Researcher at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Named Winner of 2024 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence

By: Caitlin Ware Date: Nov 8, 2024

Katrin Hinrichs and Mary Robinson — Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology Mary A. Robinson (right) and Chair of the New Bolton Center Clinical Studies Department Katrin Hinrichs. Photo by John Donges

Mary A. Robinson, VMD, PhD, DACVCP, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) assistant professor of Veterinary Pharmacology and director of the New Bolton Center Equine Pharmacology Research Laboratory, has received the 2024 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence.

Established in 1985, the annual award recognizes researchers whose outstanding scientific effort and productivity fosters veterinary advancement. Robinson was honored with the award during the 30th annual Penn Vet Research Retreat on November 1.

Robinson’s research focuses on pharmacologics and forensics in support of working horse welfare and equestrian sports integrity. Her publications over the past five years have centered around pharmacokinetics/dynamics, exercise physiology, and analytical chemistry, with an emphasis on informing the development and optimization of anti-doping control programs and equine biological passport development.

In addition to her roles with Penn Vet, Robinson also serves as acting director of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture State Horse Racing Commission’s Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory (PETRL).

About Penn Vet

Ranked among the top ten veterinary schools worldwide, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the first veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 34,600 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 6,200 patient visits a year, while our Field Services have gone out on more than 5,500 farm service calls, treating some 18,700 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.