The American Kennel Club (AKC) has awarded five students from Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine AKC Veterinary Outreach Scholarships. The AKC and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia are supporters of Penn Vet’s AKC Scholarship program.

The scholarships support students affiliated with AKC events and programs who advocate for animal health and medicine. Penn Vet recipients of the AKC Scholarship are:

Christina Capparell, V’26, a 2022 University of Delaware graduate, was a sports medicine summer veterinary intern at Penn Vet’s Working Dog Center (WDC). While at the WDC, Ms. Capparell investigated osteoarthritis incidence in working dog breeds. Before arriving at Penn Vet, she worked as a veterinary technician in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.

Robert “Zach” Cochran, V’26, is a 2020 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate. Before arriving at Penn Vet, Mr. Cochran was a post-baccalaureate researcher at the National Institute of Environment Health Science (NIEHS), a division of the National Institutes of Health that investigates the effects of the environment on human health.

Alaina Duessel, V’26, is a 2020 graduate of Allegheny College, where she majored in environmental science. Ms. Duessel was a veterinary technician in Butler County, Pennsylvania, before arriving at Penn Vet.

Laura Grant, V’26, from Mt. Arlington, New Jersey, is a graduate of the University of Maryland where she majored in animal science. Ms. Grant has a particular interest in the diagnosis, treatment, and health of small animals.

Julianna King, V’26, is a 2021 Ohio State University graduate. Ms. King is a NIH/BI veterinary research intern investigating the potential of canines to detect hemangiosarcoma through scent. She serves as treasurer of the student-run Canine Club and as a Purina student representative.

“The AKC Veterinary Outreach Scholarship is not only a testament to the hard work of these five Penn Vet students, but also a recognition of the potential they possess to make significant contributions to our profession,” said Claire Bruno, assistant dean of admissions and student life at Penn Vet. “I am incredibly proud to count Christina, Zach, Alaina, Laura, and Julianna among our students. Their success reflects the core values of Penn Vet, and I am confident that they will continue to achieve wonderful things.”

Founded in 1884, the AKC is the world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit all-breed canine registry, with over 200 recognized breeds. The AKC is a recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs, actively advocates for responsible dog ownership, and is dedicated to advancing dog sports.