Veterinary pharmacology student fellowship is awarded

A veterinary pharmacology student fellowship has been awarded by the Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation (VPRF) in partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Juliana Sullivan, a dual-degree doctorate student at the University of California, Davis, is named the recipient of the 2025 VPRF-AVMF Veterinary Pharmacology Fellowship.1,2

"We are thrilled to continue supporting the next generation of veterinary pharmacologists through our student fellowship program. We hope that this funding allows Juliana to focus on learning and honing new skills and techniques to advance her innovative research and that she will have the opportunity to showcase her exciting research and further develop her professional network," Jane Owens, DVM, PhD, DACVCP, president of VPRF, said in the foundation’s announcement.1

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The student fellowship aims to increase the number and caliber of trained veterinary pharmacology researchers, according to AVMF.2 Recipients of the one-year student fellowship receive up to $10,000 in funding.2-4 Candidates for the award must be enrolled in a US-based, academic institution’s graduate program and in good standing for at least 1 year when applying. A student vying for the fellowship must also be a current member of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and is required to submit letters of support from their institution, faculty mentor and 2 references.3

Sullivan is working to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree as well as a PhD. She is pursuing a career in clinical pharmacology research combined with mentorship for future graduate students, according to VPRF.1

“When I entered veterinary school, I did not anticipate that research would become such a central and rewarding part of my career path,” Sullivan said in VPRF’s announcement.1 “However, experiences like receiving this fellowship have continually shown me how exciting and meaningful veterinary pharmacology research is, further solidifying my commitment to the field.”

The financial support Sullivan receives will provide her with access to pharmacokinetic analysis software an attendance at an international conference, during which she can present her research findings and connect with the global professionals. The funding may also be used for training, stipends, professional travel or other activities that fit Sullivan’s scholarly pursuits.1,2,4

The VPRF and AVMF also partner to offer 2 grants for veterinary researchers in support of studies for new or recently approved medications indicated for food animals and projects that ensure the safety of food products from livestock. These grants are awarded in veterinary pharmacology for up to $30,000 and in veterinary pharmacokinetics for up to $15,000.5

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For more news on veterinary students and academia, visit dvm360’s dedicated Education page at dvm360.com/news/education.

References

1. Announcing our 2025 student fellowship recipient. Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation. October 7, 2025. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.vprfonline.org/post/announcing-our-2025-student-fellowship-recipient
2. AVMF, VPRF announce veterinary pharmacology fellowship recipient. American Veterinary Medical Association. October 13, 2025. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/avmf-vprf-announce-veterinary-pharmacology-fellowship-recipient?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news
3. VPRF/AVMF Veterinary Pharmacology Fellowship. American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/research-support/veterinary-pharmacology-fellowship/
4. Student fellowship program. Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation. 2025. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.vprfonline.org/student-fellowship
5. Now open: 2025 veterinary research grant applications. Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation. July 15, 2025. Accessed October 14, 2025. https://www.vprfonline.org/post/now-open-2025-veterinary-research-grant-applications