OSU Veterinary Students receive Innovations in Public Health Award

Thursday, July 30, 2009

(July 9, 2009 -- Stillwater, OK) – Two veterinary students at the Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Center for Veterinary Health Sciences were recently notified that their entry in Hill’s Innovations in Public Health Award competition earned second prize.

Jennifer Clarke and Rachel Poteet, both in the Class of 2011, submitted a proposal entitled “Bed Bugs and Beyond” to educate elementary age children and their parents about select, commonly found household ectoparasites such as bedbugs, head lice, fleas and ticks.

A common occurrence in households, these parasites and their potential for disease transmission pose a significant health concern for both people and their pets.  Providing an interactive packet about the pests to the children along with useful tips for controlling the parasites for their parents is what these veterinary students propose to increase awareness, knowledge and understanding about the pests and how to control them.

“We are extremely proud of Jennifer and Rachel for winning this award,” says Dr. Chris Ross, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.  “They represent the high caliber of students and mentors found here at Oklahoma State.”

Sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., each student will receive a $750 cash award in recognition of her effort.  The award is designed to stimulate interest in veterinary public health, encourage creative thinking and develop writing skills among veterinary students.  Entries were judged on the following criteria: 1) clarity of the problem statement, objectives, implementation plan, project significance, soundness of evaluation plan, and reasonableness of budget; 2) innovation in approach to health promotion or disease prevention; 3) feasibility of approach with regard to implementation of the project; and 4) potential impact on a community or target population.