Ashley Lynch
An applied biotechnology major and animal science minor, Ashley Lynch came to UGA from Jamaica and plans to use her CAES degree to pursue a career in animal health.
Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at CAES?
I'm from Jamaica. I chose to come to CAES because I was interested in pursuing animal health, for which CAES has a good program.
What are you studying at the college?
My major is applied biotechnology in the Department of Entomology and my minor is animal science in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science.
What does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
During my younger years, my mother owned a small scotch bonnet pepper farm. This was my first experience with managing and working on a farm. The intensive labor, time commitment and need to wear many different hats led me to appreciate the work that is put into providing food for the population. Agriculture plays a vital role in our survival. It is a measure of a country’s development and economic status. It has always been a part of my country’s history. We were a previous British colony that produced sugar cane and until recently still did.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my applied biotechnology major because it aligned most with my interests, gave me the most room to grow, and allowed me to see other sides of industries that I would not have seen if I had chosen something that focused more on animals.
Finally, it gave me the option of being flexible with my career path going forward.
Who has been your favorite instructor at CAES?
My favorite instructor has been Lecturer Holly Kinder, an instructor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science.
What has been your favorite class so far?
My favorite class has been “Fungi: Friends and Foes,” a plant pathology course about the role of fungi in history and society.
What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
I hope to improve the lives of animals by catering to their medical needs.
How has your experience at UGA changed you?
My time at UGA has taught me patience and how to deal with things that are not in my control. It has increased my ability to adapt to ever-changing conditions, both at work and outside of it.
I have become a lot bolder in my mannerisms and have learned to be more comfortable with decision-making. I have also learned how to use tools available online to help manage my schedule and improve my well-being.
This is not an exhaustive list.
Lynch and other members of the UGA Pre-Vet Club fundraise at the Hops for Hounds event at Southern Brewing Company in Athens.
Lynch and other members of the UGA Pre-Vet Club fundraise at the Hops for Hounds event at Southern Brewing Company in Athens.
Lynch poses at the Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve in Alabama during a UGA outdoor recreation trip.
Lynch poses at the Stephens Gap Callahan Cave Preserve in Alabama during a UGA outdoor recreation trip.
What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
My favorite experience has been rappelling 90 feet into Stephens Gap Callahan Cave during a UGA outdoor recreation trip. Having an almost crippling fear of heights made this a very personal experience.
What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I play squash — I played at home, so it was a pleasant surprise that UGA had courts— roller skate, and visit nearby towns whenever I have the time. Nearby is relative because I will cross state lines.
I like to take walks, volunteer, visit parks in and around Athens, visit different restaurants, garden, and watch nature, engineering and crime documentaries.
Built with Shorthand