Summer Intern

Lauren Williams- Summer Intern for ASAS

Hi! My name is Lauren Williams, and I will be serving as one of the interns for the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) this summer. I am a 2012 graduate of Cornell University, where I majored in Natural Resources and Animal Science.

While at Cornell, I had the opportunity to participate in the Cornell University Dairy Science Club (CUDS), Sigma Alpha which is a professional agricultural sorority, research with graduate students, and various other programs on campus.

My background includes growing up on a small dairy farm in Lebanon, Pennsylvania where we currently milk fifty-two Holstein cows. We also practice intensive rotational grazing, which offers an opportunity to diversify the operation. Growing up on a dairy farm has helped to foster my love of agriculture and strengthen my commitment to maintaining agriculture as a vital part of our world. This led me to double-major in Natural Resources and Animal Science where I could develop a better understanding of how we can sustainably utilize our environment in conjunction with animal production. From there, my interest has developed into better understanding of animal agriculture by the general public, and the ability of agriculturalists to successfully convey their story. Eventually, I would like to work with public policy and public relations specifically with environmental issues relating to animal agriculture.

This summer, I have to opportunity to learn more about publication and writing, and connecting with other animal scientists and interacting with them to hear interpretations of animal science. I will also be working on items such as the website, Taking Stock, posting on the graduate blog, and working on AnimalSmart. AnimalSmart is set to launch in July and the site will discuss questions such as, ‘What is an animal scientist?’, ‘Why farmers have certain practices?’, and various other questions related to animal science that the general public might have. In addition, I have the chance to travel to the Joint Annual Meeting (JAM), July 15-19 in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference provides the opportunity for professionals, researchers, and students to come together and learn more about different topics related to animal science. This is a great chance to network with professionals, and other students, and I would encourage everyone to come. I look forward to learning throughout the summer, and interacting with other animal scientists.