College of Agricultural Sciences

Spotlight

Hall Talk: Why Students Are Choosing an Agricultural Science Major

What attracts students to the agricultural sciences? We asked a dozen students already here why they picked the College of Agricultural Sciences, and their reasons varied widely. But the common theme seemed to be a love for the outdoors, an appreciation of nature, a desire to work with animals, and the intent to apply the science they learn at Penn State to hands-on activities involving our food and fiber system. The most attractive aspect of the college, it seems, is that we offer students science for their life.

Q. Why did you choose a major from the College of Agricultural Sciences?

Andrew Grueber Sophomore Landscape Contracting Rogers, Ohio “ This is something I like to do. Eventually, I’d like to own my own landscaping company.”	Justin Hamaker Senior Forestry Dubois, Pa. “ I have a love and knack for the outdoors. I’ve enjoyed the outside labs and the hands-on experience in this major. I’d like to get into federal forestry work.”	Ben Hartman Junior Agroecology Reading, Pa. “ This major brings a lot of separate ideas together. There are a lot of choices, and I have the freedom to create my own curriculum. I hope to be able to apply these ideas to my family farm when I graduate.”
Lu Fang Sophomore Environmental Soil Science China “ I enjoy the challenging topics and research. I hope to continue my research and earn a doctorate.”	Mike McCallips Senior Landscape Contracting State College, Pa. “ I’ve wanted to do this since high school. I hope to work for a golf course and eventually run my own. I enjoy the field trips and outdoors experience. It’s better than just seeing a series of slides.”	Rachael McKernan Junior Animal Sciences, Business Option Beech Creek, Pa. “ I chose this major because I grew up on a farm and plan to manage an equine-training stable or beef-production facility. Last summer, I got to do an internship in Hanover preparing yearling horses for sale.”

Alicia Faessen Freshman Turfgrass Science Reading, Pa. “ This is my first semester, but this is something I grew up wanting to do. I’m looking forward to the labs I’ve heard about.”	Daniel Sloane Sophomore Turfgrass Science Sarver, Pa. “ I worked at a golf course for four years. Once I graduate, I plan to go back, or even operate my own.”	Laura Sankey Junior Agricultural and Extension Education Clearfield, Pa. “ My high school agriculture teacher encouraged me to choose this major. I plan to go to graduate school and eventually teach agriculture in high school.”
Atchley Stackhouse Junior Agricultural and Extension Education Benton, Pa. “ I grew up in a rural setting and was involved in Future Farmers of America in high school. I’ve always been interested in agriculture and plan to become a teacher.”	David Ruvarac Junior Agricultural and Extension Education Westfield, Pa. “ I started out as a preveterinary major, but some influential teachers steered me in this direction. I’d like to help educate youth about agriculture.”	Niki Davis Senior Landscape Contracting Oxford, Pa. “ I like being outdoors and want to own a landscaping business. The class I’ve enjoyed the most so far is Horticulture 269, Residential Landscape Planning.”