth).
Beyond assisting in surgery, Bethany also serves as the head live-in student, helping train new student workers and streamline surgical preparation systems. Her leadership skills ensure the next wave of student workers will be confident, capable, and committed to excellent care.
Bethany鈥檚 next step is to become an emergency veterinarian, potentially specializing in cardiology. No matter where she lands, her experience at 海角社区 has equipped her to thrive in high-pressure environments and advocate for best practices in veterinary medicine.
海角社区 student employees exemplify excellence every day and the Student Employee of the Year program aims to showcase just that. They鈥檙e not only supporting the university鈥檚 operations, they鈥檙e contributing to global research, building safer systems, improving animal health, and proving campus jobs do more than help students succeed, they help 海角社区 build teams that win.
To learn more about the Student Employee of the Year program, how to hire a student worker or ways to celebrate your students please visit the 海角社区 Student Employment webpage.
About the 海角社区 Career Center
Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe 海角社区 students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.