AVC Students Showcase Research at Summer Program

The program is designed to introduce students to research career opportunities by pairing them with faculty mentors and peer supporters for hands-on projects. Participants also engage in seminars led by experts across various fields, culminating in a final poster presentation competition.

Jon Klymchuk, a member of the Class of 2028, secured first place for his research on endoparasite levels and anthelmintic resistance in grazing sheep flocks on Prince Edward Island. His project was supervised by Dr. Emily John, an Associate Professor of Health Management, with assistance from peer mentor Dr. Will Robbins, a parasitology resident.

Abigail Black, also from the Class of 2028, earned second place for her poster examining how the avian reovirus P10 protein modulates extracellular matrix signaling pathways, potentially promoting syncytium formation. She was supervised by Dr. Lisane Ayalew, an Assistant Professor of Pathology and Microbiology, with support from peer mentor Samantha MacEachern, a graduate student in the same department.

Hannah Johnston, another Class of 2028 student, received third place for her work investigating Dirofilaria immitis and lungworms in wild canids on Prince Edward Island. Her project was supervised by Dr. Nina Germitsch, an Assistant Professor of Pathology and Microbiology, with mentorship from Dr. Robbins and Cara Doucette, a graduate student.

Dr. Sunny Hartwig, a Professor of Biomedical Sciences, remarked on the impressive quality of the projects, emphasizing the significant impact veterinary students can have in research through such programs. He noted that the experiences gained are crucial for students exploring future careers in research, academia, and clinical practice.