Sierra Garrett is a master’s student in the Purdue Animal Sciences Department, specializing in poultry extension with a focus on animal welfare and behavior.
According to Garrett, she has always had a passion for animals, so she pursued a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences at Langston University, receiving her degree in 2022. It was at Langston University where she was introduced to Purdue University.
“My professors from my alma mater told me about Purdue,” Garrett said. “I came from a small school in Oklahoma, and I excelled in my courses there. My professors thought I needed a challenge, and they said Purdue would be my best bet.”
Garrett is advised by Darrin Karcher, Ph.D. With a focus on extension, her work extends beyond the lab to include active engagement with the community.
For her master’s project, Garrett is partnering with the Farm at Prophetstown to conduct a community needs assessment through surveys. The goal is to identify what visitors and community members would like to experience at the farm. Based on the results, she is creating an interactive educational program and booklet featuring chickens, designed to engage both children and adults in observing animal behavior.
Through this process, she’s not only developed her research and extension skills, but also grown more confident in herself and her connections with others.
“I think my greatest accomplishment as a graduate student has been the progress I've made so far on my project and taking accountability for that,” Garrett said. “But I also think it could be breaking down my walls and trying to let my guard down—establishing connections, not just with my lab mates, but everyone within the building.”
Outside of her graduate studies, Garrett is a member of multiple clubs, groups and/or organizations at Purdue: MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) and the Black Graduate Students Association. She said her involvement in these groups have taught her about socialization.
“It's hard to balance graduate school and work life," Garrett said. "But being involved in clubs and organizations has taught me the importance of networking, meeting new people and realizing I'm not alone in the experience of transitioning from a small school to Purdue."
According to Garrett, her experiences in the Purdue Animal Sciences Department have prepared her well for a future career.
"I've always wanted to work in international agriculture," she said. "I’d love to travel overseas and help others, but really, I’m open to anything where I can serve the community. My time at Purdue has definitely been an interesting journey—it’s taught me dedication and perseverance.”
Finding dedication and perseverance developed as Garrett navigated the challenges of graduate school and learned to take ownership of her work.
“One of the biggest challenges was trying to fit in with my lab group and finding passion in my project,” Garrett said. “At first, I wasn’t sure what I was studying, but over time, I started to understand its importance, make it my own and take pride in the progress I’ve made."
Garrett also noted that the biggest strength of the department is its collaborative environment.
“I get to help out on random projects that I would have no business touching otherwise,” Garrett said. “I've gotten the experience to help out with a lot of projects and meet people through those.”
Garrett also shared some advice for future graduate students.
“Graduate school is going to be uncomfortable, but that's part of the process—and the end result is always worth the discomfort and growing pains you go through," Garrett said. "It might take time, but in the end, it's all worth it."
The Purdue Animal Sciences Department is celebrating 125 years! As a part of the celebration, Garrett was asked to upload a video congratulating the department.
