Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Cheyenne Tate

Cheyenne Tate is a senior in animal sciences with a concentration in biosciences. 

Tate is from Waveland, Indiana, where she grew up on a family farm that specialized in cow-calf operations.

Although Tate is studying animal sciences now, she originally came to Purdue University to pursue a degree in engineering. She changed her major to animal sciences during her sophomore year at Purdue. She chose to change her major because of her background in the cattle industry.

“I knew I wanted to make a difference in the agriculture industry and animal sciences at Purdue would give me the opportunity to do so,” Tate said.

During her time as an undergraduate student, Tate has been involved in the Purdue Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club, and she worked at the Animal Sciences Research and Education Center (ASREC) in the dairy unit.

According to Tate, although she took a “non-traditional” path at Purdue, her biggest accomplishment is that she can graduate on time as a first-generation college student.

Tate said the biggest strength of the Purdue Animal Sciences program is the sense of community it creates.

“Everyone knows everyone, and we are all looking out for each other,” Tate said. “I could not have made it these four years without my amazing advisor, James Krotz.”

After she graduates, Tate plans to become a beef cattle nutritionist. She said that the animal sciences department helped prepare her for this future career.

“Purdue has offered many classes that have strengthened this passion of mine,” Tate said. “The prestigious faculty have much knowledge of this industry, and I appreciate the high-quality instruction from them.”

Tate also shared advice for incoming students.

“I would tell incoming students to not be afraid to change your mind,” Tate said. “A lot will change in the next coming years, and you should embrace it as it comes.”

Featured Stories

Hayley Sutherland
Hayley Sutherland - Graduate Ag Research Spotlight

Hayley Sutherland has always loved taking care of animals. As a child, she adored her Alaskan...

Read More
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