Meet the Purdue ANSC Student Services Team: Anna Ripke

Anna Ripke is an academic advisor on the Purdue Animal Sciences Department’s Student Services Team.

Anna is from Lafayette, Indiana, and she received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Concordia University St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Anna has been in the department for over 2.5 years. 

“As an academic advisor, we are here to be your guide throughout college – classes you may take, jobs/internships, life chats. We are sort of like your personal cheerleader,” said Anna.

Anna’s advising philosophy is student-centered.

“All students come with a story and this plays into academics. I try to be someone that is a safe space that students are able to be authentically them,” Anna explained. “As college is more than just academics, it’s about finding yourself, amazing opportunities and lifelong relationships.”

According to Anna, the animal sciences department was a good fit for her.

“After learning more about animal sciences and the students that are in the department, I was ecstatic to work here,” Anna said. “All the opportunities that are given to the students are hard to beat. Also, I love that I can just see animals on a random Tuesday.”

Anna mentioned that she likes the department’s sense of community.

“The people in the department are amazing. There is always someone to talk with when needed,” Anna said. “I also love all the random events that are happening within the building.”

Apart from being an academic advisor, Anna is one of the co-advisors of the Animal Sciences Ambassadors. She also led a study abroad trip to Ireland in March 2024.

Anna shared some advice for students.

“Don’t be afraid to try things that are out of your comfort zone,” Anna said. “You never know what new thing might end up being what you are passionate about that may lead you to a career in the future!”

Anna’s hobbies include reading and cake decorating. She also enjoys taking her dog, Caly, on walks throughout campus on Saturday mornings.

According to Anna, her favorite restaurant near campus is En Lai Chinese Kitchen.

Anna’s bucket list trip is to travel to Austria. According to her, she is a “Sound of Music” superfan, so she would love to go there.

Featured Stories

Trees with fall colors around the pond at Martell Forest
Residents, Alumni Invited to Share Indiana Natural Resource, Spaces, Species Memories

Do you have a favorite place, species, landscape or natural phenomenon in Indiana? Share it with...

Read More
Isabella von Seggern
From the lab to veterinary school: Purdue Animal Sciences alumna builds on her passion for poultry

Alumna Isabella von Seggern is pursuing a veterinary degree with a focus on poultry.

Read More
Man measures trees in forest.
Prototype forest growth model demonstrated for Peru application

The U.S. Forest Service invested decades of work and tens of millions of dollars to develop a...

Read More
A maple syrup producer looks out over his processing equipment.
Researchers Seek Maple Syrup Producer Feedback with New Survey

Researchers are working to scale up the green production of maple syrup in the Central Hardwood...

Read More
A man with glasses looks through a microscope in a laboratory, illuminated by contrasting blue and red lighting.
Fly’s eye opens window into important biological processes

The eyes are the window to the soul, according to an old saying. But Purdue University’s...

Read More
A young Geriann Albers holds a coyote pup; Albers holds a red-winged blackbird; Albers holds her Chase S. Osborn plaque.
Meet Geriann Albers: 2025 Chase S. Osborn Early Career Award Recipient

For her contributions to and impact on wildlife management in the state of Indiana, Geriann...

Read More