For her leadership in cat health during veterinary school, recent College of Veterinary Medicine graduate Emma Beans, ’25 DVM, has received a 2025 Feline Veterinary Medical Association Outstanding Senior Student Award. 

The award recognizes fourth-year veterinary students who have shown themselves to be leaders in the study of feline health at their respective colleges. 

Beans is very much a cat person and brings this with her when caring for patients, says Kara Carmody, an associate professor and head of the Primary Care Service at the Veterinary Medical Center.  

“She is an excellent observer of animal body language and is very calm and respectful in her patient handling and care,” Carmody adds. “Her approach is similar with clients in that she is patient and a good listener. Her clinical skills are excellent. She covers the pillars of preventive care with all her appointments and has solid clinical judgement when assessing concerns."

As part of her award, Beans will receive an award certificate and a complimentary membership to the Feline Veterinary Medical Association.