Meet Purdue Animal Sciences' 2026 Indiana State Fair Animal Ambassadors

As visitors make their way through the Indiana State Fair's livestock barns, Purdue Animal Sciences students are helping them learn more about the animals on display. Serving as Animal Ambassadors in Animal Town, the students are stationed at each display to answer questions and share information about animal care and production throughout the fair, which runs August 7-23 and is closed on Mondays.

Several of the Animal Ambassadors also chose to spend part of their summer at Purdue's Animal Sciences Research and Education Center (ASREC), where they gained hands-on experience caring for livestock and learning about daily farm operations before sharing that knowledge with fairgoers.

Get to know the Purdue Animal Sciences students serving as this year's Animal Ambassadors and the experiences that prepared them for the role.

Bella Beckman

Bella Beckman is a rising sophomore studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador because of her passion for public outreach and animal agriculture. Having spent many years showing sheep, the Indiana State Fair holds a special place for her, and sheep are her favorite species to work with.

During the fair, Beckman is looking forward to interacting with fairgoers and enjoying state fair food, especially the taco bowls from the food truck outside the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

She also hopes to gain experience working with species she has not had as much exposure to.

After graduation, Beckman plans to attend veterinary school and earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

Some of her favorite state fair memories include taking nightly sheep walks with her mom and seeing her FFA state winner banner displayed in one of the barns.

Throughout the fair, Beckman hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the many people working behind the scenes to keep the fair running and for the dedication exhibitors put into preparing and caring for their livestock.

Liam Donoho

An Indianapolis, Indiana, native, Liam Donoho is a rising senior studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.

He applied to be an Animal Ambassador because he wanted to gain experience engaging with the public about animal agriculture while contributing to the industry that first sparked his interest. Growing up, visiting the Indiana State Fair gave him the opportunity to see animal production firsthand and inspired his passion for livestock.

Cattle are Donoho's favorite species to work with. During his time at ASREC, he learned how cattle respond to human interactions and how to keep them calm while working with them.

At the fair, he is looking forward to interacting with visitors and introducing them to animal sciences, especially those with little or no experience in animal agriculture. He also hopes to become more comfortable working with larger animal species and continue learning how the public perceives animal production.

After earning his degree in animal sciences, Donoho plans to attend veterinary school and pursue mixed animal medicine.

His favorite state fair foods are deep-fried Oreos and pork tenderloin sandwiches. One of his favorite fair memories is watching the flood demonstration in the Department of Natural Resources building with his family.

Throughout the fair, Donoho hopes visitors gain a better understanding of the complex nutritional needs and care required for the animals on display, as well as the dedication that goes into preparing them for the public.

Mackenzie Eagle

Mackenzie Eagle, of Greentown, Indiana, is a rising sophomore studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine and a minor in wildlife science.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador because she wanted the opportunity to work with livestock species she had not worked with before. She also saw the internship as a chance to step outside her comfort zone, educate others about livestock and gain hands-on experience with cattle, the species she is most looking forward to working with.

Eagle is also excited to meet the other Animal Ambassadors and hopes to build friendships while gaining new knowledge and skills.

After earning her degree, she plans to attend veterinary school and pursue a career working with exotic animals.

Eagle said her favorite state fair food is funnel cakes. Although she has only attended the Indiana State Fair a few times, she enjoys seeing the animals and looks forward to returning this year.

Throughout the fair, she hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the preparation and care that goes into raising the animals on display.

Laila Goetz

A Carmel, Indiana, native, Laila Goetz is a rising sophomore studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador to gain hands-on experience with large animals. Because she did not come from an agricultural background, she saw the internship as an opportunity to expand her experience beyond the classroom. As a pre-veterinary medicine student, she also wanted the opportunity to work with a variety of animal species.

Swine are Goetz's favorite species because, she said, "they act just like big dogs" and are fun to work with.

She is most looking forward to interacting with fairgoers and educating them about animal agriculture. She hopes to help visitors better understand how daily farm operations function, as well as the responsibilities involved in caring for livestock.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Goetz plans to attend veterinary school in the Midwest.

Her favorite Indiana State Fair foods are pineapple Dole Whip and grilled cheese from the Dairy Bar. One of her favorite fair memories is riding the mouse-themed roller coaster each year.

Throughout the fair, Goetz hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the hard work farm managers and employees do behind the scenes to keep livestock healthy and daily farm operations running smoothly.

Eli Gomez

Eli Gomez, of Carmel, Indiana, is a rising junior studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.

He applied to be an Animal Ambassador to gain experience educating the public about animal agriculture. He said the internship also aligns with his interest in pursuing graduate degrees, as Extension and public outreach are important components of many doctoral programs.

Dairy cattle are Gomez's favorite species because he has always been fascinated by their size and the amount of milk they produce each day.

During the fair, he is most looking forward to talking with fairgoers and learning about their perspectives on livestock. He hopes those conversations will not only help educate visitors but also teach him something new.

Gomez also hopes to strengthen his communication skills and become more comfortable discussing livestock with people from a variety of backgrounds.

After earning his bachelor's degree, he plans to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) in epidemiology before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and working with cattle herds to manage disease.

Although this is his first time attending the Indiana State Fair, Gomez is excited for the opportunity to experience it as an Animal Ambassador.

Throughout the fair, he hopes visitors remember that the animals have traveled a long way from Purdue and asks that they be patient if the animals appear tired.

Morgan Hallick

A Dunlap, Illinois, native, Morgan Hallick is a rising sophomore studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador to learn more about livestock care, particularly in a fair environment, while working alongside the Animal Ambassadors team.

Dogs are Hallick's favorite species because she grew up with Yellow Labrador Retrievers, which she describes as great companions.

This will be her first Indiana State Fair, and she is looking forward to experiencing a new environment, building relationships with her fellow Animal Ambassadors and spending dedicated time supporting the fair. She hopes to learn from her fellow interns while expanding her knowledge of livestock, gaining a better understanding of how the Indiana State Fair operates and learning what it takes to support the fair behind the scenes.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Hallick plans to continue her education by pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

Her favorite fair beverage is a lemon shake-up.

Throughout the fair, Hallick hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the planning, organization and training that go into caring for the animals and preparing Animal Ambassadors to educate the public about the species on display.

Brendan Kanani

A Greenbelt, Maryland, native, Brendan Kanani is a rising junior studying animal sciences with a concentration in biosciences.

He applied to be an Animal Ambassador to gain hands-on experience handling animals.

Sheep are Kanani's favorite species because they are the animals he has the most experience working with.

During the fair, he is looking forward to meeting new people and talking with visitors about animal production. He also hopes to expand his knowledge of animal care and strengthen his livestock handling skills.

After earning his bachelor's degree, Kanani plans to attend graduate school and conduct graduate research.

His favorite Indiana State Fair treat is the ice cream, and one of his favorite fair memories is visiting the Indiana State Fair with his family for the first time.

Throughout the fair, Kanani hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the care and dedication that go into raising and caring for the animals on display.

Kayla Kiefer

Kayla Kiefer, of Bluffton, Indiana, is a rising junior studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador because attending the Indiana State Fair has always been one of her favorite times of the year. After retiring from showing swine, she wanted to stay involved by educating youth who may not be as familiar with livestock and animal agriculture.

Swine are Kiefer's favorite species because raising and showing pigs sparked her passion for the swine industry.

During the fair, she is most looking forward to educating visitors about the variety of livestock species and the role they play in animal production. She also hopes to strengthen her communication skills and build new connections within the livestock industry.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Kiefer plans to attend veterinary school, ideally at Purdue University, before returning to her hometown to practice veterinary medicine at the clinic that inspired her to pursue the profession.

Her favorite Indiana State Fair treat is a chocolate milkshake from the Dairy Bar. One of her favorite fair memories is winning fifth overall gilt at the Indiana State Fair with a gilt she and her family raised, making it the most memorable accomplishment of her showing career.

Throughout the fair, Kiefer hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the time, money and dedication that go into raising livestock. She said that while there are both highs and lows, the livestock industry is a way of life that requires emotional and physical commitment.

Mya LaFuze

A Union City, Indiana, native, Mya LaFuze is a rising sophomore studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador because she was looking for a hands-on internship that would allow her to work with a variety of animal species.

Swine are LaFuze's favorite species because she grew up raising and showing them.

During the fair, she is most looking forward to educating visitors about agriculture. She also hopes to expand her knowledge of the species in Animal Town and gain additional hands-on experience caring for them.

After earning her bachelor's degree, LaFuze plans to attend veterinary school, with Purdue and Ohio State University among her top choices.

Her favorite Indiana State Fair food is grilled cheese from the Dairy Bar. Some of her favorite Indiana State Fair memories are the years she exhibited livestock there.

Throughout the fair, LaFuze hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the countless hours of preparation that go into raising and exhibiting livestock.

Dayanara Martinez-Dubon

Dayanara Martinez-Dubon, of Indianapolis, Indiana, is a rising sophomore studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine and a minor in Spanish.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador because visiting the animals at the Indiana State Fair was an important part of her childhood. She wanted to help create those same experiences for today's fairgoers while continuing to build her knowledge of animal science.

Martinez-Dubon enjoys working with all animal species because she believes each one is unique and offers something different to learn.

During the fair, she is most looking forward to experiencing everything the Indiana State Fair has to offer, from learning about the animals to enjoying the rides, games and food. She also hopes to expand her knowledge of farm animals and animal care while helping educate visitors about common misconceptions surrounding animal agriculture.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Martinez-Dubon plans to attend veterinary school and pursue a career as an emergency and urgent care veterinarian or a traveling veterinarian.

Her favorite Indiana State Fair food is deep-fried Oreos. One of her favorite fair traditions is riding as many rides as possible each year.

Throughout the fair, Martinez-Dubon hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the time, commitment and teamwork required to make the Indiana State Fair a memorable experience while ensuring it runs smoothly.

Addison Oelke

A Westfield, Indiana, native, Addison Oelke is a rising senior studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine and minors in wildlife science and psychology.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador because the internship fit well with her summer study abroad plans and offered the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with livestock, an area in which she had limited experience.

Swine are Oelke's favorite species because she enjoys their personalities.

During the fair, she is most looking forward to meeting people from a variety of backgrounds and learning about their perspectives on animal agriculture. She also hopes to build a strong foundation in livestock husbandry and production while gaining a better understanding of the public's views on livestock production and ways the industry can continue to improve.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Oelke plans to take a gap year before deciding whether to attend veterinary school or begin a career in animal production.

Her favorite Indiana State Fair food is funnel cake, and she is excited to try more fair foods this year. One of her favorite fair traditions is riding the mouse-themed ride each time she visits.

Throughout the fair, Oelke hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the work that goes into caring for livestock and keeping the animals healthy in a new and potentially stressful environment.

Roby Pile

Roby Pile, of Hardinsburg, Kentucky, is a rising junior studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.

He applied to be an Animal Ambassador because he wanted to broaden his experience by working with large animals.

Beef cattle are Pile's favorite species because of their cleanliness and calm demeanor.

During the fair, he is most looking forward to educating visitors about the animals on display. He also hopes to gain a better understanding of animal agriculture beyond small animal medicine.

After earning his bachelor's degree, Pile plans to attend Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine before completing a residency to become a veterinary criticalist.

His favorite fair food is a funnel cake.

Throughout the fair, Pile hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the time, transportation, money and effort required to prepare livestock for exhibition and educate the public about animal agriculture.

Maris Reisenleiter

A Fishers, Indiana, native, Maris Reisenleiter is a rising senior studying animal sciences with a concentration in production and industry.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador because she was especially interested in the opportunity to work at Purdue's Animal Sciences Research and Education Center (ASREC). She wanted consistent, hands-on experience with a variety of livestock species and the opportunity to learn how different livestock operations are managed on a day-to-day basis.

Beef cattle are Reisenleiter's favorite species because she enjoys working with large animals and appreciates their docile temperament. 

During the fair, she is most looking forward to helping visitors better understand where their food comes from. She said the internship so far has strengthened her livestock management and husbandry skills, providing valuable experience for a future career in production agriculture.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Reisenleiter plans to operate a regenerative beef farm using rotational grazing systems and raising grass-finished beef.

Her favorite Indiana State Fair food is elephant ears. Some of her favorite fair memories include celebrating her birthday at the fair, participating in Little Hands on the Farm, visiting the livestock barns to see the Clydesdales and spending the day on the midway.

Throughout the fair, Reisenleiter hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the care animals receive behind the scenes. She said exhibitors work diligently to keep their livestock healthy and comfortable while providing a positive representation of animal agriculture.

Adisyn Sinclair

Adisyn Sinclair, of Houston, Texas, is a rising sophomore studying animal sciences with concentrations in production and industry and pre-veterinary medicine.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador to strengthen her communication skills before serving as a Purdue College of Agriculture Ag Ambassador during the upcoming academic year. She also saw the internship as an opportunity to better understand the public's perception of animal agriculture, an important step toward her goal of becoming a livestock veterinarian in the production industry.

Beef cattle are Sinclair's favorite species because they remind her of the market steer she raised in high school. She said that experience sparked her interest in the beef industry.

During the fair, she is most looking forward to meeting people who share her passion for agriculture while educating visitors about the livestock industry. Growing up in Houston, she was not introduced to agriculture until joining FFA in high school, making opportunities to connect with others in the industry especially meaningful. She also hopes to learn from conversations with fairgoers and gain a better understanding of the public's views on animal agriculture.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Sinclair plans to gain additional industry experience before attending veterinary school and pursuing a career as a livestock veterinarian.

Although this is her first Indiana State Fair, her favorite fair foods from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are fried alligator on a stick and turkey legs. Some of her favorite fair memories include sharing turkey legs and funnel cakes with her siblings and celebrating prize-winning exhibits together each year.

Throughout the fair, Sinclair hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the preparation and care that go into exhibiting livestock.

Sloane Willey

A North Manchester, Indiana, native, Sloane Willey is a rising junior studying animal sciences with a concentration in behavior and well-being.

She applied to be an Animal Ambassador because she wanted the opportunity to educate fairgoers about livestock production and where their food comes from. She also hopes to inspire the next generation of animal scientists through conversations with visitors.

Although horses are one of her favorite species, Willey especially enjoys working with dairy cattle because, she said, "They're basically oversized dogs!"

During the fair, she is most looking forward to helping visitors better understand the importance of ethical practices in animal agriculture. She said that if she can change even one person's perspective on animal welfare, the internship will have been worthwhile. She hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how the Five Freedoms and Five Domains Models of animal welfare contribute to healthier, happier animals.

After earning her bachelor's degree, Willey plans to become a welfare auditor to help ensure animal welfare regulations are followed across the livestock industry. She then hopes to attend graduate school to conduct research focused on improving production environments for dairy cattle.

Although this will be her first Indiana State Fair, she is looking forward to trying deep-fried Twinkies and Oreos. She also hopes to make many new memories during her first visit.

Throughout the fair, Willey hopes visitors gain a greater appreciation for the care that goes into preparing livestock for exhibition. From grooming and bathing to keeping animals comfortable during hot weather, she said exhibitors work hard to ensure the animals look and feel their best.