Erika Oosterheert, a third-year DVM student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship from the National Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA).

The National DHIA Scholarship for Veterinary Students is awarded to two students each year who are planning to work in dairy as a veterinarian, are involved in dairy medicine and extra-curricular activities, and have an interest in using dairy software and records to aid in dairy management and in improving animal health.

“The CVM is incredibly proud of Erika's accomplishment,” says Dr. Sandra Godden, associate dean of graduate programs and professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine.

Oosterheert first embarked on her veterinarian journey by shadowing a large animal veterinarian in her hometown. She discovered that she loved dairy cattle and started working on a local dairy farm to gain dairy husbandry experience. Oosterheert started by milking cows and learned about cattle behavior, milking procedures, and cattle well-being. She also reported lameness, clinical mastitis and/or milk production drops to her manager.

Over time, Oosterheert advanced to managing the dairy's transition cows, which involved giving dry cow vaccines, moving cows into the fresh pen, assisting with dystocia cases, tubing neonates with high-quality colostrum, and conducting twice-weekly checks on fresh cows.

After earning her bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University, Oosterheert started veterinary school at the University of Minnesota, she has worked with Drs. Whitney Knauer and Godden on research projects. One study evaluated supplemental colostrum in dairy calves and behavioral data.

Oosterheert will be recognized at the 2024 National DHIA Annual Meeting held March 4–6 in New Orleans.