Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Sophia Bollenbacher

Sophia Bollenbacher, a junior studying animal sciences, grew up on Bolle-Acres Jersey Farm in Argos, Indiana, where she developed a passion for agriculture.

Bollenbacher explained that her high school involvement in FFA gave her the opportunity to visit Purdue University, which played a key role in making it one of her top choices.

“That experience [in FFA] made Purdue my dream school. When it came to applying for college, I explored everything Purdue had to offer, especially its renowned College of Agriculture.”

During her time at Purdue, Bollenbacher has been involved in the Purdue Dairy Club, Purdue Salt Company and intramural sports. She said the Purdue Dairy Club has had a positive impact on her.

“The Purdue Dairy Club has allowed me to educate others about the dairy industry and challenge negative misconceptions through campus events. One of the most impactful experiences was traveling to the Indiana Dairy Producers Forum in 2023, where I connected with industry professionals, explored innovative technologies, and learned about current industry topics.”

According to Bollenbacher, the Purdue Salt Company has helped her strengthen her faith and stay grounded while making meaningful connections. Intramural sports have allowed her to stay active and de-stress.

Bollenbacher was named first alternate for the 2024 National Jersey Queen and serves on the court. The National Jersey Queen and her court promote the Jersey breed and represent the American Jersey Cattle Association at various events.

“Being part of the National Jersey Queen’s court is an incredible honor,” Bollenbacher said. “I first competed in 2023 but didn’t make the court, which motivated me to prepare and try again. The dairy industry is something I’m truly passionate about, and having raised Jerseys my whole life, I take great pride in promoting the breed and representing fellow breeders and farmers.”

At the 2024 All-American Junior Jersey Show, Bollenbacher had four class winners and a reserve:

• Jr. All-American Spring Yearling (Best Bred and Owned)
• Jr. All-American Winter Yearling (Best Bred and Owned, Reserve Jr. Champion, Best Bred and Owned Heifer in the Jr. Show)
• Jr. All-American Summer Jr. 2-Year-Old (Best Bred and Owned, Summer Jr. 2 Best Udder)
• Jr. Reserve All-American Aged Cow (Best Bred and Owned)

“Competing at this level requires an immense amount of hard work and dedication, and my family and I are incredibly proud of these achievements,” Bollenbacher said. “When exhibiting at national shows, our goal is typically to place in the top ten, so winning classes and earning these honors are an unforgettable experience. Additionally, I was awarded Premier Jr. Exhibitor and Premier Jr. Breeder, and I placed in the top five in Senior Showmanship. Being my final year as a junior exhibitor, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out my junior career.”

Bollenbacher has also placed 10th in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest and 5th in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest.

Although Bollenbacher has received many accolades, she said her greatest accomplishment as an undergraduate student has been her ability to juggle school and her passion for the dairy industry.

“Being involved in extracurriculars has allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for dairy farming, and I’m proud to have been able to do this while staying focused on my studies,” Bollenbacher said. “Purdue offers a supportive community that encourages success both in the classroom and beyond, which has been instrumental in helping me achieve this balance.”

The dedication of the animal sciences department’s faculty and staff are its greatest strengths, Bollenbacher said.

“They genuinely care about students and are committed to helping them achieve their goals,” Bollenbacher said. “They go the extra mile to support students, whether through mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities or career guidance. The program also provides a strong academic foundation while exposing students to real-world experiences that prepare them for a variety of careers in animal science.”

Although Bollenbacher doesn’t have an exact career path in mind, she plans to work within the dairy industry.

“I would love to give back to an industry that has given so much to me,” Bollenbacher said. “My time at Purdue has opened my eyes to a wide range of career possibilities I hadn’t considered before. The Animal Sciences program has provided me with valuable knowledge, hands-on experiences and connections within the industry. The faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive, and I truly feel that they are invested in my success.”

Bollenbacher shared advice for incoming students.

“My advice would be to get comfortable with being uncomfortable—this is something I learned from my high school math teacher,” Bollenbacher said. “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. The more you push yourself, the easier it becomes! Embrace the challenges, and you’ll grow in ways you never imagined.”