May 1, 2023

Student Spotlight: Laura Reiling


Meet Laura Reiling, a senior animal science major from Lincoln, Neb.

Hometown: Lincoln, NE 

Major: Animal Science 

Anticipated Date of Graduation: May 2023 

Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?  

I decided to come to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln because it is a prominent agricultural university and provides ample opportunities to expand my knowledge and gain valuable experiences.  

What is your favorite thing about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln? 

My favorite thing about the University of Nebraska at Lincoln is the opportunities available to students outside of the classroom. Some of these include clubs, intramural sports, work experience, volunteer opportunities, and attending athletic events. 

What about diversity and inclusion? Is it necessary to you when you think about your CASNR experience? 

I think that diversity and inclusion are necessary for our education, as it allows us to work with and learn from a variety of different people. This allows us to be constantly surrounded by different ways of thinking.  

Exposure to cultural differences is a huge part of college. What activity have you recently participated in that is different from what you are used to in your culture? This could be something you read, listened to, watched, eaten or otherwise taken part in. What did you learn from this activity? 

As part of my global agricultural class, I have been given the opportunity to learn in depth, about cultures different from my own. I’ve learned that someone's location, education, resources, and culture can have a large impact.  

What is your favorite class you have taken so far and why?

As an animal science major with an emphasis in meat science, I have been given the opportunity to take several different meats related classes, my favorite of which, has been Animal Science 410 – Processed Meats. This class allowed me and a partner the chance to create our own specialty product while learning more about the techniques behind meat processing and the importance of meat quality and safety.  

What are your plans post-graduation? 

After graduation, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Master’s degree in meat science at Texas A&M University.  

What’s life like outside of school? 

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, cooking, working with animals, and particpating and watching sports.  

What scholarships, if any, have you received? 

Nebraska Cattlemen Beef Pit Scholarship, Husker Traditions Scholarship, Gamma Sigma Delta Senior Scholarship, Nebraska Cattlemen Retail Value Steer Challenge Scholarship, Chris and Sarah Raun Memorial Scholarship, D.V & Ernestine Stephens Excellence Scholarship, Meat Science Excellence Scholarship, Mike Cull Judging and Activities Award, Eric Peterson Memorial Award, Frank & Shirley Sibert Scholarship, and Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium Scholarship