Graduate Student Spotlight: Mikaela Fringer

Fresno State agricultural science graduate student Mikaela Fringer (Madera) was one of the Jordan College’s most accomplished students the past two years.

The recent #FresnoStateGrad conducted research on neonatal dairy calves, while also serving as a coach for the campus livestock judging and dairy challenge teams. She also taught several animal science introductory courses and worked with the state champion Madera County 4-H judging team that qualified for nationals, too.

Read other reasons why the Jordan College Dean’s Medalist nominee has a special place in her heart for Fresno State in this recent interview.

 

Why were you drawn to Fresno State & your degree field?

Fringer: “Fresno State is special to my family. My mom and dad met at Fresno State while they were pursuing their bachelor's degree. They created friendships with the faculty that are still there from when they went to school. With that family history I was always told to keep family tradition and go to Fresno State by some close friends of the faculty. I have always loved learning and expanding my knowledge, so pursuing my master's here just worked out to be the perfect fit. I would have a chance to keep that family tradition and become a Bulldog like my mom and dad, while also being given the opportunity to help Brad Mendes coach the livestock judging team. Livestock judging and agriculture is something I have been passionate about since I was young and is what has driven me to pursue multiple degrees in ag.”

 

What were your most rewarding experiences at Fresno State?

Fringer: “One was my research, since I do not come from a dairy background. I grew up showing every other livestock species but never got into dairy. My research trial was not only an incredible learning opportunity but it expanded my connections further in the ag industry. Another rewarding experience was helping coach the livestock judging team. Being able to mentor the multiple students that competed on teams was truly a rewarding experience. It is a huge commitment and takes much of the weekend time during the season. However, professionally the reward it gives you is not only traveling around to several different states but helps you network with industry professionals from all over. ”

 

Which faculty members had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State and why?

Fringer: “Dr. Thompson and Brad Mendes. Dr. Thompson had a huge influence on becoming a better agricultural scientist. Working with Brad on the judging team he helped me become a better teacher to students. I would also like to thank Dr. McKeith. She was also so helpful with anything related to classes in graduate school.”

 

Can you describe research you were involved with at Fresno State?

Fringer: “A neonatal calf's pre-weaning health can have a direct impact on how productive the animal is later on in life. The goal of dairy production is to always maximize the genetic potential of an animal, and a healthy animal helps reach that genetic potential. The purpose of my research was to determine the effects of spray-dried plasma on Holstein bull calves reared in a traditional California feeding and housing program during both the winter and summer season.  This meant I performed two separate 63-day research trials, and raising calves from 24 hours old to 63 days old, and collecting performance data daily. Calf morbidity, mortality, and performance was evaluated during both trials. California is the top dairy state in the U.S., and additionally here in the Central Valley there are multiple calf ranches where producers raise large numbers of calves. This research can directly impact and help producers in California.”

 

Describe your work at any other farm units, and what types of responsibilities and titles did you have?

Fringer: “Along with working on my research and helping coach the judging team, I had the opportunity to teach introduction to animal science (ASCI 1) for three semesters. This gave me a chance to expand our students' knowledge, and some of my students in classes later were a part of my undergraduate group that helped me during my research trials. Additionally, I have helped Dr. Thompson coach the dairy challenge team during both spring semesters.”

 

What's your next career step, and what profession do you plan to use your degree with eventually?

Fringer: “I have also loved sharing my knowledge with others, and being at Fresno State truly opened my eyes to how much passion I have for educating students. My end goal is to be able to teach at a collegiate level. With everything happening lately and not knowing what to expect, those positions are harder to find. I am currently looking into ag industry-based jobs in sales.”

 

What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

Fringer: “I do not come from a family farm, but both of my parents grew up showing livestock. My background in agriculture started when I was young and my parents got me involved in 4H. Once I was old enough to show, I exhibited pigs, goats, sheep and beef cattle at local shows and state shows until I was 18. Raising livestock throughout those years truly taught me what hard work and dedication means.”

 

Did you participate in any other outreach activities that benefited the community?

Fringer: “During my time at Fresno State, I was also able to give back to my local 4H community. I helped coach the Madera County 4-H team which won the state contest and then went to the national contest in Louisville, Kentucky.”

 

Did you travel to any conferences and make any presentations?

Fringer: “This June I was supposed to travel to Palm Beach, Florida to present an oral presentation and poster presentation at the annual meeting for American Dairy Science Association. I will still be presenting both on my research trials just virtually.”

 

Are there people you would like to thank that have been key influences for you receiving your degree?

Fringer: “My mom and dad were especially supportive throughout the last two years which helped me with all the success I had. Additionally, my sisters Alexis and Regan always knew how to help me out. They even came out and helped weigh calves during my summer research trial.”

Fringer: “I would also  like to thank Logan Real (the dairy unit student manager) who had a huge influence on teaching me the "ropes" of raising calves; APC, the company that worked with me during my research; and the group of undergraduate students who helped me with calf care during the trials. Without their help things would not have been possible.”