Wildlife

Student Spotlight: Audrey Andritsch

I have always been passionate about the outdoors and all the creatures that inhabit nature. I was specifically drawn to Purdue's Wildlife program because of the extensive hands-on field experience you gain through the summer practicum, clubs, and major-specific classes.   

When I transferred to Purdue, what I loved was how the programs are small enough to have impactful relationships between students, professors, and mentors. My connections from Purdue continue to be helpful to me even now that I’m in the workforce!   

My current role as a biological science technician with the US Forest Service is everything I hoped for. I spend my summers and falls sampling streams across Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon! I get to work out in the wilderness for eight days at a time, and my typical day consists of sampling streams by collecting information about fish habitats, which is used in management plans to protect endangered salmonid species.

Exploring a field that you are excited about is how you keep motivation high. You want to pick a school that can support you in many ways, and Purdue did a wonderful job of that for me.