(Oct. 7, 2014, Kennett Square, PA) –The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to announce that three Penn Vet students were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (“TERF”).

One year ago to the day, the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (formerly the TCA Endowment) was formed. TERF is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to support and promote equine education and research by sponsoring scholarships in veterinary medicine and supporting organizations that are educating the public in the proper care of horses.  It’s been a busy year for TERF with this latest round of scholarships bringing the TERF grants total to over a quarter of a million dollars.

TERF supports Penn Vet students through the TERF Scholarship Fund at Penn Vet, established to support 3rd- and 4th-year students in equine veterinary medicine. The Penn Vet recipients are:

Kelly Knickelbein of Indiana, PA, who received her BS in Biological Sciences from Duquesne University, has maintained a 3.8 cumulative grade point average. Kelly has worked as a research technician and is interested in equine medicine in a mixed-animal practice. “My time at New Bolton Center has given me the opportunity to work and learn from Thoroughbreds of all ages, from newborn foals and their mares, to two- and three-year-olds-in-training, to older racehorses well into their secondary careers, which has been an invaluable experience,” Kelly said. “I look forward to a lifelong career in equine medicine and I will never forget this wonderful scholarship.”

Kelly’s research interests include immunology and oncology. She is also active with horseback riding, soccer, cooking, camping, knitting, drawing, painting, and gardening.

Ana Malone Oliver of Bristol, RI, who received her BS in Chemistry and Biology from Roger Williams University, has maintained a 3.1 cumulative grade point average. Ana expressed: “I have always wanted to work on horses. I simply knew, deep in my core, that I was meant to spend the rest of my life as an equine ambulatory veterinarian. Receiving this award has a bigger impact on my life than I can describe and I look forward to my work, and also being a strong voice in our equine community.”

Ana is interested in equine medicine with a research interest in equine reproduction. She also enjoys riding horses and poetry.

Amanda Prisk of Washington, NJ, who received her BS in Animal Science from Rutgers University, has maintained a 3.8 cumulative grade point average. Amanda has worked as a small animal and equine veterinary technician, a groomer’s assistant, and kennel assistant, and has operated her own pet-sitting business. She is interested in equine medicine, comparative genomics, and equine genetic diseases. Amanda also enjoys training horses and dogs, Pilates, volleyball, hiking, and horseback riding.

About Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (“TERF”)

Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation, (“TERF”), formerly the Thoroughbred Charities of America (“TCA”) Endowment, is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to support and promote equine education and research by sponsoring scholarships in veterinary medicine and supporting organizations that are educating the public in the proper care of horses. TERF Trustees include TCA Founders Herb and Ellen Moelis, TCA Directors Amy Adkins, Gretchen Jackson, James Orsini, DVM, and TCA President Dan Rosenberg, former TCA Directors Kathleen Crompton, and Betty Moran, along with Margaret and Bob Duprey, Roy Jackson, Toni Orsini, Carol Zebrowski and Lucy and Tom Zungalia. TERF is co-chaired by Herb Moelis and Dr. Jim Orsini. For more information, please visit www.TERF.info

About Penn Vet

Penn Vet is a global leader in veterinary medicine education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the only veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health Initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.

Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 31,000 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 4,000 patient visits a year, while the Field Service treats nearly 36,000 patients on local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.  For more information, visit www.vet.upenn.edu