Serena Wesley is in her third year as a Purdue Animal Sciences student, and she will be graduating with her bachelor’s degree in May 2025.
According to Wesley, her goal has been to get into vet school, which is why she chose to study animal sciences as an undergraduate student. She also likes the hands-on and applied nature of animal sciences.
“Purdue’s Animal Science department has aided my efforts most notably by providing diverse and hands-on opportunities to work in the animal science, veterinary and research fields, bolstering my competence and resume for future careers,” Wesley said.
When deciding on a university to attend, Wesley wanted a place that would support her diverse interests and provide ample opportunities for growth.
“What solidified my choice of Purdue over other programs was the diversity of opportunities on campus and the university’s dedication to investing in students as individuals,” Wesley said. “I wanted to continue to explore my interdisciplinary interests in things such as music and Purdue’s wide array of programs allowed me to do so. With Purdue also having the vet school right on campus and the AREC facilities nearby, I knew it would provide me with tons of opportunities for hands-on work with animals.”
According to Wesley, that was not the only thing that drew her in.
“Additionally, upon touring Purdue, I was blown away by the work coordinators put in to help me to set up one-on-one meetings with many faculty and staff from all of my different areas of interest,” Wesley said. “No other schools I toured showed this level of investment in potential students, and I felt it accurately reflected Purdue’s mindset of supporting and cultivating its students.”
During Wesley’s time at Purdue, she has been involved in many clubs, activities, research opportunities and internships: Purdue Poultry Club, Purdue oSTEM, Purdue Bands and Orchestras, VAW Global Health Alliance, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) and poultry research under Gregory S. Fraley, Ph.D.
Wesley started research in Fraley’s lab in the spring semester of her freshman year. She has had the opportunity to contribute to numerous projects while also working on her own independent research. Additionally, she has presented her research at various conferences and competitions, showcasing her work to a wider audience.
Wesley has been awarded many accolades for her research, including:
- Best Interdisciplinary Oral Presentation 1st Place at the Purdue Undergraduate Research Conference Spring 2024
- Best STEM Poster Presentation with Collette Plue and Isabella Taylor at the Purdue Undergraduate Research Conference Spring 2023
- Best Agricultural College Poster Presentation with Collette Plue and Isabella Taylor at the Purdue Undergraduate Research Conference Spring 2023
- Poultry Science Association Undergraduate Student Certification of Precipitation at the 2024 PSA conference
Additionally, Wesley and her research were highlighted in the Purdue Undergrad Research Journal.
“It was really meaningful to think that other scientists would be interested in my work and want to read about it,” Wesley said. “This type of recognition was very validating as a researcher and exciting to know that my work is out there to potentially give inspiration to others.”
Outside of her research, Wesley has been honored with the Wayne and Barbara Jennings Memorial Scholarship and the Straszheim Award in Agriculture Scholarship. Additionally, she has consistently achieved academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s List and Semester Honors each term.
Wesley said her greatest accomplishment has been the opportunity to share her research.
“My greatest accomplishment throughout undergrad has been sharing my research with other researchers through presentations, competitions and articles,” Wesley said. “It is rewarding to feel as though I have contributed in some small way to the field of poultry science.”
Wesley has been in various ensembles in Purdue Bands and Orchestras, including the All-American Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Concenter Band and Collegiate Band. In the Collegiate Band, she served as a section leader.
With Purdue’s VAW Global Health Alliance Organization, Wesley participated in a veterinary internship abroad in Cusco, Peru, where she worked with a variety of animal species, experienced a different culture and helped out local communities. At the ADDL, she started working part-time in the fall of her sophomore year at Purdue in the toxicology department, and she is still working there today.
According to Wesley, her involvement in research, internships, clubs and other activities have been beneficial to her.
“These organizations have really helped me widen my connections with people on campus and in the field,” Wesley said. “It was through many of the clubs I’ve been involved in that I found employment and research opportunities. They also helped me to foster my interdisciplinary hobbies and find a community outside of just the animal science department.”
Wesley said the Purdue Animal Sciences Department has many strengths.
“Purdue’s Animal Science Program is rich in new and innovative facilities, supportive staff, animal science clubs and organizations, hands-on curriculum and research opportunities,” Wesley said.
Wesley also shared advice for incoming students.
“My advice for incoming students is to spend your first semester trying everything you can think of and meet with or research different professors to learn about potential areas of research you might be interested in,” Wesley said. “Then in your next semesters, narrow your involvement down to a few things that you care about and dedicate yourself to fostering those involvements for the rest of your time here. Getting a diversity of experience is important, but the depth of a few particular experiences that I have stuck with since freshman year have added the most value to my time here. Spreading yourself too thin or constantly jumping from activity to activity will prevent you from really advancing to a deeper level of achievement in any of them.”
The Purdue Animal Sciences Department is celebrating 125 years! As a part of the celebration, Wesley was asked to upload a video congratulating the department.
