What's been your favorite course and why?
My favorite course at UK has been PPA 400G, which is plant pathology. This course was taught by Dr. Lou Hirsch, who could not have taught the class better. While the class was informational and extremely useful to my program, it was also incredibly interactive. There were several activities in lecture and lab to ensure that we were engaged and able to understand the information. Dr. Hirsch really made sure we were doing well academically and personally; you could tell he really cared about students in his class.
Why did you choose your program, and how does your program contribute to your career goals?
I chose my program because it made me feel incredibly welcomed. Coming to UK from out-of-state was very nerve-wracking for me. The M-G CAFE and Agricultural Ecosystem Sciences (AES) made me feel right at home. AES gives me as much room to grow as I want to. While we have many choices to choose from in the program, we can get as specific into the industries we are interested in as we want. The opportunities I've gained from this program have really shaped me as a person.
Tell us about your favorite professor, advisor or other member of the UK family that has been especially impactful during your college career.
My favorite member of the UK family has been Wayne Centers. When I first met Wayne, I was being persuaded to become a college ambassador by a friend who was an ambassador themselves. Wayne was quick to encourage me to interview and become an ambassador, welcoming me with open arms. Since I have become an ambassador, Wayne has been nothing short of one of my biggest supporters. He always asks how I am doing, how my academics are going and what he can do to help me in any way possible. Wayne has been nothing short of selfless and a constant support system.
Sarah's Top 3 Local Restaurants
- Big Kahuna
- Dad's Favorites
- Carson's
Have you completed an internship, job or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
Through my time in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, I have gotten to experience several internships. I completed two summers at Helena Agri-Enterprises where I focused on crop consulting. Recently, I've gotten to intern at James E. Pepper, a local distillery here in Lexington, to expand my knowledge I've learned through the Distillation, Wine, and Brewing Certificate. When I first came to college, I never would've imagined that I would be pursuing something in this industry. Now, I've been combining my experience in crop consulting through agronomy with my knowledge of the distillation industry to pursue a totally new career path!
What advice would you offer an incoming freshman in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
My advice for incoming freshmen is to get involved early as soon as possible! My biggest and only regret is not getting involved sooner. I was incredibly introverted coming into college, which continued up until the end of my sophomore year. I was fortunate to be selected as an ambassador coming into my junior year of college. From that point on, I have been involving myself in a numerous amount of things. Because of my involvement, I have been able to discover opportunities that I never thought I would be doing. I've gone to Canada to present my research through a College of Agriculture pilot program, started a food donation drive in the college, and created a plethora of networks.