CVM News

May 11, 2026

Veterinary students gain hands-on experience at Atlanta outreach event

For some pet owners, the biggest obstacles to veterinary care aren’t medical. A group of Auburn veterinary students recently saw firsthand how breaking down barriers like cost, access and the fear of judgment can open doors for both pets and their humans.

May 6, 2026

CVM recognizes outstanding DVM students

Hours before celebrating its 130-member DVM graduating class, the College of Veterinary Medicine honored some of its outstanding seniors for high academic achievement and clinical excellence. The CVM presented 34 student awards recognizing general excellence, as well as clinical proficiency in such areas as surgery, small animal internal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology and radiology, among others.

Apr 27, 2026

Serving at the intersection of purpose and public good

As a high school student, Sydney Rookes took courses that exposed her to plant and animal science and fueled her interest in solving food insecurity through her work on an urban farm.

Apr 27, 2026

CVM graduate students earn honors from AU Graduate School

  Four Biomedical Sciences graduate students earned accolades during the 2026 Graduate Awards Ceremony hosted by the Auburn University Graduate School on Friday, April 24: Distinguished Dissertation Award Biological & Life Sciences Huifei Sophia Zheng “The role of hormones in the development of the adrenal gland”Dissertation Advisors: Jeff Huang and Ya-Xiong Tao Outstanding Master’s Students […]

Apr 21, 2026

From uncertain to unstoppable: CVM graduation marshal finds her calling

When was the last time you checked your email? For Ashley Duncan, a fourth-year DVM candidate, checking emails has revealed new experiences, learning opportunities and the highest honor of an Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine student. 

Apr 17, 2026

CVM students recognized with Algernon Sydney Sullivan, President’s awards

Two soon-to-be College of Veterinary Medicine graduates were recognized with university-level awards on Wednesday, highlighting their leadership and community impact during their time as students.  

Apr 16, 2026

Chasing the Why: Backstrom’s 4-H Past Helping Write Veterinary Future

Kaleigh Backstrom has always wanted to know the why behind everything. This curiosity made one moment as a teenager especially difficult. Waiting on the veterinarian to come treat a sick calf, Backstrom stood there, unsure about what was wrong or how to help. From the goats she loved as a child to the cattle and pigs she showed through 4-H, animals were a big part of her life. So, not having the answers in that instance did not sit right with her.

Apr 10, 2026

Future dentist learning through serving others

Caroline Burrows’ volunteer work is two-fold: her commitment to helping others through outreach is also preparing her for a career in dentistry.

Apr 10, 2026

DVM students earn Phi Kappa Phi induction

Eight DVM students were inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective honor society, on April 9.

Mar 27, 2026

Veterinary Scholars Program combines student inquiry, mentorship

Sixteen College of Veterinary Medicine students have been selected to participate in the 2026 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program. From May 11-July 17, the program will enable scholars to engage in hypothesis-driven research in a faculty mentor’s laboratory and weekly seminars and journal clubs on scientific topics.

Mar 26, 2026

Precision, practice and 1,400-pound patients: CVM palpation team builds on championship legacy

As expected, members of one of Auburn University’s most prolific championship-winning teams devote considerable time to their craft. They often awaken when it’s still dark outside and train through the thick summer humidity and numbing winter chill. Like their counterparts in intercollegiate sports, they aren’t afraid to get dirty in pursuit of excellence. A few key factors differentiate these Auburn competitors from their peers in football, basketball, baseball or gymnastics, however.

Mar 18, 2026

CVM to welcome Donlin as commencement speaker

Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will welcome American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Janet Donlin as its Spring 2026 commencement speaker. Donlin will address the CVM’s 131-member graduating class during its commencement ceremony on Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in Neville Arena.

Mar 2, 2026

A major mile marker: Class of 2027 earns white coats

Before enrolling at Auburn to pursue her DVM, Abigail Gaston had heard of veterinary school being compared to a marathon. After three years of rigorous coursework, she has decided a new description is in order. “Now, I think it’s more like one of those 100-mile cross country races that you’ve got to be absolutely insane to sign up for,” joked Gaston, the Class of 2027 president from Guntersville, Ala.

Mar 2, 2026

The power of passion: Sierra Ott’s journey to equine medicine

Despite the physical toll and 24/7 on-call nature of equine medicine, there are still dedicated students who are eager to join the herd. Fourth-year DVM candidate Sierra Ott has always been inspired by equine medicine, but it took some time for her to view it as a realistic goal.

Feb 23, 2026

College of Veterinary Medicine’s White Coat Ceremony Class of 2027

  The ceremony will be live streamed on February 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central. A recording will also be available after the ceremony.

Jan 9, 2026

Public and One Health student turns curiosity into impact

While Auburn University’s Public and One Health (PAOH) undergraduate program has been in existence for just over a year, the major tends to attract a very specific type of student. “They’re systems thinkers, they’re curious, they’re driven, and they’re drawn to complex problems,” said Dr. Kelley Steury, co-director of the PAOH program and assistant clinical professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Pathobiology.

Dec 17, 2025

Roots in horse capital inspire Auburn DVM student

In and around Figueroa’s hometown of Ocala, Florida, more than 1,200 horse farms feature over 50 breeds. While Marion County’s sprawling green pastures are known for producing thoroughbreds, including six Kentucky Derby winners and 26 Breeders’ Cup champions, Figueroa focused on a breed descended from Andalusian, Spanish Barb and Spanish Jennet horses imported by Christopher Columbus over 500 years ago.

Nov 19, 2025

Doctoral student earns national recognition for diagnostic bacteriology research

Biomedical sciences doctoral student Nneka Vivian Iduu earned high honors at the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) and the 129th Annual Meeting of the United States Animal Health Association held in October in Aurora, Colo.

Nov 12, 2025

Ayomide representing CVM as Graduate School ambassador

Aderemi Morenikeji Ayomide, a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Science, will represent the College of Veterinary Medicine as an Auburn University Graduate School 1887 Society Ambassador. Ambassadors provide guided campus tours to prospective students, assist with special events and engage in professional development.

Oct 23, 2025

Behind the flights: Students, recent grads help advance Auburn University Raptor Center’s mission

While fulltime staff and veterinarians anchor the Auburn University Raptor Center’s rehabilitative care and educational programming, an army of volunteers plays a vital role in training and caring for the center’s resident birds of prey.

Oct 23, 2025

Passion for endangered species propels Auburn DVM student to Smithsonian externship

When Eli Morrow hung up his helmet, cleats and shoulder pads after playing football at the University of Utah, he had initially expected his educational and professional journey to continue with medical school. Instead, his attention shifted to cheetahs, red pandas, rhinos, black-footed ferrets, and other exotic and endangered species.

Sep 24, 2025

A heart for Hereford: Auburn DVM student earns chance to represent Team USA at world cattle event  

While third-year Auburn University Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student John Cox has laid eyes on Gulf Coast beachfront, it’s unlikely he will ever be found soaking up the sun on one. “I’ve never been to the beach on vacation,” Cox said. “I go to cattle shows.”

Sep 18, 2025

Baker shares insights on Auburn VetMed experience on podcast

For Walter Baker, veterinary medicine isn’t merely a career. It’s a calling shaped by curiosity, compassion, and a desire to help animals. “I’ve had a pretty strong conviction to be a veterinarian since about seventh grade,” Baker, a second-year Auburn DVM student, recalled on a recent episode of the podcast.

Sep 16, 2025

One Health, One Mission Auburn’s Public and One Health program tackling global challenges head-on

The Public and One Health (PAOH) undergraduate degree program in the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine stands out as a unique public health program that utilizes One Health as its guiding principle.