MINNEAPOLIS — Merck Animal Health has awarded $90,000 in scholarships to nine future bovine veterinarians in collaboration with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Foundation. Recipients of the Merck Animal Health Bovine Veterinary Student Recognition Award were chosen for their academic performance, career aspirations, work experience, and commitment to veterinary medicine. The awards were presented at the 2026 AABP Annual Conference in Minneapolis.
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Each recipient received $10,000. The 2026 scholarship winners include:
• Caroline Berge, University of Wisconsin, from Valders, Wisconsin, who plans to practice primarily bovine medicine in rural Wisconsin.
• Faith Bergman, The Ohio State University, a native of Minster, Ohio, interested in dairy production medicine and advanced reproductive technologies, aiming to work in the Midwest.
• Luke Daniels, Texas Tech University, from Dalhart, Texas, raised in his family’s veterinary practice, intends to serve the cattle industry.
• Derrick Goldammer, Kansas State University, from Mitchell, South Dakota, plans to work at Sweetgrass Veterinary Services after graduation.
• Jillian Grantz, Purdue University, from Floyds Knobs, Indiana, aspires to join a progressive dairy practice.
• Alexandria Henderson, Cornell University, from the Berkshires of Massachusetts, aims to become a large animal veterinarian in New England.
• Jonathon Macmillan, Atlantic Veterinary College, from Nova Scotia, Canada, plans to pursue a career in dairy medicine.
• Anna Spoth, Texas A&M University, originally from Buffalo, New York, intends to practice primarily in dairy medicine.
• Alex Webster, Iowa State University, from rural northeast Iowa, plans to work in a mixed animal practice with a focus on beef cattle.
Dave Sjeklocha, technical services manager at Merck Animal Health and former president of the AABP board, expressed pride in supporting the next generation of bovine veterinarians, who are vital for animal health and productivity. Fred Gingrich II, executive director of AABP, noted that the partnership with Merck Animal Health aids in preparing skilled veterinary students for careers in bovine medicine. Founded in 1965, the AABP represents over 5,000 veterinarians and veterinary students dedicated to cattle health and welfare.