U of I student combines internships, rodeo and research to shape his future

Every summer from the age of 8 until he was 12, Ken Koceja spent three idyllic months on his grandparent’s farm in Baja California, Mexico. He enjoyed the slower and quieter pace of life compared to his experiences in the suburbs of Camas, Washington during the rest of the year. He was able to explore the outdoors and help his grandfather with small tasks on the farm. Around the same time, he joined the Boy Scouts where he discovered a love for horses.

Those experiences developed a curiosity and appreciation for agriculture, eventually leading Koceja to the University of Idaho where he will earn a degree in animal and veterinary science: business option in December 2024.

As he grew older, sports and jobs prevented Koceja from spending entire summers in Mexico. When he was 16, he began working summers at the Butte Creek Scout Ranch near Scotts Mills, Oregon where he gained a deeper understanding of livestock agriculture and began considering a future in agriculture. He wasn’t familiar with U of I, but when a marketing email landed in his inbox, he decided to take a closer look, and the affordable tuition impressed him.

“I kind of took a leap of faith,” he said. “I didn’t know much about the science part of agriculture but it’s interesting and I really enjoy it. I’ve learned there are so many avenues when it comes to agriculture.”

Once he arrived on campus, Koceja set about creating a community for himself. He joined the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and Vandal Catholics Club and participated on the U of I Rodeo and Horse Polo teams.

He also completed several internships as he narrowed down his career focus, spending time as an operations intern for Beef Northwest Feeders in Quincy, Washington, a farm and ranch intern for Red Doc Farm in Belen, New Mexico, and as a convention intern for the Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

“University of Idaho has been more than just a place to study — it’s been a community that nurtured and prepared me to become the person I am today,” Koceja said. “If you’re searching for an institution where you’ll be supported and challenged, U of I is unparalleled.”

As graduation approached, Koceja realized that he’d only just scratched the surface on his education and there was more to learn. He will begin a master’s program in ruminant nutrition and animal health at West Texas A&M University in January 2025 under the mentorship of Professor John Richeson, researching topics such as bovine respiratory disease, shipping fever and acute interstitial pneumonia in cattle.

“University of Idaho opened my mind, and I knew there’s got to be more,” he said. “I got really drawn to Dr. Richeson because these are really big issues in the industry. A lot of money is lost because of those things.”

After graduate school, Koceja is leaning towards attending veterinary school and eventually working in a rural mixed animal practice. He is also considering serving in the military. Whatever path he takes, he credits U of I with helping to shape him into the person he wants to be.

“If you’re looking for somewhere you’re going to be supported and nurtured to be the best person and student that you can be, University of Idaho is the place to go,” he said. “There are a lot of other good universities, but I wouldn’t compare anything to this place. I’m excited to see where life takes me and continuing to grow into the person I’ve always wanted to be.”