Sadie Stark, a senior majoring in animal and veterinary biosciences, is pursuing dairy-related research focused on improving animal health through innovative, antibiotic-reducing approaches. In this Q&A, she reflects on how a required biology course introduced her to dairy-related research and sparked a passion for laboratory work and animal health. Sadie shares her research focused on using naturally derived compounds to address bovine mastitis, the mentorship and community she has found through Hub-supported work in the Mantovani lab, and how these experiences have shaped her goal of pursuing veterinary school and a career in the dairy industry.
What sparked your interest in dairy-related research?
I began my research in the Mantovani lab as a requirement for my biology course. I had no prior research or dairy experience. As I continued my biology project in the lab I noticed that I was gaining confidence in an academic setting. I became very passionate about my project and loved how I was able to learn new laboratory techniques, so I decided to continue working on it even after my class has ended. I have since learned so much about cattle and the dairy industry and am grateful that I have been able to explore this in a laboratory setting.
Briefly describe your research project.
My reserach project focuses on treating bovine mastitis with naturally derived compounds to reduce or limit antibiotic use in the dairy industry. Antibiotic use poses a threat to the dairy industry both in terms of economics, production loss and the potential health risks that are associated with antibiotic resistance. My project aims to address this problem by testing different naturally derived compounds against common mastitis pathogens.
How has the Dairy Innovation Hub supported your research or academic journey?
The Dairy Innovation Hub has allowed me to continue my research project within the Mantovani lab. I have been able to use the laboratory stipend money to purchase necessary supplies to further my research and perform new experiments. This has allowed me to learn many different techniques, supporting my learning as an undergraduate researcher. Additionally, the personal stipend has helped me tremendously as a busy student and has allowed me to put much of my time and energy into my research and course work.
What is your favorite part of being involved in research?
My favorite part of being involved in research is the connections you make within the lab and in the Animal Sciences department as a whole. It is super awesome to be able to learn about what other people are working on and bounce ideas off of each other. I love the sense of community and have made a lot of friends along the way!
What opportunities have you gained through Hub support?
Through the Dairy Innovation Hub I have gained many opportunities in terms of funding, mentoring and professional development. As I described, the stipend has allowed me to continue my research and has given me some peace of mind as a busy student. I have also gained many connections within the Animal Science department. Throughout my time in the lab Dr. Mantovani has been a wonderful mentor and it has been an incredible academic opportunity to work in his lab and be able to learn from him. Additionally, participating in events such as the Science Expedition has been important for my professional development and networking as a student.
How has working with the Hub shaped your academic or career goals?
My career goal is to go to veterinary school and get my DVM. Working with the hub has allowed me to gain research and cattle experience. Prior to my research I had no dairy experience at all, so this opportunity has allowed me to become a more well rounded applicant and has opened up potential career opportunities in the dairy industry as a veterinarian.
What are your plans after graduation, and how does your current research prepare you for that path?
I plan to attend veterinary school after graduation and get my DVM. My current research prepares me for that in a couple of ways. It has allowed me to network within the animal science department, which has been helpful during the vet school application cycle. Additionally, performing my research as a full time student has taught me a lot about time management. I perform all of my research completely independently so it is up to me to make time for it, which has forced me to manage my time better, skills that will be important in veterinary school. Lastly, I have learned how important self advocacy is while performing research in the Mantovani lab and the importance of advocating for your own learning. I think self advocacy is a critical skill to have no matter what career you end up in and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn that.