Hannah Pfeffer is a student researcher working with UW–Platteville faculty looking to gather data about gender ratios and career choice related to dairy, animal, and agri-business majors across the midwest. Photos contributed
Hannah Pfeffer
first-year veterinary student, UW–Madison
animal science and biology BS’24, UW–Platteville alumna
Project title: “Evaluating trends in female to male ratios in dairy science and related programs throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest region, and the translation into post-secondary employment”
Learn more about this study from UW–Platteville faculty Krista Wellnitz and Dong Isbister
Why did you choose your undergraduate major?
I am originally from Racine, Wis. Although I did not grow up on a farm, I was very involved in my local 4-H and FFA chapters raising and showing beef cattle, rabbits, horses, and poultry. These experiences deepened my love for agriculture and inspired me to explore veterinary medicine.
Why did you choose to pursue veterinary school?
I am currently in my first year at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UW–Madison. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career with animals and after exploring a few of my agricultural interests through student organizations at UW–Platteville, I became certain that large animal/rural veterinary medicine was for me. Although I worked as a technician at various clinics as an undergraduate, I knew that if I committed to the profession, it would be through the doctor pathway because I love understanding why things work the way they do. I want to have the skills to identify a problem and use my knowledge, intuition, and experience to evaluate, integrate, and ultimately, to save animal lives.
How did you get involved in the “gender ratios” project?
Dr. Krista Wellnitz was a very crucial mentor to me during my time at UW–Platteville and throughout my veterinary school application process. When she reached out about the project, I was super excited to help because I saw a lot of shifts related to this topic during my time on campus.
Do you have any personal experiences with the shift of many agriculture majors from male to female?
Throughout my time at UW–Platteville, I networked with people from various areas of agriculture, many of whom, were female. I believe the shift of many agriculture majors from male to female has to do with an increase in female leaders and role models in youth programs like 4-H and FFA. Growing up, most of my program leaders and senior club members were female, and they encouraged me to consider a career in agriculture. I think that seeing female leaders in agriculture can be motivating to young women. Some of these women may have learned how to farm from their grandpa or father, but have demonstrated equal potential as the next generation of that farm or agriculture business.
What have you experienced related to career opportunities after graduation?
Prior to graduation, I accepted my seat for vet school, but many of my friends went to work as specialists in areas like nutrition, genetics, crops, education, and herd health. Most of them accepted full-time positions before graduating because demand is high in their fields.
What is your role with this project?
With the vigorous course load of veterinary school, I have been able to contribute asynchronously to the study. My major contribution has been helping Dr. Wellnitz format survey questions based on the goals and objectives of the research. I draw on my personal experience to determine questions we should ask and the best way to word them. I then work with the researchers on format. Next, I will be working with data analysis.