In an exhilarating endeavor, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine students Danae Witte and Nicole Perry embarked on a transformative journey, delving into vital field research on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) during their summer abroad experience in Africa.
Participating in the renowned Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program on the international stage, Witte and Perry found themselves drawn closer to their career aspirations through a shared passion for research and curiosity.
While uncertainty may linger about their post-graduation paths, their immersive summer abroad experience has undeniably shaped their perspectives and ambitions. Perry reflects on the invaluable connections made and knowledge gained during their time abroad, emphasizing the enriching nature of the experience.
University of Florida stands out for its commitment to providing experiential learning opportunities, encouraging students to explore study abroad programs worldwide. Annually, over 500 veterinary students from various academic institutions across the nation engage in research programs facilitated by their respective universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This year marked a significant milestone at UF, as veterinary student scholars had the unique opportunity to collaborate directly with scientists from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, focusing on diseases impacting both livestock and public health, along with advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
At the heart of their research lies the urgency to understand and combat the CCHF virus, endemic to regions across Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. With fatality rates nearing 40%, the virus triggers severe hemorrhagic fever outbreaks, posing a significant threat to both human and animal populations.
The collaborative effort, spearheaded by the USDA, the Institut National de la Recherche Biomédicale in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) One Health Institute, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), aims to establish monitoring protocols across Central, East, and West Africa to track the spread of the CCHF virus.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Lisa Hensley, Director of the Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit at the USDA’s National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Witte and Perry embarked on distinct paths within their research endeavors, spanning different African countries and focusing on varied aspects of CCHF research.
Witte dedicated her two-month project to fieldwork in Congo, collaborating closely with local research teams to collect crucial samples from farms, markets, and slaughterhouses. Meanwhile, Perry conducted intensive laboratory work at UC Davis before venturing to Tanzania to conclude her research project.
Witte’s contributions extended beyond sample collection, as she also facilitated the implementation of innovative data collection methods, ensuring the preservation and accuracy of research data. Perry’s meticulous laboratory work involved optimizing procedures and analyzing data crucial for understanding the transmission dynamics of the CCHF virus.
Both students express deep gratitude for the support received from their mentors and the local research teams, underscoring the profound impact of their study abroad experiences on their future veterinary careers. Perry’s newfound passion for research and global health led her to enroll in UF’s dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program, while Witte pursues her D.V.M. degree alongside potential doctoral studies.
Reflecting on their transformative journey, mentor Dr. Hensley lauds the opportunity for students like Witte and Perry to engage in impactful fieldwork, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional development.
Witte and Perry, along with their peers, showcased their research findings at the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium in Puerto Rico, underscoring UF’s commitment to fostering excellence in veterinary education and research.
