Hannah Lake | Animal Science Major | Class of 2026
Option in Pre-Veterinary Medicine | Minor in Chemistry
Steer-A-Year Officer | Clark Meat Science Center Student Manager
Estacada, OR
A 4-H Foundation
My passion for animals and anatomy stems from an extensive background in 4-H. I currently have two horses—a bay Arabian gelding named Brownie, and a gray Quarter Horse mare named Cashum—with whom I've competed in various events and disciplines. Some of my favorite events include cattle working and roping with Brownie, while Cashum and I competed in gaming events like barrel racing, flags, and keyhole. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to show and breed miniature horses within the AMHA and AMHR under the mentorship of my former trainer, who has since become a close friend.
I also maintain a small hobby herd of beef cattle back home in Estacada, and our property includes a Christmas tree farm operated by my uncle and cousins. Growing up in this environment fostered my interest in animal husbandry, animal health, and livestock production. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, trail riding, and playing sports like soccer and basketball and doing competitive trap shooting. A particular strength of mine is my ability to read and work effectively with a variety of horses and cattle.
Meat-ing Expectations
In the field of Animal Science, I have been fortunate to participate in many unique opportunities, several of which came from my role as an officer with the Steer-A-Year program. This hands-on experience prioritizes educating members about the cattle industry and small-scale feedlot operations, allowing us to witness the full cycle of production as we sell the cattle at year’s end. Through Steer-A-Year, I gained valuable field experience, including internships with commercial feedlots and extensive networking across diverse areas of the industry.
I’ve also built connections through my role as acting manager at the OSU Meat Lab, where I collaborated with the Northwest Meat Processors Association on research and demonstrations. Currently, I’m joining a research project focused on livestock reproduction, further expanding my expertise in animal science. My leadership experience has grown through various jobs and as a TA for multiple courses, including a graduate-level nutrition course last year.
Hoofing It at the Hospital
Another highlight has been my rotations at the OSU Large Animal Hospital, where I observed veterinary procedures and learned alongside veterinary students. Prior to university, I competed in 4-H to represent Oregon at the 4-H Equine Eastern Nationals in Kentucky, gaining insight into another area of the equine industry. One of the most rewarding experiences in my journey was a field day internship with Beef Northwest Feeders, where I not only made valuable connections but also created lasting memories with a close friend and classmate while learning about livestock production.
The most valuable takeaway from these experiences has been the importance of networking; connecting with the right people has opened doors to incredible work and research opportunities. I highly encourage incoming students and those pursuing careers in animal sciences to network whenever possible—you never know when a single connection will make a difference.
Community Through Campus Clubs
During my freshman year, I attended the College of Agriculture Welcome Event, which featured a large showcase of clubs and organizations. There, I connected with groups that would later become my close peers and community in animal science. That day, I joined Steer-A-Year, the Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), and the Meat Science Club. Each of these organizations has provided me with invaluable industry insights and connections that have significantly expanded my professional network.
These clubs offered not only educational opportunities, both in the classroom and through hands-on experience, but also the chance to network with industry professionals who are working in fields I aspire to join one day.
A challenge that I have been dealing with is the occasional self-doubt about whether I’m on the right path, especially when faced with the complexities and pressures of pursuing a specialty like large animal surgery. It’s easy to feel uncertain when things don’t go as planned, but I’ve learned to use these moments as opportunities to reflect on my goals and remind myself why I’m passionate about this field. Focusing on the bigger picture and remembering the impact I want to have on animal care helps me stay motivated, even when the going gets tough.
Mooo-ving Up in the Animal Science World
In five years, I see myself graduating from veterinary school. Through countless hours of studying, working in barns, late nights, and challenging exams, I hope not only to have persevered but to look back and recognize that the journey itself was as rewarding as earning the DVM. I wouldn't trade these rigorous undergraduate years, as they have provided me with invaluable insights and shaped me into the resilient person I am today. The College of Agriculture has played a significant role in this journey, offering scholarships, hosting career fairs, resume workshops, and a supportive community that genuinely cares about each other's success.
Slicing Through the Challenges of a Meaty Schedule
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in continuing my education and professional development has been balancing hands-on experience with the rigorous demands of my coursework, especially as a pre-veterinary student focused on large animal surgery. Managing the meat lab was incredibly rewarding, but it came with long hours and a steep learning curve, especially when juggling it alongside classes, exams, and maintaining a strong GPA. There were times when it felt overwhelming, like I was being pulled in too many directions at once.
To address this, I had to learn how to prioritize tasks and be realistic about my limits. I became more strategic with my time, setting aside specific blocks for studying and practical work. I also leaned heavily on the support of my professors and mentors, who helped me navigate the challenges and provided guidance when I needed it. I realized the importance of advocating for myself and asking for help when necessary—it’s not a sign of weakness but a strategy for success.
Learning Lessons in the Lab
A defining moment that shifted my perspective and solidified my interest in veterinary medicine, particularly large animal surgery, came during my time as the manager of the meat lab at OSU. Working in a butcher facility gave me a unique view of livestock health and anatomy that most pre-vet students don’t get. I often saw firsthand the impact of untreated injuries or conditions like lameness, infections, and poorly healed fractures in cattle. It was eye-opening to see how even a small issue could escalate into something that affected the entire animal’s body, and it made me realize the critical role that timely surgical intervention can play.
One particular instance that stands out was processing a cow that had clearly suffered from a neglected case of a hoof abscess that developed into septic arthritis. It wasn’t just about the physical damage; it represented a missed opportunity for treatment that could have prevented unnecessary suffering. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of surgical solutions in large animal medicine, especially when early intervention could make all the difference in an animal’s quality of life.
Seeing these kinds of cases up close at the meat lab changed how I viewed veterinary medicine. It reinforced my desire to focus on large animal surgery, where I could directly intervene in critical situations to save animals and improve their welfare. This experience became a turning point, pushing me to pursue a path where I can apply both my anatomical knowledge and my passion for animal care to make a tangible impact in the field.
Beefing Up a Resume
For incoming students or those preparing to step into their professional careers, my biggest piece of advice would be to seek out hands-on experiences early and often, even if they seem outside the typical pre-vet track. Managing a meat lab, for example, was one of the most eye-opening experiences in my professional journey. It gave me a perspective on livestock anatomy, health issues, and the importance of surgical intervention that I wouldn’t have gained just from classes alone. Don’t be afraid to explore unconventional opportunities—they often teach you things you can’t learn in a classroom and help you stand out.
I also wish someone had told me earlier that it’s okay not to have it all figured out right away. You might start with a specific interest but find it changes as you get more experience. I began with a general passion for animal care but discovered a specific interest in large animal surgery after witnessing the real impact it can have on the lives of both animals and their owners. Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt as you learn more about the field.
Finally, find mentors and build your network. Those connections can guide you, offer support, and provide advice that can shape your career path in ways you might not anticipate.
Paws and Reflect
To my surprise, accumulating a competitive number of clinical hours for my vet school applications has proven to be incredibly challenging. I believe clinics could benefit from creating more accessible opportunities for undergraduate students to gain these crucial hours, whether through hands-on experiences or observational roles. Greater openness to shadowing or internship positions would allow dedicated students to gain real-world insights and practical experience in veterinary settings.
For those of us without established family connections in the field, it can be difficult to compete with peers who have easier access to clinical environments. Establishing more structured pathways for students to gain experience would help level the playing field, ensuring that qualified and passionate students from diverse backgrounds have equitable opportunities to build their veterinary careers.