- Issue:
In it’s February issue, The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association highlighted equine researchers and practitioners who have recently garnered awards for their achievements. Out of the eight veterinary professionals, Sian Durward-Akhurst, BVMS, ’16 MS, a doctoral candidate in the Comparative and Molecular Biosciences graduate program, was featured for receiving the 2018 Equus Foundation Research Fellow grant of $5,000 for her research in equine genetics.
Durward-Akhurst anticipates the completion of her PhD this fall. Her research is focused on identifying potential causative mutations for highly detrimental—likely Mendelian—diseases in horses by developing and using the first database of genetic variation across the equine population. The research aims to help veterinary professionals understand genetic variants and allow them to group genetically similar patients together. Durward-Akhurst is advised by Molly McCue, DVM, MS, PhD, professor in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine and interim associate dean for research.