CVM selects Dr. Natalia Cernicchiaro to lead Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology

Dr. Natalia Cernicchiaro has been selected to serve as the new director of Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology (CORE). She succeeds former director, Dr. David Renter, who is now serving as the associate dean for research and graduate programs.

AAVMC and Chewy Health Announce 2026 Chewy Veterinary Leaders

Second-year veterinary student Joshua Waller has been awarded the Chewy Veterinary Leaders scholarship. The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program provides a $20,000 scholarship to 15 selected second-year veterinary students from underserved communities, recognizing their academic achievements and leadership potential.

Dr. Juergen Richt elected as new American Academy of Microbiology fellow

Dr. Juergen Richt was recently selected as a fellow in this year's American Academy of Microbiology. Over the last 50 years, more than 2,700 distinguished scientists representing different subspecialties of microbial sciences have been elected to the academy. This class includes fellows from 14 countries.

Learn more about Dr. Richt and his research in 'A silent symphony.'

CVM announces new class of VTPRK scholars

Six students in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University have been chosen for the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas, or VTPRK, a loan forgiveness program funded by the state of Kansas. The new scholars are all first-year students: Todd Paisley, Brad Hill, Miles Stum, Madison Bruna, Samantha Woods and Gracie Becker, pictured at left with Interim Dean Dr. Elizabeth Davis and Drs. Brad White and Robert Larson.

Meet the new class of RUSH DVM Scholars

The College of Veterinary Medicine has selected recipients for a scholarship program that helps address shortages of rural veterinarians while increasing overall access to veterinary education. Created by a $250,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in 2024, the program is titled Rural and Underrepresented Scholarship for Hopeful Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Students program, or “RUSH DVM.”

One-year master’s program steers biomedical science students toward professional school

The pre-professional one-year master's program in biomedical science is a non-thesis, coursework-based master's degree designed to be completed in 12 months. Students can begin the program in May and is completed at the end the following May, or can begin in August and complete the program the following August. The summer of 2026 cohort starts May 27 and the applications is May 1. The fall of 2026 cohort begins Aug. 24 and the application deadline is Aug. 1.

More news from the college

Equine internal medicine professor recognized as K-State Outstanding Faculty

Congratulations to Dr. Katie Delph Miller as she was recognized as an outstanding K-State faculty member at the January 10 basketball game. Dr. Delph Miller is recognized for her excellence in equine internal medicine, dedication to teaching and mentoring students, and her outstanding service to the veterinary profession.

Sun Johnson celebrates 30 years with K-State

Congratulations to Sun Johnson, who celebrated 30 years with custodial services at K-State recently. She was presented with a pin to represent her years of service. CVM facilities held a special lunch in her honor.

Equine section represents the CVM at Equifest 2026

The equine section participated in EquiFest 2026 in Topeka, KS on January 22-25. EquiFest is Kansas’ largest premier equine expo hosted by the Kansas Horse Council. The CVM equine section serves as official veterinarians for the event and host a booth to highlight the services provided at the VHC. Thank you to all that participated and represented the CVM: Drs. Chris Blevins and Adam Bassett; veterinary nurses Ashley VanMeter, Jami Maike, Kayla Riekenberg, and Emily Connor; vet assistants Alainka Myren and Rachel Wylie; and fourth-year students Amber Eggenberger, Jordan Daugherty, Lillie VanDeWeghe, and Lucy Schermerhorn.

Quick updates

Dr. Bob Larson was featured in an article in the High Plains Journal on getting accurate results from pregnancy checking in cows. The piece also highlights insights shared through the Beef Cattle Institute’s Cattle Chat podcast. Getting accurate results from pregnancy checking your cows

KSU Guiding Wildcats into Future Equine Vets held a session on Jan. 31 for 21 students and veterinarians to learn about equine ambulatory medicine and vehicles. Drs. Chris Blevins and Adam Bassett of the CVM facilitated the mentoring session to help engage students interest in the future of equine veterinary practice.

A BCI Cattle Chat podcast inspired a Morning Ag Clips article highlighting how partnerships strengthen the beef industry and featured insights from Drs. Brad White and Scott Fritz.

Dr. Kate KuKanich received $30,800 to continue the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program for summer 2026.

Dr. Brad White provided a featured presentation, “Integrating AI in Animal Health Research and Graduate Education: Challenges and Opportunities” during the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases Special Symposium Jan. 17-20 in Chicago, Illinois. Beef Cattle Institute graduate students Caroline Wingert and Hayden Kunnary also presented their research.

Dr. Nate Kapaldo received $57,749 as a subcontract from Seismi Inc. (USDA flow down) for the project, “Development of Cost-Effective Cardiopulmonary Biosensors for Early Detection of Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex in Feedlot Cattle.”