Graduate Student Spotlight: Jenna Schober

Jenna Schober is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Purdue Animal Sciences Department, and she is under the supervision of Greg Fraley, Ph.D.

Schober earned her bachelor’s degrees in animal sciences and psychology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2021. From a young age, she aspired to become a veterinarian, which led her to pursue a pre-veterinary medicine track during her undergraduate studies. However, as she delved deeper into her education, she discovered a passion for researching and studying animals.

After receiving her degrees, she started pursuing her doctoral degree in animal sciences at Purdue. 

“The one thing that stuck out to me is that Purdue is very inclusive,” Schober said. “Purdue seemed like it really cares about the students that it wants to bring in and are actually interested in what they want to do.”

Another factor that brought Schober to Purdue was her conversations with Fraley.

“We had multiple conversations about the research, making sure what I wanted to do and what he wanted me to do lined up,” Schober said. “I don’t think I had experienced that with any other school.” 

Her current research mainly focuses on the effects of environmental and auditory enrichment on Pekin duck behavior, production and welfare. She has been conducting research on semi-open water sources and their effects on Pekin ducks. Another project she has been working on is Pekin duck vocalizations with Fraley and Jeff Lucas, Ph.D.

In addition to her research, Schober is involved as the treasurer for the Graduate Student Association for the animal sciences department. She was elected treasurer in 2023 and was reelected for 2024. 

Schober is also a volunteer for the Columbian Park Zoo. She mentioned that she plans to end up in a zoo setting as a welfare scientist after graduation. She is dedicated to pursuing a career at an AZA-accredited zoo that excels in conservation and education efforts.

“I think zoos are super beneficial, not only for just having fun as a family but also being able to learn conservation and species survival,” Schober explained.

According to Schober, her experiences in the Purdue Animal Sciences Department has helped prepare her for her future career.

“Before coming to Purdue, I had never been around poultry,” Schober said. “I had never really conducted research, so coming here and having to do all of those things right away with a support system behind me was very beneficial.” 

Schober also mentioned the department has many strengths.

“I would say the biggest strength of the Purdue Animal Sciences program is that it feels like our own little community. We all help each other,” Schober said. “Collaboration is another big thing as well, and I love that.” 

According to Schober, she also appreciates the chance to mentor undergraduate students within the department.

“I want these students that I am mentoring to get every single experience possible, even if they don’t like that experience,” Schober explained. “We have even convinced some students to go to grad school, which I think is cool.”

During her time at Purdue, Schober has garnered multiple awards for her research. She received travel awards at the Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting in both 2023 and 2024. Additionally, she was recognized for her presentation on Pekin duck vocalization playbacks at the 2023 annual meeting.

Additionally, Schober was also awarded a LOUJA Graduate Travel Award in May 2024.

Schober shared some advice she has for incoming graduate students.

“You are going to struggle your first semester, and the best thing you can do for yourself is to talk to people and get involved,” Schober said. “Do everything you possibly can with your fellow graduate students because it is going to benefit you in the long run.”

The Purdue Animal Sciences Department is celebrating 125 years! As a part of the celebration, Schober was asked to upload a video congratulating the department.