Vet science student takes poultry essay prize
It’s not often that students get paid to write essays in their chosen field of study, but Felicity Kerr found herself in just that position earlier this month.
A fourth year Veterinary Science student at the University of Melbourne, Felicity was the winner of the annual Bioproperties Essay Competition.
She received $1000 for her efforts, and has gained a valuable insight into an issue of major importance to the poultry industry.
Her essay focused on infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), a respiratory disease of poultry which causes significant production losses in commercial flocks throughout the world.
Felicity started the Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree four years ago with significant research experience already behind her, having completed an honours degree in biomedicine and a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology.
After 10 years in tertiary education, she’s well and truly looking forward to entering the work force, although her research interests and new-found poultry knowledge will initially take a back seat.
“I hope to start off in mixed practice with a significant cattle component,” Felicity says. “I haven't yet been to enough calvings or cow caesarians to not be excited by them!”
With interests in pathology, surgery and emergency medicine, and a soon-to-be-completed veterinary science degree to add to her research qualifications, the world of veterinary medicine offers plenty of opportunities for Felicity.
Bioproperties Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s leading manufacturers of live vaccines to the food animal industry, invites fourth year students at the Faculty of Veterinary Science to enter the essay competition each year. Students must prepare a 2000-word essay on one of a number of set topics focused on current issues in the poultry industry.
Four other students were awarded runners up prizes in the 2010 competition – Christina Cheng and Evie Knight both received $300 for their essays, while Amber Lee and Sally-Anne Richter shared $400 for their co-authored entry.
For further information please contact the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 9035 4103 or email: vet-communications@unimelb.edu.au