Merck Animal Health Supports Poultry Veterinary Students Through New Scholarship Program

Madison, N.J., February 10, 2016 – In partnership with the American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP) Foundation – the charitable arm of the AAAP – Merck Animal Health is pleased to announce five $5,000 scholarships have been awarded to veterinary students. In its inaugural year, the AAAP Foundation/Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program supports second- and third-year veterinary students who are focused on avian health.
“At Merck Animal Health, we recognize the importance of cultivating the next generation of veterinary leaders who will help feed the world,” said Norm Stewart, D.V.M., Technical Services Manager, Merck Animal Health. “Scholarship programs such as this one will help ensure that students receive the training and hands-on experience they need to contribute to future advancements in poultry health and performance.”
“This cooperative effort with Merck Animal Health complements the AAAP Foundation’s mission to recruit and support the best and brightest poultry scholars who will be vital to the future of veterinary medicine, diagnostics and research,” Rob Porter, D.V.M., Ph.D., President of the AAAP Board of Directors. “These students represent the future of poultry medicine and the production of safe, wholesome food.”
The following students are recipients of the 2016 AAAP Foundation/Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship:

• Brandon Taylor Armwood of Spring Lake, N.C., is a third-year veterinary student at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSUCVM). He earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, and has completed internships at National Veterinary Services Laboratory, Butterball and University of Georgia Poultry Diagnostic Research Center. Brandon currently works as a poultry laboratory technician at NCSUCVM. Following graduation, he would like to work as a technical service or broiler breeder veterinarian.
• Valerie Marcano of Athens, Ga., is a third-year veterinary student at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and is a member of its Veterinary Medical Scientist Training dual D.V.M. – Ph.D. program. Valerie earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University and has worked at the Afonso Lab Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory as a graduate assistant, as well as the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Whittaker Lab. She aspires to ultimately conduct research on avian immunology and infectious diseases that impact both animals and humans.
• Chase Miller of Harrisonburg, Va., is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and animal science and industry from KSU. Chase worked as an undergraduate research assistant for the KSU Swine Nutrition Department and interned at Elanco Animal Health in the poultry division. After graduating, he hopes to contribute to bird health advancements in developing international poultry markets.
• Sarah Reichelt of Cary, N.C., is a third-year veterinary student at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSUCVM). She earned her bachelor’s degree in poultry science and zoology from NCSU. Sarah has interned at Prestage Farms, Cobb Vantress and NCSUCVM. In the future, Sarah wants to work as a poultry veterinarian with a focus on animal welfare and consumer education to help provide communities with an economical, healthy food supply. Sarah also plans to find ways to better educate consumers about food production.
• Abigail Reith of Springfield, Mo., is a third-year veterinary student at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Abigail earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science form the University of Arkansas. She has interned with Cobb-Vantress, Tyson Foods, Four Rivers Labrador Retriever Research Kennel and Ozark Surgical Associates. After graduating, Abigail plans to earn her master’s degree in avian medicine from the University of Georgia and would eventually like to specialize in poultry medicine, health and management.

Recipients of the scholarship will be recognized at the AAAP Annual Conference in August. Learn more about the AAAP Foundation at http://www.aaap.info/aaap-foundation.

About Merck Animal Health

Today’s Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, 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 range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. 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 and Twitter.

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