McCarthy scholarship opens gate to equine research for vet students
Press release
5 December 2008
Two students from the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne are recipients of this year's Robert Neville McCarthy Scholarship, which will enable them to undertake a unique research project in equine health in the Faculty.
The scholarship was established by Dr Neville and Mrs Margaret McCarthy and family in honour of their son. Rob McCarthy completed his BVSc in 1984 and his PhD in 1989 and then worked as a Research Fellow in the Faculty until 1993. This scholarship enables students to participate in research projects related to equine health and performance during the summer holidays.
The scholarship is presented annually to one or more high achieving Veterinary Science students. The recipients of this year's scholarship were Felicity Kerr and Subu Chockalingam.
Scholarship winner Subu Chockalingam was very surprised to receive the award, and is hoping that the experience will prove beneficial over the next few years of the degree: "I am a first year student, and the award is also open to second and third year students so I was not expecting to get it," Subu said.
"I hope to learn the basic principles and methods of research into Veterinary Science, and be able to view my studies in the following years of the course with a more analytical mindset."
Subu plans to work with the Faculty's Dr Simon Bailey, a Senior Lecturer in Pre-Clinical Sciences, to study equine laminitis, a condition in which the attachment between the hoof wall and soft underlying tissue fails, causing extreme pain and often leading to euthanasia.
Felicity Kerr, the second recipient of this year's scholarship, already has considerable experience in the research field, having completed a PhD prior to undertaking a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She plans to embark on a summer research project in veterinary pathology at the Werribee Veterinary Clinic, studying equine heart and lung samples from horses that have died on the race track.
"By completing this project I hope that we can come closer to understanding the events that can lead to the demise of horses on the track in an attempt to decrease morbidity and mortality," Felicity said. The experience will bode well for Felicity's longer term career plans of becoming a specialist in veterinary pathology.
Applicants must prepare a written statement, demonstrating an interest in studies on equine health and performance, as well as maintaining a high standard of academic performance. Recipients of the scholarship receive a living stipend of $300 per week for the duration of the 6–8 week project. Full details of the scholarship can be found at www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/awards/vetscience
For further information please contact the Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: vet-communications@unimelb.edu.au