Student Spotlight: Linnea Sparger

Linnea's Story

Meet Linnea Sparger, from Marietta, Georgia, who is starting her fourth year at the University of Georgia. Linnea is double-majoring in Avian Biology and Biological Sciences while minoring in Biology. She is on the pre-dental track and hopes to become a dentist in the future. Linnea began her college journey as a chemistry major, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. With help from her mom, she discovered the Biological Science major designed for pre-health students and scheduled a tour with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. During her visit, she met Ms. Jessica Fife, and she was instantly drawn to the vast academic and scholarship opportunities available through CAES and in the department of poultry science. Although she didn’t come from a traditional agricultural or poultry background, she felt welcomed by the department and quickly became excited about her classes. Linnea has thoroughly enjoyed hands-on learning in courses like POUL 3000 Avian Surgical Techniques with Dr. Ellestad and POUL 2020 Intro to Poultry Science with Dr. Benson. The skills she learned in these courses helped solidify her passion for a future career in dentistry.

Linnea has been highly involved during her time at UGA. She has served as an Avian Ambassador for three years and a College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Ambassador for two years. In these roles, she has helped recruit future students to the college and department by connecting with alumni, giving tours, and sharing her own experiences with prospective students.

In addition to her academic and ambassador roles, Linnea is actively involved in mentoring and service on campus. She served as a peer mentor for first-year students in the POUL 1075 Academic and Career Planning course, working alongside Dr. Tamim. This course offers professional development, advice, and support to first-year students within the Department of Poultry Science. Linnea is also the outreach chair for Saving Smiles, a pre-dental organization focused on community involvement. She helps organize service events and promote dental health. Linnea volunteers weekly with children through Extra Special People, is an active member of the Pre-Dental Society, and is involved in Greek life through Alpha Phi. She also takes part in faith-based leadership on campus through Wesley Discipleship.

Linnea took her learning around the world by completing three study abroad programs through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. These experiences have helped her learn more about science, animals, and different cultures. Linnea’s study abroad experiences through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have been some of the most meaningful parts of her time at UGA. As a freshman, she traveled to Scotland to teach students about agriculture, an experience she describes as life-changing. She gained a new perspective on education and was inspired by the way students’ curriculum has a stronger connection with nature and the environment. In her sophomore year, she studied viticulture in Cortona, Italy. She explored Italian agriculture and winemaking practices while being immersed in the town’s local culture. Most recently, Linnea spent the summer in Spain visiting farms and historical sites where she studied agricultural and environmental systems. She gained a deeper understanding of global farming practices, observing and experiencing the differences in sheep, cattle, and swine animal agriculture production. All of Linnea’s study abroad experiences have greatly shaped her college journey by providing hands-on learning and lasting memories.

She is a highly engaged, passionate student within the university, college, and department. Linnea’s involvement and leadership skills have set her up for a successful future career in the dentistry field.