Alumni Profiles - Meet Kishana Yvonne Williamson
Hometown: Teaneck, NJ
Year of Graduation: 2011
Major: Animal Science
Minors: Wildlife Conservation, Biology
Undergraduate Campus Involvement:
Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), Animal Science Club, Sigma Alpha, Ag Ambassador, Ag Day Planning Committee, Undergraduate Researcher, Intramural Soccer, Resident of Townsend Hall (I should have just moved into the Commons!)
Current Position of Employment or Education:
M.S. Candidate at The George Washington University
Describe your best Ag experience:
My best Ag experience was being a part of such a great community and meeting people who really cared and wanted to see you succeed. It is because of the wonderful nurturing of the College of Ag that I am in the position that I am in today.
Which Ag course was your favorite and why?
Beef and Sheep Production was my favorite Ag class. Not only because the lambs were the most adorable things I have ever seen in my life, but because it gave a good insight to the production business.
Tell us about your current position or program of study and what led you to that field.
I am currently a first year M.S. Candidate for a degree in Public Health Microbiology and Emerging Infectious Disease. I chose this program of study because of the experience I had doing undergraduate research on poultry viral diseases. I loved being in the lab and thought it would definitely be something I would be willing to do for the rest of my life.
How did your College of Ag experiences prepare you for your current job or post-graduate education?
Some of the classes I took like Animal Diseases, Microbiology, Epidemics and Plagues, Advances in Food Microbiology and Disease Pathogenesis have given me the foundation of knowledge that is being used in all of the classes I am currently taking. This makes it easier on me in terms of comprehension and allows to me to take a little bit of a break from studying without feeling like I am not prepared for class.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
Study hard, gets lots of research experience, and take as many classes in this field while at UD as possible. It’s amazing how a few classes and some research experience can give you an upper hand in your graduate coursework. Also LOVE WHAT YOU DO and NETWORK. It shows when you’re passionate about something and it helps to separate you from the crowd. When people know you’re really into something it’s amazing how many extra opportunities will be available to you, especially when you know the right people.
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