Elizabeth French, PhD.
Dr. Elizabeth French
B.S.: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2005, Animal Sciences with an option in Science, Biotechnology, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine
M.S: University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2005, Dairy Science: Supplementation of distillers dried grains with solubles with lysine-rich protein sources in lactating dairy cow diets
PhD: University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2012, Dairy Science: Relationship between rumen and milk odd and branched-chain fatty acids and influences by precursors, animals, and rumen environment on their appearance
- What is your position at DeLaval and what are your job responsibilities?
My official title is the Clinical Trial Specialist for North American. Overall, my responsibilities include planning, executing, and analyzing data generated from field trials and assisting in the development of new products or supporting existing products for the Milk Quality Animal Health Department. The chemicals being tested are created for a range of dairy management areas, including hoofcare, milk quality, cleaning milking systems, and nutrition. It is an exciting position that allows me the opportunity to travel and meet many experts in the field and, on occasion, collaborate with them. Although the position is located within North America, there are many instances where I work alongside individuals from around the world.
Another component of my job involves providing extension and training to product specialists, dealers, and solution managers in the areas of milk quality and animal health.
- Why did you choose to work for DeLaval?
DeLaval provides exciting and fresh research opportunities within the company and encourages research collaboration outside of the company. Also, since my background is focused so strongly on nutrition, it seemed like a challenging and unique opportunity to expand my knowledge in areas of management I was less familiar with, because the types of experiments, data collection, and analyses differ based on the area.
- Please describe your position from graduate school to the work force? What was easy? What was difficult?
Transitioning between graduate school and full-time employment was surprisingly manageable. Of course, some of that is because it requires many of the same working habits as graduate school (think PhD Comics); it is very rewarding and enjoyable to use the skill set you learned (and continue to learn) in the working world.
- Did you have to relocate for this position? Was that a difficult decision? Would you advise current graduate students to be prepared to do so for their future jobs?
Even though I was willing to relocate, I was happy I had the chance to stay in Madison. I really think the decision to relocate depends on personal circumstances, but definitely recommend being available for some work-related travel – it is the best way to gain experience and meet others in the field.
- In your opinion, what characteristics should graduate students possess to be successful in their career development?
I would say these characteristics include:
- Ability to organize (at least at work)
- Self motivation
- Respect for everyone you encounter – the global dairy industry is smaller than you think
- A drive to keep learning
- Do you think a particular class or area of study is beneficial to your current job?
The focus of my research in graduate school gave me the ability to research and gather information. Taking occasional courses outside of my particular research gave me a base of different dairy management areas. Also, courses that teach presentation skills prepare you for educating, and as future professionals, we are responsible for sharing information with others.
I would strongly emphasize learning a second language. If you are not proficient in another language, most companies will support training. For example, DeLaval enabled me to take Spanish classes at Madison Area Technical College.
- Do you feel being active in the ADSA GSD has helped you obtain this position or be successful in this position? If so, how?
The training sessions offered by the GSD were very useful, especially the interviewing skills training, the networking lunch, and, of course, the social. Also, being active in the group was another way to meet more students from around the globe and have a lot of fun planning events that help developing students.
- Do you have any advice you would like to give current graduate students?
Even though we are heavily driven by online technology, a hand-written note and a phone call go a long way. Keep an open mind; you will meet people from many different backgrounds and cultures. It is good to remember your roots by reviewing your graduate research every once in awhile and the newer articles in that area.
ADSA Graduate Student Newsletter 