My name is Erin Ross and I am a second-year master’s student in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph. Working under the supervision of Dr. Tina Widowski, Egg Farmers of Canada Research Chair in Poultry Welfare, my research directly addresses a major challenge in Canadian egg production: laying hen welfare in aviary systems. I am particularly interested in determining how environmental complexity during early life affects the development of musculoskeletal traits. In addition to my research, I serve as the Senior Student Director of the Poultry Science Association (PSA), an international organization of poultry science professionals, researchers, and students that is dedicated to the advancement of the field of poultry science. Outside of academia, I enjoy gardening, playing piano, and relaxing with a cup of tea.