AAVMC Recognizes 16 Future Veterinarians with Diversity Leadership Scholarships

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 26, 2026) — AAVMC is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship and the Patricia M. Lowrie Diversity Leadership Scholarship. The awards will provide $166,000 in scholarships to students enrolled at AAVMC member institutions, supporting the association’s commitment to fostering an inclusive veterinary medicine community.

“Each year, we are inspired by the caliber of students nominated for these scholarships,” says Ted Y. Mashima, DVM, Interim Chief Executive Officer at AAVMC. “These emerging leaders are not only excelling academically but actively working to ensure veterinary medicine reflects and serves our diverse society. We are honored to partner with Merck Animal Health and Dr. Lowrie to invest in these leaders’ futures.”

Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship
The Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship recognizes 16 students who contribute to enhancing diversity and inclusion at AAVMC member institutions. Each recipient was nominated by the dean of their respective institutions and will be awarded $10,000 in scholarship funds. These scholarships, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, total $160,000. View the full list of recipients.

“At Merck Animal Health, we believe that a strong and vibrant veterinary profession is one that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities it serves. The students honored through the Merck Diversity Leadership Scholarship embody the leadership, compassion, and commitment needed to drive meaningful change in our profession,” says Meg Conlon, DVM, Executive Director of US Companion Animal Veterinary Service, Merck Animal Health. “Their dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion—both within their academic communities and beyond—inspires us and gives us great confidence in the future of veterinary medicine.”

Patricia M. Lowrie Diversity Leadership Scholarship
Among this year’s recipients of the Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship, Javelis Marin Castro, a second-year veterinary student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, was exclusively selected for the Patricia M. Lowrie Diversity Leadership Scholarship—bringing her total scholarship award to $16,000. Upon graduation, Castro will be a public health veterinarian with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“I feel beyond grateful for receiving the Merck Animal Health and Patricia M. Lowrie Diversity Leadership Scholarships. As a first-generation Latina student, this award is a powerful recognition of my hard work and resilience, and it fuels my commitment to building bridges of opportunity for all who follow,” says Castro.

For more information about AAVMC’s scholarship and grant programs, including eligibility requirements and deadlines, visit awards.aavmc.org.

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About AAVMC
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) advances the health and wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment by strengthening veterinary medical education. Working with its member institutions at accredited colleges and schools worldwide, AAVMC develops educational standards, facilitates research collaboration, and supports curriculum innovation to prepare veterinarians who can address critical challenges, including emerging zoonotic diseases, food safety and security, antimicrobial resistance, and the changing role of animals in society.

About Merck Animal Health
Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is a global animal health business committed to The Science of Healthier Animals™. For more than 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.