From left: OSU CVM FFAR vet fellow Makayla Elliston and Dr. Jennifer Rudd, OSU CVM veterinary pathobiology assistant professor, perform a physical evaluation on a goat prior to sample collection.

CVM student becomes first from OSU selected for national fellowship

Friday, January 19, 2024

Media Contact: Taylor Bacon | Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator | 405-744-6728 | taylor.bacon@okstate.edu

The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Veterinary Student Fellowship program provides 15 students per year across the globe with hands-on research experience during a three month summer fellowship.

Makayla Elliston, an Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine student, is one of the 2023 FFAR Vet Fellows — the first from OSU CVM.

“It is such an honor to have been named a fellow for this prestigious organization and to be able to represent the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine,” Elliston said.

From left: OSU CVM FFAR vet fellow Makayla Elliston and Dr. Jennifer Rudd, OSU CVM veterinary pathobiology assistant professor, observe herd health.

The program provides students with a $10,000 stipend, allowing them to perform research and attend the 2023 Veterinary Scholars Symposium presented by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

As an FFAR Vet Fellow, Elliston has been challenged to help address issues threatening animal health. She is looking for cellular changes that can provide clues to detect Johne’s disease before goats develop symptoms and spread it to other animals.

“Johne’s Disease is a slowprogressing gut infection in goats that often results in death,” Elliston said. “The disease not only compromises goats’ welfare, but also reduces producers’ bottom lines. Johne’s disease is nearly impossible to diagnose before symptoms appear, by which time the infection is usually spread throughout the herd.”

Elliston has been paired with Dr. Jennifer Rudd, OSU CVM veterinary pathobiology assistant professor, to serve as her mentor throughout the fellowship.

“This prestigious program is important to the development of future veterinarians who are specifically trained in addressing issues that threaten sustainable livestock production globally,” Rudd said.

Elliston said she is eager for the opportunity to gain experience and research skills from Rudd in labs with veterinary and public health emphasis.

“I’m excited to be a mentor for Makayla over the next year as she gains hands-on research experience addressing Johne’s Disease, which is an economically impactful disease affecting ruminant production in cattle, sheep and goats,” Rudd said.

Elliston said this project will provide opportunities to see the impact veterinary research has within public health; specifically, by improving goat herd health and protecting producers’ livelihoods.

Photos By: Taylor Bacon

Story By: Elizabeth Perdue | Vet Cetera Magazine