[March 15, 2018; Philadelphia, PA] – Through a partnership with the American Association of Avian Pathologists Foundation (AAAP Foundation) and Merck Animal Health, third-year Penn Vet student Linnea Tracy has been awarded one of ten scholarships presented to veterinary students focused on poultry health this year.
“These recipients are already standout students at their respective universities, and as they prepare to enter the field of poultry production, we want to help provide support for their ongoing education as we know student debt can be a challenge,” said Rick Sibbel, DVM, Executive Director, Food Animal Technical Services, Merck Animal Health.
Driven by a profound interest in the intersections between humans, animals, agriculture and public health, Tracy aspires to chart the way for what she believes is the next frontier of veterinary medicine: birds.
The experience of volunteering at a local animal shelter, combined with an introduction to epidemiology during her undergraduate studies, sparked Tracy’s passion to focus on population and global health, leading her to Penn Vet.
“I was attracted to the School’s emphasis on veterinary medicine’s global importance—global as in the world, but also global as in all species on the planet, including humans,” she said.
In addition to her studies, Tracy has worked with Dr. Sherrill Davison, associate professor of avian medicine and pathology at Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. An international expert in avian medicine, Davison directs the Laboratory of Avian Medicine and Pathology at New Bolton Center, which plays a critical role in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s efforts to detect the spread of disease.
After graduation, Tracy hopes to pursue a residency in avian medicine to eventually earn a role where she can help shape public policy at the state or federal level.
“Avian health touches many lives,” said Tracy. “This is a huge field, and it’s only going to get more important as global food demands grow.”