Stacey Ma, a DVM student in the Evans Lab at the Baker Institute for Animal Health, was accepted into the Morris Animal Foundation’s prestigious Veterinary Student Scholar program this past summer. Ma, who has been part of the Baker community since October of 2023, joined 22 other students from across the globe in this year’s cohort. 

The program provides veterinary students in good standing at accredited veterinary medicine programs with a stipend to pursue a research project under the guidance of a mentor.  

Since the program's inception in 2005, nearly 600 veterinary students have participated, gaining invaluable hands-on research experience. Many have published their findings in peer-reviewed journals as part of larger research projects. Some have transitioned into established investigators, continuing the mentoring cycle to educate future researchers. Past programs have funded students in Australia, Indonesia, Rwanda, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Kenya and the United States.

This year marks the Baker Institute for Animal Health's 75th anniversary following it's founding as the Veterinary Virus Research Institute in September of 1950. The Baker Institute has evolved and grown over the last three-quarters of a century, but the training and education of veterinary scientists remains an essential part of the Baker Institute’s mission. Stacey's story, along with many others, serve as an example of Baker's commitment to that mission. Join us this year as we highlight and celebrate Baker's past accomplishments, current research and future endeavors. 

Q: Can you describe your area of expertise and the research you are doing in ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­the Evans Lab?

My research in the Evans Lab focuses on understanding the genetic basis of Chronic Superficial Keratitis (CSK) in German Shepherd Dogs (GSD). This condition, which can compromise vision, is particularly significant for working dogs that rely on visual acuity to perform their duties effectively. 

By identifying genetic risk factors associated with CSK, our work aims to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, as well as to develop strategies for identifying at-risk individuals within the population prior to breeding. These findings have the potential to enhance the health and performance of working dogs and may also provide insights into similar conditions affecting vision in other breeds.

Q: What does it mean to you to be accepted into the Morris Animal Foundation’s Veterinary Student Scholar program? 

It provides a unique platform to share my findings and connect with like-minded peers while receiving feedback from experts in the field. This opportunity excites me because it allows me to combine my previous knowledge in molecular biology with my current veterinary coursework, and the recognition gives me a boost of confidence to dive deeper into these complex challenges.

Q: How did you come to do your research in the Evans Lab and the Baker Institute?

I was seeking a laboratory technician position and was introduced to the Baker Institute by Dr. David Lee, who is my academic advisor. 

I worked extensively with DNA as a lab technician at SHIELD, a COVID testing facility at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), so the opportunity felt like a natural fit. Finding a position that aligned with my prior experience in molecular biology and offered the chance to explore breed-specific health challenges was pure luck, and I am deeply grateful for it. 

The lab's focus on impactful research has inspired me to expand my skills and pursue meaningful contributions to veterinary medicine.

Q: What do you enjoy about being a part of the Baker Institute and the Evans Lab team?

What I value most about being part of the Baker Institute and the Evans lab is the collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Despite being a relatively small lab, we have a wonderful mixture of team members, including postdoc Shawna Cook, graduate students Cami Jimenez and Jess Schneider and undergraduate students. 

This diversity fosters a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, with discussions and questions during group meetings reflecting different stages of training and expertise. 

I enjoy the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors while also contributing my own insights, and I deeply appreciate the collective focus on solving real-world challenges that advance veterinary medicine and animal health.

Q: What interests you about veterinary research and medicine?

I am fascinated by the intersection of clinical practice and scientific discovery in veterinary medicine. Most textbook conclusions are drawn from human-oriented models but translating these observations and understandings to animals—across a wide range of species, each adapted to specialized environments—is both challenging and incredibly interesting. 

The research aspect allows me to personally engage in the journey of discovery, untangling complex puzzles and uncovering insights that could lead to significant advancements in animal health. Exploring these intricacies fuels my passion for veterinary medicine and my commitment to improving outcomes for diverse species.

Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you? 

I am a certified scuba diver, and my dream is to dive around the world. I am also currently the vice-president of STEP (Service Dog Training and Education Program), and the proud caretaker of an 8-month-old black Labrador Retriever named Bear.