Student Jessica Hennig Fulfills a Dream

Junior Jessica Hennig thought it would be a dream come true to work at one of the three equine science-specific research centers in the world, and now, that dream has become a reality.

Chance of a Lifetime

Over the summer 2008, Hennig worked with Gluck Equine Research Center (GERS) and landed the opportunity to give a presentation at an international equine science workshop to around 40 top leaders in the field.

Working at Gluck, Hennig learned various lab procedures dealing with Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), a contagious viral disease caused by Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) that is transmitted through respiratory secretions and semen of carrier stallions.

With Dr. Peter Timoney, Office International des Epizooties (World Organization for Animal Health) designated expert on EVA, Hennig helped process equine serum that neutralizes antibodies and did virus isolation in equine semen to prevent the spread of the disease.

Presenting Her Future

After finishing her summer work at Gluck, Hennig was invited to present her research findings at the Second International Workshop on Equine Viral Arteritis. She presented "Looking at sera surveillance of U.S. camelid population for evidence of Equine Viral Arteritis infection" on Oct. 15. "I felt so privileged to get this opportunity but scared at the same time," Hennig said. "Who am I to be presenting to these people?"

 

Hennig's research at Gluck determined if there was evidence of an Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) infection in 650 alpacas and llamas. She found six animals with low levels of antibodies against the virus, suggesting that the animals were susceptible to the virus.

Her presentation in October raised awareness of the new discovery and taught the field's leaders how to implement management procedures to prevent an outbreak of the disease. It was one of two publishable research projects that she worked on while at Gluck.

Not Your Average Pre-Vet Major

Hennig is an equine pre-veterinarian and molecular biology major, but doesn't plan to follow the path of a veterinarian. "It's the science and biology side of things that I was interested in," she said. "I would love to be in the lab, using pipettes, centrifuges and microscopes - not diagnosing diseases, treating injuries and setting up vaccination schedules."

 

As for Hennig's summer dream job, "I now have a greater understanding of scientific processes and the complexity of issues scientists are faced with; a deeper curiosity and drive to dig deeper on such issues. I was given a truly amazing gift to explore the fascinating, difficult, yet rewarding field of research."