Veterinary students Matthew Burns and Dane Schwartz are recipients of one of the most competitive scholarships in veterinary reproductive medicine, the Nandi Animal Embryology Scholarship, 2023.
International Scholarships are awarded annually by the Foundation for Animal Embryology to fourth-year veterinary students who demonstrate outstanding potential for future clinical and academic excellence and leadership.
“It is truly an honor to receive the Nandi Scholarship. But it also means that I believe I have a strong future in animal embryology, and that they are willing to support me on this journey,” Barnes said.
Burns and Schwartz were selected from 17 applicants representing 12 veterinary schools. They will be honored at the annual conference in Birmingham, Alabama on July 21 and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
It is also the first time that the scholarship will be awarded to two students from the same university.
“Animal embryology is very important and will be a big part of my career, so it’s a big deal to come and be recognized by the Society,” Schwartz said. “It says a lot about the program as well, which shows that the WSU faculty are skilled and supportive of students. The fact that the
WSU’s Animal Embryology Program is one of the few resources in the Pacific Northwest that specializes in breeding animals large and small.
Barnes, nominated by mentor Dr. Ramanathan Kasimanickam, and Schwartz, nominated by mentor Dr. Ahmed Tibary, noted that they received significant on-the-job training prior to their clinical year at veterinary school.
“When I wasn’t in class, I was in the barn with the therio team,” says Schwartz.
In addition to spending time with WSU leaders, Barnes also gained experience at Utah State University through WSU’s regional veterinary program.
“I gained so much knowledge and skill in equine reproductive science that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of the clinicians there, especially Dr. Holly Clement,” he said.
Both Barnes and Schwartz will officially earn their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees this Saturday.
Schwartz completed a one-year internship in food animals at Kansas State University, after which he plans to pursue a residency in animal development. Burns returned to northeastern Nevada, expanded the breeding service for large and small animals, and became a diplomat for American Zoology.