By Blake Jackson
More than 500 veterinary students, researchers, and industry professionals gathered in Raleigh, North Carolina, for the 2026 Veterinary Scholars Symposium, an event focused on advancing animal health research and fostering collaboration among future veterinary scientists.
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. and organized by the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, the symposium concluded the annual Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program.
For nearly 40 years, the program has provided veterinary students with hands-on biomedical research experience while helping build a global network of animal and human health researchers.
One of the event's top honors, the 2026 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Veterinary Students, was presented to Isha Chauhan, a D.V.M./Ph.D. student at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Chauhan earned the award for her research on early pregnancy loss in horses, conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Mandi de Mestre at Cornell's Baker Institute for Animal Health.
Chauhan's study used a genome-wide association approach to identify genetic variations linked to pregnancy loss in equine populations.
By examining more than 400 samples, Chauhan discovered mutations in several important developmental genes that may contribute to early pregnancy failure.
The findings could help researchers develop improved preimplantation and prenatal screening methods for horse breeding programs, ultimately supporting healthier pregnancies and better reproductive outcomes.
Beyond its applications in equine health, the research may also provide valuable insights into the biological causes of pregnancy loss in humans.
Chauhan's recognition highlights the growing impact of young veterinary researchers and the role innovative genetic research can play in improving both animal and human health.
Photo Credit: cornell-university-college-of-veterinary-medicine
Categories: New York, Education, Livestock