Purdue Animal Sciences students are helping Indiana State Fair visitors learn more about livestock care, animal agriculture and daily farm operations as Animal Ambassadors in Animal Town.
The Indiana State Fair runs through Aug. 23 and is closed Mondays. The students are stationed at livestock displays throughout the fair to answer questions and provide information about the animals on display.
Several of the students also spent part of the summer at Purdue's Animal Sciences Research and Education Center, where they gained hands-on experience caring for livestock and learning about daily farm operations. The experience helped prepare them to discuss animal care and production with fairgoers.
This year's Animal Ambassadors include students from Indiana and several other states, with interests ranging from veterinary medicine and livestock production to animal welfare and research.
Bella Beckman, a rising sophomore from Indiana studying animal sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine, has years of experience showing sheep. She joined the program to expand her public outreach experience and educate visitors about animal agriculture. Beckman plans to attend veterinary school after graduation.
Liam Donoho, a rising senior from Indianapolis studying pre-veterinary animal sciences, developed an interest in livestock production through visits to the Indiana State Fair. His experience at ASREC included learning how cattle respond to human interactions and how to keep them calm during handling. He plans to pursue mixed animal medicine.
Mackenzie Eagle, a rising sophomore from Greentown, Indiana, is studying animal sciences with a pre-veterinary medicine concentration and a minor in wildlife science. She joined the program to gain experience with livestock species outside her previous experience and plans to pursue veterinary medicine focused on exotic animals.
Laila Goetz, a rising sophomore from Carmel, Indiana, entered the program to gain large-animal experience because she did not come from an agricultural background. She is studying pre-veterinary animal sciences and plans to attend veterinary school in the Midwest.
Eli Gomez, a rising junior from Carmel, Indiana, is studying pre-veterinary animal sciences and hopes to strengthen his communication skills while learning more about public perceptions of livestock production. He plans to pursue a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology before earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and working with cattle herds on disease management.
Morgan Hallick, a rising sophomore from Dunlap, Illinois, joined the program to learn more about livestock care in a fair environment. She plans to continue her education in veterinary medicine.
Brendan Kanani, a rising junior from Greenbelt, Maryland, is studying animal sciences with a concentration in biosciences. He joined the program to gain hands-on animal handling experience and plans to attend graduate school and conduct research.
Kayla Kiefer, a rising junior from Bluffton, Indiana, previously showed swine and joined the program to remain involved in the livestock industry while educating visitors about animal agriculture. She plans to attend veterinary school and eventually practice veterinary medicine in her hometown.
Mya LaFuze, a rising sophomore from Union City, Indiana, grew up raising and showing swine. She joined the program to gain experience with multiple animal species and plans to attend veterinary school.
Dayanara Martinez-Dubon, a rising sophomore from Indianapolis, is studying pre-veterinary animal sciences with a minor in Spanish. She joined the program to help create positive experiences for fair visitors while addressing misconceptions about animal agriculture. She plans to pursue veterinary medicine.
Addison Oelke, a rising senior from Westfield, Indiana, is studying pre-veterinary animal sciences with minors in wildlife science and psychology. She joined the program to gain livestock experience and learn more about public perspectives on animal agriculture. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year before deciding between veterinary school and a career in animal production.
Roby Pile, a rising junior from Hardinsburg, Kentucky, joined the program to broaden his large-animal experience. He plans to attend Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine and eventually pursue a veterinary criticalist residency.
Maris Reisenleiter, a rising senior from Fishers, Indiana, is studying animal sciences with a concentration in production and industry. Her time at ASREC has provided experience with livestock management and husbandry. After graduation, she plans to operate a regenerative beef farm using rotational grazing systems and grass-finished beef.
Adisyn Sinclair, a rising sophomore from Houston, Texas, is studying animal sciences with concentrations in production and industry and pre-veterinary medicine. She joined the program to strengthen her communication skills and better understand public perceptions of animal agriculture. She plans to gain additional industry experience before attending veterinary school and pursuing a career as a livestock veterinarian.
Sloane Willey, a rising junior from North Manchester, Indiana, is studying animal sciences with a concentration in behavior and well-being. She joined the program to educate visitors about livestock production, animal welfare and where food comes from. Willey plans to become an animal welfare auditor before pursuing graduate research focused on dairy cattle production environments.
Through their work in Animal Town, the students are helping visitors better understand the preparation, management and care required to bring livestock to the fair. Their experiences also provide practical training in animal handling, husbandry, public outreach and communication that can support future careers throughout the animal agriculture industry.
Source: Purdue University, "Meet Purdue Animal Sciences' 2026 Indiana State Fair Animal Ambassadors"