Meet the Purdue ANSC Student Services Team: Elizabeth Karcher

Elizabeth Karcher, PhD, is a professor and the Undergraduate Programs Coordinator on the Purdue Animal Sciences Department's Student Services Team. 

Elizabeth is from southeastern Pennsylvania. She grew up only a few miles from the spot where George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776.

Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree in animal biosciences from Penn State University. She completed her master’s degree in animal sciences at Purdue and her doctoral degree in immunology and animal nutrition from Iowa State University.

According to Elizabeth, she leads the undergraduate program in the department as the Undergraduate Programs Coordinator.

“In this role, I lead a curricular review of our undergraduate program that resulted in a revised curriculum that offers more experiential learning for our students,” she explained.

Elizabeth is also a professor of animal sciences.

“As a professor, I teach courses in the department and conduct research projects in the area of teaching and learning on how to increase student interest in food animal production,” Elizabeth explained. “My research program also focuses on strategies to develop student intercultural competencies through domestic and international experiences.”

As a professor, Karcher teaches animal sciences courses: Introduction to Animal Agriculture (ANSC 10200) and Cracking the Poultry Industry (ANSC 49500). She has also taught Dairy Farm Evaluation (ANSC 48500) and Dairy Management (ANSC 44400). Additionally, she co-leads the Animalia Learning Community for first-year Animal Sciences students, and she leads a study abroad program focused on food security and environmental challenges in Vietnam. In the past, she co-led a study abroad program to Italy focused on animal production.

Elizabeth joined the department in 2016, and this upcoming semester will be the start of her 9th year at Purdue.

According to Elizabeth, she enjoys her positions as a professor and Undergraduate Programs Coordinator because she gets to work with students.

“I chose my current role because it allows me to work more with students and be a part of discussions surrounding undergraduate education,” Elizabeth explained. “My research program also allows me to better understand how students learn, which has an impact on the classroom experience and student motivation to pursue careers in animal agriculture.”

Elizabeth said one of her favorite parts of her job is working with students.

“I strive to create learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom that challenge students to try new things,” Elizabeth said. “I really enjoy traveling with students and exploring the world together!”

In addition to her love of working with students, she also likes the Purdue Animal Sciences Department.

“Our department has a wonderful team that includes students, staff and faculty. I enjoy the various unique interactions with each member of the team,” Elizabeth said.

According to Elizabeth, she advises her students to try new things.

“Some of the most impactful experiences happen when you are out of your comfort zone,” Elizabeth explained. “Purdue offers endless opportunities to explore your interests, so take advantage of these while you are a student. You never know what might spark your curiosity.”

Elizabeth is a Disney fan. She visits Disney World with her family several times a year. One of her favorite trips was a family Disney Cruise to the western Caribbean. Her bucket list trip is visiting the Disney theme parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Elizabeth likes to travel, especially if it means making memories with her family of seven. She mentioned she enjoys spending time in the Netherlands and even had the chance to take her three daughters on a work trip there last May.

In addition to Disney and traveling, Elizabeth also likes running and being outside. On the weekends, she also loves to relax and spend time with her partner and five kids. She and her family spend a lot of time at softball and baseball fields around Indiana.

Her favorite restaurant around campus is Walt’s Pub in West Lafayette. She likes their Boilermaker salad!