Animal sciences student packs summer with hands-on experience

Bosch (pictured left), an animal sciences student, at Elephant Nature Park in Thailand with fellow volunteer 

Annalesse Bosch (she/her/hers) is a rising senior from Middleton, Wisconsin, majoring in animal sciences with the hope of attending veterinary school. This Summer Term she’ll be taking Microbiology 303 while also pursuing hands-on experience in her major through study abroad, research and volunteering. 

Bosch’s first Summer Term experience happened before stepping foot on campus as a student. The summer before her freshman year, she attended CALS QuickStart, an online early start program that allows incoming College of Agricultural & Life Sciences (CALS) students to transition into the college experience and learn about involvement opportunities on campus. 

“I was able to create goals for what I wanted for college and look at internships and research opportunities that UW offered,” says Bosch. 

Coursework 

Since then Bosch has worked with animals inside and outside the classroom. This summer, taking courses will allow Bosch to earn credit and graduate in four years while also pursuing extracurricular experience that will prepare her for a career in veterinary medicine.

Bosch became interested in a career working with animals when she began horseback riding at the age of 10. Living in Lexington, Kentucky, she met several veterinarians while caring for her horses. She was even able to shadow an equine vet, which introduced her to the idea of pursuing animal care as a career. Now Bosch dreams of veterinary school. 

“I would love to go to UW–Madison for vet school,” says Bosch. “It’s my first choice.”   

Taking Microbiology 303 online this summer will bring her one course closer to graduating on time while leaving her time to pursue more work with animals.

Travel

Before starting her course, Bosch’s Summer Term kicked off with a two-week volunteer trip to Thailand through Loop Abroad.

In Thailand, Bosch gained unique pre-vet experience working with exotic animals, including elephants. She also volunteered at a local clinic that spayed and neutered stray animals for free. 

“Throughout my two weeks abroad, I had the opportunity to work with dogs, cats and elephants, as well as some amazing, experienced vets,” says Bosch. “I was also able to immerse myself into the culture of Thailand through visiting Buddhist temples, trying cultural cuisine and exploring their local markets.”  

Bosch says her experiences abroad have piqued her interest in working with large, exotic animals in her future career.

Research and volunteering 

Now at home in Madison, Bosch has been conducting undergraduate research in Dr. Heather White’s dairy cow nutrition lab. She joined the lab her sophomore year with no research experience and has been able to build skills and community with fellow students since then.  

“I wanted a lab that was willing to teach me all the skills I’d need,” she says. “Everyone in the lab was so kind and I’ve made friends who are also wanting to go to vet school.”  

Bosch will also volunteer weekly this summer at Heartland Farm Sanctuary, an organization in Dane County that promotes humane animal care and sustainability.

Bosch says helping with regular care like mucking stalls and feeding animals is a stress reliever for her, saying, “I love getting to feed the animals treats. At night we tuck the pigs into blankets, which is really cute.”

Outside of coursework, traveling, research and volunteer work, Bosch is looking forward to nannying part-time and vacationing in Texas and Door County.

Bosch says she is excited to graduate and wrap up her time at UW–Madison alongside all the friends she’s made adding, “I’m really looking forward to all my lasts. Last football game, last first day. Those kinds of little things.” 

Like Annalesse, students can use Summer Term to pursue their passions while completing their degree and staying on track for graduation. Check out Summer Term courses at summer.wisc.edu and see how you can design a summer that works for you! Don’t forget to share your Summer Term story with #MyBadgerSummer on Instagram!