Halle Skibo has a clear goal: to become a veterinarian. A transfer student from the University of Iowa and the University of Illinois, Skibo’s path has been anything but traditional.
Now an animal science major with a minor in agricultural business management at NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Skibo has found her fit, with a zest for campus community.
From leading the Dairy Science Club to assisting with bovine respiratory disease research, she’s turned every opportunity into momentum. Her path may have taken a few turns, but she’s found her stride at NC State — and she’s just getting started.
Making the Leap
Skibo’s transfer student experience is a quest that spans three universities and changing aspirations. She began as a biology major and soccer player at the University of Iowa, earning spots on the dean’s and president’s lists. She later transferred to the University of Illinois to major in animal science. However, her desire to become a veterinarian inspired her to apply to NC State, where she found an academic program aligned with her goals.
“I want to explore my true passion, which is animal science. I want to be a veterinarian,” Skibo says. “I was majoring in biology [at Iowa], but I wanted to do something more specific and applicable to what I wanted to do in the future.”
Every single topic covered in ALS 303 was applicable. The class made students feel less alone, and it allowed me to build connections and feel a sense of belonging.
When she arrived at NC State, she knew she was home. “NC State does a great job of making you feel like a part of the Pack from day one.”
The ALS 303 Transfer Transitions class played a key role in helping Skibo navigate university life. She met other CALS transfer students and began building her community while learning about academics, clubs, research and career planning.
“Every single topic covered in ALS 303 was applicable. The class made students feel less alone, and it allowed me to build connections and feel a sense of belonging,” Skibo says.
Leading the Pack
For Skibo, getting involved in CALS clubs wasn’t only about building her resume. She found student organizations that complemented her interests and gave her space to grow.
After just one semester, Skibo became president of the Dairy Science Club, helping to create a welcoming and engaging environment for students.
“I got involved as much as I could early on and became great friends with the club members,” she says. Under her leadership, she plans to host guest speakers, coordinate dairy facility tours and organize informal ice cream socials.
Skibo wants the club to grow, attract new members and positively impact campus, while promoting the dairy industry. “I poured a lot into this club and am excited for its future. I recommend joining the Dairy Science Club; we accept everybody.”
Through the Transfer Transitions course, Skibo also connected with and joined the Animal Science Club, which led to her first-place win in the Club Day swine showman competition.
“It was an amazing experience,” she says. “I had so much fun. You don’t have to have any animal handling experience. I’d never shown pigs before, but you’re taught everything. It’s a great way to meet other people and get involved.”
The Go-Getter
Skibo wanted to find research projects to support her goal of becoming a veterinarian, but she didn’t wait for the opportunity to come to her. She took the initiative to seek out faculty at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine whose work matched her interests. That’s how she discovered Derek Foster, an associate professor specializing in pharmacokinetics and drug residues in food animals.
“I was looking up different professors and trying to find research that resonated with my interests,” Skibo says. “I read through Dr. Foster’s bio and some of his published articles, and I just reached out to express my interest in the field of pharmacokinetics.”
CALS has exceeded my expectations. The faculty is hands down amazing.
Foster responded, and after an initial meeting to discuss expectations, Skibo joined a research project led by veterinary doctoral student Blanca Camacho. The study focuses on bovine respiratory disease, specifically examining drug residue levels in steers and heifers treated with the antibiotic ceftiofur. Their goal is to understand how long drug residues remain in animal systems, which helps determine safe intervals before meat and milk enter the food supply.
“We collect blood samples and eventually conduct necropsies to evaluate drug levels,” Skibo explains. “There’s not a lot of published data on this, so knowing we are contributing to something meaningful has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Set Up for Success
Halle Skibo says one of the most rewarding parts of her transfer experience has been the close-knit support from CALS faculty.
“CALS has exceeded my expectations,” she says. “The faculty is hands down amazing. They are experts in their fields and deeply committed to their students’ success.”
Skibo credits Teaching Professor and VetPAC Director Shweta Trivedi with helping her prepare for veterinary school and stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
“Professor Trivedi’s pre-vet development course helped me understand the process of applying to vet schools, things most undergrads don’t learn until it’s time to apply,” Skibo explains. “I also had her for physiology, which was amazing. She’s on top of everything and wants you to learn and understand.”
The Road Less Traveled
Skibo’s unconventional path to CALS shows that bends in the road are allowed, even welcomed.
“I want to be an example of someone who hasn’t gone the traditional path. I’ve taken lots of turns. But I want to show [others] that you can have a journey that’s not straightforward.”
And she’s dedicated to positively impacting the classroom and on campus, encouraging students to join clubs that spark their curiosity.
“All that matters is how you show up, how you grow and then how you contribute.”
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