Katie Christensen is a junior Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology major
from Lexington, KY
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Why did you choose your program, and/or how does (did) your program contribute to your career goals?
When I was first looking into college, I was dissatisfied with the idea of being a biology major. I disliked how large the major felt but felt like a specialized major was not the fit for me. I found the ABT major and knew that it would be a perfect fit. At the time, I was planning to go into medicine but quickly changed my mind. Even with my change in career paths, the ABT major still fit my purpose. Since then I have discovered that microbiology and distillation/brewing science research are what I want to pursue and ABT has given me the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research in these areas.
What advice would you offer an incoming freshman in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
The first thing I would say is to breathe. Entering college can be an overwhelming experience for everyone and giving yourself small moments to adjust can be helpful. I would then say to be brave! Try new things! Talk to the people around you! College is a time for making friends, trying out clubs and organizations, building communities, and skills you will use for the rest of your life. There's no harm in trying out a club and deciding later you wouldn't like to go back. And there's definitely no harm in chatting with students in your classes! Several of my friends today are people that I met within my first month at UK and I love meeting new ones every day!
Katie's Top 3 Ice Cream Places in Lexington
- Crank and Boom: It's a Lexington classic and always smells delicious (if you go to the location in the distillery district, be sure to have pizza at Goodfellas too).
- Sorella Gelateria: So it's technically gelato - but honestly, it's so good.
- Graeter's Ice Cream: A delicious treat close to campus!
Considering all you have learned in your area of study, is there a common misconception or something you wish everyone knew about the subject? In other words, what does everyone seem to get wrong about your major?
One thing about ABT that I think a lot of people overlook is that it is a major with a lot of capability for diverse scientific pathways. Many students take advantage of it for pre-med and pre-vet pathways. However, there are many science careers outside of these two areas that ABT perfectly prepares you for. If you're interested in plant or agricultural science, any of the life sciences, doing a pre-professional track, or maybe obtaining a higher level degree, whether M.D., P.h.D, D.V.M., or a M.S., this major is a fit for you. The underlying connection is that this major will help you achieve your career goals in a hands-on way. By ensuring students conduct undergraduate research, ABT helps students determine what is and is not their idea of an interesting and meaningful career.
Tell us about your favorite professor, advisor, or other member of the UK family that has been especially impactful during your college career.
One faculty member at UK who has been critical to my undergraduate experience is my research mentor and career advisor, Dr. Corbin. ABT students not only have a UK advisor, but also an additional advisor for career planning. As my career advisor, Dr. Corbin has been crucial for thinking and planning through my future career goals and helping me find opportunities that will best fill my skillset. As my research mentor, Dr. Corbin has been extremely helpful in teaching me about the lab, determining an independent research project, and now working on multiple projects that are in my fields of interest. I truly could not imagine my UK experience without the support of Dr. Corbin and the other faculty and advisors who have been integral to mentoring me and shaping my academic and career potential.