Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?  Environmental Science is offered as a major in three colleges at UVM and I felt like the CALS core curriculum best fit what I was looking for by giving me a well-balanced education outside of the classes for my major.

What are your career goals?  I’m not sure yet! I am still taking classes to find out exactly what I want to do and I’m open to where it will lead me. As an Environmental Science major, I hope to do my part to work towards a more sustainable way of life on Earth.

What has been your favorite class at UVM so far?

PSS 161: Fundamentals of Soil Science with Josef Gorres

Research or Internships:  Over the summer I had an internship with the Williston Public Works Department and I do work with the Lake Champlain Sea Grant.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:  Intramural Sports, Student Note Taker, regularly donate blood with the American Red Cross, anything on Lake Champlain, snowboarding!!!

CHAT WITH CAITLYN HERE

Graduation Year: 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I came in as a transfer my second semester of sophomore year. I found out that CALS was a better fit for in terms of my personal and career goals.

What are your career goals?
My career goals further down the line is to start my own non-profit business that provides financing services to low-income households and educates families so that shortly thereafter becoming associated with the business they are working towards a plan for financial independency and stability.

Favorite class at UVM:
Financial Management for Community Entrepreneurs with Marian Fritz

Research or Internships here at CALS:
Service Learning: Potato Research with Dan Baker in Peru

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Spectrum Youth Mentor, and Treasurer and Co-Logistics Chair for the Womyn of Color Coalition.

Graduation Year: 2020

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?

I chose CALS because the programs are focused around sustainability and the social sciences.

What are your career goals?

I plan to pursue a job related to landscape design.

Favorite class at UVM:
My favorite class at UVM so far has been Home and Garden Horticulture.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:

Horticulture Club member, VSTEP member

Graduation Year: 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS at UVM because of the emphasis of hands-on learning by the college. Most of my animal science labs have been on the University farm, working with the animals, or in lab doing dissections or other experiments. The other was the CREAM program offered by CALS; never in my life have I or will I learn so much from one class! It was the most rewarding, exciting, & definitely exhausting class I have taken, & worth every second. CREAM & CALS has allowed me to discover my passion for the food animal industry.

What are your career goals?
I will be attending veterinary school after UVM, with the intention of becoming a large animal veterinarian, working primarily with food industry animals. These include dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats, pigs & camelids. My long-term goals are to work as either a state veterinarian or as a veterinarian for the United States Department of Agriculture.

Favorite class at UVM:

CREAM!

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I work in Dr. David Townson’s lab on campus, where I am exploring different questions about hormone receptors using cultured cell lines. I also have done an internship through CALS at October Siberians, where I worked for a year with a real working sled dog team of purebred Siberian huskies. I learned things such as dog pack behavior, training, feeding, husbandry, and basic medical care and first aid of the dogs. It was so much fun and very rewarding!

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am the Vice-President of UVM Club Field Hockey, I have two off-campus jobs (one at a horse farm that I found through CALS), I do intramural sports with my friends each semester, I am involved in Ski club, and I just recently got involved in the Pep band!

Graduation Year: 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I knew I was interested in biology & saw that the college offered a molecular genetics major. I was originally a double major in environmental science & CALS offered both.

What are your career goals?
I plan on attending graduate school for genetics or epidemiology. And ultimately work for the World Health Organization or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Favorite class at UVM:
Eukaryotic Virology

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I am currently conducting research with Dr. Gary Ward in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics department on the parasite Toxoplasma Gondii. I did research with Dr. Katrinell Davis in the Sociology department on the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Womens Rugby Club, Mortarboard, Program director of Wilderness Adventure and Naturalist, Skills Living and Learning residential suite.

CHAT WITH NORA HERE

Graduation Year: 2020

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
Because of their amazing faculty, small classes, and abundance of opportunities to help you   succeed in the future.

What are your career goals?
Attend a Physician Assistant graduate program after graduation.

Favorite class at UVM:
MMG101 – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Dr. Johnson

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Active member of the UVM Pre-PA club, volunteer with the North Reading Food Pantry in Massachusetts.

CHAT WITH MILES HERE

Graduation Year: Spring 2020

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because I wanted to study dietetics and food systems. CALS has both of these majors/minors. I also work in agriculture in the summer on an organic farm. I enjoy the variety of courses offered for my major and how in depth I have been able to learn about food and how to cook.

What are your career goals?
My career goal is to attend medical school at UVM to become an ophthalmologist.
Favorite class at UVM:
Anatomy and Physiology

Research or Internships here at CALS:
Emergency Medicine Research Associate program

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Vice President of Communication for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women, Pre-medical club, Catamounts Against Cancer, member of Order of Omega, volunteer at the UVM Medical Center on the Pediatric floor.

CHAT WITH HAILEY HERE

Graduation Year: 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because of the intimate setting it provided, and the amazing faculty and staff. I got all of the benefits of a small setting, while still having access to opportunities that you generally find in larger settings.

What are your career goals?
After graduation, I plan on taking a year or two to pursue pharmaceutical development and a
certification for interpreting in American Sign Language before applying to medical school. Long term goal is to become a pediatric oncologist!

Favorite class at UVM:
My favorite class was by far MMG 101 – Intro to microbiology and infectious disease. This course gave me my first real exposure to a lab in a hands on way that I was not expecting with my limited experience at the time. I made lasting connections, had amazing professors and later became a TA for the course!

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am very involved in the D/deaf community here in Burlington! I volunteer interpreting for a D/deaf-blind man in the Burlington area, and work extensively with the ASL department here on campus. This is my 4th semester working as a TA for the department, after completing every class we have available and the experience has been amazing! I also am involved with intramural sports and play broomball!  My other activities include work as a PCA for a quadriplegic in Burlington, as a barn manager for a small private horse barn in Williston, and as a server and bartender at Burlington Country club.

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because of the professors and staff. They are all so amazing, especially the ones who teach the CDAE classes. Also because I wanted to major in communications. This major allows me to learn how to effectively read and write and be aware of what’s around me in the world, and I know it will help me with whatever I choose to do.

What are your career goals?
I one day hope to become an attorney. I have a lot of interested in going into Family Law.

Favorite class at UVM:
Right now my favorite class is CDAE 157 with Ryan Kriger. It is Consumer Law and Policy.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am the Vice President of the Mock Trial Club at UVM. I also waitress on the weekends at Longhorn.

Graduation Year: 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I came to UVM as a Dietetics major, as that was what I was determined to be. Upon taking classes in different departments I stumbled upon Community and International Development, which was a much better fit for me. This change allowed me to stay in CALS, which was a great benefit. CALS is great because I love the advising, the faculty, and the overall passion of the students. I feel that CALS and the majors/minors it includes really capture the “spirit” of UVM.

What are your career goals?
My plans for after graduation are to participate as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. I plan to participate in AmeriCorps for at least one year, and am open to the idea of doing multiple volunteer years. As for my long-term career goals, I cannot name a specific title that I hope to work towards. However, I do know that I want to change the world through the food system.

Favorite class at UVM:
CDAE 002: World Food Population and Sustainable Development! This was the class that opened my eyes to the CDAE department and truly changed my life.

Research or Internships here at CALS:

Through the food system extension office, I obtained an internship at a VT School District with Common Roots: a local non-profit. I was an education intern, worked with students K-5 at each school helping them learn about local, healthy food choices & how to incorporate them into their diets.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am currently the President of Mortar Board Honor Society, an all senior honor society that focuses on scholarship, leadership and service. Likewise, this is my third year of being a representative of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Throughout my years at UVM, I have been the secretary of Active Minds at UVM (a club that works to destigmatize mental health issues on college campuses), the Vice President of Animal Rescue Squad, an Alternative Spring Break participant and a general body member of Slow Food and Feel Good. Through these clubs and organizations, I have participated in various awareness walks, fundraisers, volunteered at the local Ronald McDonald House, and much more. I have also participated in two Faculty Lead Programs Abroad: one to Cuzco, Peru to study community development and economic transformations and another to Kenya, Africa to study public health, nutrition and sustainable development!

CHAT WITH AMANDA HERE

Graduation Year: May 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
Coming to UVM, I knew I wanted to major in nutrition. I looked up the courses I would be taking on the CALS website and saw that they have a wide range of interesting courses about food and nutrition. I liked the idea of being a part of a college specifically focused on agriculture and life sciences, subjects that advance the world and help people.

What are your career goals?
I hope to work for a non-profit organization that focuses on the population that struggles with food insecurity and obesity.

Favorite class at UVM:
My favorite class at UVM was my Basic Concepts of Foods Lab. It was an evening lab in which we cooked meals that challenged our culinary skills and also happened to be delicious. I got a freshly cooked dinner every week!

Research or Internships here at CALS:
My major requires a practicum experience during undergrad. I spent one month as a nutrition intern at Project Bread in Boston. I analyzed school meal menus in a nutrition analysis program and helped a chef with his healthy eating and cooking mini-lessons in a low-income preschool.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I have been very involved in Hillel, the community of Jewish students on campus, since my sophomore year. Through Hillel, I led an alternative spring break trip focusing on food justice in VT, planned dinners made with food donations from local farms & this year became president of the student board. I am also a member of Alpha Zeta Honor Society for Ag & the Environment through which I help maintain some of the green space around Jeffords hall this summer. I participate in dance performances & classes through the Dance dept. In November, I will be part of a performance in which I will be portraying a woman who was an activist in the French Revolution & was put in an asylum for manic episodes & depression.

CHAT WITH MIA HERE

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because I am intensely interested in food science, as well as natural sciences, it seemed only natural to fall into the CALS program.

What are your career goals?
My career goals are to establish myself as a food writer and cultural explorer. With knowledge of the food industry in and industrial and biological nature I’d like to begin to address some of the most important issues on the globe ranging from food insecurity in Africa to the equity of coffee producers in Peru.

Favorite class at UVM:
Cheese and Culture with Dr. Kindstedt

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
UVM Alpine Club

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS at UVM because it is home to the CDAE department. CALS was the only place I had ever heard of that had such a unique department that spoke to my interests and passions so well. However, once I became a CALS student and I immediately knew that it was the correct college for me. I really appreciate the hands-on approach that CALS has to learning and the amazing opportunities that exist for students.

What are your career goals?
I would like to pursue alternative forms of education for youth across the country, especially those living in rural or urban areas. I see myself ending up in the non-profit sphere and focusing on people and how to better their lives.

Favorite class at UVM:
This is a tough question for me but I think I would have to go with CDAE 002 with Dan Baker. It’s a timeless classic and really introduced me to my major and showed me the world of CDAE. It was the first college course I took that made me really excited to learn and passionate about a topic.

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I took CDAE 171 and traveled to Cusco, Peru with my class to conduct food systems and tourism trends research.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am a Student Admissions Representative, I mentor for the DREAM mentoring program and I play Women’s Club Ultimate Frisbee.

Graduation Year: 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I came to UVM undecided, and took CDAE 002: World Food, Population, and Development spring semester of my freshman year. I went in with the attitude that I’ll just get my D2 and sustainability requirement out of the way and “stick it out”. I quickly realized that I loved CDAE’s mission and their diverse list of course requirements. The following semester, I enrolled in 3 CDAE courses and was a declared Public Communication major by the middle of my sophomore year in Fall 2015.

What are your career goals?
Although I’m a senior who is anticipating graduation this coming May, I’m still unsure of my career path. I could see myself anywhere in the corporate marketing or public policy world. Hopefully, I’ll move to either Boston or New York City after graduation!

Favorite class at UVM:
So far, my favorite class at UVM has been CDAE 166: Community Entrepreneurship with Rob Williams. This class was hands-on and independent, with a focus on collaborating with group members to successfully market and sell a product. The approach of the course was to learn by experience, and Rob Williams provided us with the knowledge on how to communicate with our group members and establish a social media presence.

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I am currently an intern for the Church Street Marketplace Commission. I was offered this opportunity by my CDAE 195: Crisis Communication professor, Ron Redmond.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am involved with StepUp, which is a bystander intervention program at UVM that encourages social responsibility. As student facilitators, we educate students and UVM staff on how to speak out when they see sexual misconduct, bias incidents, or anyone struggling with mental illness.  I also am a campus representative for PINK by Victoria’s Secret, where I serve as an extension of their corporate marketing team. Our job is to promote the PINK brand by giving away free products on campus, planning events, and outreaching to students on social media channels.

CHAT WITH HALLIE HERE

Graduation Year: May 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because it combines top-tier academics and experiential learning with a strong sense of community. As a first-year student at UVM, I was struggling to find a place on campus that felt like “home.” When I transferred into the MMG department and CALS, the smaller classes & more accessible advising helped establish that sense of community I was looking for.

What are your career goals?
I hope to go to medical school and become a general practitioner. In between undergraduate and medical school, I would like to work for two years in health education or clinical care.

Favorite class at UVM:
MMG 101: Microbiology and Infectious Disease. This class is by far the most demanding lecture/lab course I have taken, but it was completely worth it! The hands-on experiences I had in lab and the quality of the material I learned in lecture exceeded all my expectations.

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I am currently conducting research for my senior thesis in Immunobiology (College of Medicine) studying activation of an unusual subset of immune cells known as gamma delta T cells. I am also a Teaching Assistant for MMG 101.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
On campus, I am co-president of the Biochemistry Society and vice president of UVM Jazbaa, a South Asian dance team, which strives to represent South Asian culture through dance, music, fashion, and food. I have also been involved with a variety of singing activities during my time at UVM, such as performing in the chorus of two professional opera productions in Middlebury. In the Burlington community, I volunteer at UVM Medical Center and I am also a citizenship tutor for the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program, teaching U.S. history and civics to recent immigrants studying for the naturalization test.

CHAT WITH MAHALYA HERE

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
As UVM is a Land Grant Institution, I feel CALS is the heart of the school. CALS offers dynamic and hands-on opportunities with a transdisciplinary take on education. CALS students are forwarding-thinking, able to see bigger picture issues and figure out ways to solve them.

What are your career goals?
Work with the Farm-to-School movement in inner city schools & make nutrition education an integral part of primary education.

Favorite class at UVM:
CDAE 004 US Food, Social Equity & Development

Research or Internships here at CALS:
Lab Volunteer for the von Wettberg Lab, Communication and Events Outreach Intern for Vermont Community Garden Network.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
College Undergrads Not Tolerating Sexism, UVM Theater Department, Intermural Volleyball, Broomball, Soccer, City Market Member-Worker Volunteer, Vine Sanctuary Volunteer and a server at Istanbul Kebab House.

CHAT WITH RENEE HERE

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because of the smaller community it contains, allowing me to easily make connections with faculty and other students.

What are your career goals?
I hope to either work in academics or in the environmental industry, I would love to continue doing research as well.

Favorite class at UVM:
My favorite class is Plant Physiology with Jeanne Harris.

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I conduct research on ferns in the Barrington lab right on UVM campus.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I’m part of the horticulture club, the bee keeping club, and the film club. I was also a part of the Dewey House for community engagement and service. I also went to New Orleans for Alternative Spring Break to help rebuild houses affected by Hurricane Katrina.

CHAT WITH AMANDA HERE

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I have a cross college major so I had the choice between CALS and CAS when I decided on UVM. I chose CALS because I liked the small, close knit feel that it has. I also felt like the college requirements and goals aligned more closely with what I was interested in.

What are your career goals?
I intend to go to medical school after graduating from UVM.

CHAT WITH AMANDA HERE

Favorite class at UVM:
Organic chemistry with Sandy Wurthmann!

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I am currently doing research in the psychology department.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
UVM Equestrian Team, Pre-Medical Club officer, CALS Reps, Volunteer at UVM Medical Center, Volunteer at All Breed Rescue, Intramural Sports, and Honors College Peer Mentor.

CHAT WITH MORGAN HERE

Graduation Year: May 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose the College of Agriculture and Life Science because of Kelly Hamshaw. Originally, I was in the business school and found myself struggling and wanting to quit college. Kelly was extremely supportive of me transferring in and helping me figuring out which major within CDAE would best suit what I was looking for and could excel at.

What are your career goals?
As of right now, I would love to attend law school and become a lawyer. However, realistically speaking, I would be happy doing anything with communications, PR, and/or event planning. Last semester, I went abroad to Prague and would move back in a heartbeat. Most recently, I have been looking for jobs back in Prague.

Favorite class at UVM:
My favorite class at UVM was consumer, markets, and public policy with Rob Williams. The class covered many relevant and interesting concepts that I never thought I would learn about. Instead of exams, Rob had us do weekly blogs. Looking back, I never knew that writing so many blogs would help me in the long run.

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I was a TA for Kelly for her class, Sustainable Community Development. I held weekly discussion groups with 21 students and graded their weekly blog posts. Being the head of the classroom and having all eyes on you gave me different perspective of learning and becoming the teacher. I felt as though I developed an individual relationship with each of my students and consider them all talented, bright individuals.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Currently, I serve as an AIFS Alumni Ambassador and volunteer at the study abroad office.  Since going abroad, I would love to help other students figure out a location to spend a semester and help with any questions and concerns they might have. A few times a month I will volunteer at with the UVM study abroad office with helping them table at the Davis Center.

CHAT WITH NADIA HERE

Graduation Year: Dec. 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I originally started off at UVM as Animal Science pre-vet and then realized I wanted to go into medicine. Since CALS offered a major in Biological Sciences it was a super easy switch from one major to the other.

What are your career goals?
I want to go to Physician Assistant School after I graduate.

Favorite class at UVM:
Organic Chemistry with Sandy Wurthman

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
UVM Dressage Team, Red Cross Volunteer, Shadowing at the Hospital.

CHAT WITH KAYLA HERE

Graduation Year: 2018

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?

I was initially undeclared in Arts & Sciences. When I discovered the Food Systems major, I transferred into CALS.

What are your career goals?

To find fulfillment in whatever I choose to do. As of now, I’d like to write about sustainability and food culture for a travel magazine.

Favorite class at UVM:

Any class with Rob Williams (I’m currently in my fourth) is time well spent. Strategic writing with Joyce Hendley is proving to be immensely helpful. Computer applications with Tomas DeSisto, also, very helpful.

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I had an internship with the Intervale Food Hub my junior year. It was a really fun internship, as the company was really small and I got to know everyone well. One of my jobs was to cook up the entire contents of the weekly CSA basket, taking pictures and putting recipes on the Intervale’s blog, with the purpose of showing members that it was relatively easy to cook all the produce. (Waste was a concern for a lot of people contemplating joining the CSA.) This year, I’m the digital editorial intern for Eating Well Magazine in Shelburne, Vermont. It’s very different from my position with the Intervale, as the magazine is pretty prominent and is read all over the country. I’m doing a lot of cool stuff for them, such as writing content, editing photos, helping test recipes, etc.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I volunteer in Port-au-Prince, Haiti for a month every summer, teaching English at a summer camp. At UVM, I am a TA for CDAE 002, I’m on the ski and snowboard club, and I am involved with the pottery co-op.

CHAT WITH SOPHIE HERE

Graduation Year: 2020

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM because I wanted a college with a strong animal science program but I didn’t want really big class sizes like some larger state schools.

What are your career goals?
I want to work with exotic and zoo animals and currently plan on working in wildlife rehabilitation.

Favorite class at UVM:
ASCI 171: Zoos, Exotics and Endangered Species

Research or Internships here at CALS:
I am not currently involved in research or internships.  In the past, I have assisted in an ongoing study for the American Chestnut Foundation.  The study focused on the success of American-Chinese chestnut hybrid seedlings which were planted in a recovering forest habitat.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am a member of UVM’s Beekeeping Club as well as Wildlife & Fisheries Society.  I also volunteer at my local SPCA when I am back in Pennsylvania.

CHAT WITH HANNAH HERE

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
For me, CALS was the perfect place to land in a time of uncertainty. When I first came to school here I felt lost and unsure of what the years to come would bring. I aimed to be accepted into the Grossman School of Business, but soon found out it wasn’t the right path for me. After interacting with several CALS students and faculty members, I chose to pursue a community entrepreneurship major coupled with a creative minor.  I am now very comfortable with my current status as a UVM student & I am excited for my future after graduation.

What are your career goals?
To work in a creative environment fostering an interest in product design, technology and marketing while simultaneously cultivating new ideas.

Favorite class at UVM?
Design Thinking and Advanced Design Thinking (formerly taught by Eugene Korsunisky) were by far the best classes I have taken so far at UVM. Eugene was one of the most enthusiastic professors I’ve ever had the pleasure to see twice a week. He was always engaging and made sure to make every member of the class feel comfortable. The course content following the steps of design was also extremely applicable, and I plan on implementing the process in both everyday life and future endeavors.

Research or Internships here at CALS:
A graphic design internship at Prime Shades (a local business started by 3 UVM grads). 

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I have participated in intramural sports quite often and have also been a member of the Ski and Snowboard Club for the last three years. I am also a member of the DFA (Design For America) Club here on campus. During all of my semesters at school I have also been a dormitory ResLife desk receptionist.

CHAT WITH ALYSSA HERE

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?  

I started out undeclared in CAS. I decided the summer before my sophomore year to pursue a CID major because I’m interested in policy and sustainability. I felt like CALS offered more of the knowledge and coursework applicable to my interests and goals than any major I could find in CAS.

What are your career goals?

While I don’t know what career path I’d like to pursue, I know that my main goal is to work in a fulfilling career that helps others and makes a positive difference in the world.

Favorite class at UVM:
My favorite class so far at UVM has been Sustainable Community Development with Kelly Hamshaw.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
At UVM I have been a part of the Animal Rescue Squad and have just joined the Dream Mentoring program. Back home in Hartland, Vermont, I work and volunteer for my local Rec Center.

Graduation Year: 2020

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?  

I chose CALS because I felt that I would receive an environmental science education centered around important issues such as food production and shortages, as well as keeping the land that feeds us healthy. I also knew that I would be learning about things I had little to no experience with – such as sustainable agriculture - and that excited me.

What are your career goals?  

I can't say that I have a specific career in mind, only that I hope to have a job that allows me to work outdoors with the land and also feel like I am truly making a difference.

Favorite class at UVM:  Currently, my favorite class is Geology 055 with Professor Stephen Wright.

Research or Internships here at in CALS:  

My first semester here at the University of Vermont I worked in the UVM Horticulture Farm's lab in Jeffords testing apples from the farm.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:  

I am an Advocat (tour guide), a member of VSTEP, and an eco-rep. I have volunteered at the Intervale and assisted their staff with gleaning, as well as assisted in teaching ASCI 001 labs.

CHAT WITH LUCY HERE

Graduation Year: 2020

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I want to follow the pre-vet track and go on to become a veterinarian.  I chose UVM because they have a hands on environment and animals to work with.

What are your career goals?
I know for certain I want to work with animals no matter what and promote education and welfare for animals.

Favorite class at UVM:
So far I really enjoy my Companion Animal Science class.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:  

I work at the animal shelter.

CHAT WITH JULIE HERE

Graduation Year: 2021

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I chose CALS because it seemed they had a lot of majors in the college, and I was really leaning towards animal science, so I chose it. Originally, when applying to UVM I went in under the Rubenstein College, but decided that CALS would be a better fit because they do have animal science as well as environment studies/sciences. This college seems like it is the friendliest out of all the other colleges, and I am very happy to be a part of it.

What are your career goals?
My ultimate dream/goal is to become a Veterinarian for small animals. Working in some type of way with animals is an end goal for me, or something with environmental policy/wildlife policies.

Favorite class at UVM:
My favorite class is my animal science class (ASCI 006). My professor is great, and she is a practicing Vet. So, I can learn from her. I am really hoping that at my time here at UVM, I will take some really fun classes that broaden my interests because I still am trying to figure everything out.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
UVM Animal Rescue Squad, FeelGood Club, Volunteer at grilled cheese stand, Outing Club, CREAM Club, Badminton (Doubles)

CHAT WITH KATY HERE

Graduation Year: 2020
 

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
Because of their MMG program

What are your career goals?
To either get a PhD/MD or both and then go on to do research in the life sciences

Favorite class at UVM:
MMG 201: Molecular Cloning Lab

Research or Internships here at in CALS:
Undergraduate research shared between Dr. Yolanda Chen’s lab and Dr. Stephanie McKay’s Lab.
SURF recipient for summer of 2017 to study epigenetics in relation to insecticide resistance.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Social Chair for Phi Mu Delta Fraternity

CHAT WITH SEAN HERE

Graduation Year: 2021

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?

I wanted to study biology, but I chose biological sciences at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences instead of another college because I wanted to focus more on the sciences.

What are your career goals?
I would like to become a pharmacist. Thus I am on a pre-pharmacy track and would love to complete a residency in the ER once I graduate.

Favorite class at UVM:
BCOR 011 – Exploring Biology, is so engaging and relates directly to my major and what I want to learn about.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I volunteer in the Community through my leadership housing and I also have a part-time job in the local area.

Graduation Year: 2021

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
The college is very small, and there are a lot of great resources available because it is so small. The MMG department is partnered with the medical college and there are a lot of interesting class opportunities as well as research going in in the department.

What are your career goals?
Becoming a doctor (M.D.)

Favorite class at UVM:
Unseen World: Microbes and You

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
Ski and snowboard club

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I was originally a Biology major in CAS when I came to UVM. I knew that I wanted to possibly switch to be an Animal Science major but did not want to make the full commitment. After my first semester here I switched into CALS where I found a smaller and tighter knit community and more students like myself. Finally I changed my major to be Animal Science and I could not be happier with the opportunities that I have had in the college! The hands on learning has been amazing!

What are your career goals?
Veterinary school to become an Exotic Animal Veterinarian or I would love to do species conservation work. Really anything that keeps me on my feet & involved with animals.

Favorite class at UVM:
The first Animal Science class I took was Animal Nutrition and I loved having a lab component where we got to do so many neat things! We did a long term project of “feeding” cows different things by placing them into mesh bags in their stomach as a class and independently we got to remove the bags! Placing my arm in a cow’s stomach was awesome! Also getting to see and compare REAL digestive tracts of different animals and how each tract is internally different.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I am currently a member of the UVM Equestrian team and an AdvoCat (Student Admissions Representative/ tour guide). I also spend a few mornings a week working at The Bagel Place in South Burlington so stop by for a sandwich made by yours truly! In the past I have been a part of Catamount Dance Crew (club sport), Intramural sports (soccer and basketball), was a summer and January/ transfer orientation leader representing CALS, and have worked on the WOW Squad for UPB two years in a row.

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?

I came to UVM for the animal science program, but as soon as I came here I immediately felt at home in the environment.

What are your career goals?
I hope to go to veterinary school

Favorite class at UVM:
Horse Health and Disease

Research or Internships here at in CALS:
I helped with two trials in the Kerr lab, looking at mastitis in cows.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:
I work at a horse barn, an equine clinic. I have a work study job on campus in the CAS Deans office. I also volunteer at my local library frequently.

Graduation Year: 2019

Why did you choose The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at UVM?
I came in declared as a Microbiology major, which is in CALS – so it’s not so much that I chose CALS as it was that I chose my area of study, but CALS is an excellent college and I am very happy to be in it.

What are your career goals?
Ah gosh, I’ve been asking myself that for the past few months, hahah. For now, I’ll be happy with earning an entry-level job, but in the future… hmm. I’ll have to keep thinking about that one.

Favorite class at UVM:
With this fall semester, I can say that the microbiology lab I’m a TA for is my favorite class. It’s really fun to chat and work with the students, and it’s cool because the lab is a good mix of sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet such awesome people otherwise.

Research or Internships here at in CALS:
I work at a research lab focusing on thyroid cancer at the Health Science and Research Facility. The lab members are incredibly kind and supportive, and it’s a really great experience.

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteerism and/or Community service:

During my spare time, I like to write, paint/draw, and visit the practice rooms at the music building. I also work as a subject area tutor at the Tutoring Center here on campus. Allowing me to take this opportunity to make a plug – the Tutoring Center is a fantastic resource, and it’s free of charge. Anyone can utilize the tutoring program. It doesn’t matter if you’re struggling with a class or just want advice about a course, the Tutoring Center is here to serve you. It’s not just limited to course work – we also have study skills tutors who help students build more efficient study habits.