Shannon Connard, DVM, DACVS, a Ph.D. candidate at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, received the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Past Presidents’ Research Award from The Foundation for the Horse for her investigation into tendon healing through mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
The $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a doctoral or residency student who has made significant progress in the field of equine health care research. Dr. Connard also received a $1,500 stipend to support her travel to the AAEP’s 70th Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, where she accepted her award on December 8, 2024.
Her current research project hypothesizes that licensed mesenchymal stem cells will improve tendon healing compared to naïve MSCs. The findings of this study have the potential to substantially impact the preparation of MSC therapy and improve clinical outcomes, allowing horses with tendon injuries to achieve or return to their full athletic potential and fulfill their intended career goals.
Connard graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine before completing a rotating equine internship at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, and a rotating large animal internship at New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where she later completed a large animal surgical residency.
The AAEP Foundation, the forerunner of The Foundation for the Horse, established the Past Presidents’ Research Fellow in 2006. The award is made possible through the monetary contributions of AAEP past presidents.
“The veterinary profession strives to improve equine health and welfare through innovation, research discovery, and education,” said Dr. Anthony Blikslager, Foundation Research Working Group chair. “This award continues to be an important way to validate young veterinary graduates entering careers in research which will ultimately benefit horse welfare.”
About The Foundation for the Horse
Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the welfare of the horse through Education, Research, and help for Horses at Risk. It is governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders. In 2024, in honor of its 30th anniversary, The Foundation awarded a record $3 million in scholarships, grants and program support to help transform the lives of horses throughout the U.S. and across the globe. To learn more, visit FoundationForTheHorse.org.
