Merck Animal Health is pleased to announce five scholarships have been awarded to veterinary students attending Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM). Each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to further their education as they pursue careers in either companion or large animal care.
“With pet ownership as popular as ever, and the growing demand for protein, the expertise of both companion and large animal veterinarians will continue to be important,” said Norman Stewart, D.V.M, Manager, Livestock Technical Services, Merck Animal Health. “We are pleased to support these five outstanding students in their educational endeavors as they will make contributions to the science of healthier animals in the future.”
“This newly established scholarship has already begun benefitting our students,” said Ruby L. Perry, D.V.M., dean of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. “I commend our scholarship committee for their diligence in getting this scholarship opportunity established for our students and want to give a special thank you to Merck Animal Health for their continued support of our veterinary college and students.”
Deidre Quinn-Gorham, D.V.M., coordinator of educational programs and instructional technology/scholarship committee chair, along with Roslyn Casimir, D.V.M., associate dean for academic and student affairs, and the scholarship committee were all instrumental in helping to establish the scholarship program for five outstanding students. “Our first recipients are all bright veterinary students and truly deserving of receiving this honor. We look forward to continuing this relationship with Merck Animal Health.”
The five recipients are:
- Shahkila Daniels of Canton, Ohio, is a second-year student at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her experience includes a three-month wildlife preservation internship. She has also worked at a leading pet care chain. After graduating, Shahlika plans to pursue a career in zoo animal medicine. She has a special interest in animals indigenous to the Africa.
- Khali Jones of Atlanta, Ga., is a third-year student at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has gained experience through internships at a leading pet care chain, a local animal shelter and at the Atlanta zoo. Following graduation, Khali plans to pursue a career as a public health veterinarian. She also has interest in studying the human/animal bond.
- Kim Melara of Houston, Texas, is a third-year student at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. She has gained experience working at multiple small animal and equine practices throughout the Houston area. Upon graduation, Kim plans to pursue earning board certification as a veterinary neurologist and hopes to own a small animal practice.
- Alexia Sampson of Bronx, N.Y., is a second-year student at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. She interned with a leading pet care chain. After graduation, Alexia is interested in pursuing community outreach programs and working with farmers in Ghana, Africa to help increase their crop yield.
- Damali Damon Zakers of Atlanta, Ga. is a second-year student at the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has experience working at The Village Vets, Lilburn-Stone Mountain, Ga. Upon graduation, Damali plans to pursue board certification in pathology or engage in laboratory work.
