Hall Talk
Here is how a dozen students in the College of Agricultural Sciences answered when asked this question:
“Why did you choose your major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences?”
Sheena Marie Crutchfield
Senior
Food Science
Hyattsville, Md.
“I chose my major because I am interested in working with food pathogens and microbiology. Penn State’s Food Science Department offers its students a wide course selection. I plan to go to grad school to earn a master’s and a Ph.D. and do research.”
Ian Vranich
Junior
Agricultural Systems Management
Hooversville, Pa.
“I chose Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences because of its worldwide recognition and its family-like atmosphere. I plan to use my degree to be a construction manager and inspector for a large site-development and road-building company.”
Kerry Lynott
Senior
Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Allentown, Pa.
“I chose Wildlife and Fisheries Science because of the hands-on and outdoors elements. Penn State’s College of Ag Sciences has a very welcoming feeling, like a second home, and it offers tons of scholarships and financial benefits.”
Andrew McDonald
Senior
Environmental Resource Management
New Oxford, Pa.
“I chose my major because it’s what I wanted to do. I wanted to learn to impact the environment from an everyday-management point of view, not set back from everything looking at it from a purist’s perspective.”
Norb Baier
Junior
Landscape Contracting
Spring Mills, Pa.
“I picked my major because I like to be outside working on landscaping. In addition, the management option offered by the College of Ag Sciences for landscaping majors will allow me to manage my own business.”
Donna Abdullah
Senior
Agricultural and Extension Education
State College, Pa.
“I picked the Ag and Extension Education major because there is miscommunication about agriculture—not many understand what it actually entails. After graduation, I want to be involved in teaching the science behind agriculture.”
Chad Pelensky
Junior
Animal Bioscience
Erie, Pa.
“Animal Bioscience was a good fit for me for many reasons. I choose Animal Bioscience because I felt that it would best prepare me for veterinary school. After that, I plan to eventually practice in a mixed animal hospital.”
Sarah Erdlen
Sophomore
Community, Environment and Development
York, Pa.
“I chose my major because I’m proud to be a member of such a close-knit community within such a large campus. The CED major attracted me because it is broadly based in economics, environmental and social sciences.”
Jacob Logan
Sophomore
Ag Systems Management
Irwin, Pa.
“I chose ASM because I liked the content of the materials covered. I’m from a farm, so it’s really more equipment- and engineering-based agriculture, and I like that since I’m planning to go home and move into the career field in that area.”
Chibueze Ihunnah
Senior
Toxicology
Glassboro, N.J.
“I chose toxicology because I’ve always been interested in the way pharmaceuticals are metabolized in the body. Also, because toxicology is a very specialized major, it allows me to see the applications of basic concepts that I learned in science, chemistry and mathematics.”
Jamae Mattaur
Sophomore
Animal Sciences
Paterson, N.J.
“I picked Animal Sciences because I’d like to be a veterinarian. When I came to Penn State on Achievers Weekend, I was sold on the campus. I enjoyed the minority aspect here and the opportunities the college offers. Since Penn State is known for ag ed, I thought that coming here would be a great way to get into vet school.”
Lisa Rankin
Sophomore
Agribusiness Management
Lancaster, Pa.
“I picked my major because Penn State’s College of Ag Sciences gives you so many opportunities and resources. I hope to eventually pursue my major and work for an international company with the connections I made at Penn State.”