Dr. Brianna Beechler, alumni class of 2008 and Ph.D. candidate in the department of Environmental Sciences has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 MacVicar Scholar Award in Animal Health. This award was established in 1996 by Robert and Clarice MacVicar to support interdisciplinary graduate student research in animal health.
Her application was judged as most meritorious according to the guidelines of the award, which state that research project should “capitalize on the unique interdisciplinary strengths and opportunities represented in the academic areas named in the agreement (Veterinary Science, Biochemistry/Biophysics, and Microbiology) and have the greatest impacts on animal health.” The Selection Committee consisted of Professors Susan Tornquist (Veterinary Medicine), Andrew Karplus (Biochemistry and Biophysics) and Theo Dreher (Microbiology).
In accordance with the donors’ wishes, she was awarded a $5,000 stipend and $1,000 for laboratory supplies or travel. During 2011, a reception will be held in her honor, and she will be asked to present a Robert and Clarice MacVicar Animal Health Lecture describing her research on mixed infections in African buffalo. Dr. Beechler is currently working on her research in Africa. Click here for more information on her research.
