Merck Animal Health Fosters Next Generation of Food Animal Veterinarians

In partnership with the Food Systems Fellowship Program coordinated by the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Merck Animal Health is pleased to announce three scholarships have been awarded to veterinary students who are participating in the program. Each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to further their education as they pursue careers in food animal production.

“Given the ever-growing population, food animal veterinarians are integral to ensuring that we maintain a safe, nutritious food supply for generations to come,” said Rick Sibbel, D.V.M, executive director of food animal technical services for Merck Animal Health. “We are pleased to support these three outstanding students in their educational endeavors to help equip them with the expertise they will need to help feed our world.”

“The Food Systems Fellowship Program helps to provide veterinary students with the experiences and knowledge necessary to serve as the next generation of food animal industry leaders,” said Dan Grooms, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “We are thankful for Merck Animal Health’s partnership in preparing these motivated students for successful careers in the food animal industry.”

The following students will receive 2017 Merck Animal Health Scholarships:

• Courtney Doan of Merrill, Mich., is a fourth-year student at the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. She has gained experience working at Bebow Dairy Farm, the MSU dairy farm and the Michigan Milk Producers Association. After graduating, she plans to work as a bovine veterinarian and specialize in reproduction and calf management.

• Matt Kuhn of Mattawan, Mich., is a fourth-year veterinary student and second-year doctorate student at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Matt has interned with both an animal health company and a leading food producer. He gained additional experience working as a lab assistant and plans to pursue a career in public policy and legislative affairs after graduating.

• Kayla Niel of DuBois, Pa., is a third-year veterinary student at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She interned with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, completed a pilot study with the United States Department of Agriculture and worked for the Agricultural Research Service Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory. After graduating, Kayla plans to pursue a career in poultry medicine.

For additional information on the Food Systems Fellowship Program, visit www.cvm.msu.edu/fsf.