Student researchers take centre stage at AVC’s Summer Research and Leadership Program

Fourteen Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) students spent the summer exploring research questions that have the potential to advance animal health and veterinary medicine. Their work was on display September 1 and 2 during the 2026 Summer Research and Leadership Program poster presentations, with the top projects recognized at an awards ceremony on September 3. 

Designed to introduce students to research career opportunities, the Summer Research and Leadership Program pairs participants with faculty and peer supporters to undertake hands-on research projects while participating in seminars led by experts from a variety of disciplines. Students share the results of their work through a final poster presentation and competition. 

Jon Klymchuk, Class of 2028, received first place for his poster, Investigation of Endoparasite Levels and Anthelmintic Resistance in Grazing Sheep Flocks on Prince Edward Island. His project was supervised by Dr. Emily John, Associate Professor, Health Management, with support from peer mentor Dr. Will Robbins, parasitology resident. 

Second place was awarded to Abigail Black, Class of 2028, for her poster, The Avian Reovirus P10 Protein Modulates Extracellular Matrix Signalling Pathways Which May Promote Syncytium Formation. Her supervisor was Dr. Lisane Ayalew, Assistant Professor, Pathology and Microbiology, and her peer mentor was Samantha MacEachern, graduate student with the Pathology and Microbiology department. 

Hannah Johnston, Class of 2028, earned third place for her poster, The Search for Dirofilaria immitis and Lungworms in Prince Edward Island Wild Canids. Her project was supervised by Dr. Nina Germitsch, Assistant Professor, Pathology and Microbiology,with peer mentorship provided by Dr. Robbins and Cara Doucette, graduate student with the Pathology and Microbiology department. 

“The breadth and quality of this year’s projects demonstrate the important contributions veterinary students can make to research,” said Dr. Sunny Hartwig, Professor, Biomedical Sciences. “Through this program, students gain valuable experience in scientific inquiry while exploring potential future paths in research, academia, and clinical practice.”