
Sophia Green hopes to improve animal health and help farms reach their production goals
Sophia Green, who grew up in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, will be graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in animal science. In this Q&A, she talks about her involvement in student organizations and research, the meaningful experience working at World Dairy Expo, and her future journey to become a food animal veterinarian. You can watch her video interview at the bottom of the page or on YouTube.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I chose animal sciences as a major because I always had the intention of applying to veterinary school, and animal sciences was a great balance between prerequisites and hands-on courses that covered a variety of animal disciplines.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I have been involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture (AWA), Badger Dairy Club (BDC), Pre-Veterinary Association, (PVA) and Collegiate Farm Bureau (CFB) during my time as a student. These have been incredible organizations that have helped me connect with a close-knit group of peers in the agricultural field and helped me pursue my professional veterinary interests. Additionally, I have had the honor to serve in leadership roles in these organizations as fundraising coordinator for AWA, World Dairy Expo Chair for BDC, and volunteer coordinator & Vice President for PVA. I have also been a part of undergraduate research through the CALS Honors in Research Program, where I’ve been a part of the Dr. Heather White Laboratory working with dairy cattle nutritional physiology.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
My career goal is attending veterinary school here at UW–Madison and enter the field as a food animal veterinarian. As a veterinarian, I hope to not only improve animal health, but also working with individual farms to meet their production goals.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
The most meaningful experience I had as a CALS student was working World Dairy Expo every year with my peers in Badger Dairy Club. I have so many fun memories from working the grilled cheese stand, to watching shows, setting up the show ring, and so many busy days in between!
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
Thinking about my time here as a student, I am most proud of the professional connections I’ve made. Now that I’m towards the end of my undergraduate career and the beginning of my professional career, I am really starting to see the pieces fit together with industry members I’ve interacted with along the way.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
For current or future CALS students — my advice is to make your college experience whatever you dream it to be! I never would have thought as an incoming freshman that I would be where I am today, but I’ve worked hard to try new things and challenge myself along the way. Now, I couldn’t be happier with the success I’ve found professionally and personally.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
The best part about being a student in CALS was becoming part of a tight-knit agricultural community. It’s been an incredible experience both personally and professionally. I’ve found my life-long friends and future colleagues thanks to the small, family-like community at CALS. Finding such a strong and welcoming group has not only enhanced my undergraduate experience; it’s shaped how I am and how I’ll approach my career in agriculture and beyond.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My favorite Babcock ice cream flavor was Bec-key Lime Pie! I absolutely love key lime pie flavored foods, and I have never had such a delicious, spot-on flavor before!
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
My favorite thing about Madison is all the different coffee shops! It’s been super fun trying different cafes and coffee flavors during my time as a student.