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’ 57^th 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. The program mirrors the annual AAEP Past Presidents’ Fellow, which was started by AAEP past presidents in 2006.

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. 

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.

For more information about this program and other scholarships offered through the AAEP Foundation, please visit the scholarship section of the AAEP Foundation’s website atwww.aaepfoundation.org.

The EQUUS Foundation (www.equusfoundation.org), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 2002, mission is to improve the quality of life of horses, promote the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educate the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. 

The AAEP Foundation (www.aaepfoundation.org), a 501(c)(3) organization, was created in 1994 as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.  The AAEP Foundation’s mission is to improve the health and welfare of the horse through support of research, education, benevolence and the equine community.  Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated more than $2.2 million to support its mission. 

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