Canine Health Foundation News Alert

Canine Health Foundation Announces Recipient
of the 2009 Robert L. Kelly Memorial Scholarship

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The Board of Directors of the Canine Health Foundation are pleased to announce the recipient of the Robert L. Kelly Memorial Scholarship, Ms. Jill Schappa. Schappa received a $5,000 scholarship to help pay tuition expenses. Named for longtime Director and Founder, Robert L. Kelly, the scholarship is intended to encourage canine health research and young investigators as they pursue dual degrees in veterinary medicine and research.

A student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Schappa is already an accomplished young researcher having worked in Dr. Jaime Modiano's lab at the Masonic Cancer Center comparing canine genotypes to phenotypes to determine their relationships to the development of hemangiosarcoma in Golden Retrievers.

Shappa's contribution to purebred dogs does not end with cancer research. She has also spent time shadowing Dr. Margaret Root-Kustritz, the theriogenologist (reproductive specialist) at the University of Minnesota and Dr. Fran Smith, a board certified theriogenologist in private practice in the Twin Cities.

"No matter what path I choose, I will continue to focus on breed idiosyncrasies in order to maximize the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and care of specific dog breeds," states Schappa. "Client education can contribute to advances in research by instilling the importance of offering samples to DNA databanks or including their dogs in ongoing studies."

"I'm sure that Bob would be proud that CHF continues to help students continue their education," states Cindy Vogels, chairman of the Canine Health Foundation. "We are delighted to honor Bob's commitment and contributions to the Foundation. In this way, we can continue his vision, encouraging excellence in research and education."

Click here for additional information about the active research the CHF has funded.
You can help by providing financial support to the Canine Health Foundation's efforts; click here to make a secure online donation and please consider a recurring gift.

Contact:
Erika Werne
Director of Education & Communications
Canine Health Foundation
919-334-4010
888-682-9696
www.CanineHealthFoundation.org

 

Date published:  January 26, 2010