By: Nicole McMullen

We are excited to highlight our current student, Brooke Bockey, from Spencerville, Ohio. Bockey is studying Animal Science with specializations in Animal Health and Swine at Ohio State ATI. This summer she gained experience in the swine industry. Bockey also served as an orientation ambassador helping new students acclimate to Ohio State ATI.

At Cooper Farms, Bockey interned in the sow division. Biosecurity was an important aspect of her internship as she traveled to different sow, gilt, and piglet barns. Recording ear notches, quality of semen, and availability of pens for piglets were some of her responsibilities. Bockey improved the animals’ health by working to limit the amount of moisture in the pens for gilts, as well.

She would like students to know it is not too early to look for an internship for next summer. Furthermore, when in the interview, it is important to be completely honest with the interviewer. Bockey adds, “Try to gain as much information and knowledge as you can!”

To learn more about the swine facility at Ohio State ATI visit, ati.osu.edu/facilities/swine-facility.

By: Nicole McMullen

2020 Outstanding Student, Ashley Garlick, is this week’s “In the Field Friday.” In May, Ashley received her Associate of Science in Agriscience Education. This fall, Ashley will transition to the Columbus campus to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Agriscience Education. Ashley is at home (Swanton, Ohio) this summer because her internship is right across the Michigan-Ohio border.

Wilbur-Ellis is a chemical company located in Dundee, Michigan, where Ashley’s responsibilities include customer relations, inventory, and ordering. Ashley works with customers to deliver chemicals and seeds, and she utilizes tracking inventory to ensure the orders she places are fulfilled. Team building and teamwork are a few skills Ashley has been able to enhance through her assignments.

“Do not be nervous to get started, instead jump right in and have confidence,” Ashley shared. Furthermore, Ashley is appreciative of her internship with a great company like Wilbur-Ellis. Through her experience, she has seen “why agriculture is such a great industry.”

“Handshake is Ohio State’s new university-wide position posting system where students have access to search and apply for part-time jobs, internships, co-ops, and full-time career opportunities.” Visit, handshake.osu.edu/ to create an account and start searching for your next opportunity!

By: Nicole McMullen

We would like to introduce Haley Schmersal as our “In the Field Friday.” Schmersal graduated in May with an Associate of Science in Agricultural Communication from Ohio State ATI. Preparing to transition to the Columbus campus of Ohio State, she is interning with the Toledo Metroparks.

As an Outdoor Skills Programmer, she is responsible for instructing a variety of outdoor programs. These programs are designed for people of all ages to learn proper safety procedures for outdoor equipment. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, and tree climbing are examples of the different programs Schmersal leads.

This internship has pushed her to try something outside of her comfort zone. Schmersal adds, “That’s where the most growth happens!”

To learn more about internship requirements for Agricultural Communication visit, ati.osu.edu/agricultural-communication.

By: Nicole McMullen

The “In the Field Friday” for this week features 2020 Ohio State ATI graduate, Owen T. Greene. He earned an Associate of Science in Animal Science. Owen is from Jackson, Ohio; however, he has relocated to Valentine, Nebraska, for his internship this summer.

Valentine is home to D6 Lantana Ranch, located in the Northern Sandhills of Nebraska. Through his internship, Owen is learning to run a beef cattle ranch, which has calves, cows, and bulls. He is tasked with branding, vaccinating, and tagging calves to maintain animal health. Owen drives cattle weekly. Other than working with cattle, Owen is assigned fence maintenance, hay baling, and resolution of diesel mechanic issues, as needed.

“Never hold yourself back from an opportunity! You are just beginning a new chapter in your life, and by all means, try everything and do not take anything for granted,” says Owen. “Also, always put in 110% and go above and beyond every single minute of every day, and you will be successful!”

To learn more about Ohio State ATI’s Animal Science degree, as well as its specializations, visit ati.osu.edu/animal-sciences.