Two equine researchers were presented today with the inaugural 2011 EQUUS Foundation Research Fellows for their work to advance veterinary knowledge during the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) 2011 Annual Convention.

Oklahoma State University doctoral candidate Heidi Banse, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, and University of Georgia doctoral candidate Lindsey Helms Boone, DVM, each received a $5,000 fellow to support their endeavors in equine research during the Nov. 20 Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture. Supported in partnership by the AAEP Foundation and The EQUUS Foundation, the $5,000 fellows emphasize the importance of assisting equine researchers in their exploration of horse health care topics. The program mirrors the annual AAEP Past Presidents’ Fellow, which was started by AAEP past presidents in 2006.

Banse’s doctoral research focuses on the molecular events underlying the development of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), a common endocrine disorder of middle-aged horses characterized by obesity, regional adiposity, insulin resistance, and a predisposition to laminitis. Identification of the initiating metabolic events that lead to EMS may allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The long-term goal of her research is to identify a preventative intervention for horses with EMS based on improved understanding of the pathophysiology of the condition.

Banse received a bachelor’s of science degree in veterinary science in 2004 and her veterinary degree in 2007, both from Washington State University. She completed a residency in equine internal medicine in July of 2011 at Oklahoma State University