UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture

UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture The College of Life Sciences & Agriculture (COLSA) is an academic unit within the University of New Hampshire located in Durham New Hampshire. degree programs.

Students come to COLSA to be educated in a wide spectrum of life science, agricultural and natural resources spanning from two year associate degrees to four year undergraduate bachelor degrees as well as masters and Ph.D. COLSA is made up of world and nationally renowned faculty who combine teaching with a passion for research and public service. Their work to understand the nature of biological

systems, manage and conserve natural resources, improve agricultural profitability and sustainability, enhance health and nutrition, and foster economic development has earned UNH nationwide recognition as a top-tier land, sea, and space grant university. This synthesis of talent and expertise creates opportunities for students to follow their intellectual interests across traditional fields of study through interdisciplinary courses and programs. And by participating in faculty-supported outreach initiatives that benefit the state and the region, students find greater meaning in their studies and a way to test future goals.

Meet Kayla Young ’25, ’27G! She earned her undergraduate degree in animal science from the University of New Hampshire i...
09/08/2026

Meet Kayla Young ’25, ’27G! She earned her undergraduate degree in animal science from the University of New Hampshire in 2025 and is continuing her education as a master’s student in agricultural sciences.

Kayla is researching how precision technology can help support dairy cow health.

She studies how tools such as automated milking systems and wearable sensors—similar to an Apple Watch or Oura Ring for people—can be used to monitor dairy cows’ behavior, activity and production in real time.

Her research focuses on evaluating which types of technology are most effective at detecting negative changes in cow health, especially during early lactation, when some health problems can develop without obvious symptoms.

“The goal is to identify potential issues before they become serious, improving dairy cow health and well-being while also helping farmers make more informed decisions about when to check on and treat individual animals,” Kayla says.

Kayla first became interested in dairy cow health while working on a dairy farm as an undergraduate. She later completed her senior thesis research at the UNH Organic Dairy Research Farm, an experience that inspired her to continue at UNH for her master’s degree.

After earning her master’s degree, Kayla hopes to pursue a career in the animal health and pharmaceutical industry!

A look at a few of the courses students are looking forward to at UNH COLSA this semester!
09/04/2026

A look at a few of the courses students are looking forward to at UNH COLSA this semester!

“If I work hard and take the opportunities that come my way, I can succeed.”Meet Cailin Mackinnon ’29, a marine, estuari...
09/02/2026

“If I work hard and take the opportunities that come my way, I can succeed.”

Meet Cailin Mackinnon ’29, a marine, estuarine and freshwater biology major from Litchfield, New Hampshire. Over the summer, Cailin was a whale research intern with UNH Extension and Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. 🐋

Hear more about her internship in her own words:

I was one of two interns on each whale watch, with one intern recording data and the other providing education around the boat. We typically switched roles for the afternoon trip.

My favorite part of the internship was spending time with whales, especially the humpbacks. Almost every humpback whale in the Gulf of Maine is identified and named, and you certainly develop attachments to them as you see them more and more.

My most memorable moment was seeing a humpback named Cacophony repeatedly perform several types of breaches. We first saw him breaching from a distance, and he continued as we approached.

In the future, I would love to work with marine mammals and study their behavior. This internship absolutely brought me closer to that goal because I was able to do similar work and meet people working in related areas.

My advice to other students is to take any opportunity you can. By taking relevant electives or becoming familiar with local organizations in your chosen field, you can help yourself stand out from other applicants.

Thanks, Cailin!

New Hampshire’s life sciences community is growing — and UNH is helping strengthen connections between research, educati...
09/01/2026

New Hampshire’s life sciences community is growing — and UNH is helping strengthen connections between research, education and the workforce.

Empower Life Sciences will bring together industry leaders, researchers and students for a day focused on the careers, capabilities and connections shaping the future of life sciences across the state.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore career pathways, learn more about UNH research and innovation, and connect with employers and others working across New Hampshire’s life sciences industry.

Join us to see what’s happening in life sciences at UNH and across the state.

The event will be held on September 9, from 8:30am-1pm at the Granite State Room in the MUB. More details and agenda at the link in the comments!

Welcome back! We’re excited to see the study halls and labs full of energy again. Here’s to a great fall semester. 💙 😸
08/31/2026

Welcome back! We’re excited to see the study halls and labs full of energy again.

Here’s to a great fall semester. 💙 😸

08/28/2026

Before their first semester at UNH begins, Marine Immersion gives incoming students the chance to dive into marine science at Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island.

During the week-long summer course, students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, research and other activities while getting to know their peers and professors before arriving on campus in Durham.

On this day, former Marine Immersion students Cailin Mackinnon ’29 and Esher Swanson ’27 returned to meet with the current class and answer questions about academics, getting involved at UNH and making the transition to college!

Start the semester with a conversation about our relationship with the natural world. 🌎🌿During the first week of classes...
08/27/2026

Start the semester with a conversation about our relationship with the natural world. 🌎🌿

During the first week of classes, we are welcoming Dr Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal of the EcoQuest Centre for Indigeneity, Ecology and Creativity for a special talk, “The New Indigeneity: Aligning Human Consciousness with the Natural World.”

Royal will explore the concept of “new indigeneity” and how traditional Indigenous knowledge can offer insight into contemporary environmental and cultural challenges.

Join us Thursday, September 3 at 6 p.m. in Spaulding Hall, Room 145.

No registration is necessary!

“It was great to see farmers benefit from the recommendations Extension specialists were making.” Meet Jamie Paige ’27, ...
08/26/2026

“It was great to see farmers benefit from the recommendations Extension specialists were making.”

Meet Jamie Paige ’27, a sustainable agriculture and food systems major from Woodbury, Connecticut. This summer, Jamie was a UNH Extension Integrated Pest Management Beyond the Classroom intern.

Hear more about her internship in her own words:

Each day of my internship varied. A large portion of the summer was spent traveling across New Hampshire to visit farms and discuss issues growers were facing.

I also developed educational resources and templates for pest scouting and identification and attended several Extension Twilight Meetings on topics including irrigation, cut flower growing, and orchard management.

My favorite part of the internship was seeing the behind-the-scenes work of an Extension specialist. I also loved being outdoors and exploring farms around the state, especially while scouting for pests in sweet corn and apple orchards.

One memorable moment was identifying a mystery lesion on pepper plants in a high tunnel. It was exciting to solve the mystery!

The most valuable thing I learned was how important Extension is as a resource. It was great to see farmers benefit from the recommendations specialists were making.

On a more personal note, I learned that I enjoy spending most of my workday outdoors and doing hands-on work.

In the future, I hope to be part of an Extension program or pursue a similar career. Without a doubt, this internship helped me work toward my career goals.

Thank you for sharing, Jamie!

08/25/2026

Summer at Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island. 🌊🐚

One week until the semester starts! But who’s counting? 👀⏳
08/24/2026

One week until the semester starts! But who’s counting? 👀⏳

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46 College Road
Durham, NH
03824

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