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Growing up near the ocean in her hometown of Lewisporte, Newfoundland, a small bayside town heavily tied to the ocean, Sophie Cramm was drawn to a career in Marine Biology.  She began her first year of a Bachelor of Science program on the Truro Campus of Dalhousie University.

Known as Truro Start, students join a close-knit cohort with dedicated resources and support on a smaller campus in their chosen field before transitioning to Halifax for their second and final years.

“I grew up swimming, exploring and often going out in a boat or kayak, explained Sophie.  “I naturally thought I would enjoy marine biology. I applied to Dalhousie as it was closer to home.  The option to complete my first year in a smaller town like Truro felt like a better transition for me.”

Sophie was the first person in her family to pursue post-secondary education outside of her home province. She had worked at a local greenhouse for three years during high school and knew she had a passion for growing and caring for plants and that the Agricultural Campus could be a good fit. 

Before arriving on campus, Sophie had no experience with animal agriculture but quickly immersed herself in the culture.

“There are only a couple farms in Newfoundland, and most are on the east or west coast,” she said. “In my first year I got really involved on campus with College Royal, milking shifts, and volunteering with the sheep. I also made a friend who was from a farm in the Valley, which I visited a couple times during my first year. “

Through these experiences Sophie realized she loved being involved with animals and switched to the Faculty of Agriculture in her second year after a class in Animal Agriculture.

“That course was the first time I really got to have hands-on experience with the animals, and I fell in love with them,” said Sophie. “Agriculture is a very rewarding career and one that plays a huge role in keeping our society moving.”

Sophie will graduate this spring as part of the Class of 2026 with a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Environmental Science.

Sophie’s time on campus was not all about the animals.  She also played Rugby all four years and competed one semester with the Loggersports team.  Throughout her degree she was also a regular at noon time yoga with Joy, volunteering at the Ruminant Animal Centre and joined the Run Club.

“I think that being heavily involved in campus life throughout my degree has really enhanced the experience and made me really get the most out of my time,” she added.  

As for the future, Sophie would love to work in sustainable agriculture, incorporating both her major and minor into her work.

“Agriculture is a very rewarding career and one that plays a huge role in keeping our society moving,” said Sophie. “I see myself with a hands-on job working with animals and the environment, trying to constantly improve animal welfare and their impact on the environment.”