Jamal Jeter
Hometown: Piscataway, New Jersey
Major: Animal Science
One of the main things that attracted me to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources was its size. Even though it’s part of a large university, the college has its own tight knit community so you don’t feel like just another number. The faculty and staff are always able to help when you have a question; they also care about you as a student and want you to succeed in all your pursuits.
The scholarship support I’ve received from the college was one of the deciding factors in my coming to Maryland. The scholarship funding provides much-needed support, and I’m personally grateful to my scholarship donors.
When I first arrived on campus my plan was to become a veterinarian. As a result of the experiences I’ve had so far I’ve modified that plan. I want to take a different approach and end up on the research end of the spectrum instead of the clinical side. I’m fascinated with how the whole industry works and how research is improving the farming and food industry. I want to get a better understanding of—and become more involved in—the science behind everything.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all my animal science classes because I’ve learned things I most likely wouldn’t have anywhere else…and this semester is no different. I’ve taken a real liking to my animal science anatomy class, due to its overall hands-on approach.
One of the best college experiences I’ve had so far and one that has influenced my career thinking was the amazing opportunity I had during the winter of my freshmen year to work with Dr. Song in his lab. As part of our work looking at the effect of certain viruses present in chickens, I learned new and interesting research methods and conducted various procedures involving DNA amplification. The overall reason for these analyses was to explain epigenetic and genetic mechanisms that may help induce or prevent viral-induced diseases in livestock species. This was done by comparing the DNA of a genetically resistant chicken line to a normal chicken line and noting the differences. This experience helped make me highly aware of the wide range of possibilities available in research.
The one thing that continues to surprise me about the college is the overall faculty support. I feel as though if I really wanted to do something whether it is research based or career based, the faculty and staff would do all they can to help me out. It’s just another example of why the college is such a special place.
Advice to prospective students: I would greatly recommend the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to anyone considering a major related to the field of agriculture. The faculty and staff here are top notch and they do their best to make sure all their students are taken care of and feel right at home.
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Last updated: 02/15/2011
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