AAFP, Winn Feline Foundation announce 2020 scholarship winners

Joint scholarship recipients Emily King (left) and Jessica Tondo (right).

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the Winn Feline Foundation have announced the winners of the 2020 joint scholarships for feline clinical practice and feline clinical research scientist. These scholarships are awarded annually to students who are passionate about feline health and welfare, and the advancement of feline medicine.

Emily King, a junior at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, received the clinical scientist scholarship, and Jessica Tondo, a junior at Western University of Health Sciences in Lebanon, Oregon, received the feline clinical practice scholarship.

Each recipient will receive $2500 to help further her education and passion for feline medicine and welfare, according to an organizational release.

King says she was “bit by the research bug” early on in her education, drawn decidedly to feline-specific research. She eventually explored the role of anatomic pathologists and how their research integrated into feline medicine. “With the knowledge and experience I hope to gain from this next step, I’d eventually love to apply this to feline-specific research, such as feline coronavirus or feline immunodeficiency virus,” King says.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in physiology from the University of Washington, Tondo pursued her dream of becoming a veterinarian. “I hope to advocate for feline health and wellness,” she says. “I have grown up with cats my whole life and am forever grateful for the love and compassion they provide.”