The OSU International Veterinary Student Association would like to give a big thanks to Dr. Bermudez and the Biomedical Sciences Department for their continual enthusiasm and financial support of the annual service trip to Nicaragua. For the past two years, students have had the opportunity to perform self-led research projects on the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua and been graciously funded by Biomedical Sciences. Projects have included evaluation of parasite burdens in cattle, horses, and swine; prevalence of Ehrlichia canis in dogs; prevalence of Leptospira in dogs; mechanisms of abortion in cattle; and comparisons of injectable anesthesia and analgesia protocols. Several of these studies have been used as senior projects and presented at the College of Veterinary Medicine as well as during lunch time seminars for Biomedical Sciences.
This year, in addition to the research funds, the BioSci department contributed $1,600 for student travel scholarships. IVSA set up a point system in order to objectively distribute eight $200 scholarships to very deserving students. The IVSA executive board meets weekly throughout the year to plan several components of the trip. However, without the contribution of all trip participants, this incredible opportunity and annual chance to volunteer skills and knowledge to a community in need would never be possible. Thanks to these travel scholarships, we were able to recognize those contributors who went above and beyond to help with the planning, organizing, and execution of the 2011 Nicaragua Veterinary Brigade. Thank you again, Dr. Bermudez and Biomedical Sciences Department!
Pictured, left to right: Marshia Keene, Mikki Shumaker, Bryan Rensema, Lauren Salgo, Dr. Luiz Bermudez, Ali McKay, Steen Smith
