Ashley Steuer, DVM, a PhD student in the University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Veterinary Science, has been named the Zoetis Resident in Veterinary Parasitology. Steuer will be the first student to participate in a dual residency and PhD program in parasitology in the department.

Steuer, who earned her DVM from the University of Tennessee in May, will begin her PhD studies and residency training in August. Martin Nielsen, DVM, PhD, Dipl. EVPC, Dipl. ACVM, associate professor at the UK Gluck Equine Research Center, will serve as her primary advisor for both her PhD and residency efforts. For the residency part, Steuer and Nielsen will work closely with Craig Carter, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVPM, director at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and his team at the diagnostic lab, where Steuer will read diagnostic samples submitted for evaluation.

“The goal is to educate well-rounded DVM parasitologists that can be competitive candidates for parasitology positions at universities and veterinary schools around the world,” Nielsen said. “We are particularly excited to host this program because it allows us to graduate an equine-focused candidate.”

As part of the combined residency and PhD program, Steuer will also receive training in diagnostic parasitology to prepare her for taking the board examination in veterinary parasitology with the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists