It’s hard to believe I started my tenth year at UNL in January! I’m happy to have found myself living back in my hometown of Martell (just south of Lincoln) after trying out the “city life” in Lincoln for several years. I graduated from UNL with a B.S. in animal science in 2004 where I was a member of the Meats and MEAC Judging Teams as well as Block and Bridle and The Rodeo Association. In 2010 I started my journey as a Nebraska LEAD Class 30 Fellow and am proud to be one of over 900 alumni making an impact on agriculture in the state of Nebraska and beyond.
What is your position at UNL?
I am a research technologist at the Veterinary Diagnostic Center and UNL Rodeo Association advisor.
What drew you to UNL?
During my time as a student at UNL I was able to see the impact the university has on research and industry across Nebraska and the nation. In between graduation and my current position, I worked for both large and small industries but never felt connected to what I was doing. When I saw an opportunity at UNL I knew it was where I wanted to be. The diagnostic lab was a natural fit to use my skills in science and have the connection to agriculture that I was missing in my previous positions.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
I have a really unique opportunity here at UNL where I get to have the best of both worlds; serving our state while working at the VDC and seeing the growth and development of amazing students as the advisor for the UNL Rodeo Association. At the VDC, whether the need is in animal production or the small animal pet owner, we are constantly working on being ahead of animal disease and helping veterinarians protect the health and safety of our animal industry. As advisor of the rodeo association, I get to see the growth of students during their college experience, and what they can accomplish never ceases to amaze me. From teaching a group of elementary students about the history of rodeo to hosting our own two day regional rodeo from the ground up, the members of the UNL Rodeo Association are making an impact.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Although college is a blip on the map of a student’s whole life, I’m happy to think that, for a few of them, I may have helped them along their journey. It’s a neat thing to see a freshmen come in their first year, really shy and not quite sure where they fit in, and see them graduate four or five years later as an officer, team captain or high sponsorship seller. Whether it be a recommendation letter for vet school or a new job I love getting to brag on what our students have accomplished and how they have grown during their experience at UNL.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I love music! My favorite is red dirt country, but in my iPod you’ll find everything from Christian rock to country to pop music.
What is your life like outside of work?
I get to spend a lot of my free time with our rodeo students at various activities, but when I’m not trying to keep up with them, you’ll find me at Husker sporting events, catching a concert or enjoying the country life at home.