OSU veterinary student earns national AVMF summer research scholarship

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Media Contact: Bailey Horn | Marketing Specialist | 405-744-6728 | bailey.horn@okstate.edu

Ainslie Reynolds, second-year veterinary student and graduate student at Oklahoma State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently selected for the American Veterinary Medical Foundation 2nd Opportunity Summer Research Scholarship.

The stipend supports currently enrolled veterinary students who have already completed a summer research project and wish to pursue an additional summer of research experience. Five recipients will each receive a $6,700 stipend for their research, along with $1,500 to help cover travel expenses to attend the Veterinary Scholars Symposium.

Through the OSU Summer Research Training Program, Reynolds was mentored by Dr. Rudra Channappanavar, associate professor in veterinary pathobiology.

“OSU’s SRTP gives students mentored research experience to DVM students where they learn experimental design, hands-on research experience and data analysis,” Channappanavar said. “The program also provides training in scientific writing, poster presentations, professional development and scientific communication, helping students build strong applications and the confidence needed to compete successfully for national awards such as the AVMA/AVMF stipend.”

For Reynolds, a second summer of research represents more than continued laboratory experience — it marks a defining step in her professional journey.

“Continuing my research for a second summer marks the transition from participating in a project to fully committing to a career that integrates research and clinical medicine,” Reynolds said. “I want to graduate not only as a clinician, but as a veterinarian capable of asking rigorous scientific questions and contributing to evidence-based advancements in animal health. A second summer allows me to take meaningful ownership of my project under the guidance of an exceptional mentor and further develop the analytical and scientific skills that will support my dual DVM/MS training.”

This summer, Reynolds will continue evaluating the immunogenicity of an inactivated H5N1 influenza vaccine formulated with a STING agonist adjuvant, comparing its performance with that of an established adjuvant. Her work focuses on characterizing both humoral and cellular immune responses, including antigen-specific antibody production and lymphocyte activation, to better understand how STING pathway activation enhances vaccine-induced immunity.

“This research is critical to veterinary medicine because optimizing adjuvant strategies can significantly improve vaccine efficacy against highly pathogenic avian influenza,” Reynolds said. “Strengthening vaccine platforms not only protects animal health and agricultural stability, but it also supports broader One Health efforts by reducing zoonotic risk and improving outbreak preparedness.

Reynolds’ selection for the national scholarship reflects both her dedication to research and the strong mentorship she has received through OSU’s SRTP. The award provides meaningful support as she continues developing as a clinician-scientist and advances her work in vaccine immunology.

“This stipend will support more than continued laboratory work; it is investing in the development of a future veterinarian committed to bridging the gap between clinical medicine and research,” Reynolds said.

For Channappanavar, seeing his student earn national recognition is a meaningful milestone in the mentorship process.

“As a mentor, it is incredibly rewarding to see a student earn national recognition,” Channappanavar said. “It reflects a student’s dedication, growth and commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and research. These moments are especially meaningful because they validate the time and effort invested in mentorship and highlight the importance of programs like SRTP in training the next generation of veterinarian-scientists.”