WSU Vet Student Wins Prestigious Fellowship to Explore Gene Editing for Cattle Health
A promising veterinary student at Washington State University is tackling one of the cattle industry’s most persistent health threats—bovine respiratory disease—with the help of gene-editing technology and a coveted summer research fellowship.
Hanna Meyer, a second-year student in WSU’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, has been selected as one of only 15 students globally to receive the Veterinary Student Research Fellowship, awarded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).
The honor comes with a $12,000 grant and the opportunity to conduct hands-on gene-editing research under the guidance of world-renowned livestock genetics expert Dr. Jon Oatley, associate dean for research at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Tackling Bovine Respiratory Disease with CRISPR
Meyer’s project focuses on using CRISPR gene-editing tools to modify a genetic mutation in bovine embryos that increases susceptibility to Mannheimia haemolytica—the primary bacterial cause of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). This illness is one of the cattle industry’s most significant economic burdens, costing millions annually due to animal loss, poor meat quality, and decreased productivity.
The project is conducted through WSU’s Summer Research Fellowship Program and marks Meyer’s first hands-on experience with CRISPR. If successful, the edited embryos will be implanted in the fall, with calves potentially born in spring carrying a disease-resistant genome.
From Seattle to the Cutting Edge of Livestock Genetics
Meyer, a Seattle native, is part of WSU’s Honors College Pre-Admit Program, a selective 7-year veterinary track that allows students to earn their DVM in less time. Her undergraduate degree is in animal science, but this project represents her first foray into large animal research.
She will present her findings at the national Veterinary Scholars Symposium, attended by over 700 students, researchers, and academic leaders.
About the Fellowship Program
The Veterinary Student Research Fellowship is a collaborative initiative by FFAR and AAVMC to increase research engagement among veterinary students. It prepares students for careers in animal science, public service, and sustainable agriculture, offering mentorship and funding to explore real-world problems through science.
FAQs: Veterinary Research, Gene Editing & Cattle Health
Q: What is bovine respiratory disease?
A: BRD is a complex and often fatal illness in cattle, primarily caused by Mannheimia haemolytica. It leads to severe economic losses due to reduced meat quality, productivity, and high treatment costs.
Q: What is CRISPR and how is it used in this research?
A: CRISPR is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely alter DNA. In this study, it’s being used to fix a genetic mutation that increases susceptibility to BRD in cattle embryos.
Q: Why is this research important?
A: If successful, the edited cattle could be naturally resistant to respiratory illness, reducing reliance on antibiotics and improving animal welfare and farm sustainability.
Q: What makes this fellowship prestigious?
A: The FFAR/AAVMC fellowship is highly competitive and selects only 15 students worldwide. It provides funding, mentorship, and national visibility for veterinary research.
Q: What are the next steps for the research?
A: After summer research, edited embryos will be implanted. If successful, the team will observe whether the calves express the disease-resistant trait in real-world conditions.
Final Word
Hanna Meyer’s project is more than a student research endeavor—it’s part of a larger movement toward precision genetics, animal welfare, and sustainable livestock production. With the support of leading veterinary researchers and cutting-edge tools, this WSU student is helping shape the future of food and farming, one edited genome at a time.
