WFA Awards Second Veterinary Scholarship

The Westie Foundation of America, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2019 Daphne Gentry Veterinary Scholarship. Chelsea A. Iennarella-Servantez, MS received a $5,000 scholarship to support her educational endeavors seeking two doctorates.

In her application, Iennarella-Servantez said, “Past experiences have taught me ways in which animals have a positive impact on human life; whether in unconditional love given by pets or the sacrifice research animals make so those affected by debilitating disease might live. I learned then that my life’s work would involve strengthening this bond.”

She is dual-enrolled as a doctoral candidate in of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Philosophy (PhD) specifically in immunobiology programs at Iowa State University. She explains her PhD program focuses on pathogenesis and treatment of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in dogs including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) as well as other chronic inflammatory disorders. “We are excited to have a professional of Chelsea’s caliber dedicating her career to addressing the pathogenesis of this disease that affects our Westies. IBD and other such disorders are common in the Westie breed,” said Kay McGuire, DVM, MS, Vice President Health of the WFA.

Currently holding a Master of Science degree in Animal Science, Iennarella-Servantez plans to pursue a residency to become a board-certified nutritionist after graduation. The WFA will follow her career and update our members as she reaches her goals.