
Everardo Anta Galvan discovers his passion for reproductive physiology research
Everardo Anta Galvan, who grew up in Mexico City, Mexico, is graduating this winter with a master’s degree in animal science. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose to work with animals, his experience as an international student, and some of the meaningful research he has done in reproductive physiology. He was recently accepted into UW–Madison’s endocrinology reproductive physiology program where he will pursue his PhD.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I chose to become a veterinarian when I was very young. Both my parents are veterinarians, and I am sure that their example motivated me quite a lot in the decision. However, I have always liked all kinds of animals and while I thought for a second about becoming a biologist, I do not regret the choice I made. One of the coolest things I learned during vet school was how proteins were in charge of everything in the body, without them we would not be the amazing creatures we are.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I am not very involved with any organization, but sometimes I assist the ASGSA (Animal Science Graduate Student Association) whenever I have the time.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
As a short-term goal, I am defending my master’s on Friday, December 6. After graduation, I will go to Mexico to visit family and will come back to Madison in spring 2025, as I was recently accepted into the ERP (Endocrinology Reproductive Physiology) program, where I will continue my education pursuing a PhD. Once I finish my degree, I hope I can continue doing research in embryos, which is truly my passion.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
Well, as an international student, getting a graduate degree outside of Mexico was one of my biggest dreams and now is one of my biggest accomplishments. I feel that being part of CALS had a significant impact on my career, and I am grateful for having the opportunity to study here.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I am proud of being an international student from Mexico. Unfortunately, I have not met many Mexican students, which has opened my eyes to understand the importance of the opportunity I was given to study here. I am also extremely proud of the work and research I have done for the last couple of years. I was very lucky to get this project and being able to study how the sperm influences embryo development post-fertilization has been amazing.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
Sometimes it will feel like you won’t be able to make it, but if you focus on your overall goal instead of the overwhelming feeling, you will see the bright light at the end of the tunnel sooner than you think.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
Being able to work with animals, especially cows. Also, having the different research centers close to Madison is of great help.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Honestly, I am not a big fan of ice cream, everybody judges me for that! But I have a soft spot for peanut butter. I pretty much survived my masters eating the Nutty Professor flatbread from Babcock, I highly recommend it!
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
Madison is so beautiful; I am very happy to be studying in this city! I love that there is no traffic (go to Mexico City and you will know what I am talking about) and having the lakes around is an amazing gift. I was not used to having the 4 seasons, and I have learned that there is always something to do year-round, from swimming to skiing, the stunning fall colors and the snow-covered landscapes have captured my heart since my first year here. Over the past five years Madison has truly become my home.