News

To help celebrate and welcome new students to campus, we are profiling some of our current students, faculty and staff that you may meet in your travels on your new path at the Faculty of Agriculture.

Meet Bri Carkner, a 2017 Orientation leader.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Animal Science & Minor in Agriculture Business

Year of Study: 4th Year  

Where are you from: Mallorytown, Ontario

Tell us more about your background (rural or urban?): I grew up in an very agriculture based town on a livestock farm, I am an active 4-H member and my hobbies are competitive plowing and showing animals such as; goats, sheep, beef and dairy cattle.  

Extra-curricular on campus involvement (any clubs, societies, sports team, etc. that you have been apart of): 

For three years I have played on the varsity Rugby team, been apart of the stage crew for the drama society, Judging team (vice-president and returning to be treasurer),Pre-vet club (vice-president, president and returning to be president this year), Animal Science rep for SRC, Argology club member and S.A.I.L member  

Tell us more about the judging team:

The judging team is an incredible experience to learn more about how to judge animals and life skills. As a team we represent Dalhousie at many different judging competitions throughout Canada (Saskatchewan, Ontario & Quebec). Competing is an opportunity to make future connections and show your Aggie Pride! It is a great way to meet fellow students not only from our home campus but also other agriculture school's students.

No matter your experience level every student will look back at their first competition and see how much they have improved. For students who don't want to travel to the other universities I encourage you to come and compete at our home competition during second semester.

Tell us about the pre-vet club and your role as president: 

As the President of Pre-vet club I,  alongside the rest of the committee members,  work hard to organize meetings, volunteer times at the campus barns and local vet clinics in Truro. This gives students a chance to get animal experience either for the first time or with a new animal. 

This past year our club worked hard to fund-raise to purchase a new club banner and brushes for the Dairy Barn. This year we are hoping to continue that and get new brushes for the sheep unit.

Pre-vet club gives a chance for students that have similar goals to interact. The club also gives info sessions on exchanges that are available and about getting into vet school or what you can do with your degree.

I look forward to meeting the new incoming student and again working with returning students. As President I encourage an open line of communication, if students have feedback on our events, suggestion on events or have something that would like us to do let me know and I will try to arrange it! 

For students that are interested in pursuing vet school and are interested in the pre-vet club, what would you like them to know:

Join our Facebook page "Dal Ac Pre-Vet Club 17/18" and get involved! Look for information about our first meeting! For students that are hoping to go to Vet school you should go on the AVC open house trip and get your animal experience through our club events. All students are encouraged to come no matter what program you are studying. For all first year students at our first meeting we will be looking for a First Year Representative to join our executive committee.  

What do you love about the AC:

My favorite thing about AC is that the school is like a family, all the staff and faculty are invested in their students. What sets Dal apart is that the small campus atmosphere allows the professor's to get to know their students. And as a student some of my teachers are my favorite people to talk to. It's incredible and interesting to hear about their academic experiences,  how they got to their position and what they are currently studying. As students we should be proud to learn from some of the best in the field, some of our professor's are making incredible scientific publications.  

Any academic advice for first year students:

My academic advise would be study hard and don't be afraid to ask questions, the first-year transition can be hard and intimidating but all our professor's are great, they will help you as much as they can and want Dal Aggie students to succeed.

My biggest help from first year was Math Help Center, even if you don't think that you need help its a great place to get your homework done. The Help Center is what got me through First year calculus. You never know how fast Jin Yue's assignment deadline comes until its Thursday or Sunday night and you haven't started it when it's due the next day.  

What are your academic or career plans for the future: 

I hope to return to Dal to complete my Master's, my career goal is to work in the Reproduction Field. My dream job would be at EastGen, one of the largest Artificial Insemination companies in North America! Cows and chickens are my passion and I hope to be a part of the future technology developments in this field.  

Favourite hotspot on campus: My hotspot would be Chartwell's cafeteria, its a great place to take a break and catch up with friends. Plus you never know who you might meet at mealhall!

Must visit place in Truro: Mario's Pizza, they have the greatest garlic fingers and deliver to campus any time! Mario's Garlic fing's will help you through the hard times during exam study sessions!  

What does being an aggie mean to you?

Being an Aggie to me means representing your school and showing your pride by being the best version of you! Love your school, love your program and most of all love being a RAM!!!  

What do first year students need to know about Orientation?

Don't be shy! Be yourself, get to know your classmates, everyone has something in common. Orientation is when you will meet your potential lab partners, or students for a study group. A diploma or degree is 2-4 years -  make friends and get involved it will make a huge improvement to your university experience. 

What part of being an O-Leader are you most excited for?

I can't wait to get to know the future students, to meet the new Aggies! Being an out-of-province student when I moved to Dal I didn't know anyone! I hope to help students transition to university life!  

Anything else you would like to add?

In my first year Dean Gray told my class, "You are now a RAM, be proud of that and remember, if you mess with a RAM you get the Horns!"