As they take the next step in their careers, outgoing residents and interns at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) were celebrated at the annual House Officer Completion Ceremony. 

During the event, held this year on June 13, the CVM community came together to recognize the contributions these individuals made across their clinical and research programs. 

The 2025 Resident Award of Excellence was presented to Jessica Byrne, who has completed a residency on the Veterinary Medical Center’s Anesthesia service. Award recipients are nominated by their mentors for their outstanding efforts in teaching, clinical services, and research.  

“Jessica cares deeply for the students and patients that she serves on a daily basis,” says Lauren Ienello, assistant professor and residency coordinator for Anesthesia. “She always makes herself present and available. Even after a long day, she thoroughly rounds with the students and then technicians to make sure they understand their case for the next day. She is the epitome of a team player.” 

Also nominated were residents Marisa Ciccozzi, Maria Granello, Zachary Lake, and Kelsey Rayment. 

The inaugural Faculty Mentorship Award was presented to Melinda Wilkins, an associate professor and director of the Veterinary Public Health and Preventative Medicine Residency. The award recognizes a faculty member who goes above and beyond in their mentoring and teaching of residents. 

“She consistently encourages us to step outside of our comfort zones, while providing the support we need to be successful,” says Rachael Schulte, a second-year resident mentored by Wilkins. “She actively creates opportunities for us to learn and network. Melinda has been a grounding force in our residency, reminding us that there's always more to learn and there's always another path.”

Also nominated were faculty members Dana Franzen Klein, Allison Masters, Lindsay Merkel, Chris Stauthammer, Abigail Thomson, and Arno Wuenschmann. 

Congratulations to the outgoing CVM residents and interns on their future endeavors!

Large Animal Surgery Residency

Maria Granello

Large Animal Surgery/Sports Medicine Internship

Dana Cleff

Raptor Medicine and Surgery Residency

Kelsey Rayment

Raptor and Avian Medicine Internship

Kaylee Cox

Raptor and Avian Medicine Internship

Chris McFarlane

Anatomic Pathology Residency

Caylie Hake

Veterinary Public Health & Preventative Medicine Residency

Moumita Das and Valeriia Yustyniuk

Comparative Anesthesia Residency

Jessica Byrne and Brandon Lawler

Veterinary Comparative Cardiology Residency

Marisa Ciccozzi

Small Animal Dermatology Residency

K. Helena Montin Mills

Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Residency

Zachary Lake and Leah Richter

Small Animal Internal Medicine Residency

Adam Hunt and Danielle LaVine

Small Animal Nutrition Residency

Devon Ueda

Small Animal Oncology Residency

Kristofer Ross Luethcke

Small Animal Surgery Residency

Josh Merickel 

Small Animal Surgery Specialty Internship

Lydia Liu

Small Animal Rotating Internship

Makayla Balogh, Anna Cote, Hayley Hall, Catherine Moseley,  Vivian Ojeda-Rosenthal, Rose Reynolds, Abby Rothering, Hanna Zayas, and Leia Yoon.