Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Rieko Wilford

Story by Katy Kinker

August 15, 2024

Rieko Wilford is a student in animal sciences, first-generation college student and a member of the Purdue Track and Field Team.

Wilford is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences. Her concentration in animal sciences is biosciences.

Wilford mentioned that the Purdue Animal Sciences undergraduate program was a great fit for her.

“I chose animal sciences because I have always had a love for animals, and after taking Dr. Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira's ANSC 311 Animal Genetics course, I found a growing interest for animal genomics,” Wilford explained. “I chose Purdue University because of its great balance between world-renowned academia and a great track program.”

According to Wilford, the Purdue Animal Sciences Department has several strengths.

“The Purdue Animal Sciences undergraduate program does a great job of helping students prepare for the professional world with many networking opportunities and classes that help with student development,” Wilford explained. “This helps students to be ahead of the curve when it comes to their post-undergraduate experience.”

Wilford’s main event on the track and field team is triple jump. Occasionally, she will participate in the long jump event. Her interest in track and field came from her father, who is a track coach. She has the third best mark for the triple jump event in the outdoor season in Purdue Track and Field history. She has competed at the NCAA regional meet every year of her collegiate track career. This past year she was also 13th in the East Region for women's triple jump, just missing the national meet by only one inch.

In addition to track, Wilford is a member of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) and a researcher in Dr. Roja’s lab.

After completing her degree, Wilford plans to pursue a career in animal sciences, specifically animal breeding and genomics.

“My time at Purdue has taught me about perseverance, which has helped me to create a great professional network to get me to my post graduation goals.”

Wilford shared some advice for incoming students.

“Be open to change, and if you have the opportunity to do something new, take it!” Wilford advised. “College is an experience like no other where you can learn so many new things about yourself and grow as a person. You can only do that by going out of your comfort zone. Trust me, you'll surprise yourself.”

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