The UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences (ANS) is proud to recognize some of the Spring 2023 graduates. The department has over 60 graduates at the undergraduate level this semester. Their future career paths range from veterinarians to industry professionals.
Taylor Harris is a Food Animal Specialization student who will be starting a master’s program in UF/IFAS’s Family, Youth, and Community Sciences Department in the fall. Her favorite class was Techniques in Farrier Science.
“I’ve always had an interest in the work farriers do, so being able to participate in the basics and learn from a farrier was an awesome experience,” said Harris.
Recently accepted into the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Biology senior Chelby Gossett will begin pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in the fall. Gossett participated in undergraduate research in Dr. Samantha Brooks’ equine genetics lab. She said Brooks had the most significant impact on her during her time in the department.
“Dr. Brooks helped me a lot in my professional development by pushing me out of my comfort zone to grow in skills like scientific writing and data analysis. She is an amazing mentor and is always been so willing to teach,” said Gossett.
Jenna Mason is an Equine Specialization senior who will be working with hunter-jumper horses in Europe after graduation. During her time as an undergraduate, she said that ANS lecturer Joel McQuagge had the largest impact on her.
“He taught several of the classes I took and I now TA for one of his classes. Joel has always been a supportive figure through my time at UF and pushed me to do better. He is always there to listen and offer advice or help in any way possible,” said Mason.
Dailin Fuego is a Food Animal Specialization student who plans to obtain a master’s degree in animal sciences. Her research will have a focus on translational reproductive biology. She found a passion for this when working in Dr. Hansen’s bovine embryology lab.
“I did my internship in his lab and learned a lot about embryology. He also allowed me to start my own research project. While in his lab, I learned how to do IVF and several other lab procedures,” said Fuego.
Animal Biology Specialization student Catalina Sandoval will be taking a gap year after graduation. During her gap year, she will be working locally as a veterinary technician and applying to vet school. As an undergraduate, Sandoval was involved in several organizations, such as the UF Pre-Vet Club.
“UF Pre-Vet Club has been my favorite organization to participate in in my undergrad career! The opportunities and friendships I have made are sure to last a lifetime,” said Sandoval.
Senior ANS Ambassador Emma Lipori will also be attending UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine in the Fall. She was involved in several departmental organizations, including Gator Collegiate Cattlewomen. Lipori’s advice to incoming students is to create relationships with ANS faculty members, as they are committed to helping their students.
Find more information about the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences at https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/. Stay in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Any questions or inquiries regarding this piece should be directed to Shelby Thomas at soesterreicher@ufl.edu. Read more stories like this one here: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/animalsciencesdept/.
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