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Year: Graduate Student
Major: Conservation Genetics, Animal Sciences
College: Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES)
Proudest accomplishment to date: Development of a study abroad program to South Africa for Illinois students (and other university students across the world). The title of the program is Afrika Discovery: Game Capture and Wildlife Studies in South Africa. Our South African guide, Andy Schaefer, and I have taken more than 30 students from Illinois alone during the past two summers on the trips to South Africa, where they have had many amazing experiences. They have participated in capturing wildebeest and kudu, tracking leopards and rhino, studying the behavior of African elephants, hyenas, and much much more. I am extremely proud to have provided an experience to my peers that they will remember for the rest of their lives, and I will continue to provide the program to students as long as the interest remains.
What is the most exciting aspect of life as a graduate student in the College of ACES? The possibility to work on some amazing projects with faculty and scientists that are experts on the leading edge in their fields. It is truly an honor!
Describe your most memorable experience at the University of Illinois. There are so many memorable experiences at U of I! In terms of great Illini moments, my favorite was during the basketball season of '04-'05 when the Men's Bball team played in the final four and the championship games. The school spirit that was expressed across campus was amazing! I will never forget when U of I beat Arizona in the last three minutes of the game, when Darren Williams made that miraculous shot from almost the half court line, and we came back to win, sending us to the championship game. Everyone flooded Green Street to celebrate, gathering around the Alma Mater statue, cheering I-L-L, I-N-I. At that moment, I was never more proud and excited to be an Illini! The atmosphere of love for a school on so many levels is present here in Champaign-Urbana, more than anywhere else in this world.
What is your advice for students interested in the College of ACES? The college of ACES has so many opportunities for undergrads and grad students alike. When I started in ACES, I had a narrow view of what I could do beyond the classroom. But with all the support and motivation of the faculty in ACES, my eyes were opened to the wide world that is beyond Illinois. Most students may not know what their future career goals specifically may be, but in College of ACES you are able to explore all options, grow as a person, figure out what you want in life, and meet lots of amazing students and faculty. Everyone is very supportive and no matter what you want to do someone will help you find a way.
Why do you belong at Illinois? I belong at Illinois because the academic environment here has allowed me to explore all my options, pursue all my dreams, and work towards all my goals. I was given so much support as an undergrad, and I blossomed as a student beyond what I would even have believed. I love working in the field of animal sciences, specifically wildlife. I studied abroad several times at Illinois to gain experiences with wildlife. Illinois offered programs to South Africa, Brazil, and many more. I hoped someday that I could work on wildlife-related research at Illinois, and now as a grad student I am working in the field of conservation genetics on DNA of the African Elephant. I truly belong at Illinois because Illinois has helped me reach all my goals and fulfill all my dreams! And I am working to share the advice and experiences with every other ACES undergrad in order to help them reach their goals as well!