Experiences: Moose Research Center

Honorable Mention, Experiences Category
Jenna Winer, UC Davis

No running water. Limited electricity. Miserable mosquito bites. Trading in the bustle of city life for the rustle of wind in the silvery aspen leaves. Swapping palm trees for spruce, the comforts of home for the challenges of the wild, and human relatives for moose family members. During the summer of 2008, I was hired by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to bottle-raise calves at the Moose Research Center. I knew the work would be demanding and push me beyond my comfort zone, yet I could have never anticipated that this summer job would evolve into a life-altering and passion-confirming adventure. I not only survived but thrived in harsh field conditions, working twelve hours a day building fences, radio-tracking adult moose using telemetry, and tending to the needs of my calves.

 My three-month job was physically challenging as well as mentally and emotionally demanding. As a tragic bear attack left four of my calves dead, and an unforeseen copper deficiency killed six of the seven remaining mooselings, I realized my responsibilities would extend well beyond adorable animal husbandry. Despite my sorrow, I focused on the invaluable lessons the job offered. Unanticipated illness and death afforded me the opportunity to gain hands-on veterinary experience: administering copper deficiency treatments, drawing blood from the cephalic vein and analyzing hematology, and assisting with necropsies provided priceless lessons on the demands of the veterinary profession. Both the loss of calves and the complete recovery of “Minnie,” our sole survivor, yielded scientific knowledge that the Moose Research Center will expand upon through future studies.
    This experience was truly transformative. Directly contributing to the betterment of a species inspired me and strengthened my commitment to veterinary medicine more than I had previously thought possible. Not only did I gain a clearer vision of my vocational goals, but I also developed the discipline and maturity to help these goals materialize.  Since completing my first two years of veterinary school at UC Davis, I am committed to a future career in zoological medicine now more than ever.  I frequently think back to my Alaskan adventure, drawing on this experience for inspiration and motivation – not to mention fodder for some pretty awesome stories to swap with my fellow veterinary students!