They connected with and learned from the very best embryo professionals in the industry.
Three Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo students along with John Gibbons, an associate professor of reproductive physiology, traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, for the annual joint convention of the American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA) and Canadian Embryo Transfer Association (CETA/ACTE). This three-day convention began on Oct. 27.
Although the joint AETA-CETA/ACTE convention brings together American and Canadian members who engage in the embryo transfer industry, it also recently launched a student scholarship and research poster program.
“Our students and faculty have a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from experts in the embryo transfer field by attending this meeting,” said John Dascanio, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs. “It is great that the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine is represented, and that we get to share the wonderful research that is conducted here.”
The student scholarship program is a mechanism to engage veterinary students who are interested in embryo transfer as a profession. Veterinary student Austin Byrd, class of 2025, was one of 10 students from across the Nation who received a 2022 AETA student scholarship.
This $2,000 award provided Byrd, who has a passion for small ruminant reproduction, an all-expense paid trip to the convention. This gave him the opportunity to meet with professionals and see firsthand some of the innovations and improved techniques of reproductive medicine.
“I am so fortunate to have attended this convention,” he said. “I really had the chance to mingle and learn from the pros who have been in this industry for years and years. This was such a beneficial opportunity that allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills into something that I am very passionate about.”
Veterinary student Lyric Waugh, class of 2025, and graduate student Jessica Looman represented the school by presenting their joint research, “Effects of the number of bovine ova in in vitro culture on cleavage and blastocyst development rates” at the convention.
Their collaboration with Gibbons and an Eastern New Mexico University student led to the exploration of in vitro production (IVP) technique in bovine embryos. This is what enables progressive cattle producers to reach their reproductive, financial and genetic goals.
“It comes as no surprise to the School of Veterinary Medicine faculty that our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and graduate students have been recognized by the American Embryo Transfer Association,” Gibbons said. “Most of the other veterinary programs with students in competition for these travel and registration scholarships have been delivering DVM curriculum for over 80 years. That puts Texas Tech in some pretty prestigious company for such a young program.”