UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Emma Uhlman, a junior majoring in animal science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, is determined to make her time on campus count — supporting fellow students while preparing for a career that improves the health and well-being of animals.
With deep family roots in animal science, Uhlman has been immersed in the field from a young age — assisting at her family’s veterinary practice and raising livestock through Pennsylvania 4-H since she was 8 years old. Her family also has strong ties to Penn State, with her being the fourth-generation member of the family to attend the University.
“Being surrounded by animals since I was young is what gave me my passion for animal sciences,” said Uhlman, who hails from Exton. “I knew the College of Agricultural Sciences would give me the options to pursue my interests.”
During her time at Penn State, Uhlman has been involved in several clubs, including the Dairy Science Club, Block and Bridle, and the Coaly Society. Recently, she was appointed assistant show manager of Little International, a livestock show for students, which she has participated in for the past two years.
Uhlman also is a member of the Ag Advocates program, which a group of undergraduate students in the college focused on supporting the college's recruitment efforts. Ag Advocates assist with prospective student visits and any recruitment-related activities for the college.
To become an Ag Advocates, students must be performing well academically and engaged in different groups and organizations across the college and the University.
“During my senior year of high school, I went to a meeting hosted on campus by students who were Ag Advocates,” she said. “Hearing the ‘student perspective’ was helpful and awesome, and it was something I immediately wanted to get involved with.”
Uhlman explained how important it is for prospective students to have a college guide who can relate to them. She said that for many students, it’s scary to come to a new college and meet new people, but the college community can provide support and that is what made her enjoy Penn State.
“Being the person who’s ‘walked the walk’ and can talk with these students with is great,” she said. “Just meeting prospective students and helping them navigate the college process has been very meaningful to me.”
Alongside her recruitment activities, Uhlman assists Ag Advocates at various events and functions. Recently, she assisted with a scholarship banquet in the fall, which hosted college alumni and allowed them to connect with scholarship beneficiaries. This year, she serves on the group’s recruitment team, tasked with finding student applicants to serve as new Ag Advocates.
“Emma is a great representative of the college’s Ag Advocate group,” said Bob Mikesell, undergraduate program coordinator for the animal science major. “She’s a ‘people person’ and makes others feel at ease. Emma brings experience as a Penn State client, as a 4-H member, and as a student.”
Uhlman encourages prospective students and current students to get involved on campus to make the most of their college experience. She said club involvement and the campus community are what have made her time on campus some of the best years of her life.
“The college experience is what you make of it — you can choose to get involved and make it the best four years,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for you to write your own story.”