Kaden Eisenbraun named Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship winner

  • Kaden Eisenbraun holds a dog while standing outside

    Kaden Eisenbraun named Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship winner

For his commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), third-year DVM student Kaden Eisenbraun has earned a national scholarship award. 

Eisenbraun recently was named one of 16 recipients of the 2026 Merck Animal Health Diversity Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes students at American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges member institutions. Each recipient receives $10,000 in scholarship funds. 

Advancing inclusion has been an important aspect of Eisenbraun’s involvement across numerous veterinary student and professional organizations. 

“I have always made sure that people feel comfortable being themselves and understanding that they have value, no matter race, sexuality, or other identity,” he says. “Above all else, I ensure that I show respect toward everyone that I encounter and treat everyone as a friend. I may not always be the most vocal, but my actions are always prominent, and people always know where I stand, with compassion.”

Three people stand over a stuffed animal on a table during a practice exam
DVM student Kaden Eisenbraun (right) practices on an animal model in the Veterinary Skills Laboratory acccompanied by fellow student Nathaniel Hector (center) and associate professor Raye Taylor (left). 

Eisenbraun’s involvement at CVM spans from Student Ambassadors to the Production Animal Medicine Club, the UMN Student Chapter for the Society of Theriogenology, the Small Ruminant and Camelid Club, NatiVet, the Student American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Veterinary Business Management Association. Prior to arriving at CVM, he also served as a board member and class president in the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine—a collaboration between CVM and South Dakota State University.  

Eisenbraun also is a member of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association, the South Dakota Veterinary Medical Association, the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants.

“Being involved in these various organizations and activities has given me great opportunities to foster new relationships and gain perspectives,” Eisenbraun says. 

Currently pursuing a food animal track, Eisenbraun says he plans to work in a food-animal-mixed type of practice with a goal of buying into an existing practice or starting one of his own within a few years of graduation. With the scholarship funds helping offset student debt, this goal becomes more feasible. 

“I can direct more of my future financial resources toward this goal, rather than paying an even larger student loan. With this, I will be an inclusive business, and ensure that people from all different walks of life are welcomed,” Eisenbraun says. “Eventually, I would like to start additional scholarships to continue to support students who exhibit passion, drive, and unique perspectives.”