July 25, 2023
Veterinary student receives research fellowship to show how healthy cattle reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Happy cattle help make a healthy planet, according to research analysis being conducted by Deanna Gennett, third-year veterinary student at Kansas State University from Willow Springs, Illinois. She is one of 13 students selected nationally for a Veterinary Student Research Fellowship, which supports student research to advance global food security, sustainable animal production and environmental sustainability.
These fellowships are funded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, or FFAR, in partnership with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, believing veterinarians trained in animal science and public health are critical to addressing many global challenges within the veterinary and agricultural fields.
Through the FFAR Vet Fellows program, veterinary students can pursue research outside of the biomedical sciences and gain experiential learning opportunities with a qualified mentor. This fellowship culminates with student presentations at the annual Veterinary Scholars Symposium.
Gennett is analyzing cattle growth and health metrics in the feedlot to quantitatively document how efficient, healthy cattle have fewer estimated greenhouse gas emissions, which negatively impact the environment. This data will help quantify the relationships between cattle production and impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this research may contribute to herd management strategies that promote healthy cattle while protecting the environment.
Gennett is mentored by David Renter, director of the Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, through K-State's Veterinary Research Scholars Program, or VRSP, an annual summer program that provides veterinary students with in-depth, hands-on research opportunities with experienced faculty mentors. The program's goal is to motivate students toward a research-focused career, with many VRSP students pursuing research related to food and agriculture.
"Deanna's work has been a great addition to our Global Food Systems project focused on beef industry sustainability," Renter said. "She has certainly made the most of a wonderful opportunity to use unique data from industry partners to study how feedlot production factors affect estimated greenhouse gas emissions."
The 2023 FFAR Vet Fellows program provides a $10,000 stipend for the selected students to perform research including but not limited to agricultural economics; nutritional security and food access; environmental sustainability of agriculture; advanced technologies; zoonotic diseases and pandemic prevention; and antimicrobial stewardship.
"I am excited to have been chosen as a recipient of the FFAR Veterinary Student Research Fellowship and have the opportunity to explore my research interests," Gennett said. "Being a part of the VRSP and working with Dr. Renter has taught me a lot about agricultural sustainability and the impact a veterinarian can make in the research field. I plan to continue to grow my research experience in hopes of pursuing a Ph.D. after veterinary school."
This fellowship is open annually to domestic and international students currently enrolled in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program who are conducting research with a qualified mentor at an AAVMC member institution. Students do not need to have prior research experience, and matching funds are not required for this program. Students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in agriculture are strongly encouraged to apply.