Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Trustees of Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) has announced the selection of TERF grant and scholarship recipients chosen at their bi-annual board meeting May 22, 2014.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine received $12,000 in scholarships to be divided between two students. The students stood out not only in academics, but in the scope of their activities related to horses and in their action plans for putting scholarship awards to good use.

“A scholarship such as this represents a tremendous gift, and makes a meaningful difference in students' lives,” said Katherine M. Edmondson, the College’s assistant dean for learning and instruction. “We are extremely grateful for the TERF's continued generosity in supporting two more talented students at Cornell. Both students are absolutely thrilled to have been selected, and I am confident this support will help them pursue promising careers in equine medicine.”

Elizabeth Hodge ’15 is from South Florida and grew up showing Arabians and national show horses. As a student at Florida Atlantic University, she taught two biology courses for two years and started a program for elementary students in which she would visit local schools and talk to students about the responsibility of owning animals. Her primary interests in veterinary medicine are equine internal medicine and surgery, including a keen interest in laminitis research, equine immunology, and cancer. After completing her DVM degree, Hodge plans to complete an internship followed by a residency. She is considering a Ph.D. Ultimately she hopes to pursue a career in academia, which would allow her to combine her interests in clinical work, teaching, and research.

Yana Sorokurs ’15 was born in Moscow and moved with her family to the San Francisco Bay area when she was five years old. She majored in Animal Science at UC Davis, where she also competed on their equestrian team. She is an avid rider of performance horses and is deeply committed to equine medicine and community service. As a veterinary student she has been involved with R-VETS, traveling last summer to castrate horses on Native American reservations. She is the Vice President of Cornell’s student chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners in addition to her involvement with several other student clubs. Her long-term career goal is to own an ambulatory equine practice focusing on sports medicine.

The spring grant cycle reflects the TERF mission to support and promote equine education and research by sponsoring scholarships in equine veterinary medicine as well as supporting organizations that are educating the public in the proper care of horses.

“We are grateful for our Trustees’ financial support and guidance and their cohesion to the philosophy of our mission,” said Herb Moelis Co-Chair and Founder of TERF, serving along with Dr. James Orsini, TERF Co-Chair and Founder and Penn Vet Associate Professor of Surgery.

“We are very fortunate to be able to provide continuous scholarship support for the very students who represent the best for success in the equine veterinary world,” Orsini added.

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. For more information, please visit www.TERF.info.