UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Siddharth Ratan, a fourth-year animal science major from Newtown, didn’t always imagine himself guiding future Penn Staters through the College of Agricultural Sciences. But after overcoming a difficult first-year transition, Ratan now serves as an Agricultural Advocate — helping others find their place in the very college that helped him find his own.
Arriving at University Park in the fall of 2021, Ratan said he faced the challenges of adjusting to college life amid the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
“I struggled a lot in my first two years,” Ratan said. “As someone who is naturally shy and reserved, it was difficult to feel like I belonged. But over time, I found my path — and I wanted to help others do the same.”
That desire to support others inspired Ratan to become an Agricultural Advocate, a role focused on engaging with prospective students and sharing authentic experiences about his life in the college. From leading Ag Hill tours to speaking at admitted-student events, Ratan said he draws from his personal story to make the transition to Penn State a little easier for others.
“One of my favorite moments was meeting a student who was just as passionate about reptiles and amphibians as I am,” Ratan said. “We talked about fieldwork, snakes, newts — it reminded me how important it is to feel seen and supported when you're starting out.”
Beyond advocacy, Ratan said he has found purpose in hands-on research. His independent project on Eastern spotted newts focused on improving mucosome sample collection methods — a technique used to study the protective mucosal layer that plays a critical role in amphibian immunity.
By refining the collection process to reduce contamination and stress on the animals, Ratan’s work contributed to more accurate data and helped enhance the reliability of this method across multiple studies. His findings were shared with peers and mentors in the field, some of whom have since adapted elements of his process in their own protocols, affirming the practical value of his research.
“I’ve tracked turtles, run assays and even grown fungal colonies,” Ratan said. “Those experiences helped me realize that a career in ecology is not only possible, it’s something I love.”
While his academic path began with uncertainty, Ratan said the flexibility of the animal science program allowed him to explore a variety of fields — from veterinary medicine to wildlife research. Now, he’s considering roles in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors before pursuing graduate school with a focus on reptile and amphibian ecology.
Looking back, Ratan said the College of Agricultural Sciences helped him discover his strengths and passions. “The variety of classes and experiences made it easier for me to try new things and find what I was truly interested in,” he said.
To new students, Ratan said his message is clear: It’s never too late to get involved.
“The College of Ag Sciences is full of opportunities — you just have to be willing to explore,” he said. “I didn’t find my place until junior year, but when I did, everything changed.”