In the coming year 10 students will serve on the 2022 – 2023 Animal Sciences Ambassador team. Animal Sciences Ambassadors are student representatives of the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences (ANS). They recruit potential students, represent the department at events, communicate with alumni, employers, faculty, and the public to promote goodwill within and for the department, university, and animal agriculture industry.
Douglas Natoce, an incoming ANS Ambassador, started out at UF as a Biology pre-med student, with no intentions of pursuing a career in animal science. After taking ANS 2002 “The Meat We Eat” with Kylie Phillips in fall 2020, he fell in love with the department and decided to change his major to Animal Sciences. Natoce jumped right into the unique opportunities the department offers, taking part in undergraduate research with Dr. Jason Scheffler, serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in ANS 2002, and joining the Meat Judging Team (read their recent accomplishments here).
“Animal sciences has opened my eyes to a world of new possibilities,” said Natoce. “After all the steps I have taken on my college career path, I feel that becoming an Animal Sciences Ambassador and sharing the passion that I have developed is the right place for me.”
The ANS Ambassadors will connect with prospective students by providing department tours, visiting high schools, college fairs, and UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences admissions events. Ambassadors also help immensely with hosting ANS events, such as the annual Beef Cattle Short Course, Ruminant Nutrition Symposium, and other major ANS events, where they engage with influential members of the animal industry.
“I saw a need for departmental outreach for new students and opportunities to revitalize our current student body as we transition back to in-person learning,” Natoce explained. “Working with the Animal Sciences Ambassador team gives me the opportunity to make a difference in the department.”
Natoce is most excited about giving department tours and sharing his love for the Animal Sciences Department with new people. He’s also looking forward to cultivating relationships with his peers and promoting their involvement within the department.
“We have so many opportunities for students to get involved that can often be overlooked. There is an incredible ability to network with professors and classmates and really dive into the world of animal sciences,” said Natoce. “I know for me working to get involved with extension activities like 4-H and FFA has been one of the most rewarding things I have been able to do, and I believe other students may find these opportunities just as impactful as I have.”
This program strives to cultivate role models and mentors within the ANS student population, enhance communication skills, personal growth, and professional development among its members, and create long-lasting ties with the department. Animal Sciences Ambassadors will provide a valuable service as liaisons between ANS, its students, and the community.
Introducing the 2022-2023 ANS Ambassador Team
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Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences on our website. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Any questions or inquiries regarding this piece should be directed toward Savannah Linzmaier at slinzmaier@ufl.edu. Read more stories like this one here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.
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