91ÖÆƬ³§

Liza Balet '23 is a wildlife and conservation biology major and animal science minor from Ballston Spa, N.Y. Her drive to care for and protect animals has informed much of her studies at 91ÖÆƬ³§ and even led her to a mule deer ranch in South Dakota one summer, where she was responsible for bottle-feeding the fawns.

Liza was the recipient of the Caroline S. Wooster Scholarship.

COLSA: Why did you choose 91ÖÆƬ³§?

Liza Balet: I chose 91ÖÆƬ³§ because I wanted a campus with hands-on animal experiences with a wide variety of course options and research opportunities. At 91ÖÆƬ³§, I have been able to mold my courses to what I wanted. The location is also a plus, with the beach and mountains right next door.

COLSA: What's your major and what makes it interesting to you?

Liza: I am a wildlife and conservation biology major. I grew up spending a lot of time outside and with my love for animals, wildlife sparked my interest. I enjoyed the fact that a lot of my class time was spent outside learning valuable wildlife techniques. I also have a passion for working with livestock, and with my animal science minor I had the opportunity to continue to learn and work with many different livestock species.

COLSA: During your time at 91ÖÆƬ³§, what are you most proud of?

Liza: I am most proud of the research I have done and the connections I've made working with Nancy Whitehouse doing amino acid research in the dairy barn. I was able to get amazing hands-on research and add to my animal handling skills. I was then able to present my findings at 91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s Undergraduate Research Conference.

COLSA: What are you planning to do after graduation?

Liza: This summer I will be working as a cattle and sheep wrangler for large ranch in Wyoming. After that I plan to pursue a career in wildlife nuisance management working with farms and ranches on maintaining stable relationships with their surrounding wildlife.

COLSA: How is 91ÖÆƬ³§ preparing you to achieve your goals?

Liza: 91ÖÆƬ³§ has provided me with amazing hands-on opportunities in both wildlife and animal science. The broad course work choices allowed me to tailor my education to my career goals and interests.

COLSA: What do you love most about 91ÖÆƬ³§?

Liza: I loved working closely with professors and making connections through course work and research opportunities. The professors are knowledgeable, approachable and care about the overall wellbeing of their students.