Emily A. Hellstrom, DVM, a Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, will receive the EQUUS Foundation Research Fellow awarded by The Foundation for the Horse for her research into improving postoperative outcomes for surgical colic patients.
The $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a doctoral or residency student who has made significant progress in the field of equine health care research. In addition to the financial reward, Dr. Hellstrom also will receive a $500 stipend to support her travel to the AAEP’s 67th Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn., where she will accept her award Dec. 6 prior to the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture.
“Through the culture and study of enteric glia from clinical patients, I hope to gain key information in their role on intestinal epithelial barrier function,” said Dr. Hellstrom. “Their use as a novel therapeutic target in equine medicine could potentially benefit not only postoperative ileus patients, but also those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease or sepsis by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity.”
Dr. Hellstrom graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science in 2019. She completed a rotating internship at Equine Medical Center of Ocala in Florida in 2020.
“The health and welfare of America’s horses is core to the mission of the EQUUS Foundation. We are honored to partner with The Foundation for the Horse through the EQUUS Foundation Research Fellowship to support veterinarians who are dedicating their careers to equine research,” said Jenny Belknap Kees, EQUUS Foundation chairman.
For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through The Foundation for the Horse, visit https://foundationforthehorse.org.
About the EQUUS Foundation
The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2002, is the only national charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between horses and people.
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and help for Horses at Risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation in 2021 awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries. To learn more, visit https://foundationforthehorse.org.
Contact: Keith Kleine
Director of Industry Relations
kkleine@aaep.org or (859) 327-8750