During the past decade, Merck Animal Health has presented 87 outstanding bovine veterinary students with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Award. At the 2014 AABP Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Merck Animal Health recognized another 15 of the industry's top future leaders in bovine veterinary medicine and awarded each a $5,000 scholarship, as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the conference.

"The contributions that large animal veterinarians make to our world are immeasurable," said Norman Stewart, D.V.M., livestock technical services manager for Merck Animal Health. "They help keep our animals healthy and our food safe and affordable. We at Merck Animal Health are proud to support and invest in those who are so vital to our future. The service, ideas and insight these students will provide throughout their careers will well exceed the scope of the education and support they receive."

The following students* are recipients of the 2014 AABP Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Awards:


  • Chelsea Allan, Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph
  • Benjamin Baird, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Lindsey Borst, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Julie Conner, University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
  • J.D. Folsom, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Health Sciences
  • Jacob Hagenmaier, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Jennifer R. Holle, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Daniel J. Lopez, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Lee Michels, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Halley Oliveira, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Emily K. Severt, Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • McKenzie Steger, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Peter A. Strassburg, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Holt Tripp, Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
  • Ashley Zondlak, Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine


Veterinary students in their third or fourth year of college are eligible to receive the award. Recipients of the scholarship are selected based on academic achievement, career goals, work experience and interest in veterinary medicine.

"Meeting with these students, seeing their enthusiasm and watching them make connections that may define their careers, is an honor and privilege I look forward to each year, " said AABP Executive Vice President M. Gatz Riddell, D.V.M. "We thank Merck Animal Health for helping to motivate and recognize the next generation of bovine practitioners."

Biographical information for each award recipient.

Merck logoAbout 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 at @MerckAH.
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9.18.2014