Student researchers from Texas A&M University and Cornell University received Boehringer Ingelheim research awards at the 2024 Veterinary Scholars Symposium

DULUTH, GA (August 29, 2024) – Veterinary research was front and center at the annual Veterinary Scholars Symposium held in early August in St. Paul, Minnesota. Nearly 600 veterinary students gathered to share original research they conducted in academic and government labs over the summer, engage with peers and leaders in academia, government, and industry, and learn more about potential career paths. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. is the lead sponsor of the symposium organized by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

At this year’s symposium, Boehringer celebrated 35 years of the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program, which was established in 1989 to introduce veterinary students to biomedical research. Through the program, veterinary students participate in a hands-on research project typically conducted over a 10-12-week period during the summer, culminating with the presentation of their work at the Veterinary Scholars Symposium. In 2024, Boehringer provided support for 129 students representing veterinary schools in North America, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Japan and the Philippines. This summer also marked the third year of the collaboration between Boehringer and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Eleven students worked directly with ARS scientists to research diseases that could affect livestock and public health. 

“Over the past 35 years, veterinary medicine has evolved, but the mission of the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program remains unchanged: supporting veterinary students in exploring biomedical research and bolstering the future professional pipeline,” said Monica Figueiredo, DVM, director of the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program. “Many of the students who have participated in this program have gone on to pursue research interests. We know today’s students play a vital role in the future discovery and development of new vaccines and pharmaceuticals for both veterinary and human health. Boehringer takes pride in the Veterinary Scholars Program's history and looks forward to its continued growth.”

As a highlight of the symposium, Boehringer also recognized two students with its annual research awards. 

Kayleigh Shumaker, a veterinary student at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, received the Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Veterinary Students. Shumaker’s research investigated altered angiogenesis as a potential mechanism behind impaired fracture healing in Down syndrome mice. Click here to learn more about Shumaker’s discovered interest in research through her participation in the Veterinary Scholars Program.

Richard Ayomide Adeleke, DVM received the Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians. Adeleke is a PhD candidate in immunology and infectious diseases at Cornell University where his research focused on developing a single combined vaccine for SARS‑CoV‑2 and the influenza virus. The goal of his project is to simplify the current immunization schedule for these respiratory viruses, increasing accessibility of vaccines globally. Click here to learn more about Adeleke’s research and advice for veterinary students interested in biomedical research.

“The field of research is about exploration, and the exemplary research presented by this year’s Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award recipients reflects their commitment to better understanding the interconnectedness between human and animal health,” said Dr. Figueiredo.

For more information on the Boehringer Ingelheim Research Awards, click here. Applications for the 2025 awards are due by December 30, 2024.

About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at bi-animalhealth.com. 

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in Research and Development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Lean more at boehringer-ingelheim.com/us.

Media Contact:

Beth Breeding
Boehringer Ingelheim 
Associate Director, PR and Communications 
elizabeth.breeding@boehringer-ingelheim.com