Kalen Henry | Class of '21
My name is Kalen Henry and I am the Animal Biology Club’s President for the 2019-2020 school year. I will be starting my third year at UC Davis in the fall, and I’m thrilled to be representing such a wonderful major alongside other ABI club officers and peers.
I chose to attend UC Davis because of my passion for the realm of science, specifically the disciplines that involve wildlife and conservation. After much deliberation between the various animal-based majors that UCD offers, I chose Animal Biology ultimately because of its freedom. As someone who did not have a clear vision of a career pathway upon graduating high school, I was attracted to a major that offered unlimited exploration of animal-related areas of study. I wanted to take all kinds of courses as a college newbie and discover a specialization that really spoke to me, one that I could explore deeper through the ABI major’s restricted electives.
I have always loved observing, caring for, and learning about the animal kingdom. All I wanted to do as a child was to touch and hold those miraculous creatures and admire the science that links all of us together. My love for the natural world and all of its animals has only grown with time, and I feel I have found the perfect place to explore this passion. During my sophomore year, I scoured lists and lists of hands-on opportunities offered through the university in hopes of learning more about my interests as a future scientist. Through my search, I have been lucky enough to secure internships through the Vet School and California National Primate Research Center, aiding in the conservation of a critically endangered species and learning about the many aspects of animal behavior.
By actively participating in the rigorous setting of a research university for the past two years, I have uncovered a particular interest in wildlife conservation with a focus on non-human primates. Although there is still much for me to learn and experience here at Davis, I will always believe that science provides all living things with one thing in common: an invaluable sense of worth. And, despite the fact that today’s world has begun to overlook the beauty and necessity of the animal kingdom, I would like to make it my mission to advocate for animals to the best of my ability. I look forward to doing this through the guidance of the Animal Biology major, and I’m excited to share my journey with the current and future ABI students of UC Davis.
P.S. Hope to see you all in ABI club in the fall! :)