Raven Herron, a senior majoring in Animal Science, is ubiquitous in AGNR. Her involvement in loads of extracurriculars, from student council leadership and internships to front office work for the college, has made her a highly visible and lauded individual. And according to Raven, all those extras were focused on serving one goal: to advance One Health initiatives and make a meaningful impact on the nation’s animal and human health communities.
Raven’s journey in agriculture began early, at the age of two, when her parents took her to meet her dad’s cousin’s horses. She fell in love and started horseback riding lessons around age five. She later would join 4-H, which taught her to raise, train, and care for horses, cattle, goats and swine, important hands-on work that serves as baseline for a career in animal sciences.
“These experiences also helped me to discover a deep appreciation for agriculture as a whole and its connection to the health of our planet. Through working with animals, I began to understand the principles of One Health and how the well-being of animals, the environment, and humans is interconnected.”
Raven’s love of animals and agriculture led her to AGNR, where she became a natural fit for the Mylo S. Downey Memorial Fund, offering her the financial freedom to pursue her current Animal Science degree and a future dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master’s of Public Health degree, crucial steps for a One Health crusader. Stroll around campus, visit one of AGNR’s research and education centers, or attend the state fair, and you might see Raven working with the college’s dairy herd, or educating the public about animal agriculture and the financial and production benefits of different types of forage diets.
“Animals are my favorite niche, but my interests extend to the larger systems that support them,” Raven said. “My goal is to integrate veterinary medicine with public health to address the interconnected health of animals, humans, and the environment. I hope to work in government, research, or industry to improve disease
prevention, support the food systems, and improve public health outcomes.”
Raven is not one to use her time idly. She has learned to balance multiple pursuits, all strategic and central to her goal of advancing One Health. She is a passionate member of Sigma Alpha (a UMD sorority dedicated to women’s
success in agriculture), has broadened her understanding of livestock systems and commercial production through
her participation in Block and Bridle (a UMD club where students get hands-on experience working with animals), competed in national animal science competitions, strengthened her scientific and technical skillset as a researcher in AGNR’s Precision Agriculture Lab, and was a regular fixture at the AFA Leaders Conference, allowing her to form connections with students from across the country who share similar goals and interests.
Before she departs, she has some sound advice for emerging philanthropists who are looking to change the game in
the agriculture and environmental stewardship space.
“Giving back to AGNR is more than a donation of time or resources, it’s an investment in the next generation of
students who will shape the future. My own success has been supported by mentors, programs, and opportunities
created by people who cared enough to give back before me. Ultimately, support keeps the college forward-thinking. It’s one of the most meaningful ways to leave a legacy and help keep the future of agriculture optimistic.”
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING AGNR, PLEASE CONTACT:
Carolyn Fernandez,
Assistant Dean for External Relations
AGNR, University of Maryland
301.405.7733 | cfernanc@umd.edu
