University of Georgia
UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Department of Poultry Science
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Student Spotlight: Graham Spires

Student standing in front of Loch Ness in Scotland
Student holding a chicken during lab
Student examines a goat while another student observes

Graham's Story

Graham Spires is entering his fourth year at the University of Georgia with an impressive academic record. He is a driven and accomplished student from Lumber City, Georgia, triple-majoring in Avian Biology, Biological Sciences, and Biomedical Physiology, with minors in Poultry Science and Biology. Graham is on the pre-veterinary track and was accepted into the highly competitive Food Animal Veterinary Incentive Program through the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. The FAVIP is a specialized program offered through a partnership between the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. This highly competitive program is designed to fast-track students toward acceptance into vet school during the first year of undergraduate.

Graham’s connection to the Department of Poultry Science began early. As a high school sophomore, he attended an FFA workshop where he first learned about the Young Scholars Program. Soon after, he was invited to a CAES open house, where he met Ms. Jessica Fife and attended the department’s open house event for potential students. This experience sparked his interest and helped him find his academic home. Like many students, Graham was drawn to the department’s strong sense of community, focus on student wellbeing, and commitment to hands-on learning that connects coursework to real-world applications.

Since arriving at UGA, Graham has taken full advantage of experiential learning opportunities. He got his start in research through a freshman seminar where Dr. Laura Ellestad was a guest speaker. Her research piqued Graham’s interest, and he serves as a Teaching Assistant in her lab. He has presented research on layer hen physiology through the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities and the CAES Research Symposium. Additionally, Graham researched Salmonella during his diagnostic internship at the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center. This summer, he further expanded his industry experience as a live operations intern for Tyson Foods in Eufaula, Alabama.

In addition to his academic involvement, Graham is a dedicated student leader. He has held many leadership roles in on-campus clubs, groups, and organizations. Graham served as an Avian Ambassador for three years and will represent CAES this year as a CAES Ambassador, helping recruit and mentor future students. Graham has also taken his education experiences abroad through two impactful study abroad programs with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine. In Scotland, he helped teach students about agriculture, while in Poland, he participated in a pre-vet One Health program exploring the connections between animal, human, and environmental health. 

Graham continues to stand out as a passionate student advocate for poultry and animal health. His dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm for learning make him a valuable future leader in the field of poultry veterinary medicine.