Merck Animal Health Extends Support to Next Generation of Poultry Veterinarians: Announces 2022 AAAP Scholarship Recipients
Madison, N.J., August 2, 2022 – In partnership with the American Association of Avian Pathologists Foundation (AAAP Foundation) – the charitable arm of the AAAP – Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) is proud to announce that it has awarded ten $5,000 scholarships to second- and third-year veterinary students focused on poultry health. This is the seventh year that Merck Animal Health has partnered with the AAAP Foundation, and, to date, has awarded over $200,000.
“We know that the next generation is key to the sustainability of our industry and of a safe food supply chain,” said Andres Montoya, D.V.M., Associate Director, Poultry Technical Services, Merck Animal Health. “Merck Animal Health is proud to support these students in their educational endeavors, knowing they represent the future of poultry production and wellbeing, and support our mission of the science of healthier animals.”
“We greatly appreciate the continued support of students who are the future of AAAP and poultry health management. These students will eventually be responsible for providing the public with safe, sustainable, poultry and eggs,” said Dr. Eric Gingerich, President of the AAAP Foundation. “We’re pleased and grateful to partner with Merck Animal Health to support their continued education.”
The following students are the 2022 scholarship recipients:
Tiffani Allen, of Stockbridge, Georgia, is a third-year veterinary student at the University of Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in poultry science from Mississippi State University in 2019. Tiffani has presented at several veterinary symposiums on the sequencing of infections bronchitis. Upon graduation, Tiffani would like to complete an ACPV approved training program and work as poultry production veterinarian.
Caley Ellington, of Broadway, Virginia, is a second-year student in the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas Tech University. She has gained veterinary experience as a Great Grandparent Operations Productions Intern at Aviagen and a Veterinary Services Intern at Lincoln Premium Poultry. After graduation, Caley plans to receive her Master of Avian Medicine and become a commercial poultry veterinarian.
Josie Gamble, of Soso, Mississippi, is a second-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. She also earned her bachelor’s degree in poultry science from Mississippi State University.
Kaitlin Gorrell, of Wilmington, Delaware, is a third-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary medicine and animal biosciences from the University of Delaware. Kaitlin hopes to attend a poultry residency program following graduation before finding a career in live broiler production.
Olivia Lockyear, of Evansville, Indiana, is a third-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Purdue University and has gained research experience studying infectious bronchitis in chickens. Olivia’s goal after graduation is to be an asset to both industry and academic research.
Lauren Sartor, of Gainesville, Georgia, is a third-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in avian biology from University of Georgia and has worked in the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center since 2021. Following graduation, Lauren plans to apply for the Master of Avian Medicine program at UGA.
Brittany Skaggs, of Gainesville, Florida, is a third-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Florida and has worked in the Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Research Center as an animal care technician. After completion of her DVM, Brittany hopes to specialize in poultry medicine and become board certified through the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.
Jason Sousa, of Elk Grove, California, is a third-year veterinary student at Texas A&M University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in poultry science from Mississippi State University. Jason has had externships with diagnostic laboratories in Texas and at Iowa State University, Mississippi State University, and University of Georgia. Following graduation, he hopes to become a diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians and work in the broiler or primary breeding industry.
Cole Taylor, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, is a third-year student at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his bachelor’s degree in animal nutrition and sciences from West Virginia University and has interned with the Purina National Poultry Team, Tyson and Kalmbach Feeds. Cole hopes to find a career as a veterinarian in poultry production or allied health with a focus in nutrition.
Luke Trimble, of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, is a third-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in veterinary and biomedical sciences from The Pennsylvania State University and has interned with Kalmbach Feeds, Cooper Farms, and Ringpu Bio-Technology Company in Tianjin, China. Following graduation, Luke would like to earn his Master of Avian Medicine and work in the layer industry or for a biopharmaceutical company specializing in vaccine development.
Learn more about the AAAP Foundation at https://www.aaap.info/foundation.
About Merck Animal Health
For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.