Purdue Veterinary Student Erin Will Receives National Dairy Focused Scholarship

February 24, 2023

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.

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

Contraceptive vaccine reduces fertility in animals to address wildlife overpopulation

A Purdue University contraceptive vaccine seeks to address animal overpopulation by markedly reducing fertility in feral horses, deer, swine and other animals. Dr. Harm HogenEsch, distinguished professor of immunopathology in Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Raluca Ostafe, director of Purdue University’s Molecular Evolution Protein Engineering and Production Facility, both members of the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, have designed the vaccine based on the IZUMO1 mammalian sperm protein. It induces a robust and long-lasting immune response and infertility in female mammals.

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

This week Dr. Kristy Faulkner, a specialty intern in neurology, is being appreciated for supporting students’ morale and being a “baker extraordinaire,” taking extra steps in sharing her beautifully decorated cupcakes with the Small Animal Internal Medicine team.

Coppoc One Health Lecture Brings Co-leader of Innovative Dog Aging Project to PVM

“One Health at Home: Dogs as Sentinels of Environmental Exposure” is the title of the 2026 Coppoc One Health Lecture presented by Dr. Audrey Ruple, co-principal investigator for the largest animal-health research initiative to date – the Dog Aging Project. Dr. Ruple, the Dorothy A. and Richard G. Metcalf Professor of Veterinary Medical Informatics at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, gave her talk February 26 in Lynn 1136. The lecture was free and open to the public.

Three More Years: How Specialized Care Helped Extend One Dog’s Life

When Ella, a pittie beagle mix, was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 11, Jennifer Turner knew she wanted to make every decision count. What she did not yet know was that a cross country drive to Purdue University would give her three more years with the dog she described as her constant companion.

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

This week we feel grateful for Anita Wolf, RVT, who is a veterinary technician in Intermediate Care in the Brunner Small Animal Hospital facility.

In Memory – Dr. Janet Weiss (PU DVM ’91)

The Purdue Veterinary community is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Janet Weiss, an alumna who served as a dedicated veterinarian in Northwest Indiana. A resident of La Porte, Indiana, Dr. Weiss passed away February 20, 2025. She was 61.

Upcoming PVM Veterinary Nursing Symposium Features Hands-On Learning

Veterinary professionals in the field of veterinary nursing have a special opportunity to expand their expertise and earn continuing education (CE) at Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Annual Veterinary Nursing Symposium. The one day continuing education program will be held at Lynn Hall on the Purdue campus March 23, 2025.

Zebra Foal Gets Lifesaving Help at Purdue University Equine Hospital

It’s not surprising to see a foal receiving emergency care at the Purdue University Equine Hospital during foaling season. The hospital’s team of expert clinicians and veterinary nurses are used to coming to the rescue when foals need special help to survive. But it was a surprise to see a foal named Marty arrive at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in February, because Marty is a zebra, and the hospital is in Indiana.