Purdue Veterinary Student Erin Will Receives National Dairy Focused Scholarship

The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) has announced the four recipients of this year’s DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarships, and one of them is Erin Will, of the Purdue DVM Class of 2023. The scholarships amount to $1,500 each.  The other three recipients are from Cornell, Washington State University, and Michigan State University.

Erin Will portrait

The recipients were selected by DHIA’s Scholarship Committee from veterinary students across the country based on their overall interest as a veterinarian planning to work in dairy; involvement in dairy medicine and extra-curricular activities; and interest in using dairy software and dairy records to aid in dairy management and in improving animal health. To be eligible for the National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship, applicants must be third- or fourth-year veterinary students enrolled at a college accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education.

Erin was raised on a small dairy farm in southern Indiana, and her youth and high school activities were focused on agriculture. Throughout high school, she co-managed the breeding practices on her family’s farm and was recognized by FFA with a Gold-rating in the Dairy Production category of the National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Award program. Erin earned her Purdue bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and was active in the Purdue Dairy Club, serving as president and participating in the Dairy Challenge and dairy judging. Her dairy judging team even placed first at the Fort Worth Stock Show. Erin also was an Indiana Dairy Ambassador, which helped her develop advocacy skills and build relationships with Indiana dairy farmers. As a Purdue veterinary student, Erin has served as Food Animal Club dairy chair; participated in bovine ambulatory and Indiana State Fair production medicine blocks; and completed a dairy veterinary medicine/research internship at Iowa State University.

The National DHIA is a trade association for the dairy records industry, and serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems. Congratulations Erin on receiving the National DHIA Veterinary Student Scholarship!

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we’re sending a big “High Five” to Emma Wood, who is a Medical Oncology Client Liaison and the Client Liaison Team Lead for the Purdue Small Animal Reception Team, for the supportive energy she brings to her work every day.

In Memory: Former Veterinary Medical Library Staff Member Tonya Mull 

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is saddened to learn that Tonya R. Mull of Lafayette, Indiana, who served as a longtime Purdue Libraries staff member, including multiple years as a staff member in the Veterinary Medical Library, passed away October 18 at Franciscan Health Lafayette East.  She was 59.

PVM Symposium Offers MOAAR Education on Medicine of Aquatics, Amphibians and Reptiles

Veterinary professionals and students gathered recently at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine to take advantage of a special opportunity to enhance their knowledge and expertise about the care and treatment of aquatic, amphibian, and reptilian species. The fifth biennial Medicine of Aquatics, Amphibians, and Reptiles (MOAAR) Symposium was held October 18–19, at Lynn Hall on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, bringing together veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, and experts dedicated to the care of exotic species.

Local Veterinary Celebration Highlights Global Veterinary Education

Going global is a popular ambition in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine as evidenced by the turnout for the college’s annual Global Engagement Fair last Friday, October 17. Held in the Veterinary Medical Library in Lynn Hall, the festive event featured international cuisine and displays about various study abroad opportunities available to Purdue DVM and Veterinary Technology students.