Voices from the Lab: Summer Scholars Spotlight Katie Murray Every summer, the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine welcomes a group of incoming veterinary medicine students into its Summer Scholars Research Program—an intensive experience where aspiring veterinarians work alongside faculty mentors on cutting- edge research projects. Behind every discovery is a student with a unique story and passion for animal health. This series introduces you to a few of these dedicated scholars who traded their summer breaks for lab coats and long days of research, representing the next generation of veterinary medicine and the future of animal health innovation. The Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program, Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), and the American Pet Products Association (APPA) partially fund the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Summer Scholars Research Program.
For Katie, research isn’t just about adding credentials—it’s about growth. “I participated in undergraduate research and liked that it challenged me,” she explains. “I was pushed out of my comfort zone and had to learn how to use new equipment and data collection methods. It made me grow both personally and professionally, and I’m happy to have had another opportunity to do so [through the Veterinary Summer Scholars Program].” This summer, Katie worked with Dr. Evan MacLean to investigate canine neurological impairment, focusing on a population close to her heart: senior dogs. “Senior dogs have long held a special place in my heart,” she says. “I am elated to be part of a team that can advance our understanding of the (sometimes) unseen challenges that senior canines face, so that I can better care for them in the future.” Katie’s dedication to improving the lives of aging companion animals exemplifies the passion driving the next generation of veterinary researchers—one where scientific curiosity meets genuine compassion.
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