Hometown: Nevada, Missouri
Major: Animal science with a focus in poultry nutrition
Anticipated Date of Graduation: Master's in 2017, then I will be here for a few years for my Ph.D.
Why did you decide to do your graduate studies at UNL?
I applied at a total of four schools, in Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia, but everything about UNL and Lincoln really stuck with me. I loved everyone I met during my visit; my advisor, my fellow poultry students and others connected to UNL's poultry group. I felt wanted and welcome. Everything fell into place perfectly, so I accepted a position here.
What is your favorite thing about UNL?
That is a very difficult question! I love so many things about being here. I would say my favorite thing is really a who: the people. I really like everyone I work with on a daily basis. From casual friendly chatter, to laughs for hours while we play with chickens. I have the privilege of working with some very cheerful, friendly and driven people, and they make me feel like such an important part of the program.
What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?
This is only my second semester as a master's student, but I found my advanced animal nutrition class last semester very fascinating. As a Type I Diabetic, I have always focused on nutrition and diet structure, so getting to learn in such detail the nutrients and their routes of digestion, absorption and metabolism was so cool! I of course learned about these processes in many farm animals, but we learned a lot of things that can be applied to human nutrition, which fascinated me even more. I must admit though, I have a lot of great feelings about the poultry industry seminar I am currently enrolled in and I have a strong feeling it is going to be amazing.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I want to stay with research. The research project I am currently a part of is my fourth research project. I did three independent research projects as an undergrad and fell in love with the research process, so I know that I really enjoy it. My plan is to stick with research and work with an animal I love, and a protein source I am passionate about - the laying hen and the egg. Specifically, I would like to do research work for the poultry industry or the egg industry, but we will see where I am in five years.
What’s life like outside of school?
I fill my down time with my dog and horse mostly. I moved my horse here last semester, and I was placed with a diabetic alert dog last September, so my two critters fill a lot of my time. My dog, a black-tri Aussie named Jeter, and I enjoy a good walk around the neighborhood, a cuddle with a movie, or some agility practice, and I visit my horse as often as I can. I am also trying to get more involved with local JDRF and diabetes groups. Other than that I am a pretty typical college student and take breaks from studying with Netflix, a good book or some time with friends.