CVM Research Day spotlights the range of student scholarship

Fifteen student researchers unveiled the results of their investigations as Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine held its annual Research Day on Oct. 19, 2026.  

Eight students contributed podium presentations about their summer research projects before an audience of students, faculty, and staff, while another seven students displayed posters outlining the results of their work. The research subjects of the students were wide-ranging: research topics ranged from pain management for laboratory mice to changes in California’s tick population associated with environmental factors.   

CVM Associate Dean for Research Yvonne Drechsler, PhD, said the event showcased both enthusiasm for research throughout the college and the high quality of inquiry taking place. 

“Research Day is an important opportunity to celebrate scholarship, encourage scientific curiosity, and recognize the accomplishments of our students and faculty,” Dr. Drechsler said in an email to faculty and staff, adding that the event “was a wonderful reflection of the collaborative spirit of our college.”  

Every student participating in this year’s event had their own reason for getting involved with the WesternU CVM’s vibrant research program.  

Second-year CVM student Michelle Ysrael provided a podium presentation, “Host-Virus DNA Methylation Analysis of Red Panda Amdoparvovirus Using Targeted Short and long-Red Sequencing.” Her research mentor, Sarah LaMere, DVM, PhD, from UC San Diego, served as keynote speaker for Research Day. Ysrael, who owns a master’s degree in bioinformatics and has conducted research at the San Diego Zoo, is interested in continuing to conduct conservation research to help wildlife and other animal populations.

“I wanted to come to veterinary school because the clinical translational part of all of it is important to me,” she said. “I feel a lot of research out there needs to be tied into actionable work.”

Holding an event like this is beneficial to students, said Ysrael, who is president of the Veterinary Research Club.

“Research helps you really draw connections and build on your scientific knowledge of a particular topic,” she said. “That is why it is important for students to see other students doing it. You look at research papers, they seem so far away from you. You don’t know these people. When you do research yourself, or you see friends doing research, it’s a little closer than you think. It makes it a little less daunting.”

Third-year CVM student Kiarah Gomard presented the poster, “Activity of Clinically Antimicrobial Combinations Against Mono- and Polymicrobial E. Coli and E. Faecalis Cocultures.” She said that conducting research taught her patience and time management. 

“For this project, you need to make sure you get the little things right to set you up for the rest of the day,” Gomard said. “If you aren’t organized, you’re going to be up late at night.” 

Gomard was drawn to research because she is interested in specializing in internal medicine.

“Research is a huge component of that discipline,” she said. “Medicine is always advancing, so we need to make sure we’re doing our best to keep up with the new therapies for the different diseases out there.” 

Other podium presenters included Class of 2029 students Amberly Doll, Emily Frank, Rene Fortier, Sarah Iversen, Madeline Martinez, Carissa Napier and Rachel Tenerelli.

Other poster presenters included Class of 2028 students Dominique Martinez and Cecilia Mondoza and Class of 2029 students Claire Choquette, Ashlie Pham and Lisa Watanuki.