The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences takes great pride in recognizing the outstanding students in our program, and we are excited to showcase some of our amazing freshmen. Throughout the rest of the school year, we will feature these remarkable individuals through our “Student Spotlights” articles and social media posts.
This week we’re featuring Aaron Yang, a freshman from Taipei, Taiwan, majoring in Animal & Veterinary Biosciences. Drawn to UW-Madison’s top-tier animal science program, Aaron is involved in the Hoofer Riding Club and Badger Equestrian Team. He’s enjoyed engaging courses like Animal Science 101 and 200, which expanded his knowledge of domestic and companion animals. Aaron looks forward to building connections with professors, students, and locals while pursuing his goals of becoming a livestock and equine veterinarian and an animal science professor.
Why did you choose to attend UW–Madison?
UW-Madison is a prestigious university. It has strong reputation in animal science (including the pre-vet program). The hands-on opportunities, experienced faculty, and research resources really stood out to me, since they perfectly fit my goals to practice veterinary medicine and conduct advanced-level animal science research.
What clubs/organizations/activities are you involved with or plan to be involved with?
Hoofer Riding Club & Badger Equestrian Team
Do you have an exciting class that you are taking/have taken and why?
Most of the TAs and professors in Ansci 101 and Ansci 200 were supportive and approachable. They kept the courses engaging while ensuring that all students gained valuable knowledge about domestic and companion animals.
What are you looking forward to most about being a student at UW-Madison/the city of Madison/or college in general?
I’m really looking forward to building connections with a wide range of people—professors, students, and even locals across Wisconsin. I’ve found that Wisconsinites are very easy-going. When I was shadowing a vet a few weeks ago, I had the chance to go to different farms and small towns, where people were incredibly nice and welcoming. It made me feel right at home. Since the very first day I stepped foot on this land, I haven’t felt homesick at all, even though my home is across the Pacific Ocean, 7,300 miles away from Madison. I’m proud to be a part of UW-Madison, and I would love to make tons of new friends during my time being a student UW-Madison!
What are your future career plans?
Be a professional veterinarian (livestock/food/equine vet specifically) and animal science professor (hopefully teaching in UW-Madison).
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Equestrian (horseback riding)
What is your favorite Babcock ice cream flavor?
Mocha Macchiato Ice Cream
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am the first person in my family to study animal agriculture and veterinary science, and I love animals so much that almost everything I’ve done is related to animals.