Cara Harrop  ▪  B.S. Molecular Biology    

  Cara Harrop is a second-year medical resident at Ft. Collins Family Practice. She graduated from UW with a B.S. in molecular biology in 1994 and received her M.D. from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1998. 

  “When I transferred to UW in 1996, I knew I wanted to go to medical school. My College of Agriculture advisor helped me select classes that would fulfill my degree requirements and prepare me for the academic rigors of medical school,” Cara said. “I also worked in my advisor’s lab as an undergraduate, which gave me practical experience in applying didactic concepts to real life situations—much like I do every day as a doctor!”

Kyra Leigh Povirk  ▪  B.S. & M.S. Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management    

  When Kyra Leigh Povirk attended a college fair at Orange West Junior College in Costa Mesa, California, she already knew she was interested in ecology. But when she learned that one of the degree programs in UW’s Department of Renewable Resources would allow her to incorporate issues such as grazing, water quality, and bio-diversity, she knew she would be moving to Wyoming.

  Kyra earned both her B.S. and M.S. degrees in rangeland ecology and watershed management from UW. On May 1, 2000, she began her new job as an environmental scientist with North Wind Environmental, Inc., in Shell, Wyoming. Her main duties are site assessment, environ-mental remediation, and regulatory compliance. 

  “The education I received at the UW College of Agriculture gave me a strong background in soil, vegetation, and rangeland ecology, which is very important to my new employer,” Kyra explained.

  “When I was in high school in California, I was discouraged from pursuing a career in natural resources,” Kyra said.

  “People said I’d never find a job—guess I proved them wrong.”  

Melissa Michelle Kann  ▪  B.S. Family and Consumer Sciences    

  When Melissa Michelle Kann graduated from Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, she was anxious to get out into the world and broaden her horizons. But first she traveled 48 miles over the hill to Laramie where she attended UW. 

  Melissa received her B.S. in family and consumer sciences, emphasizing textiles, apparel, design, and merchandising. “Through the University Studies Program I was able to try out classes in various areas. This well-rounded educational experience has helped me understand both the artistic side of my field (apparel and design) and the scientific aspect (fiber and textile science),” said Melissa, currently a graduate student and research assistant in the Department of Textiles and Apparel at Cornell University.

  Melissa’s UW instructors took an active role in helping her with the graduate school application process. “I felt very prepared for graduate school because I had to write a lot of papers and do a great deal of project presentation during my undergraduate work,” Melissa noted.

Scott Whitman  ▪  B.S. Ag Communications    

  Scott Whitman grew up on a cattle operation in southeastern Wyoming and knew what he wanted even before he arrived at UW.  

  Now a senior account executive with Colle & McVoy Marketing Communications, Scott graduated from UW in 1990 with a B.S. in agricultural communications. From UW, he went on to Purdue University where he graduated in 1994 with an M.S. in agricultural systems management.

  “I’ve found that the communications skills and agricultural science knowledge I gained at UW can be applied in surprising ways,” Scott said. “Just recently, I applied my knowledge of retail meat evaluation by providing technical consultation on a photo shoot for a client in the pork industry. My undergraduate education has proven invaluable to my success as a professional communicator.” 

Jody Woirhaye  ▪  B.S. & M.S. Ag Communications and Ag Economics    

  Jody Woirhaye, legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, moved to Washington, D.C., after graduating from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. She received a B.S. in general agriculture in May 1996 and her M.S. in December 1997 

  “As a legislative assistant on agriculture and water issues, I rely heavily on my educational background,” Jody said. “In Laramie, my professors devoted hours of one-on-one attention to me to ensure that I understood the course material. My advisor encouraged me to become involved in activities and enroll in courses that would strengthen my position as a spokesperson for the agricultural industry. Taking a personal interest in students’ learning is truly unique, but it’s such a big part of the College of Ag experience.”

Matt Hoobler  ▪  B.S. Ag Communications, Farm & Ranch Management Minor    

  "The education I received from the College of Agriculture prepared me for grad school as much as, if not more than, students who came from other universities,” said Kansas native Matt Hoobler, agricultural programs coordinator for the Wyoming Department of Ag Natural Resources Section. 

  In 1997, Matt graduated from UW with a major in agricultural communications and a minor in farm and ranch management. He went on to graduate from Kansas State with an M.S. in agricultural economics. Soon after graduation, Matt was hired by the Wyoming Department of Ag.

  “Between my classroom experience and my communications work for the Cooperative Extension Service, I was introduced to a large portion of the Wyoming ag community,” Matt said. “The college gave me many opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have received elsewhere. I knew the state media, local governments, members of the Stock Growers Association, and other livestock industry groups even before I graduated.”

Jill Adamski  ▪  B.S. Molecular Biology    

  "One of my best decisions was to study at the University of Wyoming,” said Jill Adamski, who received her B.S. from the Department of Molecular Biology in 1998. “The quality of my UW education truly prepared me for studies in medical and graduate school.” 7 

  Jill is currently enrolled in a combined M.D. and Ph.D. program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She plans to practice medicine with a specialty in rheumatology after graduation.

  “The Department of Molecular Biology is big enough to provide students with a variety of research options and small enough to get to know the faculty on a personal level,” Jill said. “I have stayed in touch with my mentors and know I can still count on them to provide me with the sound advice that comes from years of experience. College of Agriculture professors have a genuine desire to see their students succeed, and they go the extra mile to make sure this occurs.”