BAILEY WARD
Department of Animal Sciences
Animal Sciences - Animal Biosciences
Oak Hill, OH
2022 Distinguished Senior Award Recognition Reception Program (.pdf)
2022 Distinguished Senior Award Recipient Reception Poster (.pdf)
Bailey Ward is thrilled to represent her family as a first-generation college student. Her lifelong passion for food animals was sparked at home, where her family bred show pigs. She further explored her passion through 4-H, where she eventually went on to serve as club president. This lifetime of experience with swine served her well when she eventually was made a manager at OSU Swine Center. Though taking a full course load and working nearly full time proved to be a challenge, Bailey proved more than capable of excelling in the role. She expresses her gratitude for being able to develop valuable leadership and time management skills in pursuit of her passion. Her proudest accomplishment lies in the positive work environment she was able to cultivate while managing at the center, stating that there is no greater joy for her than hearing her coworkers exclaim that they’re excited to come to work.
During her time at the Swine Center, Bailey was involved in nearly every aspect of operating the facility, from ordering feed to staffing decisions to coordinating efforts with researchers. She personally took part in a Mass Depopulation Study in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which examined humane methods of swine herd depopulation, and several other studies related to animal feeding efficiency and methane reduction.
In 2020, Bailey completed an internship at a Boar Stud in Brayton Iowa for AMVC, the nation’s ninth-largest pork producing company. While there, in collaboration with other industry professionals, she conducted research around the preservation of boar semen doses, evaluating new methods of cooling the samples without subjecting them to cold shock, thereby preserving the morphology and motility of the sperm cells. At the end of her internship, she presented her findings to AMVC management.
Bailey’s most enjoyable experiences at OSU came from her time as a Teaching Assistant. As TA in two different Animal Sciences courses, she had the opportunity to teach labs, hold review sessions, grade assignments, and respond directly to students’ questions and concerns. Whether in 4-H, as a Peer Mentor, or as a Teaching Assistant, Bailey has always taken great joy from educating learners in all contexts.
As her mentor, Bailey recognizes Dr. Sheila Jacobi, and shares the following: “She has been there for me for class and scheduling advice, put in countless hours to help find the best internship opportunities for me, and has allowed me to be a part of two different research trials with her. I also admire her dedication to her profession and look up to her in how hard she works to pursue her passion.”
Throughout her time at OSU, she has held one clear goal: to become a veterinarian. Her acceptance into OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine stands as one of her proudest accomplishments. She is currently exploring program options as she considers what positions she would like to pursue in the future.
Service, involvement, and accolades: Pre-Veterinary Medical Association Club | OSU Boxing Club, secretary, coach | CFAES Peer Mentor | Animal Sciences Undergraduate Teaching Assistant | Jackson County Junior Fair Board, vice president, secretary | County 4-H Club, president