My TransOvaLog In
Jun 10, 2026
The start of our summer internship journey officially kicked off with an incredible week of orientation at URUS Headquarters in Madison, WI, followed by a trip back to Trans Ova’s headquarters in Sioux Center, Iowa. During this week, interns from URUS brands came together to learn, connect, and prepare for opportunities our summer’s will hold.
The week began at URUS headquarters, where we had the opportunity to meet interns representing multiple URUS brands, alongside 12 Trans Ova interns from locations across the country. One of the most valuable aspects of this experience “was building connections with peers who share similar career interests, ambitions, and passions for the agriculture industry”.Although our internships span different roles and responsibilities, we quickly discovered common goals, similar challenges, and a shared excitement for the summer ahead. The conversations, teamwork activities, and time spent getting to know one another built connections that will extend far beyond orientation week.
The second half of orientation brought us back to Sioux Center, where we spent time at Trans Ova’s headquarters learning firsthand about the company’s history, innovation, and impact on the livestock industry.
A highlight was hearing from Trans Ova legend Diane Broek, who shared the history of Trans Ova and the vision that helped shape the company into what it is today. Her message to interns was simple yet powerful: “if you can think it, you can do it.“ Her stories left us inspired, knowledgeable, and excited about the future with our internships.
We also had the opportunity to hear from members of the executive leadership team, including CEO Kevin Hoogendoorn, CFO Chad Feenstra, and Amanda Meyers-Herring, Sr. People Business Partner. They shared insights into Trans Ova’s mission, vision, and values while answering questions about leadership, company culture, and the future of the industry.
Another memorable experience was touring the cloning lab led by Dan Faber and his team. From explaining the process from start to finish to sharing unique experiences from their careers, the team provided an inside look at the innovation of advanced reproduction technologies behind the scenes.
Friday – our final day of orientation, also National Donut Day – started with donuts before transitioning into one of the most hands-on experiences of the week: the wet lab at TOGU. During three rotations we had the opportunity to aspirate terminal ovaries, search for oocytes, observe embryo maturation and fertilization processes, and learn about reproductive technologies including embryo transfer, conventional flushing, and IVF/OPU procedures.
Orientation week is one our group will not soon forget. Whether it was road trip conversations about shared interests, learning about our DISC personality styles, hearing from industry leaders, or gaining hands-on experience in the lab, the week strengthened our connections, expanded our knowledge, and deepened our understanding to Trans Ova’s mission, vision, and core values