DENVER/June 21, 2018 – Morris Animal Foundation has awarded $85,000 in grants through its Veterinary Student Scholar program, funding 17 student research projects in the United States and Australia.
The Veterinary Student Scholar program, which began in 2005, provides veterinary students the opportunity to become involved in mentored research that advances the health and/or welfare of companion animals, including cats, dogs and horses, and wildlife.
“We are proud to once again provide this research opportunity for some of the best veterinary professionals of tomorrow,” said Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Scientific Programs and Communications Adviser at Morris Animal Foundation. “These projects are just the beginning of what we’re sure will be amazing careers that will improve animal health. We can’t wait to see what they find.”
The Veterinary Student Scholar program was created to tackle the growing shortage of animal health scientists needed to answer complex questions impacting animal health. Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr., who established the Foundation in 1948, noted even then that “the most important element in veterinary research is people, and the Foundation can make its greatest contribution to veterinary medicine by providing opportunities for students to become skilled in veterinary research.”
This year’s students represent different schools of veterinary medicine from the United States and Australia. A few of the funded students and their areas of study include:
- John Cain, University of Pennsylvania, is examining the molecular interactions between heartworm parasites and mosquitoes, with the goal of reducing the ability of mosquitoes to transmit the disease to dogs.
- Laurel Krause, Colorado State University, is identifying causes of chronic kidney disease in cats. This will lead to better prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies.
- Ka Yuen, University of Queensland, is investigating the appropriate antibiotic therapy for the treatment of joint infections in horses. The study will determine if there are differences of factors between infections brought on by trauma or ones resulting from surgery.
- Lindsey Parker, University of Tennessee, is studying the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus in wild African lions of Zimbabwe. This will provide critical information on the infection status of lions in the region and promote optimal decisions on management of these populations.
The Veterinary Student Scholar program awards stipends of up to $5,000 to veterinary students who are selected by their institution to participate in clinical or basic animal health and/or welfare research. Students must devote a minimum of 50 percent of their time to the project for the equivalent of a 10- to 12-week period over the summer. Application is open to currently-enrolled veterinary students in good standing from any American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited college, university or school of veterinary medicine.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org
