National DHIA Awards Veterinary Student Scholarships to Erika Oosterheert and Alexandra Trulsen
Source: The DairyNews
The Scholarship Committee of the National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) is delighted to announce Erika Oosterheert from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and Alexandra Trulsen from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine as the distinguished recipients of the 2024 National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarships. Each student is set to receive a $1,500 scholarship, acknowledging their outstanding commitment to the field.
Selection committee members meticulously evaluated candidates based on their holistic interest in veterinary medicine, particularly in the dairy sector, their active involvement in dairy medicine and extracurricular activities, and their enthusiasm for utilizing dairy software and records to enhance dairy management and improve animal health. Eligible applicants had to be third- or fourth-year veterinary medicine students enrolled in a college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.
Erika Oosterheert, hailing fr om a non-agricultural background, embarked on her veterinary journey by shadowing a large animal veterinarian in her hometown. Her passion for dairy cattle led her to gain hands-on experience on a local dairy farm, starting with milking cows and progressing to managing transition cows. Erika's dedication extended to research projects at the University of Minnesota, wh ere she collaborated with animal scientists on studies involving supplemental colostrum in dairy calves and behavioral data.
Alexandra Trulsen, a former 4-H member, worked with various livestock project animals before earning her bachelor's degree in animal science from SUNY Cobleskill. Her experience included milking cows and feeding calves on her 4-H leader's family farm, as well as working in the livestock pavilion during her undergraduate years. Alexandra's journey continued with internships at River Valley Vet Services and Duncreek Farms, culminating in her role as the student milking chief/manager at the Teaching Dairy Barn during her time at Cornell University.
The National DHIA Scholarship Program is sustained primarily through funds raised during the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction, with additional support from investments and donations. To contribute to this program, individuals can donate $15 or more and receive a copy of "The Big Book of Moo" by Leigh Rubin, featuring nearly 300 cow-centric cartoons. For donations and inquiries, please contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or lthoman@dhia.org. Your support plays a vital role in nurturing the future leaders of veterinary medicine within the dairy industry.
Erika Oosterheert, hailing fr om a non-agricultural background, embarked on her veterinary journey by shadowing a large animal veterinarian in her hometown. Her passion for dairy cattle led her to gain hands-on experience on a local dairy farm, starting with milking cows and progressing to managing transition cows. Erika's dedication extended to research projects at the University of Minnesota, wh ere she collaborated with animal scientists on studies involving supplemental colostrum in dairy calves and behavioral data.
Alexandra Trulsen, a former 4-H member, worked with various livestock project animals before earning her bachelor's degree in animal science from SUNY Cobleskill. Her experience included milking cows and feeding calves on her 4-H leader's family farm, as well as working in the livestock pavilion during her undergraduate years. Alexandra's journey continued with internships at River Valley Vet Services and Duncreek Farms, culminating in her role as the student milking chief/manager at the Teaching Dairy Barn during her time at Cornell University.
The National DHIA Scholarship Program is sustained primarily through funds raised during the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction, with additional support from investments and donations. To contribute to this program, individuals can donate $15 or more and receive a copy of "The Big Book of Moo" by Leigh Rubin, featuring nearly 300 cow-centric cartoons. For donations and inquiries, please contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or lthoman@dhia.org. Your support plays a vital role in nurturing the future leaders of veterinary medicine within the dairy industry.
