The American Association of Equine Practioners (AAEP) Foundation and The EQUUS Foundation joined together to establish two EQUUS Foundation Research Fellows in 2011 to emphasize the importance of equine research, to reward researchers for their contributions, and to meet increasing need to train future equine veterinary researchers.

The EQUUS Foundation Research Fellow is an AAEP member who has graduated from an AVMA-accredited school/college of veterinary medicine and plans to specialize in equine research.

The applicant should be a current doctoral student or resident, or have completed their residency or doctorate within two years. The recipients will eceive a $5,000 scholarship for conducting equine research plus a $500 stipend to assist with travel to the AAEP Convention. The grant may be used in collaboration with other funding.

The deadline to apply for an EQUUS Foundation Research Fellow is August 1.

For additional information, please visit the AAEP website at http://www.aaep.org/equus_fellow.htm.

2011 Recipients

Two equine researchers were presented with the inaugural 2011 EQUUS Foundation Research Fellows for their work to advance veterinary knowledge during the American Association of Equine Practitioners' 57th Annual Convention. Oklahoma State University doctoral candidate Heidi Banse, DVM, DACVIM, and University of Georgia doctoral candidate Lindsey Helms Boone, DVM, each received a $5,000 fellow to support their endeavors in equine research during the Nov. 20 Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture. Supported in partnership by the AAEP Foundation and The EQUUS Foundation, the $5,000 fellows emphasize the importance of assisting equine researchers in their exploration of horse health care topics. Photo: Left to Right: Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, AAEP Foundation Chairman, Dr. Lindsey Boone, Dr. Rick Mitchell, EQUUS Foundation Board member, Dr. Heidi Banse, and Dr. Bill Moyer, 2011 AAEP President.

More about the 2011 Recipients

Heidi Banse, DVM, DACVIM - Oklahoma State University

Dr. Banse's doctoral research focuses on the molecular events underlying the development of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). EMS is a common endocrine disorder of middle-aged horses characterized by obesity, regional adiposity, insulin resistance and a predisposition to laminitis. Identification of the initiating metabolic events that lead to EMS may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The long-term goal of her research is to identify a preventative intervention for horses with EMS based on improved understanding of the pathophysiology of the condition. Dr. Banse received a bachelor's of science degree in veterinary science in 2004 and her veterinary degree in 2007, both from Washington State University. She completed a residency in equine internal medicine in July of 2011 at Oklahoma State University.

Lindsey Helms Boone, DVM - University of Georgia

Dr. Boone's doctoral research is centered on the intra-articular use of equine allogeneic bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for the treatment of acute and chronic degenerative joint disease in the horse. While regenerative therapy is becoming commonplace in the treatment of many equine musculoskeletal diseases, much remains to be elucidated on its precise mechanisms of action, the full potential of its application and the potential for deleterious side effects. Dr. Boone's research aims to answer many of these questions at they pertain to equine joint health.

Dr. Boone received her bachelor's degree in animal and veterinary sciences in 2004 from Clemson University and her veterinary degree in 2008 from the University of Georgia. She completing a residency in equine surgery and working on her doctorate at the University of Georgia.