Regina Kurandina’s research interest in exercise-associated sudden death of racehorses has earned her a spot in a national fellowship program.

Kurandina is a second-year DVM student at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and is one of 15 students selected for the 2025 cohort of the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR) Veterinary Student Research Fellowship. 

This year-long fellowship provides students with hands-on research experience that prepares them for careers in animal science and public service, ultimately benefiting U.S. farmers and consumers.

Kurandina will receive a $16,000 stipend to support her research into exercise-associated sudden death, which is the second leading cause of death in racehorses. Many of these cases are attributed to fatal arrhythmias. Kurandina is investigating which genetic variants are most likely to contribute to abnormal cardiac function.

Identifying these variants could lead to a genetic test that assesses a horse's risk of exercise-associated sudden death. The findings from her research could be applicable to other livestock, and her experience will be valuable in developing her into a well-rounded large animal veterinarian.

Kurandina will present her findings alongside her other FFAR cohorts at the annual Veterinary Scholars Symposium, set for August 7-9 in Spokane, Wash. Participants of CVM’s Veterinary Summer Scholars program will also be attending and presenting their work. 

Established in 2018, the fellowship is a collaboration between FFAR and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges in response to critical veterinary shortages and animal diseases impacting food safety and economic stability.