Merck Animal Health Supports Future Poultry Veterinarians with $50,000 in Scholarships

Merck Animal Health announced it has awarded $50,000 in scholarships in partnership with the American Association of Avian Pathologists (AAAP) Foundation, the charitable arm of AAAP. The scholarships support second- and third-year veterinary students focused on poultry health.

This year marks the 11th year of Merck Animal Health’s partnership with the AAAP Foundation, which has awarded more than $280,000 in scholarships to veterinary students to date.

The 2026 scholarship recipients were announced at the AAAP Annual Meeting, held in Orlando, Fla., July 28-30. The following five students were each awarded a $10,000 scholarship:

• Miranda Carrisosa Gibbes of Santa Clarita, Calif., is a third-year veterinary student at Michigan State University, graduating in May 2027. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University in microbial, cellular and molecular biology and poultry science. Her experience includes coccidiosis research and internships with Lincoln Premium Poultry and an animal health company. She plans to complete a poultry medicine residency and become a poultry production veterinarian. She serves as founding president of Michigan State’s AAAP student chapter and a national executive board member of SAVMA.

• Mackenzie Ripper of Farmville, N.C., is a veterinary student at North Carolina State University, graduating in May 2028. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a major in poultry science from Mississippi State University. Her experience includes research at NC State, pathology lab roles at Butterball and Aviagen, and undergraduate research at Mississippi State. She plans to become a poultry veterinarian focused on advancing commercial flock health and welfare.

• Christian Rushing of Laurel, Miss., is a third-year veterinary student at Mississippi State University, graduating in May 2027. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in biology from the University of Mississippi. Experience in commercial poultry, including pullets, breeders and broilers, shaped his interest in the field. He aims to advance an ethical, practical approach to poultry medicine and mentor future professionals.

• Kelci Teel of Livingston, Texas, is a third-year veterinary student at Texas Tech University, graduating in May 2027. She earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University. She has completed poultry-focused internships with Mountaire Farms and Wilson Vet Co. and plans to become a field veterinarian in the poultry industry.

• Kristy Ling Trung of Stone Mountain, Ga., is a second-year veterinary student at the University of Georgia, graduating in May 2028. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Georgia in avian biology, biological sciences and applied biotechnology. Trung serves as a student ambassador for the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and a student assistant at the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center. She plans to become a poultry production veterinarian.

“Merck Animal Health is committed to the veterinary profession and is proud to honor these students in their educational endeavors, knowing they represent the future of poultry production and well-being,” said Ivan Alvarado Ortiz, D.V.M., associate director, strategic development and innovation U.S. poultry business unit, Merck Animal Health. “Through our partnership with AAAP, we are enhancing students’ knowledge of poultry health as they prepare for a career in the poultry industry.”

“We are proud to partner with Merck Animal Health to support these talented students, who represent the next generation of leaders in poultry health management,” said Suzanne McComb, D.V.M., executive vice president of AAAP. “Their dedication and leadership will be essential to advancing safe, sustainable poultry and egg production in the years ahead.”

The AAAP is an international association dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge to enhance the health, well-being, and productivity of poultry, ensuring safe and abundant food for the world. To learn more, visit AAAP.