Joshua Persi didn’t wait to test the waters before getting involved at the University of Guelph. Now a third-year ecology major, Joshua has been an environmental advocate, a volunteer in on-campus laboratories and an active member of the Environmental Science Student Executive. Inspired by his experiences both in-class and in the field, Joshua plans to further his knowledge of plant ecology in a graduate program before entering the field as a professional ecologist.
Claire Zhang is a self-proclaimed “foodie", which led her to complete a M.Sc. in Human Health and Nutritional Science at the University of Guelph, followed by a PhD in Food Science. Now in the third year of her PhD, Claire has found a family of “foodies”, who all share the same passion for food and food research, in the Department of Food Science. Claire’s current research focuses on improving consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables among the general public.
For Alex Waffle, the practice of landscape architecture is about more than just functionality. By enrolling in the MLA program he has been able to combine art and science on practical and theoretical levels to design spaces and the experiences these spaces offer. Alex’s current MLA research investigates the potential of growing specialty and ethnic foods locally in the hot microclimates of Toronto.
Coming from a family of University of Guelph graduates, Marnie McKechnie was always encouraged to follow suit. Now in her third year of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Animal Science program, she loves the campus, classes and city as much as her family did before her.
Growing up on a broiler breeder farm, Christopher Olbach came to OAC to expand his knowledge of agriculture. Focusing on crop science, Chris hopes to get into the field (literally) as a crop agronomist. He is an active member of the OAC community as the president of his class and enjoys the relationships he is building at the University.
Lauren Benoit is active in almost "everything OAC". She enthusiastically volunteers her time with various clubs and associations on campus and still has time to explore the sights of Guelph. Lauren's summer job as a field researcher assistant expanded her passion for agriculture, and she hopes to continue her education in the area of plant agriculture.
Gabrielle Nichols is going into her fourth year of study in Bachelor of Bio-resource Management program in the Environmental Management major. She immersed herself into the University of Guelph community this year after spending her first two years of study at Ridgetown Campus. In addition to volunteering for a sustainability project on campus, Gabrielle was the B.B.R.M. representative for SFOAC and the SFOAC representative on the B.B.R.M. student council. Gabrielle is determined to get the most out of her university experience.
Devon Stober has just completed the second year of her undergraduate degree in the Bachelor of Science - Animal Biology program. Devon is an animal lover, like most animal biology students, and has fallen in love with the University of Guelph campus. Devon has aspirations of continuing her time on the Guelph campus by pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, and took some time to share her experiences.
Chloe Van Acker is a first year student in the Food Science major of the Bachelor of Science program. She comes from a family of proud OAC graduates and is continuing the family tradition with her interest in food production and product development. Chloe gives us her "first year" perspective on what events to attend, where to eat on campus and where to hang out in Guelph.
Valerie Freemantle is a third year student in the B.Sc.(Env.) program. She is in the co-op stream of the program and enjoys the variety that her courses provide. Read on to learn about some of her favourite places to hang out on campus and her favourite courses so far.