Why did you choose the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I wanted hands-on experience, a smaller community, and a background more heavily focused on science as opposed to a liberal arts background. 

What are your career goals?
After graduation I plan to pursue dental school. 

Favorite class at UVM:
My favorite course thus far has been Microbiology and Infectious Disease (MMG 101). 

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I am currently involved in undergraduate research in the Microbiology Department.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am a member of the Pre-Dental Society, I volunteer at Steps to End Domestic Violence (a non-profit organization in Burlington), and I have an on-campus part-time job assisting the biology lab coordinator. 

Best place to study:
Library study rooms and the main floor of Given/HSRF.

Advice to future CALS students:
Take the time to get to know your professors, TAs, and advisor(s)! They are all such great people and it is important to build those connections. 

CHAT WITH SKYLAR HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have a lot to offer in regards to the animal science program at UVM like their hands-on programs such as EQUUS and CREAM. Along with their hands-on programs they have great connections to a large range of internships to fit the interests of any animal science student. Plus, UVM has a gorgeous view right out your window!

What are your career goals?
I am still exploring all my animal science major has to offer me and am not exactly set on what I want to do for a long term career, but I am on a pre-vet track with the thoughts of going to vet school or doing something in the equine industry.

Favorite class at UVM:
Equine Enterprise Management with Professor Rohan. 

Research or Internships:
I haven't completed an internship yet and have not been involved in research.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I horseback ride weekly off campus in Jericho and Shelburne, VT. I am a part of pre-vet club and animal rescue here at UVM. I also try to help and get involved at the UVM Horse Barn when I can, in the past I have helped with an ASCI 001 lab where students practiced haltering horses.

Best place to study:
In my dorm with my roommate!

Advice to future CALS students:
Try to get involved early and see all CALS can offer you right away because they offer so much! Getting involved allows you to find out interests you have that you might not have known about! Explore any and all your interests!

CHAT WITH AL'LAINYA HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose UVM because it had a very hands-on Animal Science Department!

What are your career goals?
I am on the pre-vet track and hope to go into Veterinary medicine. 

Favorite class at UVM:
Intro to Animal Science.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Feel good club, ski and snowboard club, outing club, pre-vet club

Best place to study:
Aiken lobby

Advice to future CALS students:
Be involved and take classes you want to take, not just what is required for your major.

CHAT WITH CAMRYN HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I really liked the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) program. 

What are your career goals?
I want to be an astronomist and study how biology is affected and could evolve in space. 

Favorite class at UVM:
MMG 002: Unseen World; Microbes and You

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am a sportswriter and news reporter for The Vermont Cynic and am involved in Canoe TREK, the Ski & Snowboard Club, Outdoor Club and the Horticulture Club. 

CHAT WITH SENECA HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because the faculty and staff genuinely care about the success of its students. It's a smaller college so the professors are able to connect with and support their students on a deeper level than professors in other colleges are. 

What are your career goals?
I am planning on working as an EMT for a couple of years after I graduate, before attending medical school.

Favorite class at UVM:
I really enjoy organic chemistry and all of my PEAC classes. Public Health affects all of us and is so interesting!

Research or Internships at CALS:
I worked in Dr. Stephan Keller’s lab doing plant and genetic research.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am a returning CALS Rep, as well as working on campus for UVM Program Board; the programming organization that puts on many of the events that students can attend on and off campus. I am also a 3rd year volunteer at the UVM Medical Center on the pediatric floor.

Best place to study:
Billings Library, no question about it. 

Advice to future CALS students:
Lean in!! College is such an amazing experience and we’re all so lucky to be able to attend UVM, so make the most of it! Do things that are a little scary and out of your comfort zone, you may just fall in love with a new activity that you never thought you would ever enjoy. And don’t be afraid to reach out to that person that you think could use some kind words, you never know what impact a compliment or kind gesture can have when someone is struggling. We’re all in it together and it’s so much better when people are kind to each other!

CHAT WITH TIANA HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS becauase it was one of the more close-knit colleges here at UVM, and it had my major. 

What are your career goals?
Hopefully vet school, but I will see where life takes me!

Favorite class at UVM:
ASCI 001

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Club Hockey, Feel Good, Pre-vet club, animal rescue club, intramural broomball.

Best place to study:
My room. 

Advice to future CALS students:
Chose a major that you are really passionate about! It’s a lot more fun.

CHAT WITH ERIN HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because I was impressed with the Dietetics program and really liked the mission of the college.

What are your career goals?
I would like to become a Registered Dietitian and work in community nutrition. I hope to work to improve school lunches and increase food access and nutrition education in food deserts.

Favorite class at UVM:
NFS 143: Nutrition in the Life Cycle

Research or Internships here in CALS:
n/a

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am the treasurer and co-president of Ballet Viridis, a student-run ballet company on campus, as well as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.

Best place to study:
The third floor of the library in a corner desk near the windows!

Advice to future CALS students? 
Explore everything that interests you because you never know what you might like! Make sure to take advantage of office hours and be involved in extracurriculars as well.

CHAT WITH OLIVIA HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because not only does it offer various resources for pursuing my NSF major, but it also offers resources for the premed track. The advising is outstanding and it’s great having a variety of majors all in one college.

What are your career goals?
I want to become a physician (oncology, orthopedics, or endocrinology)

Favorite class at UVM:
Chemistry 031

Research or Internships here at CALS:
Volunteer for Doctor Woods High Risk Breast Cancer Protocol at the UVM Medical Center. 

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Co-president/Co-founder of Health Guardians of America (UVM Chapter), Mentor for MedTrek at the Edmunds Middle School, Member of Golden Key National Honor Society

Best place to study:
Dana Medical Library

Advice to future CALS students:
Go to office hours and get involved in clubs/extra-curriculars!

CHAT WITH KATIE HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I was excited to get hands on experience right away

What are your career goals?
I hope to become a veterinarian.

Favorite class at UVM:
Animal Science 001

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
UVM animal rescue, pre-vet club, volunteer experience at a local shelter, dairy club

Best place to study: 
2nd floor of the library

Advice to future CALS students:
CALS is the best place to come and get started on your future career goals as soon as possible. 

CHAT WITH MARY KATE HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I wanted a hands-on education where I could be practicing the things I’d be learning in the classroom. CALS also appealed to me because it has the feeling of a smaller school, even though UVM is a pretty big school. I like knowing the people in my classes and having a sense of community

What are your career goals?
I want to pursue a career in wildlife conservation.

Favorite class at UVM:
Zoos and exotic animals.

Research or Internships here at CALS:
Over this past summer I had a biosecurity internship with Julie Smith, one of the professors in the ASCI department. I researched and wrote articles about livestock disease outbreaks for farmers, scientists, researchers, or community members to read and understand.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I’m the marketing intern at Living Well, where I do a lot of graphic design and social media planning. I’m also a Step Up Facilitator and lead trainings around bystander intervention.

Best place to study:
Billings Library

Advice to future CALS students:
Take advantage of the many opportunities CALS offers you! There’s a lot out there to be learned and enjoyed.

CHAT WITH MEG HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because I loved that it valued both hard science and communication skills. It's also a small college which makes it much easier to get in touch with professors and get research experience. 

What are your career goals?
I'm currently Pre-Medical but also considering Public Health Policy. 

Favorite class at UVM:
MMG 002: Microbes and You

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
The Natural Philosopher (STEM newspaper), teaching music lessons to kids, and ice skating at the rink. 

Best place to study:
In front of fireplace at MAT halls. 

Advice to future CALS students:
Contact people you think are interesting with your @uvm email-- they answer!

CHAT WITH MARLENA HERE

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences because I immediately felt so welcomed when I visited UVM, and I was interested in all of the groundbreaking research and wonderful opportunities happening within the college.

What are your career goals?
After I graduate from UVM I will likely continue my education with either a Masters degree or a Doctorate, and I want to go into either pharmacogenomics or bioinformatics.

Favorite class at UVM:
MMG 101! It's a rigorous introductory microbiology class taught by an excellent professor. There is also a lab associated with the class where I have learned so many practical microbiology lab skills.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Outside of the classroom, I am a Student Admissions Representative, I am a member of the Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Club, and I'm currently pursuing certification to be a Zumba instructor!

Best place to study:
Chikago Landing in the Davis Center. It blocks out most of the excitement from elsewhere in the Davis Center, but leaves a good amount of background noise and a great place to snack and study.

Advice to future CALS students:
Trust that you will find what you are passionate about and make good connections withyour peers and professors.

CHAT WITH KIRA HERE