For her contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in veterinary medicine, Jel Zhao, a third-year DVM student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, was awarded a scholarship from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).

The Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship recognizes second- and third-year students who have enhanced diversity and inclusion through course projects, co-curricular activities, outreach, domestic and community engagement, research, and/or developed an early reputation for influencing others to be inclusive.

Zhao is one of 22 students selected for the nationwide scholarship and will receive an $8,000 award. 

“This scholarship is a recognition of my endeavors in DEI and it also helps with alleviating my financial burden as an international student,” she says. “I am truly grateful to be awarded this scholarship, and I will continue to devote myself to providing care for underserved communities.”

Zhao currently serves as president of the University of Minnesota student chapter of the Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals and as an officer for the Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment. In these capacities, she is actively organizing events designed to celebrate and enhance diversity and foster inclusion. 

“From Lunar New Year cultural celebrations to facilitating insightful panels featuring Asian interns and residents, I strive to create an environment that embraces all backgrounds at the College of Veterinary Medicine,” Zhao says. “These activities also hope to emphasize the importance of cross-cultural awareness in veterinary medicine, so we can learn to better meet the needs of our diverse clientele.”

Her impact in DEI also reaches beyond the college. For the past five years, she has volunteered with Streetdog, an organization helping address inequities in veterinary medical care that primarily serves underrepresented communities. 

“Being able to provide veterinary care to people that didn’t have access to it is something I am very passionate about and will continue to do,” Zhao says.

As part of that vision, she is interested in emergency medicine and critical care and hopes to one day work in a position where she can provide that type of care to underserved communities.