TAMU Students, Future Bovine Practitioners Earn Awards from Merck Animal Health
Three Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) students have been recognized by Merck Animal Health with an American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Award.
Fourth-year veterinary students Justin Casares, Cade Luckett, and Lauren Thompson were among the 18 bovine veterinary students from across the country who received the award, which was accompanied by a $5,000 scholarship.
The awards were presented at the 50th annual conference of the AABP, held Sept. 14-16 in Omaha.
Casares, from Mission, Texas, earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M and spent eight years working at Mission Veterinary Hospital. He also served as an extern at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for three years.
After he graduates, Casares intends to work at a rural mixed-animal or food-animal veterinary practice in Texas.
Luckett, from Matador, Texas, earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas Tech University, where, as an undergraduate, he gained experience working in veterinary clinics and his family’s operation.
He also spent a summer working as an intern for the U.S. House Agriculture Committee in Washington, D.C.
After he graduates, he plans to work as a bovine practitioner and, ultimately, own his own practice.
Thompson, from Grandview, Texas, earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M and gained experience working as a bovine embryo transfer technician, as well as through externships at several veterinary hospitals.
After she graduates, she plans to work as a food-animal veterinarian in a rural area.
“Justin, Cade, and Lauren are highly motivated individuals with a true passion for food-animal practice,” said Dr. Karen Cornell, CVM associate dean for professional programs. “Their enthusiasm is demonstrated by their choice to participate in our Food Animal Track during the final year of the veterinary curriculum. This track affords students additional learning opportunities focused in food-animal medicine.
“We believe that combining students with a passion for food-animal practice with these unique learning opportunities will provide exceptionally qualified practitioners to the bovine industry,” she said.
Second- and third-year veterinary students are eligible for the Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Awards, sponsored by Merck Animal Health since 2004 as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to the practice of veterinary medicine.
“These recipients are capable of not only providing quality cattle care, but also of serving as the driving force behind important advancements in the field of veterinary medicine in the years to come,” said Dr. Rick Sibbel, executive director of food animal technical services for Merck Animal Health. “We are pleased to support such outstanding students who will, in time, make a
lasting impact on our industry.”
Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, career goals, work experience, and interest in veterinary medicine.
“Support of veterinary students who are interested in bovine practice is a critical part of the mission of AABP,” said Dr. Fred Gingrich, AABP executive vice president. “This year, as we celebrate our 50th annual conference, we recognize the exceptional quality of bovine veterinary students, which is reflected in these 18 award recipients.
“We thank Merck Animal Health for its generous support of this scholarship program that honors these outstanding future colleagues.”
