Supporting Veterinary Research Education to Advance Animal Health
December 12, 2023
Through expanding access to veterinary education, the Zoetis Foundation is committed to empowering future veterinary professionals with the knowledge, tools and experiences needed to positively impact animal health. In veterinary medicine, research is essential to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of veterinarians and livestock farmers, and the animals in their care. Cultivating a strong research acumen among the next generation of veterinary students helps build a thriving animal health profession that can address the diverse needs of animals amidst a rapidly changing world.
The Dr. Catherine A. Knupp Scholarship, first announced in 2022, aims to encourage more students to pursue research in veterinary science. The scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Catherine A. Knupp, who retired as Zoetis’ President of Research & Development in 2021. Funded by the Zoetis Foundation through a grant to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), the scholarship honors Dr. Knupp’s outstanding 35-year career and commemorates her many contributions to scientific innovation as a veterinary scientist and leader in human and animal health research and development.
Earlier this year, AAVMC selected Rachel Woodfint as the inaugural Dr. Catherine A. Knupp scholarship recipient. Rachel is a 4th year dual DVM/PhD student at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. As an undergraduate student, Rachel fell in love with the research process because it combines science and creativity with the potential to make groundbreaking discoveries. She then went on to complete her Master of Science Degree with a research focus in functional genomics and later began her PhD in Biomedical Sciences at The Ohio State University. Her current research focuses on mucosal immunology and vaccine development – critical areas of study for the future of animal health. In her research, she examines the microbiome, the community of microorganisms that exist in a particular environment, and how alterations to it can affect the body’s ability to respond to vaccines. Recognizing the importance of a holistic understanding of animal anatomy and physiology as it relates to her research on a molecular level, Rachel decided to pursue veterinary education and is currently obtaining her DVM.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Rachel’s research work enabled her to be at the forefront of COVID-19 vaccine development. “Immunology is such an exciting field to be in right now. I love that there is application to so many aspects of both human and animal health,” said Rachel. “For example, in understanding the body’s microbiome, researchers may be able to better develop personalized treatment and health plans for animals and help deliver effective vaccines and medications.”
Following graduation, she aspires to complete postdoctoral training focused on research and animal medicine.
“Throughout her career, Dr. Knupp championed the advancement of science and innovation in animal health and was a remarkable mentor for women in the field,” says Jeannette Ferran Astorga, President of the Zoetis Foundation. “The Zoetis Foundation is honored to continue her legacy through this scholarship, supporting the next generation of research veterinarians in strengthening the future of animal health.”
“We are excited to continue this scholarship opportunity in partnership with Zoetis Foundation. Advancing opportunities in research is fundamental to strengthening the profession,” says Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe, CEO of AAVMC.
Applications for the 2024 Dr. Catherine A. Knupp Scholarship are open December 12, 2023 through February 12, 2024! The scholarship will award two recipients with $25,000 each. Students can learn more and apply here: https://awards.aavmc.org/